Chapter CXLIX: The Steed Of Thunder, Pixie Dust And Flowers
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part IX
Harder and harder his claws clenched tightly against the soft white fabric he was holding onto as he mustered all his strength to try and pull back, he gritted himself hard trying! However it was no use, for after a few strenuous moments he collapsed as his small brown wings fell to his sides, breathing in and out hard with exhaustion. Ruby's small size and strength was no use against the terrible dark bonds that were ensnaring his princess and confining her to the demonic steed she was upon.
The small little robin using all his strength had made it over to both his princess along with Shirma after for flying for so long and hard! He had then flown between them both as he tried as hard as he could to free them both as he had pulled at their clothes and bindings. But the last of his attempts like the others had all been fruitless...
Feeling terrible and useless, Ruby was sitting upon his princess's shoulder as he spoke to her sadly, "Hanahime..."
Then looking to Shirma who looked back at him just as sad he told them both, "Shirma... I'm so sorry..."
Looking to her small life long friend, the former princess wanted to stroke his feathery head to comfort him, but with her hands bound that was impossible. So all she could do was speak to him softly with a small sad smile upon her face, "it's all right Ruby, it's not your fault, you-"
"You're just totally useless!" Came the mocking voice of Greeble who was watching from the back of his own steed which rode ahead of his two helpless captives.
Hearing this horrible mockery as she saw the grief that came upon the little Robin's face and the hurt upon his princess, Shirma spoke up as she told the horrible light blue chocobo, "how dare you!"
Responding to the outburst from the pink haired white mage the sunglass wearing minion replied to her with the same mocking tone, "how dare I what?"
Shirma angered more shook the bonds that her held her hands down, she wanted to smack the horrible creature, but she couldn't which was absolutely frustrating! So she spoke out instead, "you mocking Ruby like that! He's been trying so hard to try and save us both! And I won't have you-"
"RRRROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
Interrupting the angered white mage and quickly shocking her along with the saddened gardener the two of them looked ahead and saw with with widened eyes, a huge widened mouth opening up! Sharp jagged teeth were decorated around it's edges as it snapped up and down. Then as it growled loudly and hungrily, a mist of hot steam escaped from its horrific depths.
Looking at this as it happened with widened eyes, Hanahime saw a large spark escape from inside of the terrible mouth. Then after a moment another appeared, then another and another and after a few moments the entire set of horrific jaws were covered in a blanket of static electricity that buzzed and flickered aggressively! It was not somewhere anyone wanted to go near!
Seeing this horrific sight Hana breathed out, "what is that...thing!?"
Greeble amused by the shock and horror of both of his captives then enlightened them, "the sparked up jaws of Bebuzzu!"
Ruby now recovered and shocked at the sight of the jaws too asked alarmed, "Bebuzzu!?"
The sunglass wearing chocobo winked as he gave the little Robin the A-okay as he replied to him, "bingo! And I gotta tell ya guys he's hungry!"
"RRRROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
Once again another large hungry roar echoed out and as it did, it made both Shirma and Hanahime tremble all the more inside!
Greeble though looking over his shoulder and seeing the hungry mouth snap and crackle loudly turned back to the gardener and mage as he told them the final nasty little truth, "and guess who's both comin' ta dinner!"
... Everyone was stunned with shock but in moments Ruby became horribly alarmed as he cried out, "oh no! Oh no! Oh no!" At once hurriedly he began fluttering around as he tried his meagre attempts to set the two girls free as he pecked and pulled at their bonds!
Seeing what he was doing Hana called out to him, "Ruby!?"
Looking at the little bird and seeing what he was trying to do for her and Hana, the white mage was grateful but she was saddened terribly inside as she tell him, "Ruby! It's no use you can't-"
The little red Robin though cried out desperately, "I gotta try though! I can't let you both-!" The thought was too terrible to imagine and so fluttering his wings he went back and tried pulling again at Hanahime's bonds!
After a few strenuous moments of pulling and pecking and pecking some more... it really was no use! He couldn't do anything!
