Chapter CXLVI: The Happy Services And The Uninvited Rider

Return To The Radiant Gardens Part VI

Now in the darkness of their secret underground headquarters, Irma was sitting down with her hand under her chin. She was laying upon a few old red tattered cushions that made up her chosen make shift throne. She was quiet as she was contemplating the information that Greeble and Peekaboo had both just given to her...

The two small chocobo's standing before their mistress were quiet too, both of them were hoping for a big approval or at least a congratulations! Though as Peekaboo sucked on an enormous lollipop he'd gotten from his secret stash, he looked to both Gandrake and Volg who were both standing stead fast and stone faced, ready for their orders.

The chubby chocobo once again as usual as he looked at the two serious warriors of their group, couldn't make out what they were thinking at all! For Gandrake had his hand upon the hilt of his sword ready and waiting, while Volg stood simply with his black and red wings folded.

As he continued to lick away, suddenly Irma spoke up making him freeze in place as she asked, "so... you're saying that after he summoned these things from the book, a shining crystal emerged?"

Greeble nodded energetically as he replied, "yeah! Yeah! That's right lady Irma! Then after that it floated to the top of that Merry Go Round they got! It was after that I knew that I had to tell you right away about it!"

At this Irma simply mumbled, "hmmm..."

Volg seeing that his master might be on to something spoke up as he asked her, "what have you thought of my lady?"

Further silent for a moment before making a reply, she smiled as she replied to her most loyal minion, "I think I've just figured out what that crystal is!... And what I think we could use it for!"

Peekaboo still with his lollipop in his wing, didn't really get what was going on but suddenly, "Bebuzzu!"

At once at Irma's call the chomping hungry book flew past Peekaboo sending him spinning into Greeble and as he did, he knocked him over like a balling ball to a pin! However Bebuzzu not paying any heed flew onto Irma's lap in moments as he opened his big toothy covers as he spoke up, "oh! Oh! Food! Food! Am I gonna get to munch! Is there a sweet delicacy waiting for me!"

Seeing that he was in the right spirits Irma giggled as she told him, "oh yes!" Then holding the book down making it look at her, she asked him, "how do you like the sound of a delicious crystal of magical light?"

To this after the info had sunk in, Bebuzzu licked his bookish jaws as he replied, "mmmmm! Yum! Yum! Yum!"

With this simple, simple reply the answer was obvious of what to do next! Looking up she told the rest of her mischievous gang, "well you heard him!... Let's all go and amuse ourselves!"

To this after finally getting his chubby partner off of him Greeble asked amazed, "lady Irma! You mean you want all of us to-"

Nodding simply at this with a smirk on her face Irma replied, "that's right!" With that she got up on her feet, now carrying Bebuzzu under her arm she walked forwards through them and then turning she told her group, "we're gonna go up there and stir up some trouble!"

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"Okay! I need an order of a piece of strawberry dream cake with iced tea, then a bowl of vanilla Ice cream with sprinkles and lemonade!" Stopping with a quick glance at her list Nozomi finished, "and a caramel flan with a mocha coffee and a sprinkle of milk on top of it!"

The bow tied penguin at the door of the 'Tea Please,' cafe listening to the orders he nodded as he told her, "all right there miss! I'll be out in just a jiffy!" With that the penguin closed the door behind him as he went to go and get the desired confectionaries.

Pleased with the response, Nozomi turned from the door and laid her back against the side of the pink cafe building as she turned to watch the members of the 'Arcs' all chatting happily to each other as they were all having the wonderful desserts and teas that she and the others had brought to them. With three of the penguins running around them keeping things clean and tidy as best they could, the job had been made fairly easy for her and the others to do.

Seeing them all having fun together made Nozomi smile, she always loved to see the happiness in others.

"RING!"

"Nozomi?" A voice asked her.

Snapping her out of her happy observations she asked, "huh? What?" Then feeling she was being tugged on, at the side of her dress she looked and saw it was the king talking to her.

Looking up at her Mickey asked, "hey Nozomi! I need to get an order that's ready! Though it's a bit of a handful for me to do by myself! Do you reckon you could give me a hand?"

Hearing the request immediately she answered him as she said,"oh sure! Yeah, okay your majesty!" With that he nodded happily and as he did he went to the door of the cafe as he told them inside, "hey fella's I'm here to pick up the order you just rang me for!"

"Ah yeah!" Came a call from within and quickly after a moment the cook of the four appeared as he replied, "there ya go here are your orders!" With that he presented them with two trays. One had a couple of pots of tea and cookies on it along with a pot of sugar. While the other one had a bunch of sandwiches of different toppings along with a big bowl of potato chips next to it along with some salad.

With that seeing the two trays of food that were ready, immediately Mickey took the tray with the the pots of tea on it, while Nozomi took the other one with the sandwiches. Taking them both they turned and as they did the maid dressed keyblader said, "well let's make our delivery!" With that the king nodded as the two of them walked over to their guests.

Still sitting in her seat next to Serah, Oralee continued to speak to her as the two of them looked over a pad of lined paper as they continued to make notes. "I really like this line here! This'll be fun!" Oralee spoke happily.

Serah nodded as she replied, "yeah I know right!" With that she then sung a little tune at the top of her head, which in turn made Oralee smile and giggle.

