Chapter CLXV: Searching For Harmony, Onwards To Atlantica! Part XI
Swimming together with her friends, Nozomi and them had finally exited the cave they'd entered and now they were once more back in clear open water, surrounded by familiar and friendly marine life!
She was glad that she'd made it with them, for that battle before could have ended so badly! But looking to Melody, Tip and Dash she saw that they were all in a positive mood, because of the victory they'd achieved. Then suddenly swimming ahead of her, the small emperor penguin said with a keen grin, "you know what!?"
Looking to him, Nozomi had a feeling what he was going to say as she replied amused, "what?"
"We served those darn eels and thief guy on a silver platter!" Then performing a loop de loop in the water he cried out, "we're the unbeatable adventurer/explorer quartet!"
Nozomi giggling as she heard this repeated, "quartet huh?"
Melody swimming beside her smiled too as she commented, "I like that! It sounds great!"
Nodding as he swam a little further ahead of them, Dash then said happily, "yeah! Cause we are great!"
At once with a firm nod himself, Tip replied strongly, "exactly!" Then before anyone knew it he suddenly broke into song, "Come on, follow me, we'll make history!"
Nozomi surprised as she heard this as they turned quickly around a corner, he sang loudly again, "To courage to us!"
Nozomi didn't know why he was singing now but before she could ask, Melody joined in too! "I'll try it!"
Then at once smiling away Dash added quickly, "You're bust!"
Nozomi quiet didn't understand why he sang that line but suddenly all three of her friends joined in song together, "Titanic Tip and Daring Dash! Adventurers slash explorers!"
Going under a huge arcing rock, Nozomi heard the three of them laugh and though she found it silly, her happiness was overflowing so much inside of her that she couldn't help but join in too as the singing came forth again, "Titanic Tip and Daring Dash! Adventurers slash explorers!"
Immediately Tip led the song as he sang proudly, "We'll save the day!"
Following up to his leader Dash sang too, "And make a splash!"
Then suddenly the young red tailed mermaid cried out happily, "Melody!"
Immediately joining in the pink finned keyblader cried out, "Nozomi!"
In turn the small emperor penguin cried out, "Tip!"
Finally ending the verse, the optimistic walrus cried out, "And Daring Dash!"
With that everyone swam swiftly together across a sandy seabed of numerous rocks and trailing green seaweed and colourful coral, they approached a hill as they all sang together in unison, "All for four and four for one! Atlantic, here we come!"
As the verse finished it was then that everyone made it over the tall sandy hill and at once there came into view a huge towering golden city! Looking at it, Nozomi's eyes became widened as she was mesmerised by the dazzling sight! It was the exact image from Melody's locket!
Her fellow mermaid too was amazed beyond all degree as she held her precious golden treasure to her chest and said, "I knew it! It's real... Atlantica!"
Smiling seeing their expressions, Tip and Dash high fived each other proudly! As they did the happy emperor penguin cried, "yep! You've arrived ladies!"
The cheerful walrus then decided to add pleased,"welcome!"
Seeing them do this for them both, Nozomi smiled brightly as she replied, "thanks guys!"
Immediately as she saw her friend giving her thanks, Melody did the same as she told her two friends, "yeah! Thank you so much!"
Pleased they'd got real gratitude for a change, Tip then said proudly, "all in a day's work!" Then turning as he focused on the golden city, he announced, "now let's get what we came for!" With that he swam on boldly ahead of them all!
Seeing his brave leader go, quickly Dash chased after him as he cried out, "hey Tip wait up!"
Watching them as they left, Nozomi still smiling shook her head as she remarked, "they never change," then turning her head she told her fellow mermaid, "c'mon Melody let's catch up!"
Hearing her say this, the red tailed mermaid replied brightly, "sure okay!" With that both mermaids were on their way as they went to enter the golden city of the Merpeople.
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His right hand before him, Uriax was holding a glowing swirling purple orb which was held in his palm as he revealed the imagery of his unsuspecting prey, entering the golden city. Holding it aloft for a few moments as he let the silence settle down around him, he moved the viewing object back to his face and as he did he asked smugly, "satisfied with the results?"
Looking into the orb he saw on the other side of it was Morgana who was smiling with pure delight! Smiling to her helpful benefactor she said to him clapping her hands, "oh yes... this is just divine... just a little longer and..." then a maniacal grin decorated her features and as it did she remarked, "the power of the sea will be mine!"
Undertow hearing her say this couldn't help but feel excited too as he said, "and I'll finally be big again!"
Smiling amused himself at their petty desires, Uriax replied, "indeed you will..." then turning his head he quietly made a calculation in his mind and as he observed the city... he decided on something else. Looking back to the orb he spoke again, "Morgana?"