Greeble seeing the little bird drop down onto his small legs again couldn't resist the urge to taunt some more as he told the pathetic robin, "just like I said pipsqueak! You're useless!"
In moments this snide comment displeased and angered both captives, especially Hana who looked at Greeble with fierce eyes! But looking down to Ruby who looked back up at her truly upset she told him as she tried to soothe him,"Ruby you've tried hard... I can't ask for anything more from you! You're not useless and it's not your fault!" Then looking down she had to tell him," but please... if needs must try and save yourself!"
Hearing these words Ruby was shook inside as he tried to answer her, "but Hanahime... I! I don't-"
"Fella's!"
Shocking everyone again the couple of captives and bullying chocobo all turned around and as they did, everyone saw coming straight towards them running at full speed with his golden keyblade in his right gloved hand with determination fixed in his gaze. It was none other than king Mickey!
Seeing him coming straight towards them all, at once Hana along with Ruby and Shirma's faces all lit up with smiles! At once the same shout came!
"Mickey!"
Greeble seeing the mouse king was alarmed as he looked at him with wide eyes! He wondered how he could possibly!? But quickly the alarm vanished as his gaze turned into one of irritation! He wasn't gonna let this guy get in the way as he called out to him, "ha! You think yer gonna catch us squeaky?!"
In response immediately Mickey answered him, "just ya watch me!" With that lifting his keyblade into the air he quickly called out, "Haste!"
Then quickly in moments the speed enhancing spell came upon him as it made him glitter and glow with yellow light and in a blink of an eye, he was travelling at top most speed gaining on the lot of them by the second!
Seeing him coming Ruby forgot about his sadness in moments as he looked at his princess and told her, "Hanahime! You're both gonna be saved!"
To which in reply looking to her small friend Hana nodded glad as in the distance Shirma smiled just as brightly, she couldn't wait to be set free!
However obviously Greeble was far from impressed as he looked at the oncoming rodent and as he did, he reached into a feathery pocket of his as he said, "Irma was right to give me one of these! Cause it looks like I'll have ta use it after all!" With that he pulled out an electrified yellow sphere! It brimmed and sparked in his feathers as he then aimed it and shouted out to Mickey, "time for a dose of pest control!"
With that he threw the sphere and as he did the sphere crashed into the ground smashing to pieces! As it did an electrical storm brewed up as an aggressive charge brimmed and sparked left and right!
Shirma turning and seeing this with widened eyes asked shocked, "what is-"
Then suddenly a shape sprouted up and dove into the ground as it became an electrified charging yellow line! Like a lightning bolt it zipped and zapped as it headed straight in Mickey's direction! Seeing where it was going quickly Shirma shouted out to the mouse king, "Mickey!"
Hearing her shout and seeing the lightning fast angry yellow charge that was coming straight his way, he prepared himself for it! Taking his keyblade into both of his hands he charged forwards and then just as the lightning fast line was upon him! The king struck it hard making sparks fly out left and right!
Seeing what he'd done everyone was silent with hope, that maybe it was the end of whatever that thing was!
"Bad move!" Greeble shouted out loud in an arrogant boast!
As this shout came, Mickey was startled as suddenly the thing he'd struck came apart in four separate bolts of lightning and in the air they re-gathered and became one again!
Shocked there was no time for Mickey to act as suddenly this massive bolt struck him as it charged all over him! Paralysis came over instantly along with the terrible searing pain as he screamed, "AAAAGGGGHHH!"
Seeing this happen both Shirma and Hana along with Ruby became alarmed with terror as they all called out at once, "Mickey!" Smiling sinisterly as this happened Greeble continued to watch on as the king suffered.
Mickey breathless now from the pain as the charge continued swarm over him, suddenly all at once felt it cease as he was blasted forwards! Colliding painfully into the paved ground he ended up on his back, he was struggling to speak as he breathed out his pain, "Agh! Ow! What was-" Then he stopped as he saw the electrically charged creature suddenly pulled back and swarmed into a whirlwind of lightning!