Cait sith in the meantime still sitting her in his favourite space of all, on his princess's lap sipped away at a small glass of milk through of a red and white straw. As he did he looked to his princess who was having so much fun and this in turn made him think to himself, 'happiness... it's so priceless!' With that he continued to drink away at his milk.

"hey fella's! Here's ya tea!" Mickey announced as he walked over tray in hand!

Hearing this Snow responded happily, "wow! Thanks there Mickey!"

In turn Musashi next to him also announced happy, "yeah that looks real tasty mouse dude!"

Nodding happily Mickey then began to pass the tea to everyone as he also began to set the tea pots and other things. Nozomi in the meant time started to pass the sandwiches around to everyone at their table too which made both Musashi and Snow also give their thanks again. Then as she turned to Oralee and Serah who were both humming along with laughing, she got curious as she asked, "hey guys what're you doing here?"

At this question Cait sith was the first to speak up as he told her, "she's workin' lass!"

Putting a sandwich on a plate Nozomi asked curiously, "working? Working on what?"
Turning to her as she asked and seeing that part of what she was doing had been answered by Cait sith, Oralee filled her in with more exact details, "oh? I haven't told you have I? Me and Serah are going to be putting on a show!"

Hearing this Nozomi asked, "a show?" Then becoming really interested she asked, "what kind of a show? What're you both going to be doing?"

Smiling at her excited response Serah replied giggling a little, "a singing show! We're gonna be the carnivals songstresses!"

At this term Nozomi asked, "songstress?"

Seeing she hadn't heard the term before Oralee explained more, "it's a role where you sing with a special type of magic that helps to make a cool and magical performance!"

Hearing this information Nozomi responded excitedly, "wow! That sounds amazing!" Then after imagining the glamour and the magic of them performing like that she told them both, "I can't wait to see it! I love singing!"

Nodding at this Serah told her, "we'll be sure to bring the house down!" Then turning to her partner she asked her, "right Oralee?"

At this the Alexandra princess replied happily, "definitely!"

Cait sith then spoke up as he said, "and it'll be me highness that'll steal the lime light from ya Serah lass!"

Hearing this little cocky comment and before Oralee could say anything to discipline him, Serah asked him with a smile, "oh you think so huh?"

"I know so!" Cait sith retorted right back smiling broadly.

Oralee getting a little uncomfortable at this spoke trying to soothe any unpleasantries," Cait sith please don't-"

Serah though interrupted as she pressed her finger into Cait sith's nose as she told him, "you're on! We'll see who'll really shine on stage!"

Cait sith then told the pink haired girl, "I'm lookin' forward ta seein' the results of that bet lass!"

Oralee hearing this was uncertain about this but then Serah turning to the worried princess told her, "don't worry! It's a friendly competition!"

Immediately she became soothed and Nozomi pleased as well as amused at this little interaction suddenly heard the 'Ring!' Behind her and immediately she knew the order she'd given earlier was now ready!

"Oh my order!" Quickly backing away she told the others with a bow, "sorry guys I gotta go back and start delivering again!"

At this Oralee looked to her as she told her smiling, "oh that's all right Nozomi! See you in a little bit!" Nozomi nodded happily at this and with that she made a little wave before she went back to get her order.

As she walked over back to the pink cafe, Nozomi went back to imagining the singing show that Oralee and Serah would be doing! This sadly though made her think back to one thing she couldn't do well, 'I wish I could sing!'

But then looking as she arrived back at the cafe, she saw Riku was standing with his arms folded where she'd been earlier before Mickey had asked her for her assistance. He had his arms folded with his eyes closed, Nozomi couldn't tell if he was annoyed or not, but then, "Ring!" She had to hurry up! So quickly making her way over to the cafe she called out, "hey guys! I'm here now! Sorry for the wait!"

The penguin coming to the cafe's door ready with a tray with the drinks and sweets on it looked up to her and told her smiling, "no worries me girl! Here ya go!"

Glad that the penguin was so patient Nozomi replied, "thanks!" With that she quickly took the tray from him and then she went to walk, but looking to Riku again and his silent mood. She decided to try and have a word with him, so looking to him she asked, "hey?"

Hearing her Riku turned to her as he opened his eyes and replied, "yeah?"

Nozomi then asked him, "you doing okay?"

At this question Riku responded, "just about..."

Silent at this response Nozomi didn't know what more to say, but then she came up with something, "so are you done with ordering and stuff?"

Riku replied to this question, "yeah, I just gave the last of Merlin's and Scrooge's order to them both."

Nodding at this Nozomi asked, "I see... did you have a word with them too?"

"A few small words..." Riku continued, "Merlin told me we were gone for a few hours... and obviously Sora still hasn't come back here yet."

Hearing him mention his old friend Nozomi then realised why Riku was acting so sullen, feeling bad she asked, "that must upset you huh?"

At this Riku didn't answer her... but Nozomi had to lift his spirits somehow so she decided, "well he's certainly late I'll say! But hey? At least you're having fun here aren't you?"

"Partly!" Came the one worded response from his mouth.

Hearing this Nozomi asked becoming baffled, "partly? What do you mean by that?"

Riku then explained, "running around just delivering food with a bunch of penguins only go so far as to being fun!" Then looking at her he told her looking critical, "you know, you have a weird idea of what's fun at times!"

This immediately annoyed Nozomi as she told him, "well excusssse me! What's wrong with making others happy like this and c'mon! Look at me!"

Hearing her say this Riku asked, "look at you?"