Hearing her benefactor's voice, the sea witch asked still feeling the delights of anticipation, "yes...? What is it sweetheart?"
Seeing that he'd got her attention, Uriax told her, "I'm gonna need a little assistance here... for a distraction, think you can supply me with something?"
Hearing this Undertow wondered why he'd bothered to ask as he told him, "what could we possibly give ya that ya need! Why don't you just use the heartless! That's what they're for aren't-"
"Did I ask for the opinions of a small fry?" Uriax asked looking at him with bitter eyes. As he did immediately Undertow shut up in seconds with aggravation and as he did, the dark mage added, "I didn't think so!" Then turning his attentions back to the sea witch he asked her, "so...? Morgana, can you lend me a hand here."
Quiet as she heard the young masked man ask again, she was silent for a few moments but then she realised quickly herself why he wanted a 'distraction' rather than a heartless attack, so smiling she replied to him, "oh yes darling but of course! I'll be more than happy to indulge!" With that turning her head up, she said in a commanding tone, "Cloak! Dagger! Why don't the two of you go and give our kind... contributor a little help?"
Hearing their lady's orders the two huge red eyed sting rays bowed their heads and in another moment Morgana snapped her fingers and quickly in moments the two winged aquatic beasts vanished into a portal of darkness!
Then immediately on his end, Cloak and Dagger appeared beside Uriax and as he looked up at the two of them he grinned at them as they gazed him with their red eyes. Glad that he'd got what he wanted, he turned back to Morgana as he told her, "thank you my lady... I'll report to you again soon!"
Hearing these words the sea witch smiled and as she did, she replied with a wave of her long nails, "take care sweet heart!" With that the orb flashed and with that the image of him vanished along with her two beloved pets.
Undertow still though was clearly angered as said under his breath, "he's still a brat!"
Hearing him Morgana replied to him, "true... but he's a useful brat!"
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Watching on from a distance again as she saw Uriax gain a couple of unexpected assistants, Jona couldn't help but say aloud, "oh...? I wonder what my honey bunny's up to now?"
As she asked this she continued to watch on quietly as she saw him head in the direction of the golden city and as she saw him leave with the two sting rays... she became quiet. Then she said aloud, "hmmm... should I stay or should I go too?"
Hiding amongst the rocks she thought quietly to herself for a few moments, but it seemed she'd come to a conclusion, "hmmm... I better be a patient kitty for now... it'll be too easy for an exotic creature like me to be spotted in such a glittery city!... Oh, but not being a part of the action just kills me inside!" She whinged aloud to herself as she held her shoulders as though trying to restrain her frustration!
"Oh...!" But it seemed as though she had come to terms with it as she sighed and said, "well... let's just see how the drama unfolds huh?" Then looking to Atlantica again an eager smile decorated her features as she waited to see how things would play out.
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In the city already Riku, Mickey and Ariel were now with Triton who had Sebastian swimming with him. The news that the sea king had given them wasn't uplifting at all, for his platoons of Merpeople had found no trace of Melody or Nozomi at all!
Depressed as she looked at the sandy ground, the mermaid princess asked aloud, "oh where could they be!?"
Hearing her say this, the mouse king put a hand onto her shoulder as he told her, "Ariel don't be sad there! We'll find your daughter and Nozomi too! It-"
"It can't come sooner!" Riku said as he spoke up his own frustrations, for he was raging with worry too. Especially considering with the terrible attacks of pain that had happened to his heart... he had to wonder, had Nozomi succeeded in winning this time against the Lachesis report? Or had she-
"I quite agree with you young man," Triton spoke as he heard Riku's words. Surprising him the shark tailed keyblader turned and looked at him as he continued, "it has been a considerable amount of time since the search has begun... it would be uplifting to find even just a small trace of them."
His royal musician hearing his depressed words became sad with worry as he said, "your majesty..."
Riku listening to these words nodded as he said to the sea king becoming depressed too, "yes... it would be..."
Mickey then saw that everyone present had all become terribly saddened. Even he couldn't help but feel down hearted as well. For he couldn't think of anything to say to bring everyone's spirits back up... what were they all supposed to-
"OI!"
Surprising everyone in moments they all turned around immediately! As they did quickly Sebastian cried, "what in dancing shellfish was-"
"GET ME OUT OF THIS!"
It was then suddenly a burst of child's laughter came forth as from around the corner, a very odd sight met everyone's eyes! There bouncing in-between a group of small yellow and blue coloured fish was Cait sith! He was being thrown back and forth like a bouncy ball as the small fish giggled and laughed with joy at their newfound toy!
Everyone there couldn't believe what they were seeing! A cat being tossed around by fish? Riku then couldn't help but comment looking at the silly scene, "what a spin on the food chain!"