Gasping he was getting up as best he could, but despite his pain Mickey was able to see something emerge from the swarming electrical storm! A pair of enraged green eyes came forth as they gazed down upon the small mouse that was its prey, it had a crackling mane which was revealed as it swayed back and forth behind it as a sharp hoof clattered onto the ground.
The king looked back up to the creature with widened eyes as he saw that the creature that had come forth was a horse like monster tall and imposing! Bolts of lightning charged all over it's white and yellow coloured body, it was clear from this what element this thing was made from!
"Yer not good news!" Mickey spoke as he continued to look up at the creature, then despite his pain he knew he had to move now! So aching he got himself up shakily upon his legs and as he did he saw that Greeble was continuing to make his getaway with his hostages! Quickly getting his keyblade into his gloved hands he called out loudly, "Curaga!" At once the healing spell descended over him in moments and as it's restoring effects came and worked, he immediately started running forwards again!
The thunderous stallion gazing upon it's retreating prey immediately acted too as it reared itself back and let out its ferocious angry call! Mickey hearing it looked behind himself and saw that the monster was ready to pursue him! This was gonna be a tough fight and so just at that moment as it started to come after him Mickey shouted out to the captive 'Arcs,' "fella's don't worry! I'll catch up to ya soon!" At once the monster proceeded with it's attacks as it sent countless waves of thunder out towards him!
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Hana and Shirma upon their steeds as they were continuing to be carried off, were all watching on with eyes of immense anxiousness! For looking on they could see Mickey was struggling badly against the electrically charged creature, for as it galloped forwards it was sending fast and powerfully electrified charged lines through the stone paved ground straight towards the king!
Mickey looking back now and again was just barely dodging these blasts as he jumped and evaded left and right out of harm's way! However as he did so, more bolts came from the creature as it had gathered its static charges from all over it's body and was firing them from its electrified mane! With these furious thunder balls coming straight at him the king was just barley able to avoid each of them!
Then when he was able to land on the paved ground again and started running once more, the fast charged thunder lines were coming straight at him again making him begin the whole evading cycle all once more!
Shirma watching him struggle felt terribly for the king! For she could see that he couldn't fight the creature without the risk of getting paralysis from the lightning charges that were being sent forth through the ground and in the air! This meant he also didn't have the time to cast any magic spells!
Looking at her bindings again, she knew that she could do something with her healing and protective spells if only her hands were free! This was just so frustrating, being so helpless like this!
Hana was feeling just as bad, for watching on she flinched as she saw Mickey was struck again in the right shoulder! At once the shouted of pain came!
"AGGGHHH!"
Greeble seeing the attack hit the mouse king shouted out, "ha! Nailed him!"
However Mickey was still just managing, keeping his agility up he continued to run forwards and chase after them all while holding his right arm as he ran! Gritting his teeth as he went he told himself, "I gotta keep goin'! Gotta keep movin'!" With that once again he evaded another electrified line as he leaped into the air!
Greeble watching on was having the time of his life as he clapped his wings and cried out, "strike two! C'mon horsey friend I want ya ta do a number three shot on him! Strike left! No there stupid! Oh no! To the right! To the right! To the right! C'mon ya gotta zap to yer-!"
Ruby upon his princess's shoulder felt horrible for Mickey too as he saw him struggle as Greeble continued to prattle on and on with his jeering and taunting. He couldn't help after a few moments speak his mind as he said, "ooohhh! If only there was some way for that Mickey guy to weave away out of that horrible thundery stuff!"
Hana still watching on anxious, repeated a little breathless, "weave?" Then suddenly an image of a weaving white orb of light with a trail of glittering golden dust entered the darkness of her mind! Quickly looking down to her left side she saw it! Her eyes lit up as she breathed out, "that's it!"
Turning and looking to her confused as she said this Ruby asked, "Hanahime?"
Immediately the blonde haired gardener turned to her small companion as she told him,"Ruby! I need you to go to my satchel! Go in and get out my brown drawstring bag!"
Shirma hearing this asked puzzled, "drawstring bag?"
Hearing this request Ruby asked astonished, "that bag?"
Hana nodded as she told him, "yes! Only you can do this for us Ruby! It's up to you to go and save Mickey and then you can save us!"