Nodding Nozomi then said, "yeah! Look at this outfit! You can't say this isn't a cute costume on me!"

Riku hearing her say this watched her as she made a little twirl and for the first time he did actually pay attention to what she as wearing, as the lace and pink dress moved he was almost entranced... but quickly after a moment he blushed as he turned away becoming embarrassed, he did not want her to notice!

Nozomi finishing her twirl saw Riku was suddenly looking away, baffled at this she was about to ask something when, "hey!"

Quickly she turned around as she saw that a single hand was waving as Hanahime's soft voice called out, "can we please have our treats please!"

Seeing she was being late immediately Nozomi called back, "sorry Hana! I'll be right there!" With that quickly the flustered maid went to go and deliver their ordered meal. Leaving Riku behind still with his blush.

Running over as quick as she could and making sure not to make any spillages, Nozomi heard a little conversation going on as she approached Hanahime's table, "that totally did not happen!"

Hearing Alania's disbelieving tone Juan replied immediately to her almost pleadingly, "it did so! My dear Señorita!"

Waving her hand away at this nonsense Alania replied, "could not! You're expecting me to believe you've been to that kind of a world!?"

"What world?" Nozomi asked as she came over becoming curious.

"Oh hey Nozomi!" the pink haired girl called out to her.

"Hey! Um... Shirma yeah?" Nozomi asked as she quickly passed her lemonade to her.

Nodding the girl replied to her, "yeah that's right!" Then taking her lemonade in her hands she gave it a quick sip as she told her, "mmm! Thanks!"

Nozomi smiled as she replied, "no problem! So what's going on here?"

Shirma then taking her vanilla ice cream told her, "oh? Juan was just telling us about a certain world he's visited!"

"And it's a stupid one at that!" Came Alania's response as she looked on with ever as dismissive eyes.

Hearing this wondering why it was stupid, Nozomi asked passing her, her order of ice tea, "what kind is it?"

With that Alania told her taking her tea, "a world of different talking rainbow coloured horses or pegasi or something! You just know something like that is total trash!"

Juan became aggravated as he told her, "they were ponies señorita! Very nice ones at that! You could learn a thing or two from them!"

"Oh I'm so sure!" With that Alania who'd taken her strawberry dream cake put a spoon into it as she took a bite. Immediately her eyes dazzled as she spoke, "OOOHHHHH! Sweetness! This is what life is made for!" With that she hand to her cheek looking utterly in pure bliss.

Seeing her change attitudes so quickly made Nozomi feel a little uneasy as she thought to herself, 'wow! That was a swift change!' But then turning again she said, "ha ha! Um, well here's your flan Juan!"

"Oh thank you very much señorita!" With that he took the lovely sweet delicacy from her and as he did he put his spoon in to eat looking really happy.

Glad for this Nozomi then couldn't help but ask, "so uh... Juan? You've been to other worlds?"

Pausing at this the black suit wearing man, his spoon still in his pudding asked, "yes? You curious?"

Nozomi nodded as she replied, "yeah! Cause I've been to a few places too so uh-"

"Oh! Another traveller!" Juan spoke out excitedly! Then suddenly he said to Nozomi," !X? !"

Nozomi baffled at this simply looked on with question marks popping up over her head, Juan then tried again, " *+?!"

Nozomi simply shook her head as she said, "uh yeah... huh?"

Immediately Juan became depressed as he replied, "I guess you haven't learned Qbertnese have you?"

At this Nozomi shook her head slightly as she replied, "uh no... sorry!"

Alania still in her happy mood told her, "don't worry about it! He often babbles stuff like that! You don't have to pay attention to it!"

"Oh Alania! Señorita your words break my heart!" Juan spoke as a tear seemed to appear in his eye.

Seeing the interaction between the two of them Nozomi decided to ask, "so uh... Alania what about you? Have you been to other worlds?"

Alania still busy eating her cake in her happy mood answered, "oh yeah I've been to a few, with uncle Scroogie of course."

Nozomi curious asked, "uncle Scroogie?"

Shirma then explained to her, "yeah you see years ago, when the Radiant Gardens were invaded and taken by the heartless, Scrooge fled this world but he took me and Alania with him and... he helped to raise us both."

"Oh!" Hearing this Nozomi had no idea they both had such a deep sad past and so she spoke on, "wow... that must have been so terrifying for you both!"

Alania finishing a sip of her tea told their maid, "yeah... you could say that! But hey? You know it only made us stronger from the experience!"Then looking up she told Nozomi brightly, "besides our home's restored now, so there's no point in dwelling in the past."

Hearing this from her Nozomi was quiet for a moment but then she smiled as she said, "yeah... that's true!"

Then looking she saw Hanahime still with the same cup of tea and ginger snaps she'd left her with a little earlier, seeing her small red robin Ruby eating away at a little biscuit she decided to ask, "Hana?"

Hearing her name being called the female gardener looked up as she asked, "yes Nozomi?"

The maid dressed keyblader asked, "have you been to other worlds too?"

The blonde haired girl hearing this became quiet for a moment as she put her tea cup back onto her saucer...she then told her, "yes... well it's because I decided to travel the worlds I'm no longer what I was."

Hearing this Nozomi asked curious, "what you were..." then she remembered quickly, "oh being a princess?"

Hana nodded at this as she told her, "yes, you see... in that life I was so confined and couldn't grow and was simply made to have a role rather than being allowed to find one for myself."

