Chapter CLXIV: Searching For Harmony, Onwards To Atlantica! Part X

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Riku's yelled loudly in pain again as he held his chest that contained his aching heart. He felt like it was being torn apart from within!

Seeing his last pulse didn't work, Cait sith then rubbed his gloved paws together vigorously as he declared loudly, "all right lad! TAKE THIS!" So jumping up within his bubble which was now glowing brightly with light, he cried out loudly, "CLEAR!" With that as he landed inside from his bubble, another huge glowing yellow bubble of light emerged and immediately it was sent straight down into Riku's back! It made him glow all over with bright yellow light!

Feeling the effects of this soothing bubble, at last... Riku's pain finally left him as the searing pain within him faded away... he was left breathing in and out deeply, he tried to recover himself...

Watching as this all transpired and seeing his suffering come finally to an end, Ariel's eyes were widened, it'd been so terrible! For no matter how many cure spells she'd tried to cast and the king too, none of them had worked! Still feeling shocked at what she'd just witnessed, she had to turn to the king as she started to ask him, "what was that? Why was-"

However before she could finish, Riku moved and then looking up to his great healer. He told him, "thanks Cait sith... you saved me again!"

Hearing the praise being given to him, the small crowned cat told him, "meh! No probs as I've told ya before lad! But boy McCartney! Ya're gettin more and more difficult each time! I had ta give ya four doses of that light before the darn thing worked!" With that he tapped his red foot within his bubble, as he was slightly irritated about this!

Chuckling with a little difficulty as he remembered this, Riku then told him smiling, "yeah I remember! I'm sorry that I-"

Hearing him suddenly stop, Cait sith turned down as he asked, "snowdrop?"

However he stopped as he saw with alarm, the merman collapse into unconsciousness! Seeing this he cried out, "Riku!?"

Quickly in turn both Ariel and Mickey became alarmed and rushed to his side too! "RIKU!" "RIKU!" They both cried out!

Pulling him over and holding him in her arms, Ariel told him urgently with worry, "hang in there! Riku! You'll be all right!"

Quickly Mickey added as well, "yeah don't worry! We're here with ya Riku! You'll be fine!" Then with that as he and the mermaid princess started to work upon a healing spell, for their fallen friend. Mickey had to wonder to himself though as he started chanting... why had this happened to him again?

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"TAKE THIS!"

With that as the cry came, Nozomi rushed straight at the terrible giant eel! Her keyblade at the ready, she aimed straight at its head!

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

However the monster in turn was prepared for her approach too! Manoeuvring itself, it suddenly brought it's long tail forth and like a whip, it struck into her!

"AAGGHH!" She was sent flying from the blow, crashing into the rocky wall of the chasm she and the others were all still stuck within! Cringing from the pain of the impact, Nozomi opened her eyes, "urgh!"

Then-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

The monster was charging straight towards her! It's mouth was wide open ready to swallow her whole! Her eyes widened in moments and then-

CRASH!

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Watching from a distance as this happened and a huge cloud of stoney dust rose up, Tip, Dash and Melody looked on with shocked eyes at the scene! They were hiding behind a batch of tall jagged rocks. Immediately the red tailed mermaid cried out in alarm, "Nozomi!"

There was then nothing but silence as they saw the monster was embedded in the rock. Looking at the beast, Melody started to look around it as she tried to find some trace of her poor friend! She couldn't see anything! So quickly turning to Tip and Dash, she asked them, "guys can you see her!? Do you see Nozomi anywhere?!"

At her question, quickly in turn Dash replied, "I, I dunno! I-"

However quickly Tip announced, "c'mon! Let's start lookin' cause without that girl! We haven't got a chance of gettin' out of this place alive!" So with that getting on top of the head of his fellow adventurer/explorer he pointed forwards as he declared, "now c'mon! Let's start lookin' people! Our lives depend on it!"

Hearing his bold leader say this, quickly Dash replied, "right! Right! Okay Tip!" With that both penguin and walrus began to assist the mermaid princess in finding their lost friend!

Looking to the left with his wing over his eyes as he squinted hard in concentration, Tip said, "nope! Nothin' there!" Turning to the left he announced, "nope!" Then here, "zilch here!" And there, "zero at this spot too!

There was no sign of Nozomi anywhere and quickly Melody was beginning to feel real dread inside! Then looking she could see that the monster that had attacked her friend was starting to manoeuvre itself from out of the rock it had embedded itself in! Fear quickly began to rise inside of her and so desperately she asked Tip and Dash, "can you guys see her at all!?"

To which Tip answered her, "nope! I can't see anything on my end!"

Quickly Dash began to make his reply too, though sadly, "yeah I can't see any-" However stopping, something caught his eye! Instantly he got everyone's attention as he told them, "guys! I've got her! I can see her!"

Becoming relieved in moments as she heard this, Melody asked her friend, "where!? Where is she!?"

Tip becoming just as excited asked, "yeah c'mon! Don't keep us in suspense! Where-"

Instantly Dash pointed forwards with his flipper as he told them all, "right there!" With that everyone looked to where he was pointing to! There in the distance they all saw her shape emerging from the huge fog of dust!

Delighted Melody spoke her name with relief, "Nozomi!"