At this information Ruby asked, "really!?"
Hana once again did a hard nod in reply as she then told him, "yes! Go on! Go! Get in my bag now!"
Hearing the demanding tone in his princess's voice the small red robin replied to her with a stern nod and salute, "aye! Aye!" Without another word quickly Ruby flew to his princess's right side and there her brown satchel was and in moments he lifted its cover and dove into it!
Feeling him rummage around Hana looked back to the battle and she saw that Mickey was still struggling terribly and it looked like he was beginning to get to the last ounces of health! He couldn't heal himself with that electrical barrage still raining down on him!
Looking to her satchel she told him urgently as he continued to rummage, "C'mon Ruby hurry up!"
Watching on Shirma was anxious too for Ruby to hurry up, but she was also puzzled as to what it was that was in that drawstring bag. For as long as she'd known Hana she'd never seen inside of that bag so what-
"Why've you guys gone so quiet all of a sudden?"
At once Shirma turned and saw that Greeble was now looking at them all! He'd noticed their suspenseful quietness! Both her and Shirma looked at the blue chocobo with stunned faces as none of them could think of anything to say! The white mage tried to think of something so, "we're-"
"Found it!"
Hearing this sudden outburst Greeble was confused as he asked, "who just-"
Then suddenly before the sunglass wearing minion could say another word, Ruby emerged from Hana's bag! In his small beak were a couple of black strings that were attached to the brown bag he'd been looking for! It's contents were glittering!
But that was all Greeble could make out as suddenly Ruby flew away at top speed towards Mickey! As he left the blue chocobo looked to his hostages as he demanded, "hey where's that useless bird going!? What's-"
At this it was then Shirma's turn to enlighten the bullying bird, "he's going to fetch a whole load of trouble! Just for you!"
Greeble hearing this wasn't one to be intimidated, especially by someone with pink hair and tied down to a possessed carousel horse! But he sensed that bag was bad news! Turning he quickly called out to the thunderous stallion, "hey zappy! There's a new small target headin' yer way! Fry him!"
Hearing this the horse responded in moments with a sinister neigh and at once along with aiming at Mickey it started to try and fire at the small red robin too! Seeing what the horrible chocobo was trying to do, to her beloved and precious friend Hana called out to him, "Ruby look out!"
Mickey in the meantime jumping away again still holding his aching right arm, heard the shout and at once he turned and saw the little red robin flying furiously forwards as he was busy trying to not get hit by any of the electrical blasts!
In moments he spoke up as he said, "that little guy's gonna be in trouble!" At once he then aimed to get to him as he ran and continued to jump forwards!
Ruby in the meantime flying left and right was managing to dodge most of the blasts that were coming his way! But it was tricker for him to do with a rather big package to carry! However he wasn't gonna give up! His princess and Shirma were counting on him and they were-!
Then looking behind himself he saw terrified that they were almost at the ravenous mouth of Bebuzzu! They were going to be-
BLAST!
Suddenly the small red Robin was hit by one of the blasts of the lightning horse! He fell in the air as black smouldering smoke floated off of his body with the brown draw string bag still in his beak.
Hearing the sound at once Hana turned around to see her friend fall in the air and as she did, she cried out horrified, "RUBY!"
Shirma just as horrified called out, "RUBY NO!"
Greeble though highly amused simply chucked as he boasted loudly, "anyone fancy a roasted Robin!"
Angered immediately Hana turned to the chocobo as she uttered angrily with tears now falling from her eyes, "YOU!"
Shirma then just as upset told the bullying bird, "how dare you say that! Ruby was-"
"Useless! Yeah, I already knew that thanks!" Then suddenly as Greeble said those mocking words the horses that they were all riding upon were now all slowing down! Looking ahead both Hana and Shirma saw that they were quickly approaching the monster jaws of Bebuzzu! Seeing this the sunglass wearing minion told them all, "and it's nearly dinner time for you both!'