At this information, Nozomi asked, "really... was it lonely for you?"

Hana nodded, "at times yes... but Ruby was with me."

"And I'm still here now!" The small bird chirped up happily.

Hana smiling nodded at this as she continued, "yes... and one day I found out about someone who'd left my world... so learning of her I decided to follow suite and in exchange for something of mine I was final able to travel, " then looking up brightly she saw her wonderful flowers around the place as she finished, "and finally made my way here, where I found my own purpose to live, that in itself has made me so happy and free! It's much more to me than being a princess would have been!"

Nozomi listening to the former princess talk like this couldn't help but feel warmed up inside and as she did, she nodded to her too, "yeah that does sound great!" Then looking at them all she asked, "do you guys need anything else at all?"

"Not me!" Came from Alania as she drank her iced tea.

Shirma nodded, "yeah I'm fine too!"

Juan then spoke up, "bien!" As he finished with a peace sign as he took a swig of his mocha coffee.

Hana simply nodded as she replied too, "yes I think we're all fine here!"

Nozomi glad at this then bowed as she said, "okay! Guys enjoy!" With that the maid clad keyblader walked away as she went to join the others.

However before she left one alien face came staring straight at her again! Juan's axolotl pet, this time she managed not to scream however feeling awkward she simply waved to the weird flying creature as she told it, "uh... um, bye Poncho! Seeya!" With that she quickly made her get away as it continued to stare after her.

As she walked back towards the cafe quickly Nozomi couldn't help but look back at the members of the 'Arcs' and as she did she smiled at the lot of them joking and messing around with each other. This made her think how wonderful friendship was with others!

Making it finally it back to the cafe, Nozomi saw that Riku and Mickey were already standing there. Seeing them she called out to them both waving, "hey guys!"

At her call the king turned to her and as he did he replied, "heya Nozomi!"

"Hi!" She called back and then making it to them she asked, "what're you guys doing now?"

Mickey then told her, "well we've both finished our orders and it seems that everyone's all happy now!"

"Oh? Well that's good!" Nozomi replied happily... but then after a moment it occurred to her, "so uh?... What do we do now?"

At this nobody had an answer at all, but then one of the four penguins came over to them as they told the keybladers, "thanks for your services friends! You guys can take a break for a while now!"

Nozomi hearing this asked, "really?"

The penguin nodded as he told them, "sure! Why don't you take a seat with Mr Scrooge and Merlin?"

"That sounds like an idea!" Nozomi replied pleased and with that she started to head to their table, then turning around she asked, "you coming guys?"

Mickey nodded happy, however Riku beside him simply sighed clearly still in a sulky mood, "she never changes." This even managed to dampen Mickey's spirits as he walked beside him towards where both Scrooge and Merlin were sitting down.

The two older member of this little party seeing their servers coming over greeted them all, "why hi again lads!" "You enjoyin' yourselves there?"

Making it over to them all Nozomi smiled as she replied, "yeah! It's been great!" Then sitting herself down in one of the white chairs she told Scrooge, "thanks for letting me wear this uniform again Mr Scrooge! It's so cute!"

Hearing this pleased for enthusiastic customer service, Scrooge replied, "not a problem lass! No trouble at all!" Then quiet for a moment he saw both Riku and Mickey sit themselves down and as they did he turned to them and asked, "how're you lads? Enjoyin' yourselves?"

Mickey hearing him as he got himself comfortable replied, "oh? Yeah I've been findin' it fine thanks there Scrooge! I'd say this is one of the easiest jobs I've ever done!"

Merlin hearing this his hands under his chin remarked, "oh well that's good to hear!" But then turning he saw Riku and his depressed look, as he did he asked him, "Riku my lad? Is something troubling you?"

At this question the white keyblader was quiet for a moment... but then he decided to ask, "Merlin...? How long would it take for someone to get from the edge of the worlds to here?"

Nozomi listening to this question remembered again what Yuna had told them all, when she and her Gullwings had met up with Sora. Quiet she looked to Merlin and wondered if he might have the answers her friend was looking for.

Merlin at this question repeated, "the edge of the worlds?"

To which in reply Riku simply nodded.

The aged magician then stroked his long, long white beard as he thought in contemplation... after a moment he seemed to have got his answer, "it's hard for me to say lad... if there are potential blocks and other hazards... it could potentially take quite a long time."

At this answer Riku visibly in moments became more down cast as he replied, "really..."

Merlin nodded as he replied, "yes you see I-" then he became quiet as he saw the saddened look on Riku's face and everyone at that table quickly became silent too.

Nozomi seeing her dear friend being so sad like this, whispered with sad concern, "Riku..." with that she put her hand on his that were both on the table. This made him smile at her sadly for a moment before he looked down again.

In the meantime at the table nearby as he munched away at a sandwich, Snow felt a nudge on his shoulder as he did he looked confused as he saw it was his partner Musashi, "hey look!" The laid back Samurai said as he pointed to Riku.

With that he pointed to the table where their servers were and seeing the sadness that was dwelling over them all, made Snow feel bad himself... he wasn't one for sadness spreading around like this. So turning to his pal Musashi he nodded to him which in turn he did to him too.

Then looking he saw one of the four penguins tidying up something, quickly he spoke to it, "hey?" Getting it's attention he spoke quietly further, "come over here for a second!"