Glad to see he'd got it right and feeling ultimately relieved too, Dash spoke up, "it's great she's alive huh?"

Tip hearing this, though he was happy to see that she'd made it, he couldn't help but utter, "yeah... but let's hope she can take care of business quick!"

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Coughing as she barely made it! Nozomi was still cringing slightly from the painful whip lash she'd been struck with before! Looking at the monster as she saw it was beginning to move itself from out of the rocks! Irritated she spoke aloud to herself, "darn! I gotta be more careful! If I'm not then-!"

"Hey! Sister!"

Hearing this shout, Nozomi turned startled and as she did, she saw it to be Tip, who was hiding with Melody and Dash who were looking at the small bird surprised at his announcement. Baffled as she looked to him, she then heard the small emperor penguin tell her, "get rid of that thing already! The anticipation is killin' me here!"

At this announcement, the female keyblader couldn't believe that, that small penguin would be so foolish at time like this! Getting irritated quietly she said aloud to herself, "tch! Impatient much?"

Then at that moment she heard cracks and then a tumbling of rocks, turning around she saw quickly that the heartless eel had at last dislodged itself! It's six swivelling eyes were fixed on her! Seeing this she immediately drew her keyblade before her and as she did, she got herself ready!

The monster seeing it's prey was prepared to engage with it again, it quickly roared loudly once more!

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

With that immediately it began to charge towards her! Nozomi seeing it coming quickly thought to herself. She had to think of a plan of attack! She had to take out this monster somehow but-

However she didn't enough time to think about it for the monster was almost on top of her! So seeing this she knew she couldn't risk another whip attack again! So moving her pink finned mermaid tail she began to flee from the heartless's pursuit!

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Seeing what she was doing as she was swimming away from the monster and dodging it, in and around between rocks as it tried to snap her up into it's fearsome jaws! Tip was outraged as he cried out, "hey what does she think she's doin'!? That's not gettin' the job done?!"

Hearing him say this, Dash then had to remind his 'brave' leader, "aww c'mon Tip! Can ya blame her? I mean how can she possibly face somethin' that huge?"

Nodding Melody had to agree, "yeah... besides she'll think of something! She''s saved us so far right?"

Listening to this Tip was ready to object, but seeing the sad pleading look in Melody's eyes, there was no way he could argue against that... so he relented, "right... yeah, you guys are right."

Glad that she'd been able to persuade him, Melody smiled gently but then looking to the battle again she saw her friend heading straight for the broken boat they'd escaped from. She just prayed that Nozomi would be able to get them out of this mess again!

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Making it to the destroyed remains of the ship, as she dodged around another rock. Nozomi finally managed to get herself into a hiding space of some kind, though it was basic as she hid behind one of the huge fallen wooden banisters. Trying to calm her breathing, she tried to get her act together, "okay! Okay! C'mon! Let's think! We need to cook up something to win here!"

With that she remembered the few other times she'd come at the monster, each time she'd been either struck by it's long tail, or it had evaded or even worse it had attacked with-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Hearing this fearsome roar again, Nozomi quickly became on edge! She had to be cautious and make sure the monster wasn't near her! So moving herself slowly she turned her head around the corner to see if the monster was there... looking she could see nothing but the darkness of the waters and the sunken debris of the fallen ship.

Feeling relief beginning to pump through her, she breathed out, "thank goodness!... It's not here!" Then turning around again she went to get back to her better hiding spot but-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

It's huge head was there! Staring at her with it's huge swivelling eyes it's sharp teeth were bare as it was ready to swallow her whole! Nozomi seeing this went pale all over as she breathed out, "oh no!"

Then suddenly taking this moment of fright, the monster quickly started to use it's terrible attack! As its yellow fins along its back started to charge with deadly electricity! Nozomi saw it was about to launch its terrible lightning blast! This wasn't good! Panicked she cried out, "oh no! No! No!" With that she swam to get away of it's blast range! Quickly just as she had got out of the way! Suddenly-

BLAST!

The monster unleashed it's attack that incinerated the banister as well as the ocean floor! It left a clean charring bubbling line in the darkness of the water! Chilled as she saw this happen and realising that could have been her, Nozomi then looked down at the beast with worried eyes! However there was no time for her to think! The heartless aimed straight at her again as it's electricity brimmed along it's finned back!

"AH! Not again!" With that Nozomi swam out of harm's way as the monster began it's pursuit once more as she swam around the broken remains of the ship! Then quickly it's charge was ready!

BLAST!

It fired it's charge again! "EEEK!" She cried out, as it just barely missed her as she swam over the attack and it's terrible currents! Knowing she just avoided a nasty shock, Nozomi then spoke aloud as she continued to swim away, "whoa! That was close! I've got to do something! I gotta think or-"

It was then suddenly a shadow loomed over her, distracting her she looked up and saw a huge mast which had not yet collapsed down! Seeing it she paused, but then-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Turning immediately at this fearful roar, Nozomi then saw the monster was aiming straight at her again! Her eyes immediately widened! However remembering the mast behind her, she turned and looked at it... inside the gears in her mind clicked! She knew what to do!

Looking back at the monster she saw that once again it was gathering it's electrical energy to unleash it's deadly charged attack! However Nozomi steadfast and ready, seeing the attack gather she whispered to herself, "wait!... Wait for it!... Wait for it!"