Back behind them Ruby was still falling in the air, in horrible pain from the attack that had just hit him. He was barely conscious as he tried to open his eyes, looking he saw another terrible thunder ball was coming his way! However he had no strength to escape it and as he saw it coming... he knew this was it! Closing his eyes as his oblivion was upon him Ruby whispered aloud softly, "I'm sorry... Hanahime..."
Then suddenly as he said those words and he felt the searing heat from the oncoming attack, Ruby felt a new sensation all over his body as something soft was now cradling him and the bag he was carrying!
Startled by this he opened his eyes and there he saw holding him with his free left gloved hand, it was none other than Mickey! Seeing him the red Robin's eyes widened as the king told him, "looks like ya needed a hand there pal!"
Looking to him Ruby couldn't believe it! Then suddenly as they both landed back on the ground he looked behind the mouse king and at once he saw another oncoming attack! This one was huge! Seeing it he called out, "Mickey! Mickey! Look out!"
Hearing him the keyblader looked behind himself and at once he saw it with alarm in his eyes! This wasn't good! But turning around again he'd noticed a glittering something in the corner of his eye! Looking he asked, "this is-"
BLAST!
It was suddenly then as they came to a full stop that that other terrible sound echoed out! Turning at once both Shirma and Hana looked and became horrified as there in the distance was a smouldering crater and dark black smoke was rising up into the air...
Seeing it, both girls became terribly disheartened...
Greeble simply smiled more as he uttered, "looks like a smoulderin' mouse should be added to the menu too!" Then looking ahead and seeing the hungry thundering mouth of Bebuzzu that was awaiting it's dinner he added sinisterly, "now it's time for a dessert of a couple of sweet cakes!"
Neither girl said a word as both of them were slowly led into a death march towards the open mouth...this really was the end for them...
The horse in the distance now had come to a full halt as it had the same thought as it's summoner and as the smoke continued to smoulder away there was nothing but silence...
"CURAGA!"
Suddenly as the healing spell shone, something else was glittering in the darkness! Seeing it at once the thunderous stallion started charging itself ready to attack but then-
"Firaga!" At once the powerful fire spell came forth and as it did it struck into the monster in moments! This sent it flying backwards! Startled at first the monster then became angered as it went to go and strike it's attacker!
However as it's blast went to where this fiery attack had come from it sent the smoke flying away! As it cleared it was shown that it'd missed its target! Confusing the creature it looked around left and right when suddenly from below it was struck in the face! This made it fall backwards and hit the ground! Looking around the creature then saw what had hit him! It was Mickey!
But looking at him now, the mouse king had a little added something, he was floating in the air! All around his body were glowing golden sparkles that allowed him the ability to fly and with it, he was now an even more elusive target to hit!
As Mickey stared down at the creature from the air, arriving next to him now fully recovered and with the string bag of pixie dust now in his claws while his red wings kept him aloft, it was none other than the brave robin, Ruby!
Seeing the attacks he'd done Ruby spoke to him as he said, "wow! Way to go there Mickey!"
To which in kind reply, the king told him with a smile on his thanks with a slight chuckle, "aww it's nothin!"
Then at once the horse creature tried to attack again! Quickly dodging as another blast came straight towards him he darted away just as Ruby did too! At once they both called out, "whoa!" "Hey!"
Mickey looking upon the thunder steed knew then that he couldn't ease up so quickly taking his golden keyblade into both of his gloved hands again he told the small red robin, "this monster's not gonna go down without a real tussle!" Then looking behind he quickly saw the dire situation the girl's were in and at once he knew swift action was needed!
Looking to the red Robin he told him, "Ruby you gotta get flyin' now! Otherwise yer princess Hana and Shirma are gonna be doomed!"
Hearing this information at once the small Robin turned around and quickly he too saw the situation that was arising and as he did he cried out, "oh no!"
Then just as he was about to fly away he was stopped as Mickey flew over to him and said, "here's a couple of little return presents for ya!"
Confused there was no time for the small bird to speak as suddenly Mickey put his keyblade to the bag of pixie dust and at once with an uttering of a small spell it began to glitter and glow madly! Surprised at this the small bird was about to question him, when suddenly Mickey moved his keyblade over to him and uttered another quick old familiar spell, "Haste!"