With that the curious black and white bird did just that and as it did Snow whispered a request into its ear, the bird hearing it looked to him and as it did it nodded as it replied, "sure thing sir! I'll let my friends know!" With that he ran to get his pals together!

Glad to hear this Snow nodded and replied, "great!" With that he got up as he said, "all right! C'mon! Musashi!" Nodding his second in command was only pleased to help with whatever his commander had planned!

Seeing him get up Serah asked smiling with curiosity, "Snow what have you got planned?"

Looking to his fiancee he told her grinning himself, "you'll see!" With that lifting his gentle hand off of her shoulder he went to put his plan into action!

Oralee watching him go looked to Serah for a moment who only replied to her silent question with an amused shake of her head, which made her look to Snow and Musashi again curious. Cait sith a cookie in his gloved hand asked aloud, "just what might those two rascals be up to?"

Still in his saddened state, Riku didn't mean to spread his sadness around. But he was badly missing Sora and Kairi too... it almost seemed like forever he'd seen them and this waiting was-

"Hey!"

Breaking him out of his zoned out state he felt a hand on his shoulder making him turn and look up, as he did he saw Snow smiling down at him. As he looked at the commander of the 'Arcs' he heard him say, "looks like you need the assistance of a hero!'

Riku at this was baffled as he asked, "what?"

"C'mon!" Snow declared and then in a messy hurry he pulled Riku up by the arm and made him get out of his chair as he announced to him, "it's show time!"

Perplexed by this news Riku had no idea what he was talking about! Then suddenly he noticed Musashi standing up with a big grin on his face as he told him, "you're gonna be on our team Snowball dude!"

Finally letting a word slip from his lips Riku asked, "team? What team?!"

"Our team!" Snow announced and then pulling him between him and Musashi he told him, "and we're gonna be facing those guys!" With that he pointed and as he looked Riku saw those four serving penguins who'd all gathered themselves on the other side of them!

Looking at them Riku had no idea what was going to happen when suddenly the penguins made a tap dance! One! Two! One! Two! They jumped and made a click clacking of their webbed feet! Looking on with proud smiles at him and his companions.

Perplexed by this Riku then suddenly saw Snow begin to make the same movements! As he did all that the white haired keyblader did was look on with queer eyes and then next to him suddenly Musashi did the same movements!

As he finished Riku was quiet as he heard Snow tell him, "that's the game! We match their moves and do a better show than they can! What do you say? You in!?"

Hearing this simple explanation Riku perplexed then immediately became annoyed as he told Snow, "you're crazy! I'm not having any part of this!" With that he looked away from him.

Snow seeing this sulking behaviour remarked, "oh? Spoilt sport are ya? Don't think you can keep up?" He asked as he then ruffled Riku's white hair.

At this comment the proud keyblader replied straight back batting his hand away from him, "as if! I'm not dumb enough to fall to your level!"

Hearing this type of talk Snow replied, "oh wise guy huh?" Then knowing it was time to get tough! He announced, "all right then!"

With that he marched straight over to the penguins as he called to Riku, "let's see if you can match this then!" That said the commander of the 'Arcs' pulled his trousers down ever so slightly making it so now his movements would match those of the waddling penguins!

Looking at this with further with perplexed eyes Riku watched as Snow clapped his hands and immediately he and the penguins moved in sync together as he spun and waddled! Making a jump to the left! Then to the right! Hopping straight in place! All the time keeping up with the small yet agile birds!

Seeing what he was doing, everyone at the surrounding tables couldn't help but laugh and smile! Then as the dance went on they all began to clap in tune as he continued on with them all! Riku couldn't believe it! How could a grown man like this make such a fool of himself! Musashi next to him called out, "awesome there Snow dude! Keep it up!"

Riku hearing the samurai had to ask him, "what's he doing this for! Doesn't he realise how stupid he looks?"

Musashi hearing him replied, "sure he does! But he's just tryin' ta cheer you up!"

Riku replied, "huh!?"

Musashi continuing to watch his boss dance on told Riku, "you see our boss set up the 'Arcs' here to give everyone a purpose as well as have fun for the carnival! He may not be the best hero but he knows how to make yer spirits rise and always tries the best for everyone here, " then turning to Riku looking a little more serious he told him, "he just like the rest of us here who've had harsh times but he always combats it with a smile and it's like he always says... always after the rain the sun will always shine."

Riku hearing this felt something inside at these words... looking to Snow again who was now jumping in place grinning like the most silly person he'd ever seen in his life! But then looking to everyone there he could see them all smiling happily as they laughed aloud!

Juan who was really enjoying the show shouted out, "way ta go Snow amigo! Show 'em who's boss!"

"Yeah! Snow that's awesome!"

Looking Riku saw who'd called out that line, becoming quiet he saw it was Nozomi her expression happy and then the king too who like just as joyed … seeing their smiling faces made him think of Sora again, however this time he imagined him next to them all. At this he closed his eyes as he felt in his heart what Sora would say if he was there, 'don't mope around Riku! I'll be there soon!'

Then opening his eyes Riku murmured to himself a little smile on his own face, "yeah I know you will..."

"Huh?" Musashi asked curious.

However suddenly Snow came back as he had now slid a line across the floor towards them all! Arriving his trousers were now back in place properly and as they were he asked, "so! Think you're still too big to do this!"

Looking up to him a smirk now on his face, Riku then told him, "I'll show you how it's really done!" With that he stepped up to the plate to show his stuff as he too joined the dance off with Snow and Musashi!