The monster then unleashed all it's power as it's thunder blast went straight for her! "Now!" She cried as she swam straight out of the way!

BLAST!

Immediately the monster's attack struck the huge mast! Then as the attack charred and weakened the wood, crackling all over it, it's very structure bent and splintered! Seeing this happen Nozomi quickly made her way to the back of the pillar as she decided to give it an added push, "TIMBER!" She cried out and with that she smashed her keyblade into it!

Quickly the huge wooden pillar fell forward and instantly it headed straight for the heartless! The monster seeing this, then quickly tried to swim out of harm's way! However the mast crashed and stopped the monster from moving as it pinned down its tail!

Nozomi seeing this as the monster struggled and roared manically trying to get itself free, she couldn't believe her impulsive idea had worked! Smiling she cried out, "wow! Lucky!" Then quickly feeling her confidence pumping her up from within, she knew it was time for to unleash her own deadly barrage! "Let's end this!" She cried out as she went straight in for the attack!

Swimming down quickly she aimed with her keyblade as the monster turned and looked at her enraged! Giving it no time to prepare another electrical charge, the blue tailed mermaid cried out, "Swift Star Rays!" With that the comets of light escaped from her keyblade and struck the monster all over! Then as it was stunned by this attack, Nozomi then reached her left hand out as she cried out, "Thundaga!" With that the powerful thunder spell struck the monster square in the face!

As it did this and paralysed the monster, Nozomi then launched herself upwards as she struck the monster over and over with her keyblade! The monster had no chance against all this damage as it was struck here there and everywhere! Then feeling the final blow coming Nozomi swam back and using the ships roped rigging, she made it into a makeshift trampoline as she sprang forwards and aiming fast, she cut straight through the monster's head and divided it in one clean slice!

It's body fell to the floor lifeless... Nozomi turning herself around saw what she'd done, she breathed in and out hard, "there...! Take that!"

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Seeing what she'd done, slicing the monster like it was sashimi. Both Tip and Dash immediately cried out their cheers, "woo! She did it!" The optimistic walrus cried out!

Then proud, Tip remarked happily, "now that's what I call getting the job done!"

Melody pleased herself nodded happily, then looking in her friends direction she said quietly, "thank goodness... it's over!"

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Still recovering, Nozomi felt her breathing gradually calm itself and as she got herself back together, she heard shouts in the distance!

"Way ta go there!" "That's how ya nail it!" "Well done Nozomi!"

Looking into the distance where she could hear her friend's calling for her, Nozomi was blank for a moment before becoming a little bashful as she scratched the back of her head and smiled happily, while blushing a little red.

But then suddenly she felt a familiar presence! Looking up she quickly saw it was that Trident shadow guy again! Seeing him she was quiet as she stared, but feeling confident she told him pointing her keyblade towards him, "your pet's sliced and diced now! You don't have anything to hold us down any longer! Now let us out of this cage!" She told him as she indicated to the rock claws that encaged her and her friends!

The shadowed being looked at her silently with it's soulless yellow eyes... as the quietness drifted over, Nozomi then saw this guy wasn't going to release them peacefully! So gripping her keyblade again, she said aloud, "seems like you're not gonna listen to reason huh?" Then swimming up and forwards she told him mad, "then I guess I'll just have to knock some sense into you!"

The figure seeing her coming, then quickly manoeuvred itself out of the way of her oncoming blade as it descended into the waters, turning as she saw him go Nozomi asked, "just where do you-"

However she was quickly silenced as the figure reached his Trident up and immediately a great surging of electricity came forth from his weapon! Seeing it's light blinded Nozomi for a moment as she asked baffled, "what is he-"

But quickly she saw what he was doing as his thunderous power gathered over the remains of the heartless! Quickly as the thunder of his weapon blanketed the corpse of the beast, it was raised from under the mast! Watching on everyone saw shocked that the monster's body began to twist and turn! It was moving again! However suddenly-

FLASH!

Blinded by this light Nozomi covered her eyes! She couldn't see a thing! What was going on?!

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Also blinded by this same light, Tip, Dash and Melody couldn't see a thing from behind their rocks! Trying to shield his eyes as best he could with one of his small wings, the small penguin asked loudly, "oi! What's happenin'!?"

"I dunno?! I can't see a thing!" Dash replied as he was busy shielding his own eyes too!

Melody quiet said nothing at all as she also had her eyes closed, keeping the blinding light out! But gradually she felt it quickly fade away and as is it did... she cautiously opened her eyes.

Looking she saw finally that the light had gone, but then as she moved her gaze upwards, her eyes immediately widened! "What are those?!" Hearing her gasp, quickly both Tip and Dash looked up and quickly saw what had made her have her shocked reaction!

There floating in the water near to where Nozomi was, were now three eel heartless! They were smaller slightly in size compared to the larger one before, however these ones seemed to have larger teeth and were taller and had spiker fins than their predecessor! Tall horns were on each of their foreheads as well, they were black and jagged. All clearly dangerous!

The three of them were black and white as well in colour, however not all of their fins were coloured yellow, two of them had shades of purple and orange that shimmered in the darkness! Their swivelling eyes all had their gazes fixed on Nozomi!