Cait sith though being bounced around clearly wasn't amused as he cried out mad, "oi! Cut it out! I ain't no volleyball here! Stop chuckin' me! Agh!" Then turning his head and seeing everyone staring at him, he cried out, "what're ya all doin'! Don't just float there! Get me out of here!"
Feeling the need to act out of urgency, Mickey raced over as he called out, "hang on there Cait sith! I'll get ya out of there!"
Seeing him go Ariel was quiet, but then she felt she should do something too but as she approached one of the small fish caught her eye and as it did, her eyes widened as she cried out with a smile coming quickly, "Flounder!"
Nearly just about to catch Cait sith as he came tumbling his way, Mickey turned his head as he asked confused, "who?" But then in his moment of distraction the small bubble encapsulated cat was sent flying away again as he bounced off of the king's head!
Appalled he cried out mad, "oh not again!"
Then before the king could reply or act Ariel suddenly rushed straight past him making spin in a dizzy circle! Quickly acting seeing this happen as he landed on the sea bed, Riku became worried as he cried out, "your majesty!" Making it over to him he asked concerned, "are you alright?"
Hearing the concern in his voice, it was then that the king shook his head and snapped out of his dizzy moment. As he did he looked up to his comrade and replied feeling a little embarrassed, "uh? Ha ha! Yeah I'm fine here, sorry for worryin' ya there Riku!"
Relieved as he heard this, Riku breathed a sigh of relief and then looking he saw that Ariel was now hugging the small fish she;d seen, he was confused by this? Why was she-
"Hey don't forget about me here!" Cait sith cried out as he was thrown again in another direction!
Turning as they heard him once more, Riku and Mickey were made silent again by the silly scene. However before they could go over to do anything suddenly-
"DADDY!" The little fish in Ariel's arms fled away in panic and fear as it went around a corner! Surprising everyone they all saw quickly that coming with the smaller fish was a bigger fish, it was clear he was the father as he asked a little annoyed, "now what?"
Seeing that she'd caused some distress to the poor little fish, she immediately apologised as she said, "oh? Sorry!"
However instead of being mad at her, suddenly the father fish's eyes widened with recognition as he cried out, "Ariel?!"
Immediately in turn the mermaid princess recognised him too as she cried out, "Flounder?!"
Then suddenly the fish swam forwards as he cried out again, "Ariel!" With that she went straight towards him too! As they met the mermaid swept her old friend into her arms!
Looking at this though it was surprising, everyone at that moment couldn't help but smile. Riku seeing them already figured out they were friends and seeing the two of them it reminded him of when he'd been reunited with Kairi and Sora... that one memory made him really happy inside.
Ariel holding onto her dear friend was so happy as she told him, "oh I've missed you!" Then as she gazed at him she had to remark as she played with his tail fin, "boy! You're sure not a guppy anymore!"
Pleased about this remark he laughed as he replied, "you can say that again!"
"FOR THE LAST TIME GET ME OUT OF THIS!"
Turning once again, everyone paid attention to Cait sith as he was continuing to be used as a bouncy ball! Everyone almost felt guilty for leaving him for so long in this state! However quickly seeing what his children were doing, finally Flounder stepped in as he cried out, "KIDS!"
At once quickly all of the little fish stopped throwing Cait sith in seconds! Plopping onto the ground the small black and white cat was full of relief as he cried out, "honestly it's about time!"
The children then heard their father tell them off with annoyance, "what have I told you about playing with strange objects! Don't go playing with something that has something complaining loudly in it! It's bad manners you know!"
Hearing their father saying this to them, the little fish did feel bad and immediately one of them said to him sadly, "sorry dad..."
Nodding glad that they'd understood, Flounder then told them, "good, now go and apologise to the bubble guy too."
Hearing this quickly they all went to do that and as they all surrounded him, a few of them began their apologies, "hey sorry bubble!" "Yeah! We didn't mean to cause ya trouble like this!" "We're feelin' bad about-"
With all these words being given to him, Cait sith moved himself upwards as he was now fully recovered and quickly he told them all still a little irritated, "yeah! Yeah! I know fishy mates yer all sorry! I'm fine with it! But next time don't go tossin' someone without their permission!" Then pointing with one of his gloved paws he said firmly, "ya got that!" At once all the little fish nodded quickly and in turn satisfied he'd got his point across he said finally, "good!"
Seeing that everything had come to a good conclusion, Flounder smiled again as he turned to Ariel and the others and said with a slight chuckle, "kids!"
Immediately hearing this one word made Ariel become sad again quickly as she moved her gaze down. Looking at her everyone was becoming worried about her once more and Flounder seeing what his one careless word had done became depressed as he swam over and said, "I'm sorry about Melody..."