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Hiding in the bushes while their mistress Volg and Gandrake stood in another spot behind a tree. Peekaboo and Greeble stood ready and waiting for their chance to strike!

Watching as he parted the leaves slightly Peekaboo spoke as he said, "wow! Those guys there are doin' some weird stuff!" For looking he could see three guys from those meddlesome 'Arcs' dancing together with penguins! It was just totally ridiculous!

Greeble though spoke up as he said, "who cares about that! What we want!" With that he looked at their target as he told his blubbering companion, "is that crystal!"

With that Peekaboo looked at the Merry Go Round and saw the glittering, sparkling jewel as it continued to shine away with it's blue gentle magic. Seeing it, it was enchanting and so he said, "well what're we waitin' here for Greeble? We should just go over and nab it while-"

"Are you nuts?!" Greeble told him annoyed, "we can't go and nab it while that dumb magician's there!" With that he pointed to Merlin who was continuing to clap away with the others at the dancing spectacle, "if we try and nab it with him there! We'll be fried and Bebuzzu will be under lock and key again! That's one thing we can't have happen!"

Hearing this Peekaboo knew that wouldn't be good so he asked, "so what do we do then?"

With that he was given a simple answer, "we wait!"

At this Peekaboo nodded and with that they both along with their mistress waited for their moment to make their strike!

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Now finishing their dance with a series of claps over their wrists and knees it'd come to an end as with a final spin the penguins slid on their bellies to the group of three dancers as each of them clapped their hands into their wings!

At the end of this show everyone at their tables couldn't help but get up and clap with applause as all around their were calls of, "woo!" "Yowzers!" "Awesomeness!"

Breathing in and out hard at this feeling really exhilarated Riku heard then, "wait ta go Riku!" Looking back he saw it was Mickey who finished with a whistle to his mouth.

Smiling at this Riku then heard, "amazing Riku! That was wonderful!" Looking he saw it was Nozomi who was really happy as she clapped and finished saying, "you're a great dancer!"

With that the now invigorated keyblader couldn't help but show off as he announced, "naturally!" Then he did a couple of clicks on his heels a spin and then a clap making everyone laugh again.

Seeing that his little plan had done the trick, Snow turned to Riku as he told him, "you know you do well at this game!"

Turning as he heard this comment Riku replied smug, "as I should!" Then looking at Snow he held his hand out to him as he told him, "hey thanks for that!"

Knowing what he was referring to Snow simply smiled to him, "anytime!" With that he shook hands with Riku as he told him further, "you ever up for another match! I'll be waiting!"

To which the waiter dressed keyblader nodded in reply as he continued to smile, as did Musashi behind him who had his hands on his hips.

"Now that's what I call dinner and a show!" Scrooge announced finishing his claps and looking to Merlin.

The magician nodded as he replied really chuffed, "indeed," then something occurred to him! Pulling out a watch from his blue pocket he spoke, "oh my? Looks like we need to get going or we'll be late!."

Distracting her from clapping Nozomi turned to Merlin as she asked him, "get going?"

Merlin nodded, "yes, you see I and Scrooge we have to keep up an appointment with Cid, to help with another part of the upcoming carnival!"

"Oh I see!" Nozomi replied nodding.

"Yes!" Merlin replied as he then got up out of his chair, turning to his associate he told him, "now we should be on our way, shall we Scrooge?"

Hearing this the older duck looked to him and in moments he nodded as he replied, "yes! Yes! I know!" With that he too got up and with that he started to walk away with the older magician.

As they left Nozomi turned to Mickey as she asked him, "what do you think they'll be doing with Cid your majesty?"

Hearing the question he replied to her, "I dunno... can't say Nozomi."

With that the maid wearing keyblader was quiet when suddenly, "everyone!"

Turning at once everyone looked to Merlin as he told them all, "sorry but I and Mr Scrooge must be on our way now! Please continue to enjoy yourselves and take a ride upon the Merry Go Round!"

At this announcement though quickly Shirma curious asked, "but how will it work with no-one to-"

"Don't you worry!" Merlin called back, "it's working automatically by my magic so just hop on and the device will take care of the rest!"

Everyone was surprised at this info and then before more questions could be asked quickly Scrooge spoke up, "toots! For now!" With that he headed away with Merlin however her called back quickly shaking his cane, "don't you all be causin' trouble now!"

With that the two older organisers left and as they did Alania spoke up, "that old uncle Scroogie! Causin' trouble!" Then turning she looked at the Merry Go Round and it's many coloured horses and after a moment she said, "hey? Why not? You're never to old to play!"

With that she got up and started to make her way to go to the Merry Go Round! Seeing her go Shirma asked, "Alania?"

Welcoming her with a bidding hand motion Alania smiled to her as she told her, "you wanna try it?"

Shirma hearing the invitation was quiet for a moment unsure, but then Hana spoke her mind, "I'd like to! I haven't been on a Merry Go Round before!"

Hearing that she wanted to go, made Shirma more certain and quickly she spoke, "um...sure then! I'd love to give it a try!"

With that she and Hana moved out of their chairs too and as they went Juan watching them said, "I think I'll finish my mocha señorita's! You all-"

Then suddenly he was pulled out of his chair by Alania who'd grabbed him by the back of his black coat! As this happened she told him, "c'mon! With all that talk of rainbow horses I'd say you're the one begging to get on this ride!"