Silent everyone there stood in shock, they were not prepared for this! Looking on they waited to see what would happen next, what was their female keyblader going to do now?

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Nozomi herself too was as shocked as her friends! Looking on she said nothing at first, but then as what happened settled into her mind she cried out, "how the-"

But suddenly before she could say another word, the trident wielding shadow manoeuvred his terrible weapon and as it sparked with thunder, the monster's horns sparked and instantly they all began to move! Nozomi instantly saw that the creatures were all coming at her at once! Gripping her keyblade as they came she went to strike each one as they came!

However unexpectedly they all dodged and evaded her blows as she tried to hit them! They were slippery creatures! Looking to them as the three eels divided and went in three separate directions, the female keyblader was left baffled as she asked, "what are they-"

Then suddenly from above her the Trident wielding shadow moved himself and as he raised his weapon again, the heartless prepared themselves! The horns that were now sprouting from their heads, started to charge and pulse with thunder as they sparked viscously!

Nozomi clueless couldn't figure out what was going on as she asked, "what is-"

FLASH!

All at once as the shadow reached his Trident into the air, immediately a huge surge of thunder surged forth as waves as the heartless eels unleashed their own energy from their horns! These currents all connected together with each of the monsters and then together they all focused their attacks upon one spot! Where Nozomi was floating!

Seeing the thunder all surge forth! Nozomi's eyes widened! There was no time for her to get away!

BLAST!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Screaming loudly in pain from the attack! Nozomi felt her body freeze from paralysis, she couldn't move! She was helpless! The shadow then seeing his strategic attack had worked! He commanded his monsters again as all three quickly moved in to attack their helpless paralysed prey!

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Seeing what had happened everyone was shocked and horrified! Things had changed so quickly! First she was winning and now-

"We gotta help her!" Melody cried out worried!

Hearing the young red tailed mermaid say this, the small emperor penguin looked at her dumbfounded as he asked, "help her?! How're we supposed to-" Quickly though not heeding any words of warning, Melody swam forth from their hiding place as she went to go and save her friend!

Seeing her go quickly, both Tip and Dash were shocked at her sudden departure! Then quickly becoming distressed! They were chaotic as they chased after her in a hurry with Dash crying out,"hey Melody wait!"

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Nozomi still in the water could feel nothing at all! The horrible thunderous power had left her totally immobile! She could also barely see anything! But she could make out that horrible shadow was staring down at her with it's soulless yellow eyes! If only she could move! She would-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Hearing the monsters coming as they roared and she heard the snarling echoing from their sharp toothed mouths, it chilled her to the bone! Closing her eyes she then imagined everyone in her mind's eye, 'Mickey! Cait Sith!... Riku! Help me!' Suddenly she felt something pull on her shoulders! Shocked she asked, "what-"

"Guys come on hurry up!"

Instantly she recognised this voice! 'Melody!' For right then her friend had arrived and was now dragging her out of the way of the heartless's attack zone!

"Oh geez! Hurry up! Hurry up!" Hearing this voice Nozomi then recognised it too! 'Tip!'

"They're coming in fast!" Then as she heard this voice, the female keyblader recognised it too! 'Dash!' Then as the thought came to her, she felt herself being pulled away quickly by all her friends as from behind the heartless all smashed into each other! Turning they all saw their prey beginning to escape! Immediately their ferocious outraged roars filled the air!

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Hearing the monster's all roar together, Tip then turned around and saw that the creature's were all heading straight towards them all! Instantly he knew this was bad news as he cried out, "oh guys! We're gonna be turned into eel chow!"

At this cry Melody turned and saw the monster's coming too! She knew she and her friends had to do something fast! So quickly looking around herself and seeing the darkened environment of the ragged grey rocks and barren sands! She saw something! Quickly turning to her friends she told them, "guys this way!"

With that following after her as she cried this out, Dash who was carrying Nozomi followed after her, with Tip quickly following after them! Together they all hid within a crevice within the walls of the chasm! Making it inside quickly just in time, the heartless all swam past it as they all furiously started looking around for their hidden prey!

Breathing in and out hard from the huge adrenalin rush they'd all been put through, along with the dreadful fear that was overwhelming everyone! Gasping as he gradually got himself back together, Tip breathed out,"whoa! That was too close there!"

Breathing just recovering himself too, as he continued to hold onto Nozomi's shoulders Dash replied, "ye, yeah! It was! That was terrifying!"

Nodding herself at this as she managed to get her own breath back, Melody couldn't help but smile, "but at least we were able to help! Plus we're alive!"

Hearing this comment, Tip couldn't help but be sarcastic as he said, "oh yeah we're alive all right!"

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

At once from outside their hiding spot, the heartless roared hungrily and enraged as they continued to circle around and around the chasm looking for all of them! Everyone feeling chilled from the roar were silent, however Tip then finished his statement as he said, "but for who know's how long?!"

This statement was one that no one could argue with and as the dreadful atmosphere settled upon everyone, they had no idea what to do! How could they all get out of this? How-
"Urgh!" At once hearing Nozomi groan in pain, Dash quickly got Melody's attention as he told her, "hey! I think Nozomi's waking up!"

Hearing this at once Melody rushed to her friend's side and as she did, she asked her, "Nozomi! Nozomi! Can you hear me?!"

