Chapter CLXIX: Searching For Harmony, Onwards To Atlantica! Part XV

"Firaga!" With that the powerful fire spell came forth at the command of Nozomi's determined tone! Immediately it struck the thick barrier of ice that was trapping both the keyblader and her friends.

As the fire burned and then finally fizzled away in a spray of heated bubbles, Nozomi then saw with terrible dismay, "it's no good! It just won't work!" For this had been the fifth time she'd tried using a powerful magical spell to destroy the ice!

Melody having stood back as the spell had been cast, looked on with terrible anxiety... for if her friend's magic wouldn't work... then?

Flounder beside the fretting mermaid princess, swam up to the keyblader as he asked her, "isn't there any damage to it at all Nozomi?"

Putting her own hand on the icy surface, the female keyblader shook her head as she replied, "no... there's not even one dent on it Flounder!" Then turning her gaze she looked to the yellow and blue striped fish as she told him, "I don't know what else I can do! My keyblade isn't enough and I can't summon under water and-"
"It's hopeless..." Melody said sorrowfully as she dropped down and sat on the rough icy floor of the prison with her head bent down.

As she said this immediately both Flounder and Nozomi were worried for her and quickly they swam to her side! The small fish then told the young girl, "Melody don't say that! You can't lose hope now! Or-"

As she heard her two friends come to her, Melody didn't turn her head back up as she replied, "it's the end Flounder! Everything is all my fault!" Nozomi and Flounder were stilled into silence as they watched the young girl look to them with absolute despair in her eyes,"Morgana's got my mom and your friend, she has the power of the Trident and the heartless... and there's no way out of this! We're..."Seeing that she couldn't even say the word, Nozomi swam up to Melody and as she did she gently took her hands into her own as she squeezed them a little in a silent gesture of reassurance.

Looking up at her friend as she did this, the young red tailed mermaid couldn't believe she was being so kind to her, despite everything that had happened. However this further pained her as she realised their ultimate fate, so horribly saddened she asked her, "Nozomi can you ever forgive me for all this?"

At these words the female keyblader quickly told her mustering as much courage as she could, "Melody stop it! This isn't all your fault! Please don't blame yourself for all this!"

However the young girl shook her head as she tried to argue, "but I-"

"You weren't the only one who was brought into Morgana's ploy! I mean I had my doubts and felt there was something wrong... but I didn't voice it! Maybe if I had things might have been different! So don't take all the responsibility for this!" Then gripping Melody's hands the keyblader told her firmly, "I will get you out of this I promise you!"

Hearing her firm words Melody was quiet, but inside it reassured her just little as she asked, "you still think there's a chance?"

Nodding Nozomi told her, "yeah I'm sure there is!" But as she turned to look at the thick iced barrier she said, "the only thing against us now is time..." for outside of it she saw that the light was beginning to fade... and in her heart there was only one course of action she'd be able to take soon...

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Within the dark waters both Ariel and Mickey swam down quickly! There ahead of them sinking deeper and deeper into the depths of the ocean, the two of them could see Eric who was helpless against the pull of Cloak and Dagger as they held him by his legs with their whip like tails.

Ariel knew this was really bad as she said desperately, "we've got to hurry! Eric won't be able to survive for long at these depths!"

Nodding quickly Mickey agreed as he told her, "yeah I know! Let's catch up Ariel!"

With that said the two of them pushed themselves harder as they dove down! Faster and faster they were gaining on the slippery Sting Rays and their helpless prey! Seeing that they were close, Mickey said with determination, "we're nearly on top of 'em!"

Nodding quickly Ariel agreed with him but as she turned her head to make her reply, suddenly she saw! "Mickey behind us!"

Gazing at the look of worry on the mermaid princess's face, Mickey quickly turned himself and there he saw with immediate terror, the enormous shark Undertow swimming straight towards them!

Seeing that he'd gained the attention of his quarry, Undertow grinned menacingly as he laughed and said, "ha ha! Chow time!" With that he opened his massive jaws showing his rows of razor sharp teeth which were ready to devour them both!
This was bad! Really bad! Looking at the shark and then looking back to Eric who was still being pulled down. The mouse king knew he needed to act swiftly now! So taking his keyblade out he said fiercely, "ain't got a choice here have I?" With that he swam back to intercept the dangerous monster!

Seeing him go, Ariel quickly turned back and knowing what he was planning to do she cried out, "Mickey you can't-"

"Don't worry about me Ariel! Just go and get Eric out of this mess! I'll slow down this guy for ya!" With that as Mickey turned away from the mermaid princess he aimed and then cried out his fierce spell, "Thundaga!"

With that the furious spell thundered forwards to strike the enormous shark! However quickly Undertow was ready for this as he dodged and manoeuvred himself in the water, grinning as he looked to the sea-horse tailed mouse he told him smirking, "nice try! But that trick ain't gonna work twice chump!" With that he went straight in for a charge!