Feeling her pull and unable to dislodge himself, annoyed Juan as he argued with her loud and mad as Poncho followed after them blankly as ever, "they were ponies señorita! Now stop pulling so hard on me or! Agh!"

Seeing him fall over backwards as she continued to lead him dragging him across the road, made everyone stare at this scene awkwardly. But Serah watching her fellow 'Arcs' was getting in the mood for a ride too! So turning to Oralee she asked her, "hey do you wanna have a go too?"

At this suggestion she couldn't see any harm in this idea and so Oralee nodded happily, "why not? Let us go then!" With that she and Serah quickly went to the Merry Go Round to get a horse each of their own!

Seeing what his gang were up to, quickly Musashi called out, "hey dudes wait up!" With that he ran towards them! Everyone all running (or being dragged) around quickly found the horses they wanted to ride! Then after getting themselves all comfortable and in place, came the next big question! Musashi looking at his green coloured horse asked curious, "so... how do ya get this thing moving?"

In moments as though sensing everyone's wishes the crystal on top of the Merry Go Round started to glow brightly blue and quickly the machine began to move and as it did a lovely musical score began to play aloud!

With that the horses on the Merry Go Round, started to go as they moved up and down as the 'Arcs' members all started to be guided by the gentle playful machine! As they went Alania on her turquoise coloured horse called out, "yah! Yah! Yah!" Moving the reins like a child. While Shirma behind her on her white steed giggled at her behaviour.

Juan on his orange coloured ride hearing her behind him couldn't help but say aloud, "I feel too old to be doing this!"

Hanahime simply smiled away on her yellow horse as Ruby sat on it's head enjoying the ride too! Cait sith on his ride along with his princess spoke up as he was now standing on its lilac coloured head, "now this is a mighty ride and a half!"

Oralee nodded as she replied, "indeed!"

Serah ahead of her on her own pink horse smiled away and then as they turned a corner she called out, "Snow! C'mon!"

Seeing and hearing the call of his lovely fiancee! How could he refuse! "On my way!" Then turning to Riku he asked him, "hey wanna join in?"

At this the waiter dressed keyblader refused kindly as he said, "I don't think there's any room for me on there! Besides," then looking back to Nozomi and Mickey who continued to sit at their table he turned to Snow again as he said, "I think I need a good rest from all that dancing and relax with my friends!"

Hearing this Snow put his hands in the air as he replied, "well your loss then!" With that he ran as he called back to him, "seeya!" Riku laughed at this as he turned and went to go back and sit down with Mickey and Nozomi.

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Irma hiding with Bebuzzu in her arms who was really hungry and eager to get going was struggling against her strength! For he could feel that beautiful shine of alluring light and as he felt it, he licked his bookish chomps as he spoke out, "oh light! Light! My beautiful yummy delicious light!"

Stroking the hungry dark book Irma told him with a sinister smile trying to calm him, "don't worry! You'll get to eat soon Bebuzzu!"

At the sight of the 'Arcs' upon the Merry Go Round, Volg spoke as a smirk decorated his beak, "looks like our prey's already in the the trap!"

Agreeing simply with a nod and seeing that the moment was certainly now, Gandrake spoke to his leader as he asked her, "shall we strike?"

At this question in moments came a one word reply with a sinister smile, "yes!"

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Arriving back at the table really happy now, Riku sat next to Nozomi and the king. As he did the two fellow keybladers were really glad to see that he was in cheerful spirits again! Mickey immediately commented on this as he said, "looks like you're all better now Riku!"

Smiling still at this Riku replied to him, "looks like it!"

Nozomi then smiling too couldn't help but say, "who'd think that just dancing with penguins would be enough to brighten up your day, snowball?!"

Rolling his eyes at this Riku spoke, "hey! That's just-"

"What the!?"

Hearing the exclamation in the air, at once the three keybladers turned around to see Snow staring at the Merry Go Round with widened eyes. Confused at why he'd cried out, the three of them looked to the musical spinning ride and as they did they saw even all the riders looking immensely puzzled.

However quickly looking to where Snow was supposed to be seated on the dark blue horse in front of her, was an unexpected and definitely uninvited rider! That Serah revealed as she cried out, "Irma!?"

For there she was on the Merry Go Round horse smiling on with her usual arrogance as she waved to her little announcer, "hi to ya!"

Seeing her immediately Nozomi remembered her! The one who had the dark book Bebuzzu! "It's her! What's she-!?"

"It's snack time Bebuzzu!" The sinister sorceress shouted out loud for all to hear!

"YUM! YUM! YUM!"

Came the hungry shout and suddenly before anyone knew it the dark tome flew immediately to the top of the Merry Go Round! As he did, he opened up his huge mouthy book jaws as he snapped up the glittering blue crystal in moments!

Seeing this happen Mickey knew it was bad in seconds as he cried out loud, "oh no!" With that he got out of his chair as he ran forwards shouting, "Stop that there!"

Watching him go immediately Nozomi and Riku started to chase after him as they called out, "Mickey!" "Your majesty!"

Munching on the crystal in his jaws, Bebuzzu jostled with it when suddenly with a smack of his wet and red bookmark tongue the magic that was inside of it was forced out of it! Seeing the glittering and glowing substance in the air he gulped it down as it's shine quickly vanished inside of him! Then suddenly there was a resonance of blue magic and electricity all over the monstrous book! As this happened he cried out, "OH! OH! OOOHHHHHH!"
At once at this loud call a huge storm of magic as it burst out from the sinister book! Suddenly as it flipped open a huge dark blue messed up tornado emerged that began to suck in everything all around it!