At last finally able to talk a little better, the female keyblader asked slightly confused,"Melody? Is that you?"

Listening to her saying her name, filled the red tailed mermaid with huge relief as she told her, "yeah it's me! Are you okay?"

Nozomi hearing this question told her honestly with a little difficulty, "I feel really weak! That attack drained me... I don't know what I can do to get rid of it's effects..."

Becoming worried as she heard this, Melody asked her, "it's effects?"

Nodding slightly the female keyblader told her, "yeah! The paralysis!... If I could use one of my healing spells, or if I had a potion maybe-" quickly though the pain came back as she cried, "agh!"

"Nozomi!?" The young mermaid cried out in worry! Immediately she held her friends hands as she was anxious beyond all reason for her!

Hearing her gasp out so loudly, instantly Tip had to rush over as he said urgently, "shhh! Don't make so much racket! If those things out there find us here we're gonna be dead!"

Dash hearing his pal speak like this to their injured friend wasn't pleased as he told him, "Tip! She's hurt! Don't say stuff like that!"

As his fellow adventurer/explorer said this to him, he immediately argued back, "how can I not say this! Ya know we've only gotten into this mess cause of her! I told her to finish off that thing fast! But did she? No!"

Immediately Dash defended her as he said, "well how can you think she could take out something that big that fast! You couldn't do it with your flyless wings!"

With that the argument continued on leaving both girls silent, one was awkward with worry while the other who would speak up and put an end to it, didn't even have the strength to! Instead in her mind she was thinking to herself as she was jostled in-between the two, 'why am I stuck in the middle of this?!'

Melody seeing that Tip and Dash weren't going to stop anytime soon sighed depressed... for she could understand why they were so stressed. But this wasn't solving anything! Looking around herself as she thought about her poor friend again, she wished she could use magic herself! Or if only there was-

Then suddenly in the corner of her eye, she saw something glittering at the entrance to their hideaway! Looking at it curiously she saw it seemed to glow with a gold light of some kind? What was it?

"Oh so you think you and your big blubber can get us out of this mess huh?" Tip demanded mad!

Dash then retaliated getting just as angry, "well at least I am big and not puny like you!"

With that as the two continued on, Melody swam over to the object cautiously as she made sure not to be seen by the monsters who were continuing to prowl around outside! Getting to it carefully she picked up the thing and took it into her arms as she took it back into the crevice, looking at the object in her hands she then became amazed at what she found! Maybe this could-!?

"Oh yeah! Well you...you! You're just a big fat ball of blubber!" Tip cried out as he pointed towards Dash mad!

However before the walrus could make his come back, Melody swam over and interrupted, "I've got something! I think this well help-"

Puzzled as they both turned to look at her, Dash asked her, "you've got what?"

Not giving him a reply though, Melody rushed on over! Then getting in-between her two quarrelling friends, she took the object which was revealed to be a golden jar like bottle with a white substance within it. Taking the cap off of it, the red tailed mermaid then sprinkled the contents onto Nozomi as she glowed with a bright white light!

The keyblader's eyes widened as she felt the instant healing effects of the substance! She felt warm all over as her strength quickly came back and the paralysis left! Removing herself from Dash's fins, she turned and looked over at herself with wide amazed eyes! She couldn't believe it! "I'm healed!"

Both Tip and Dash were startled into silence while excited with happiness Melody then cried out, "it worked! So it was a potion after all! Thank goodness!"

Hearing her say this Nozomi asked her amazed, "you found a potion?"

Nodding quickly Melody replied, "yeah look!" With that she showed her now recovered friend the hidden gem she'd miraculously discovered!

Swimming over quickly Nozomi looked at the bottle in Melody's hand and as she did, she couldn't help but smile herself as she told her, "you found something better than that!"

Puzzled the red tailed mermaid asked, "I did?"

Nodding Nozomi told her, "yeah! This is an elixir! It's completely restored my strength, status and my magic!" Then taking her friend's hands in hers she told her really grateful, "thanks Melody! You really saved me here!"

Smiling as she said this, the young girl blushed pleased as she told her, "you're welcome!" Seeing this interaction made Dash smile gently as he was now really happy too!

"Oh yeah! Yeah it's all great you're well recovered and nice, remind me to get you a box of chocolates and a card!" Tip said sarcastically again as he swam on over, it was clear that though he was glad, there was still one thing that was really bugging him, "now how are ya gonna get us out of this mess!"

Hearing Tip say this, immediately Dash got annoyed again as he cried out, "hey! Tip c'mon that's too harsh there! Can't you be-"

However quickly Nozomi raised both her hands as she told them both, "c'mon! C'mon break it up! We don't need another fight right now!" Then she thought to herself, 'I had just about enough from the last one!' With that sighing she told everyone, "now guy's let's just calm down and brainstorm together!"

Hearing this one word as they all became quiet, Tip asked her, "together?"

Nodding Nozomi then told him, "that's right! If we're gonna beat those monsters we've got to work together... all of us!" She said as she looked from the small penguin and turned to the walrus and her fellow mermaid.

Listening to these words, Dash couldn't believe it! They could all help her? Melody though hearing this was more than pleased to know this as she asked her friend, "great! Do you have anything to start us off with?"