Ariel hearing her friend say these words approached him and as she did, she gently took his fins into her hands as she told him, "Flounder... I really need your help."
As he heard his friend say these words, there was barely a moment of hesitation as he told her, "wild sea horses couldn't stop me!" Immediately glad to hear these words, Ariel hugged Flounder again gently.
Seeing this happen everyone smiled again gently and Mickey couldn't help but say, "that's great! Looks like we got another pal to help us out!"
Nodding as he said this Riku replied, "yeah it looks like!"
"Yeah it looks like!" Came an irritated reply! Turning quickly it was then that Mickey and Riku saw that it was Cait sith who had swam on over and he was now tapping his red boot in his bubble. He then reminded them both, "it looks like ya left yer own pal bouncing around! Ya completely forgot me didn't ya!"
Hearing this quickly an awkwardness came over both Mickey and Riku, as it did immediately the mouse king apologised as he told him, "oh? Sorry there Cait sith! I was tryin' ta get ya back! I uh..."
Seeing he was struggling Riku spoke up as he added, "we're both sorry Cait sith, okay?"
Mickey hearing his fellow keyblader support him made him happy, while Cait sith in the meantime still annoyed said, "ya know if I was out of this darn bubble, I'd be yankin' ya white hair and mousecheeks tail!" However then he sighed as he relented, "but cause of the situation I'll let ya off fer now!" But pointing to the two of them he said mad, "but don't ya be forgettin' me again!"
Hearing this 'telling off' Riku replied, "yeah, yeah! We know Cait sith!"
Seeing that there was good spirits all around, Triton smiled again and as he did he told them all, "well then we'd better be on our way back to the palace, there may have been some news in my absence!"
"Grand idea your majesty!" Sebastian cried and with that turning everyone else he told them all, "okay you all let's go!" With that at the king's words and the small crab's summons everyone quickly all swam on their way forwards.
Then what could have been only maybe a minute or two later, Nozomi, Melody along with Tip and Dash swam past the spot they'd been in as they ventured further into the grand golden city!
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Swimming amongst the amazing architecture that was around them Nozomi couldn't believe her eyes at the gloriousness of the place! It was incredible, but as she looked and saw Tip and Dash swimming away into the distance she couldn't help but say aloud, "you know it's hard to believe that a horrible shadow creep like that lives in an amazing place like this! Isn't it Melody?" However there came no reply, confused she turned to her friend as she asked her, "Melody?"
Looking at her, Nozomi saw that her friend was caught in the awe of the beauty as she looked at the place. She was swimming upon her back and gazing upwards as she said in a happy dreamy voice, "it's so beautiful..."
Smiling as she heard her say this, Nozomi replied, "yeah it is!" But then looking ahead she suddenly saw! "Hey look-"
But it was too late as her friend accidentally bumped into someone! Turning over quickly both automatically apologised to each other, "sorry my fault!" "sorry my fault!"
Seeing the young Merboy she'd bumped into Melody could barely finish her sentence as she saw him. He was a blonde boy with a green coloured fish tail and he had a pair of wondrous green eyes and tanned skin.
She couldn't think of a word to say as the Merboy said to her, "hi!"
Making it over to her Nozomi then told her, "you know you should really watch where you're swimming! Regardless of how beautiful this place is!"
Seeing these two mermaids the Merboy was smiling as he said to them, "oh? You're both new around here?"
Hearing this person again, Nozomi turned in his direction and as she did she asked, "huh us?"
Nodding the young man replied, "yeah, I don't think I've seen you both before."
At this comment Nozomi laughed as she said, "no you wouldn't of, we just arrived here!"
The Merboy hearing this replied, "really? What're your names?"
Nozomi was about to make her reply, "oh I'm Noz-" but then she saw that Melody was looking breathless somehow like she needed to get something out, seeing this she asked her, "hey are you doing okay there Mel-"
Then suddenly her friend blurted out almost as though she was gasping for air, "I'm Mel! Mel..."
Confused why she said this, Nozomi replied, "huh?"
Hearing what he thought were the girls name's he called out, "hey guys! Meet Noz and Mel Mel!"
With that two other Merpeople appeared, one was a female with light brown hair with a yellow flower in her hair and had a purple fish tail along with a purple shell bikini. She immediately greeted the two girls as she said, "hi!" The other was another Merboy with black hair and a blue fish tail, he asked the girls in a friendly manner, "hey? You wanna hang out with us?"
Seeing that they'd got their name's badly wrong, Nozomi knew she'd have to correct this later but turning to Melody she asked her, "do you want to?"
Immediately the red tailed mermaid nodded eagerly however suddenly-
"Alright! Alright! Break it up! Break it up!" It was Tip who'd come to intervene as he arrived he then spread his wings trying to fan away the gathering Merpeople as he told them all mad, "there's nothing to see here! Move along!"