The first to go were the four penguins as they shouted out alarmed trying to fly in the air, "WWWHHHHOOOAAAA!" But it was too late as they were sucked away!

Seeing this happen everyone on the Merry Go Round had no idea what was happening at all! Which was reflected as Cait sith with his princess called out, "just what in the blimey heck is-!?"

Then suddenly before he knew it, the small black and white cat was blown off of the lilac horse his majesty was on! Alarmed he watched with horror as suddenly she and then the other riders were being sucked up into the dark vortex on their horses! Panicked as this was occurring Oralee called out, "Cait sith!"

"Yer highness!?" He called back reaching out for his dear princess.

"What the heck is this!?" Alania called out horribly alarmed as she held on tightly for dear life!
"I don't know there señorita! But this is more worse than that time I was-' however Juan was cut off as suddenly he was sucked into the vortex!

Seeing this happen Hana called out to him, "Juan!"

It was too late as suddenly everyone was being sucked in as they all called out panicked,

"AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!"

Serah terrified hung on to her horse desperately but reaching down to her fiancee she called out to him panicked, " SNOW!"

"SERAH!" He called back just as terrified, he immediately went to jump and try and retrieve her!

"Snow!" Riku called out alarmed as he saw him leap upwards! He watched as the leader of the 'Arcs' looked on fiercely at the dark book as he was quickly too swept up into the vortex!

Making it to them, Nozomi watched on horrified, "this is terrible! Why is-" then suddenly she saw an old friend falling in the air towards her, "Cait sith!" Running to him she quickly caught the small cat in her arms!

Scrambling for a moment as he felt her touch, he looked to Nozomi and then back at the darkness of the vortex, looking at it he called out, "her highness!? We gotta save her! Lads we have to-"

Nozomi interrupted him she shouted against the fierceness of the wind, " l know! I know but how-"

Then suddenly somehow before she knew it, Nozomi felt herself being lifted into the air! She was now being sucked in too! "Hey! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" With that she tried to swim in the air to get away!

Seeing what was happening to her Riku ran to her as he cried out, "Nozomi!" With that he grabbed onto her loose free hand as he tried to reel her in! However as he clung on he too was being drawn in!

Mickey seeing what was happening called out too, "Riku!" Then he too grabbed him though it was onto his feet! But as he tried it was no use! He too was being pulled in!

Seeing what was happening Cait sith cried out alarmed, "LADS!" With that quickly they too were all being sucked in!

Meanwhile totally comfy on her steed Irma clapped her hands as she laughed, "oh this is so fun!" Then looking up she saw it was time! Tapping her hand on the side of the horse it quickly morphed and changed into a demonic stallion as it neighed and quickly lifted her into the air as it ran!

Seeing her being lifted into the air, it was then the two hiding chocobo's knew it was time! "C'mon Peekaboo! Time for some mischief!"

"Right! Yeah! Yeah! Let's go!" Came the response and quickly both chocobo's ran forwards and as they did they too were lifted in the air to join their mistress!

Volg and Gandrake then seeing too it was their turn to get going ran forwards! The hooded youth spoke up as he said, "go time!"

His small black and red accomplice nodded as he replied, "indeed!" With that both of them too were lifted into the air!

Seeing her cohorts all there with her, Irma then announced proudly as she clapped her hands, "let the games begin!" With that she and her gang dove into the the dark depths of Bebuzzu's vortex!

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Unaware of the horror that was going on, Bonkers riding on the back of his trusted pal Coco walked down the road followed by fellow visitors who were curious to see what delights Merlin and Scrooge had sprung up!

"This'll be fun! Won't it Coco?" The small cop bob cat asked his partner.

The little yellow chocobo replied happily with a, "kweh!"

Nodding at this glad, Bonkers looked up as he asked, "What do ya say? Sazh? Dajh?"

The happy green coat wearing and gun toting father with his bright smile replied to Bonkers, "you betcha it will! Right Dajh?" He asked looking up to his son.

The small boy with the same curly afro and warm brown skin like his father in his small blue dungarees and white top, riding his shoulders replied, "yeah dad!"

Sazh nodded happily and with that the little group walked around the corner and as they did Bonkers spoke again, "now let's all go and give a big-"

"AAAAGGGGGHHHH!"

This shocked the party as they saw alarmed Mickey's head looked around terrified as he called out, "hey! Agh! Ow!" THEN SNAP! Suddenly on the floor he was swallowed up by the covers of Bebuzzu!

Horrified they heard the dark tome speak up as he licked his jaws, "hmmmm! Tasty! MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" Suddenly before the party knew it the maniacal laughing dark book vanished as he was sucked into what was left of the remains of the glowing crystal, that was now dark and lifeless lying on the ground.

Silent in shock at what had just happened everyone was wide eyed... then quickly in moments Bonkers started running on Coco as he called out loudly, "CAPTAIN MERLIN!" With that he ran back to go and get the one who could do something about this!

Sazh and Dajh in the meantime stared back quietly at the crystal and as they did the father spoke up, "what the heck is happenin' here..."Soon the bewildered individuals and all those who dwelt in the Radiant Gardens would soon find out...