At this question Nozomi smiled as she nodded, "yeah!" Then turning her attentions to the monster who continued their ongoing prowl she concluded, "I've got a little something in mind that'll change the tide of this battle!"

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Outside the crevice the eel heartless were all still searching for their elusive prey as their swivelling eyes all scoured across the jagged stone laden environment! They were angry and hungry!

Their master gazing on from above was looking around with his own glowing yellow soulless eyes for them too... there had been no movement for sometime. Were could they be hiding in this enclosed space? For there was nowhere for them to go and no way to-

"HEY UGLIES!"

Hearing this shout, the eel heartless and their master all turned their attentions to where they heard this insulting outburst. There swimming in the waters stickling his tongue out and pulling down one of his eye lids was Tip!

Seeing that he'd got the attentions of the monsters he then told them all mad, "ya want an appetiser ta chow on! Then come and get it!" With that the small penguin started to swim furiously in the water, making a trail of bubbles behind him!

Instantly the three eels went to go and chase after this small annoying, aquatic bird! As he swam away, Tip was terrified out of his mind and as he went, he thought to himself, 'I can't believe I'm doing this!'

But then as he turned a corner and the eels went to go around it too, one went on the trail of Tip when suddenly-

"HI THERE!"

With that two of the remaining eels turned around and there they both saw Dash floating in the water! Then seeing he'd got both of the monster's attentions, the walrus told them, "here's ya dinner! A swimmin' buffet! C'mon!" With that he made tracks in the water leaving his own trail of bubbles!

Quickly in turn both monsters went to chase after him too! As he felt them coming and heard their angry snarls. Dash said aloud to himself scared beyond all measure, "Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Please let this work!"

With that as he swam around another corner and one of the eels turned with him, suddenly-

"THUNDGA!"

With that the powerful 'Thunder' spell came forth and struck the last eel! As it did, it finally caught in it's sights it's original target! Nozomi!

Seeing she'd got his attention, she told it mad and mockingly, "don't you forget desert! Now come and get it!" With that the keyblader mermaid swam away at full speed as the monster instantly came after her!

The Trident wielding shadow seeing what was going on was silent, it could sense that something was going on, but what was it? Quiet it watched on to see what would occur next!

Nozomi swimming away like mad, had her target within her sights! The shipwreck she'd been in before! Turning a corner and another, she lost the monster for a moment! Quickly pushing herself hard she made into the broken cabin room she and the others had been in. Quiet she hid behind the walls as she waited for the monster to come!

Listening intently she heard the monster as it was turning and looking here there and everywhere for her! She like the others was nervous too, but she knew the most responsibility was on her. For she was the one who would set off this trap properly and if she got hit again with that paralysing thunder then-
Suddenly the heartless pushed it's sharpened snout into the ship! Just barely missing her, Nozomi was startled as she backed up a bit as she didn't want this thing getting a whiff of her or even worse take a bite!

Looking at it she saw it was moving itself to the left and right again as it was trying to get a scent... this was absolutely nerve wrenching! Quiet as she continued to watch it, Nozomi whispered to herself, 'please! Please!'

Then as these thoughts came to her mind, the monster backed out and as it did she was quiet for a few moments before sighing and saying, "whoa that's a relief!"

However it was too early for her to speak as the cabin door started to glow with white menacing and violent light! The monster was preparing it's paralysing blast! This was bad! This was really, really bad! For Nozomi couldn't move from her position otherwise one of the other monsters might come or-

The monster then seemed to have reached it's peak! Closing her eyes fiercely shut Nozomi thought to herself panicked, 'this is it!"

"HEY!"

BLAST!

Suddenly the attack came! However it didn't enter the cabin! It was fired outside! Amazed Nozomi couldn't figure out what happened until-

"You missed me! Now come and get me!"

Recognising that voice, Nozomi knew it instantly to be Melody! But quickly before she could do anything else, she heard a sound of trailing bubbles and then-

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

With that the monster started to chase after her as it swam away... leaving her in silence Nozomi was quiet. But then feeling it was safe she looked out of the cabin and indeed she saw the heartless had gone! Amazed she then put a hand to her heart as she whispered to herself, "thank you again... Melody."

Then as she thought this, she saw something glitter with a golden light on the floor near to her. Surprised she picked up that something and was astounded... then smiling further as she looked at it, she gently put it away as she concluded, "okay... now let's get on with the next stage!" With that she quickly went to work so that they could end this once and for all!

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Quickly still swimming away, Tip thought aloud to himself, "oh c'mon! C'mon! It's been five minutes hasn't it! This should have been long enough to-"

BLAST!

With that the monster eel behind him tried to strike him down with a thunderous blast from it's horn!

Panicking as he saw the blast coming, the small penguin cried out loudly, "waaagggghhhh!" With that he managed to just barely get out of the way! He felt like his tail feathers were gonna get singed off!

Looking to the monster again, he finally concluded, "okay! That does it! This feels long enough to me! I'm just gonna go for it!" With that he swam on furiously again as he swam in and out of the jagged rocks!

Concentrating on dead head as the monster tried again and again to hit him, he thought desperately to himself, 'oh c'mon sister! Be ready now! Please! Please! Please!"

With that turning another corner he made it to his destination! The sunken shipwreck! Making it he looked around for everyone, they should all be there by now! However there was no-one to be seen!