At once the effects of the speed enhancing spell activated immediately and quickly Ruby was sent flying back in the direction where his princess and Shirma would be waiting for him!
Looking back to the mouse king as he flew away, the small red Robin saw a gentle smile across his face as he nodded to him.
Though he couldn't say anything in reply that could be heard, Ruby simply nodded back as he flew away at top speed, flapping away with his wings to increase his agility and cover the distance!
Mickey then turning around again, held his keyblade in both his gloved hands and as he did, he told the angered horse which was now clawing it's hoof into the ground, " time is up for ya now fella!"
Meanwhile in the distance, both saddened terribly for the loss of both their friends, Shirma and Hana had hung heads... neither of them wanted to see the terrible thundering gapping mouth that was to swallow them both whole.
Gribble though still as smug as ever had moved to the side and quickly with that he clapped his wings as he told the mouth loudly, "all right Bebuzzu! Ya're dinner's here!"
With that the hungry mouth trembled as more static was unleashed! It then opened up it's hungry jaws more widely, awaiting the scrumptious meal that was soon coming to him!
Satisfied with this the blue chocobo turned to the two horses and once he ordered, "okay! Delivery comin' up!"
With that the two Merry Go Round horses reared themselves back and with that the countdown commenced!
"One!"
Her head bent down, Shirma knew this was it... she was completely powerless and she'd done nothing to help anyone at all! Then thinking of Alania and her fellow 'Arcs' she spoke aloud sadly with grief, "goodbye... everyone!'
"Two!"
Hana with her own head down too, was completely quiet as the pain in her heart ached in her more than anything she'd known! For the image of seeing Ruby falling and smouldering in the air played over and over again inside her mind...
"Three!"
"Ruby! I'm so sorry...!"
"Hanahime!"
At once at the call of this familiar voice both the girl's faces became surprised for there flying in the air, coming over the both of them was none other than their small little red determined companion, astonished they both cried out, "Ruby!" "Ruby it's you!"
Greeble upon his own steed looked on shocked but quickly overcoming this he spoke aloud, "how cute! But yer too late!" With that at once both horses began to jump forwards to go into that electrified hell that was Bebuzzu!
But Ruby determined shouted back, "no it's not!" With that the small red Robin threw the contents of Hana's drawstring bag sending Pixie dust over both the girls! At once suddenly something began to shine over them!
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Mickey back before the aggressive force that was the monstrous thunderous stallion, his gloved hands were on his keyblade as he prepared himself!
The monster at once began it's attack as it ran forwards and tried to bathe him in a sea of it's charged lines of thunder waves! However quickly the king acted as he cried out loudly, "Protect!" At once the protective spell came over the mouse king in moments deflecting and stoping any of the paralysis effects that may have occurred! Then quickly acting with the Pixie dust assisting him, Mickey flew forwards and with a swift upper cut of his keyblade he smashed it into the beasts head!
This making the horse fall backwards it shook itself as it once again tried another tactic as it spun itself around and tried to hit Mickey with a static electrical buck of its hooves! However the king feeling this attack coming spun and flew in the air as he travelled in the same circle missing the creature's fearsome legs! Then as the thunder and clatter came upon the stony path again, he reacted once more as he flew underneath the horse and aiming quickly he called out an old powerful attack he hadn't used in so long, "Pearl!"
At once the small orb of powerful white light went forwards and struck the monster in it's chest making it fall back in agony as it's very centre was struck! This made the beast fall back and collapse, thus giving him his chance! Mickey quickly arriving on the other side of the beast fired another spell, "Blizzaga!"
The ice spell spread throughout and all over the creature's legs stopping it from moving! As it struggled and shrieked against this freezing attack, Mickey had flown up into the air as he was now ready to give the final blow!
Taking his keyblade in both his hands he aimed and then using another old magic spell of his, he called out loudly, "HOLY!"
In moments the powerful spell of light flew from his keyblade and struck the creature all over and as it was covered in this almighty and consuming attack, it shrieked like mad! The agony it was experiencing was beyond words and Mickey seeing this lifted himself higher into the air, as it was now time to deal the final blow!