Then turning to his fellow two adventurer/explorers he told them both, "c'mon friendly ladies! We've got a previous engagement remember!" With that he dragged Melody off by her hand.
Following suite behind him Nozomi replied to him irritated, "yes! Yes oh master Tip sir! You really know how to spoil a party don't you?"
Tip simply shook hid head annoyed at her as he guided the two of them forwards, Melody in the meantime turned back for a moment and as she did she saw the Merboy waving to them saying, "maybe I'll catch you both later!"
With that she waved to him too happily and in turn Nozomi did the same as she called back, "yeah you will! Sorry for the short intro!" With that they were all on their way.
Tip leading the way then said aloud, "this is what happen's when you bring country fish to the big city!"
With that as he let go of Melody's hand, Nozomi swam up next to her as she retorted annoyed while rolling her eyes, "whatever!"
But then turning her attentions back to her still slightly breathless friend she decided to ask her, "hey? Melody what was wrong with you back there? How come you couldn't say your name properly?"
At this question her friend immediately blushed as she told her, "that boy! That boy... he was so! So..."
A little confused at what was wrong with her, Nozomi repeated, "so...?"
Melody then told her as she felt like melting inside, "so cute! I can't believe someone like that lives here! Merpeople really are amazing!"
Silent as she heard this Nozomi repeated puzzled, "cute?" Thinking about that boy again she wondered, "he was cute?"
As she heard her say this, Melody nodded as she told her, "yeah! Definitely!" Then looking at her friend as she still seemed confused the red tailed mermaid had to ask her, "haven't you ever had a crush on anyone Nozomi?"
Hearing this one word the baffled keyblader repeated, "a crush?"
Nodding again Melody told her, "yeah! It's something you experience when you meet someone so amazing that you suddenly feel this warmth in your heart and it just spreads throughout you and makes you bubble with happiness!"
Listening to this description Nozomi was baffled and then feeling a little awkward she had to say, "like that! Oh c'mon Melody! There's no way I would-" Suddenly she stopped though for in her mind's eye she saw Riku's image emerge and immediately as it did she felt her heart pulse powerfully inside that also made her blush red.
Watching her face turn red Melody was surprised and quickly she asked her feeling delighted, "Nozomi?! You've remembered your-"
"Ah! Nothing! Nothing! I've remembered nothing!" The female keyblader cried out in embarrassment as she still blushed red still.
Now confused at her behaviour, the red tailed mermaid asked her, "really you haven't?"
Shaking her head immediately Nozomi told her, "no! No... I haven't..." with that she grew quiet as she looked down at the seabed. There was then silence between her and Melody... the red tailed mermaid seeing her be like this didn't want to push her into saying anything she didn't want to. So she simply looked on ahead sadly as they swam on together feeling that she'd said too much.
Nozomi feeling her heart continue to beat strongly along with the warmth in her cheeks thought to herself, 'there's no way it's like that! I can't feel like this for him... can I?' But as she remembered various moments that had occurred between her and him... her heart continued to pulse strongly with that uplifting warmth.
It was then she wondered to herself, 'but maybe... what if this is? Do I actually...? For Riku?' But as the question came to her mind, there was one strong reminder inside of her that she couldn't forget, 'but it won't make any difference if I do though... I mean, he was in love with..." she then couldn't, no it was more like she didn't want to admit it as the words reluctantly appeared into her mind, 'Kairi... a princess of heart... I'm not that... I'm nothing like that...I'm just..." as the thought came into her mind her heart then ached with bitter pain...
As this feeling pulsed inside of her, she didn't know what to think. Was this a crush or not? But even if it was one... there was no way that he would-
"Guys look!" Distracting her the keyblader turned her head up and there ahead of them was Dash and pointing ahead he told them, "I think we've reached the place!" With that looking ahead it was then the two girls saw a beautiful golden building.
It almost looked like an opera theatre with tall spires and towers with a huge dome structure behind it. It was surely the most majestic building they'd seen so far! Looking at it Melody then breathed, "it's magnificent!"
Tip nodding then said impatiently, "yeah! Yeah! Now c'mon! Let's go in!" With that he swam on ahead of everyone and quickly entered the place!
Quickly in turn Dash followed after him and as he did he cried out, "hey Dash! Wait up!"
Seeing them both go Melody then turned to her quiet friend as she told her, "let's go Nozomi!"
Hearing her the keyblader replied, "ri, right! Yeah! Let's go Melody! With that the pink finned mermaid followed after her friend as she continued to puzzle inside about what this strong feeling inside her was?