Looking around becoming more and more panicked he said, "oh c'mon where are those guys!? They should be-"

"TIP!"

Turning around it was then the small emperor penguin saw that it was none other than his fellow adventurer/explorer and as he saw him he couldn't be more happy but-

BLAST!

"HEY!"

With that he just managed to dodge out of the way! Before another of the thunder charged blasts came! This blow though hit the monster that was behind him and immediately it screeched from the pain! Glad for this at least, Tip turned from his predator as he went to go and catch up to Dash. Swimming alongside him he told him, "why don't ya warn me next time before ya come in next time!"

Immediately Dash told him, "sorry I didn't have time and-"

"Guys!"

Instantly distracted themselves, the two aquatic animals turned and saw that coming quickly it was Melody! Seeing her they were surprised however it was too early to be asking questions as behind her suddenly-

BLAST!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

With that the two of them in a panic dodged out of the way of the thunderous blast! Then again quickly the monster behind them was struck too as it screeched out loudly! Seeing what had happened the small emperor penguin couldn't help but remark, "wow! Twice in one life time! Nice one!"

However quickly dragged forwards by his big pal as he was carried by his flippers, the two of them met up with their arriving friend. Looking to her quickly Dash asked, "Melody have you seen Nozomi anywhere?!"

Quickly the red tailed mermaid replied shaking her head, "no I haven't! I saw her hiding in the ship before but-"

"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Stopping her in her tracks, it was then that all three members of the distraction party saw that they were now dead centre of the target range of the three heartless eels and their gazes were fixed firmly with a deadly intent upon them!

They were all paralysed by just the sight of those swivelling eyes! Looking at them everyone was terrified further because there was nowhere for them to go! The monster's were beginning to charge up, they were nearly ready to attack!

Panicked Dash cried out worried as he hugged his small pal tightly, "oh what do we do!? What do we do!? What do we do!?"

Instantly shivering Tip replied, "I dunno! I Dunno! I dunno!"

Melody was just as scared but she couldn't say anything! What could they do?! What-

"Swift Star Rays!"

Instantly the shining comets of light flew forwards and as they did they struck each of the monster's as they distracted them! Angering the creature's they all saw it to be her, the keyblader!

At once seeing her friend just in front of them with her blade drawn, Melody was instantly relieved as she cried out, "Nozomi!""

Quickly though the pink finned mermaid knew this was no time for conversation, so she told them all, "guys! Get away from here now! I'll handle this!" With that she charged in for the attack!

Seeing her go, Tip was more than glad to hand over the role of battler as he cried out, "c'mon guys you heard her! Let's move it!"

Nodding Dash instantly agreed as he replied, "right!" Then looking to his other friend he told her, "Melody let's go!"

Hearing him, the red tailed mermaid didn't argue as she replied,"okay! C'mon guys!" With that they all went to get to protective cover as Nozomi began her onslaught, however as she saw her fight. The young girl thought to herself, 'good luck!'

With that as the others disappeared Nozomi then initiated her strategy as she closed her eyes fiercely shut! The monster's all seeing her do this unleashed their built up thunderous waves!

BLAST!

The first wave missed as Nozomi spun and teleported away to another spot! Then as she stood there the heartless eel that attacked went to chase her down and devour her but then-

BLAST!

Again another of the monster's unleashed their attacks! However teleporting away quickly, Nozomi vanished and instead the eel that had physically went to attack her was hit by the blow as it screeched in pain! Then appearing quickly in another spot, Nozomi stood ready as she knew what would come next!

BLAST!

Instantly once more the third of the monster's attacked! However once again teleporting away the attack missed and instead both heartless that had both been struck were hit again! Both of them were writing in pain from the blows as they turned and twisted in the water in pure agony! Instantly this unleashed the rage of the monsters as they all started to chase her in the water and snap her up into their hungry jaws!

However as each of the blows came near to getting her, Nozomi evaded again, again and again! None of them could touch her! It was then that the Trident wielding shadow tried to strike her too as he unleashed his own thunderous power!

Again though this missed too! Nozomi twirling and spinning in the water felt her power growing! It was time! Instantly moving again from another near snap she descended quickly to the seabed! Then reaching up her left hand she pulled it back as she cried out, "Shimmering Sewing!"

With that instantly in moments countless glowing orbs came forth and then weaving in and out together they formed a shimmering net of woven light! Instantly the eels were caught up and they couldn't move! They snarled angrily as they tried to break free from this glittering prison! However it was no use!

Hearing her idea had worked, it was then that Nozomi again turned in the water as she opened her eyes and announced with fierce determination, "Shining Step!" With that the spell activated as a flood of light emerged and blasted the three heartless eels up and up! They screeched loudly again and inside Nozomi felt her power grow! The end was here! Striking the monsters over and over again she dealt more and more damage and she knew it was time!

She then swam upwards and aiming swiftly she felt her power flow forth as it erupted out of her as she cried out, "Blossoming Prism Of Light!"

Instantly all three netted monsters were encased by a shining white diamond and they were all quickly struck over and over again by exploding pulses! Then finally the prism they were imprisoned within opened and blossomed forth and they were all shot out and away disintegrating into the powerful beam of light that flowed forth from it! Their agonised screeches died away in seconds!