His keyblade shining brightly he then launched himself forwards as the Pixie dust made him glow with an all mighty light and seeing this was the end, the king cried out "here's yer end!"
With that he smashed right through the monster's centre like a radiating shining comet of light! And at once the last of it's death cries rang out as its throbs hateful yellow lightning quickly vanished and faded away into nothingness...
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"I don't believe it!" Greeble cried out as he was in shock with widened eyes as he saw what had just happened! As the glittering and glowing Pixie dust descended upon the two girls, Hanahime was wide eyed but quickly closing her eyes she concentrated hard! As she did suddenly the flowers in her hair and the one Violet in Shirma's hair came out and floated into the air! Then quickly in moments they'd grown and created countless vines that rooted themselves into the ground behind them as they then wrapped around the two possessed horses! This stopped them from being swallowed into the depths of Bebuzzu's mouth!
Shirma was astounded but before she could breathe other vines had re-directed themselves as they quickly grew around both of the girls bindings! Quickly as the green vines wrapped themselves around their hands and legs, they dug into the dark depths of the horses and in moments as they broke though the nooks and crannies of the creatures, the two girls shackles were snapped away as the two of them were finally set free!
Her eyes opening as she'd been successful, Hana called out, "it's worked!"
Shirma able to feel her arms and legs again looked to Hana with astonishment in her eyes, but-
"RRRROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
The hungry jaws of Bebuzzu sensing it's prey was trying to get away from him, quickly acted! As angry sparks and bolts quickly sprouted up from it's centre! All of these deadly bolts were aimed straight for both of the girls!
"Hanahime!" Quickly the little red Robin flew to his princess and in moments she was caught in her hands as she cowered against the sudden blows that were coming!
Shirma looking saw that she and Robin were helpless! So quickly she acted! Summoning her staff she ran over to them both as she cried out, "guys!" Then turning angrily she cried out, "Protect!"
With that the protective spell came over the group of 'Arcs' in moments shielding them all from the thunderous and devastating effects that would have come!
Seeing what she was doing Hana called to her, "Shirma!"
Struggling to keep the horrible blasts away from them all, the white mage turned around as she told Hana with a struggling smile, "it's okay Hana! I'm trained for this! Besides this is the least I can do for you saving me!"
Hana hearing this was quiet, she had no idea what to say!? But then she looked on with concerned eyes as Shirma went back to concentrating to keeping the attacks of Bebuzzu away from them all!
Greeble in the meantime shouted out loud at the monstrous mouth, "c'mon Bebuzzu! Get 'im! Ya know yer starvin!"
The mouth tried harder and harder still as it's attacks became more concentrated! Which in turn caused Shirma to concentrate just as hard to keep the harmful bolts away!
Greeble was still eager as he cried out, "c'mon! C'mon! C'mon!"
This strenuous battle of shield vs bolt looked like it would continue on for ages, but as Greeble had made this shout suddenly-
SSSHHHIIINNEEEE!
At once Bebuzzu's bolts stopped! Silent with widened eyes Hana, Ruby and Shirma watched as the thunderous and terrible mouth of Bebuzzu writhed and turned in agony and in moments in a sea of dark sparks and bolts... it faded away into nothingness! The battle was over!
As it vanished away Shirma's protect spell faded away too... the two girls were silent as they both turned and looked at each other. As it settled in about what had just happened, Hana suddenly grabbed and hugged Shirma happily and as Ruby flew out of the way, she cried out telling her fellow 'Arc!', "we did it! We survived! We made it!"
Shirma surprised as this sudden action said nothing for a moment, but then it dawned on her too! Quickly she hugged Hana back as she cried out, "yeah we did! We did!"
Giggling in the air as he saw what his two friends were doing Ruby cried out, "yeah we all did!"
Then hearing his voice again, Hana detached herself from Shirma and looking up to her dear Robin friend who was flying over them she spoke to him, "Ruby..."