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Making it inside through the single long corridor, the bunch of adventurer/explorers saw a huge domed room, it was elaborately decorated and it all centred upon a single raised golden throne that had bubbles coming forth from two pedestals beside it. Whoever lived in this place must be someone of great importance in this city.
Looking at it all Nozomi breathed out in wonder, "wow..."
Tip too was very impressed as he uttered, "nice crib!"
Suddenly there was movement! Immediately everyone hid themselves away not wanting to be seen, there they saw a couple of Merpeople setting up a table with a white cloth and platters, was it for a meal perhaps?
Looking on as they went away to gather more supplies, Melody whispered to her friends, "guys c'mon follow me!"
Seeing her go, quickly Nozomi whispered, "Melody hang on! Don't rush into this!" With that she tailed after her as Tip and Dash also followed suite! Quickly all of them managed to get themselves underneath that same table the Merpeople had laid out.
Underneath it somehow with them all managing to hide together, Nozomi turned to Melody as she told her, "nice move here! But could you please give a little bit more of a warning next time!"
Hearing her say this, Melody immediately apologised as she told her, "sorry!"
Shaking her head with a sigh, Nozomi then said, "let's just try and do this carefully, okay?"
Nodding as she heard her say this Melody told her, "okay... we'll all do that." To which in turn both Tip and Dash nodded too.
With that Melody quietly lifted up the table cloth, there swimming gently over to his throne was none other than, "him!" Nozomi breathed out, instantly she quietly prepared herself ready to call out her keyblade at any moment!
For there was the shadowed figure they'd come across before! However this time he was not a shadow, instead he was revealed to be an older Merman with long white hair and a beard. He was strong and muscular with a pair of golden bracelets on his wrists and a golden crown upon his head... staring at him though Nozomi quickly dropped her guard... for looking at him he felt-
"He looks sad..." Melody commented as she watched him seat himself in his golden throne. He seemed to be gazing at a white seashell of some kind.
Melody had mirrored the very thought that was going to appear in her mind, so she added, "yeah he does... plus he doesn't look or act like he did when we were against those eels...he's different somehow, he's not like a thief at all."
Melody hearing this then started to see this man in another light... maybe he was?
Tip though had to remind the two naïve mermaids, "heh! When a villain's back on their home turf they never act the same as they do on the outside!"
Looking at him Nozomi wasn't quite ready to agree with that as she told him, "you really believe that?"
But before Tip could say another word to her suddenly, "look there it is!" Hearing Melody instantly everyone looked in the direction she was pointing to! There on the right side of the throne was what they'd come looking for! It was tall and golden, it was majestic! It was-
"A fork?!" Looking to Tip, Nozomi saw that he was irritated as he asked appalled, "we're risking our tails for a fork?!"
Annoyed seeing he hadn't grasped what it was, Nozomi decided to educate him, "it's not a fork you idiot! That thing there is the-"
"We haven't time for this! I want every available Merman searching!"
Distracting her with a start quickly Nozomi saw with the others that the crowned Merman had removed himself from his throne and he was shouting at everyone there in the room! He was outraged beyond all measure! The female keyblader felt nervous beyond all measure when-
BANG!
The white haired Merman smashed his fist on the table as he shouted out enraged, "Find her!"
SMASH!
"FIND HER!"
With that he sent the table flying revealing everyone underneath it trembling from this terrifying and loud man! Quickly though looking around and seeing their cover had literally been knocked off them, Nozomi acted instantly as she whispered, "Melody quick!" With that she grabbed her wrist ans swam with her into a nearby plant!
Getting under it's leaves fast both girls then saw through the shrubbery that quickly Tip and Dash had acted too as they hid themselves underneath the table which had somehow landed back in proper order without a single plate falling onto the floor!
Gasping from the start that he'd given her, Nozomi was nearly ready to change her mind about this guy! Looking at him she couldn't believe this sudden mood change that had happened! Turning to Melody she couldn't help but say, "what was that! Talk about anger management!"
To which still feeling a little fearful herself Melody nodded her head in reply, as she did this Nozomi turned her head back towards where Tip and Dash were hiding and then she saw becoming anxious, "oh no what're they doing?!"
Hearing her say this Melody grew worried more as she asked, "what? What is it? What's wrong!?" With that she looked through the leaves and she saw what was wrong!
For the table where they were hiding under, the white bearded man was staring at it! For it was shaking! The two so-called brave adventurers/explorers were shivering from fright and nervousness making it wobble with them!
Looking at this Nozomi saw that the man was approaching table! For he was clearly curious and he was getting closer and closer to it! Speaking her mind Nozomi felt suspense building up inside of her as she said, "oh this is not good! This is not good!"