The shadow above seeing this happen looked startled, however before it could move suddenly-

"YYYAAAGGGHHH!"

Instantly from below Nozomi swam up to meet him1 Then striking him and over again she dealt considerable damage and as she did, she told the attacker enraged, "that's what you get for attacking my friends!"

Then as she struck him more she looked to the Trident in his hand and seeing it she told him, "now you give us back what you stole!" With that she went to grab the weapon!

However the shadow seeing her do this pulled itself back! Shocking her she watched as the figure brought the Trident over him and then suddenly in a thunderous flash he vanished into a cloud of black inky smoke! He was gone!

Floating in the water Nozomi was puzzled, "why would he-"

"NOZOMI!" Shocking her suddenly the female keyblader was hugged as Melody swam up to meet her as she told her excitedly with laughter, "you did it! You did it! That was amazing! Well done!"

Surprised as she heard this, the female keyblader looked at her friend still startled as she felt her hug, then turning she saw Tip and Dash approach. The two of them were smiling too as then the leader of the adventurers/explorers told her, "yeah that was well done there! Ya took a while but good work!"

Nodding then Dash added, "yeah! That was awesome what you did there!"

Hearing these compliments too, Nozomi then became bashful and embarrassed as she smiled and said, "uh ha? Thanks..." but she had to add honestly, "but you know you guys helped out too! Without all of you here I'd be finished!"

At these words Melody ended her hug as she told her smiling happily, "we were glad to help! I'm just so happy we could finally help you with something, it's great to work as a team isn't it?"

As she heard this, Nozomi paused as she thought again of her fellow keybladers and as she imagined them she smiled more as she agreed, "yeah it is... it is great!"

Nodding more at this Tip was glad for all this as the happy atmosphere bubbled around, but there was one thing he had to ask, "so uh? How do we get out of this place?"

It was then that there was silence... for they were still caged in by the claw rocks from above. How were they supposed to get out now? Where could-

BLAST!

Everyone startled as they heard this, they turned and saw that in the distance a huge cave had been revealed as rocks had been blasted out of the way! Startled as they all saw it, no-one said anything for a moment as they recovered from their shock. But then Dash asked, "how did that-"

Then suddenly around them the whole environment began to shake and quake! Stones were also beginning to fall! Feeling it everyone was instantly on edge again as Tip cried out, "earthquake! C'mon! Let's get out of here! Move!" With that without another word quickly everyone raced towards the cave as they went and entered to get away from the natural cataclysm that was occurring!

As they all entered the cave, watching them all from a hidden distance herself Jona remarked, "wow! What a nice planned exit!" Looking above her the Sphynx knew who exactly had arranged this and manoeuvring her gaze where she imagined him to be she said, "you really are an organiser and half, aren't ya Uri honey?"

Then turning back to the cave, she decided it was safe enough to begin her tailing again and as she swam forwards she said aloud, "oh and what would you dear sweethearts do without me?" With that she looked to her right side and looking to a hidden pouch she had. It contained many glittering golden trinkets and bottles and seeing them she whispered, "I'm sometimes am too nice for my own good!" With that she entered the cave too as she continued on down the dark path that was within it!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Yes... more... just one more... find it soon... let it complete me... let me...

AWAKEN!

Gasping awake Riku felt breathless, then moving himself up he asked as he held his head, "what was that!? I-"

"Riku!?"

Instantly distracting him the white haired keyblader turned to see Mickey looking at him worried, then before he could say anything he saw that he was upon Ariel's lap as she asked him urgently, "are you alright?"

At this question he quickly became embarrassed and then removing himself from the mermaid princess's lap he told them all, "yeah! I'm fine! Sorry what happened there I-"

Cait sith then spoke up annoyed as he told him, "ya swooned there ya ninny! Honestly! Ya more of a problem on occasions than that darn old banshee! Urgh... makes me wonder what would happen to ya if no one took care of ya!"

Hearing this statement Riku was far from pleased as he replied, "great... well thanks for the support there Cait sith!"

Mickey on the other hand was just glad everyone was okay and so he decided, "well since we're all A-okay now fella's, maybe we should make a move on and get back to Triton! We better see if he's found some trace of the girls!"

Nodding at this idea, Ariel replied, "yeah! We should... I hope daddy has found something!" However she had to ask Riku again, "are you sure you're okay?"

Hearing the concern in her voice, the shark tailed merman told her, "yeah Ariel I'm sure... thanks for your concern!"

Nodding glad Ariel smiled but then Cait sith spoke up again as he said, "all right lads! C'mon let's get a move on!" With that he rolled himself forwards in his bubble as he led the way!

Seeing him go Mickey cried out to him, "hey wait up there Cait sith!"

Ariel smiling went after them both, Riku in the meantime shook his head. But then just as he was about to make a move, he turned as he saw a huge flood of bubbles go upwards in the distance and then as he squinted he thought he could see something else? Movement? Was there-

"C'mon snowdrops! Ya're gonna miss the tide here!" Came an angered shout from Cait sith!

Riku became instantly annoyed as he said under his breath, "coming! Coming!" With that he was on his way but it still bugged him, did he see something?

For what he couldn't of known was that miles from where they were, the clawed rocks that had once encaged their helpless prey... had moved back into their natural place leaving no trace of the epic battle that had taken place there...