Seeing the look that was on his princess's face, immediately the little Robin became concerned as he flew over and asked, "Hanahime? Are you all right? Are you-"
Then suddenly before he knew it, he was cupped into her hands and held close to her cheek as she trembled! Feeling her do this the little Robin became concerned as he asked bewildered, "your highness why're you-"
Hana then told him, "I'm so glad! I'm so glad, you're okay Ruby! I'm sorry I just-" with that the girl couldn't speak on... for her emotions were just too much to hold in as a few tears of relief fell.
Feeling and hearing her say this Ruby was quiet with astonishment but smiling gently, the small Robin hugged into her as he told her, "it's okay Hanahime! I'm all right! I'm just glad that you're okay!"
To which in reply all his princess could do was nod gently as she still trembled slightly as she held him to her.
Shirma looking to her friend as she walked over, smiling gently she reached a hand down to her shoulder as she told the little red Robin, "yeah she is! And I'm fine too thanks to you Ruby!"
Ruby nodded as he was truly glad and pleased as he replied, "yeah! I guess I'm not so useless after all!'
Shirma then nodded brightly as she said, "nope you definitely aren't!'
Greeble in the meantime looking at this emotional scene was mad! He'd failed and he knew that this was not gonna sit down well with Irma! So snapping his feathery fingers he spoke mad, "darn it! Fowled up! You just wait next time we'll-"
Then suddenly a shadow loomed over him, turning around he heard a voice asked, "you'll what fella?"
Turning around with alarm Greeble quickly saw it was Mickey standing over him looking on with a puzzled yet serious stare!
The small chocobo took a step back, now becoming horribly nervous as another familiar voice asked, "yeah tell us exactly what! You little bully!"
It was now time for Greeble to be put in the tough spot as suddenly he felt two more shadows come over him! Looking he then saw that it was both Shirma who'd asked the question along with Hana with Ruby on her shoulder. Both of them were looking at him with angered eyes!
The sight of these two girls made Greeble pale inside and suddenly before he could make another move Hana lifted her right hand up as she cried out, "Fire!"
Immediately the fiery spell sprung up and made Greeble's tail feathers catch on fire! At once the blue minion coloured chocobo ran away in a hurry upon his steed as it bucked madly as he cried out madly, "YEEOOWW!"
Seeing him runaway Hana then told the nasty little bird, "that's what you get for hurting and mocking Ruby like that!" To which the small Robin looking to his princess smiled truly glad to see how much he was truly valued.
Greeble coming to a stop finally some distance away, still upon his steed he'd finally fanned the flames out and looking on angered at the group of heroes as his tail singed, he cried out as he quickly vanished into a portal of darkness, "I won't forget this!"
With that as he quickly disappeared Mickey couldn't help but think to himself a little amused, 'well he was certainly an interesting fella?' Then turning to the girls he asked them, "hey are ya both okay there?"
Hearing the question being put to them, the two girls looked to the small mouse keyblader and quickly Shirma told him with a smile, "yes we are! Thank you for saving us Mickey!"
Waving his gloved hand as he received the thanks, the king responded to her, "aww that's fine! I just did what anyone would do for a friend!"
Shirma in reply nodded as Hana smiled brightly, but then as Mickey looked to her he decided to try and ask her something, "Hey Hana?"
Seeing something was being asked of her the gardener of the 'Arcs' replied, "yes Mickey?"
The king then continued, "the kingdom ya were once a princess of, were ya the princess of Pixie-"
Then suddenly before he could say another word, there was a ringing sound in the air! Startling everyone standing there they all turned to see a glittering shape emerge from within the darkness!
Surprised no one said anything but then Mickey asked curious, "is that one of the-"
Suddenly stopping him his keyblade came to his right hand and as it did, the King knew in moments what to do! Jumping back he aimed it high and he did a single beam of light emerged from the end of it! Quickly it entered the shape of the keyhole that had come forth! In seconds there was then a sound of something clicking open and in moments the spectacle vanished!
Seeing what happened Shirma breathed out, "that was-"
However she didn't have a chance to finish as a circle of light surrounded the group of heroes and as it did they were engulfed in a single shining glowing beam as they were all transported into the depths of the darkened skies...