Under the table Tip and Dash knew this too as they shivered from fright... but feeling bad the brave leader of the duo decided to tell his faithful sidekick, "Dash... if, if this is the end! I just want ya to know pal... I'm sorry I said that thing about the blubber!"
Hearing him say this Dash decided to admit an ounce of guilt on his part, "well... I'm sorry about the fish breath."
Tip then began to reply, "yeah-" however he stopped as he realised and said,"you didn't say anything about that."
However Dash revealed with a small smile, "but I was thinkin' it!" With that the shivers recommenced as the table started shaking like mad again!
Nozomi then saw with fear that the Merman had his hand over the table and he was about to pull the cloth off it! Seeing this she thought to herself desperately, "oh we gotta do something! We gotta do something now! Or-"
"King Triton! Your daughter and guests have returned!" A small orange white ruffle wearing seahorse announced as he bowed his head to his majesty. With that hearing this news, the king followed the small creature to meet them all again.
Seeing this happen Nozomi felt her racing heart still beat like crazy and as she did, she felt relief come over her as she said, "oh thank goodness! That was close!"
Nodding as she heard her say this Melody replied feeling much the same way, "yeah it was! Whew!" Then turning her eyes were on the Trident once again... looking at it, she decided it was time now!
Still recovering herself Nozomi then suddenly felt movement! Turning she saw that her friend was swimming away, instantly she was on high alert as she cried out, "Melody wait!" With that she chased after her as she stopped next to the Trident.
Looking at her Nozomi told her again, "look I've told you! Don't just swim away like that! Who knows what might-" however she stopped as she saw her friend was looking uncomfortable, she had her hand towards the Trident but at the same time she was pulling it back... seeing this, Nozomi asked her, "Melody?"
It was that moment that Tip and Dash came out from under their table cloth, as they did the sidekick spoke his relief as his brave leader sighed, "woo! That was close!" Then turning they saw that Nozomi and Melody were next to the Trident. Quickly they both went to catch up to them.
Melody felt her hesitation still raging inside of her, was this really the right thing to do? For she knew that this Trident was the only way she and her friend could stay mermaids but at the same time... there was a nagging sensation inside of her. It was telling her that this was wrong, they shouldn't do this! Looking to her friend she asked her, "Nozomi? What should I do? … Is this right?"
Hearing this question Nozomi felt troubled still inside too, so she decided to tell her, "Melody I think that-"
"Oh yeah! Sure make a debate here! We can all just relax, then just sit here and die!" Tip cried out enraged as he made it over becoming mad at the girl's indecisiveness!
Becoming irritated as he said this Nozomi then replied, "oh get lost! This is important here and-" Suddenly there were voices from behind, people were coming this way!
Dash realising this spoke up with urgency and worry, "he's coming back!"
Hearing this Nozomi turned to her friend worried as she said to her, "Melody...!"
Realising there was no time now, but still feeling her hesitation still inside of her... she decided to do just do it! So pulling with all her strength the red tailed mermaid removed the Trident from it's altar as it glowed with yellow light! But in that same moment as she did so, instantly her locket's chain snapped and it fell to the ground! Feeling this happen in worry Melody turned as she cried, "my necklace!"
However stopping her from going back Nozomi told urgently, "there's no time!" With that she pulled Melody away with her fast but as she did, unbeknownst to her as she fled with her friend along with Tip and Dash following behind. Something had fallen from her pocket!
Arriving back into the throne room with king Triton, the mermaid princess and the keybladers had worry dwelling upon them all again. For looking around the palace and the city nothing had turned up here either! There was just no sign of either of the girls, no matter where they looked!
Feeling his worry surge inside of him, Riku asked softly to himself as he put a hand to his chest, "Nozomi where you... ?"
Looking up to him with concern, Mickey whispered sadly, "Riku..."
The same thoughts were dwelling through Ariel as she thought about her daughter, Flounder seeing this decided to try and cheer her up as he told her, "ah! Don't worry Ariel we'll find her!"
Glad she had her friend with her, Ariel turned and was about to make a reply when suddenly she noticed with alarm! "Daddy look!" With that hearing the urgency in her voice everyone looked to where she was pointing to as she arrived next to her father, there they saw it as she cried, "the Trident!"
For looking they all saw what had happened! Swimming over quickly Mickey cried out as he looked around the pedestal, "hey! It's gone! Where's it got to!"
Arriving next to him in his bubble, Cait sith looked around too and instantly he knew this was bad! "I don't know! But bloomin' heck! If that gold stick ain't here! None of you lot can turn back to normal can ya?!"
Riku arriving quickly too knew this to be true as he told the small cat, "yeah that's right! This is bad for that, but worse for the ocean... though how could it have been taken! Could anyone just snatch it from here?"
Hearing this question Sebastian as he looked around worried himself told the urgent keyblader, "no! Not just anyone can! Nobody can remove the Trident from this stand... except his majesty or..." but then turning to the king he realised the awful possibility, "one of his descendants!"
Repeating this one word Riku asked, "descendants?"
Ariel realising this looked around and then she saw with alarm on the ground, something golden and familiar! Picking it up quickly she saw it was her daughter's locket and she knew immediately who'd taken the Trident, "Melody!"
With that swimming over quickly Mickey asked, "what've ya found there Ariel?!"
In turn the mermaid princess showed the mouse king what she'd located and seeing it he asked, "a golden locket?"
Riku arriving over too heard Ariel as she explained, "it's my daughter's! She ran away with it that night... but how could she have got here! What could-"
"What's that!" Riku asked as he saw something glittering on the floor.
Hearing him as he swam over too, Cait sith cried out, "oi! What's the ruckus here! What's been found! What-"
But without another word Riku went to where he saw the glittering object and there he saw a small pale blue gem glowing in the light. Looking at it he recognised it's glow as he whispered, "Goliath?" There seemed to be a twinkle from the stone as though confirming his question.
Instantly he turned to Mickey and Cait sith urgently as he told them all, "guys! She's been here! Nozomi was here!"
At this news instantly Mickey and Cait sith both asked at the same time, "Nozomi?!" With that running over they looked and saw what was in Riku's hand.
Seeing the summon gem in his hands Cait sith then cried out, "cripes! That's Goliath there! I made that gem for her meself!" Then he became annoyed with Nozomi as he said, "that dumb banshee! Leavin' precious treasures like this behind! I'm gonna give her a hard hair pullin' for this!"
"So she's alive!" Feeling relief knowing this, Mickey sighed and said, "oh that's great news!"
Riku felt relief inside him too as a small smile came to his face, but then he had to ask, "but how could Nozomi be here! She can't swim unless-"
Mickey though already knew the answer, "unless someone's given her the ability to get here, maybe she was transformed into a sea person like us! Maybe it's the same for Melody too! But who would-"
Triton was the one who could answer that as he told them all, "it's Morgana... she must have used her magic upon them both... then in turn..." as the horror of realisation came over him he spoke further, "if she gets her hands on my Trident!"
Immediately turning to the nearest guards he ordered them immediately, "double the search parties! I want every creature in the ocean on patrol!"
Immediately the Mermen guards all answered him, "yes sire!" With that they went to carry on their duties!
Sebastian in the meantime feeling his guilt and stress build up, snapped as he cried out, "oh this is all my fault1 I should just be turned into a crab cake for this!I'm so useless!"
Hearing him getting stuck in a rut again, Cait sith swam on over as he told him, "Sebastian mate! Don't get caught up in ya're emotional babble again! This ain't gonna do no one no good ya know!"
However the small crab confessed feeling like he was going to weep, "but it is MY FAULT! My blabbering caused this! I'm just a useless crustacean! If I paid more attention from the start instead of blabbering on and on and on and on and..."
As this continued to go on like this Cait sith then had to say aloud, "I have a feeling this is gonna go on all night..."
Feeling a little sad for Sebastian Mickey smiled sadly, but he had to ask though, "so where should we start looking next fella's?... If it's this Morgana then-"
Suddenly stopping the mouse king in his tracks, a couple of ominous shadows passed over them all. Looking up they all saw a pair of Sting Rays with red glowing eyes staring down at them all... seeing them the keyblade and mermaid watched them leave through the pillars of the palace.
Seeing them exit Ariel spoke up as she said, "wait a minute... I know those two!"
Hearing this Riku asked, "you do?"
Nodding Ariel replied, "yeah!" Then moving forwards she told them all, "c'mon let's go! They might lead us somewhere!"
With that not uttering another word quickly Riku chased after her and then Mickey went to catch up too, but turning for a moment he told his bubble friend, "Cait sith we're goin now! Ya better hurry up!"
Hearing him say this Cait sith replied, "on the way Mouse cheeks!" Then looking down as he saw Sebastian going on and on and on, he told him, "catch ya later Sebastian mate! Try not to get too down in the dumps okay!" With that he was on his way as he chased after Mickey, Riku and Ariel along with Flounder.
As everyone chased after the two mysterious and sinister creatures, Riku held Goliath's summon gem to himself and as he did, he whispered to himself, "Nozomi... wait for me!"
However unbeknownst to the group of Sting Ray chasers, Uriax was watching them and with a keen grin on his face he remarked sinisterly, "and now the fun begins...!"
"And on and on and on... from now on your majesty! Nothing will get past..." however quickly Sebastian saw he was alone in the throne room as he finished saying, "me?" For everyone was now on a mission they had to get the Trident back! Find their friends and importantly, stop Morgana!