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Meanwhile watching from the surface still as her legions of heartless continued to battle against King Triton's mermen and Prince Eric's remaining forces. Morgana watched from her icy throne the progress of Undertow's chase as she viewed it from an inky viewing orb.

She smiled as she saw Mickey and her loyal deadly minion clashed against each other over and over again, giggling she then said aloud, "ha ha! It'll won't be long now! There's no way! That pipsqueak can't handle Undertow forever! Soon he'll be nothing but a fish dinner!"

Then watching on still with a smile on her face, Morgana then noticed something else, "oh? So she has finally managed to catch up to him huh?" For at the moment, Ariel had caught up to Eric and was now hanging on desperately with both arms as she tried to pull him back up and release her beloved prince from Cloak and Dagger's clutches.

This made Morgana smile all the more, "ha! There's no way you'll save your beloved princey with just your strength alone Ariel!" Then as these delightful struggles continued to play out in front of her, the evil sea witch joked further and said, "now if only I had a bowl of guppy chips!"

However just as she made this humorous remark, suddenly another inky orb appeared! However Morgana was too busy with her amusement to notice it until, "Morgana!"

Confused the sea witch was startled for a moment before turning and finally seeing the orb. As she looked at it she then saw Uriax's annoyed face as he told her obviously unamused, "we need to talk!"

Seeing he was being as uncouth as ever, Morgana wasn't in the mood for him as she replied, "oh it's you! Well you can beat it for now short stuff! I'm enjoying a good show here!"

"Oh are you?" For Uriax seeing that Morgana was now being discourteous compared to her earlier behaviour, he in turn wasn't in the mood for insolence and so he told her, "well you'll have to put a pause on it!"

At this tone Morgana was feeling ready to blast this brat to smithereens! So looking to him she asked sounding venomous, "and why's that?"

Uriax then told her simply, "otherwise you'll have more pests that will rain and ruin your parade!"

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Pulling hard, Ariel couldn't get Eric free! The only thing she was able to do was stop his descent, she couldn't save him alone with just her strength and Mickey was still fighting against Undertow! Desperate she wondered to herself 'what should I do?! How can I get Eric out of this!?'

Looking at his pained expression as he held on tightly to her too, it was clear he was struggling for air! He couldn't last much longer! But what was she to do!? What could she-

"Ariel!" Turning quickly as she heard her name being called, the red haired mermaid then saw an old friend quickly approach her!

Seeing him she immediately cried out, "Sebastian!?" For there quickly swimming in her and Eric's and direction was the royal red coloured composer crab!

At his approach she cried, "what're you doing here!? You shouldn't-"

"I gotta redeem meself Ariel! I gotta-" Then quickly the small crab stopped as he saw Eric's state! The small crab paused and quickly he knew what to do!

"Sebastian?" Ariel asked him, however quickly she saw him swim forwards and as he did she cried, "Sebastian no! You can't-"

"I can and I will Ariel! I'll save Eric just you wait!" With that the small crab swam forwards to fulfil his oath and redeem himself!

Meanwhile above still fighting desperately against Undertow, Mickey smashed his keyblade into the giant shark's side! However reacting immediately the ferocious beast replied, "nice bat mousey, but-!" With that he swung himself and smacked the mouse king away with his long spiked tail!

"Agh!" The king cried out! Rolling in the water he turned himself over ready as he brought out his golden keyblade once more as he prepared for Undertow's next move!
Grinning the Tiger shark bared his sharp teeth as he went in to snap up the pesky rodent! But before he could make a move suddenly-

"Undertow!"

In his ear quickly the shark heard his mistresses' voice! Shocked he turned and there beside him was a viewing orb and through it Morgana was looking at him with an extremely unpleased look on her face!

Seeing her the shark was about to say something when the evil sea witch told him mad, "change of plans! Head straight for ice fortress and now!"

However Undertow had to object as he told her outraged, "but I've got this pipsqueak on the rope's! Why do you want me to change now when-"

"Cause you've got bigger fish that need frying! Now get going there now!" Morgana told him angrily before disappearing in an inky burst!

Confused as to what she was going on about, Undertow was annoyed bitterly as he knew he had no choice. Lest he wanted to be puny again! So turning to Mickey who was looking at him confused, he told him, "looks like you got lucky mousey! Be grateful!"

Hearing this Mickey still didn't understand what on earth was going on! But looking he watched quietly as he saw the enormous Tiger Shark swim away into the distance, he then paused for a brief moment when-

"AAAGGGHH!"

Turning quickly Mickey then saw in the distance that Ariel now had Eric in her arm's and was sailing quickly through the water as the two of them headed to the ocean's surface! This filled the king with immediate relief however looking on, he saw that Sebastian was now the one being dragged down by Cloak and Dagger as he held their thin whip like tails with his pincers!

Seeing him the mouse king cried out, "Sebastian!" With that the king quickly gave chase!

Sebastian was in absolute terror as he felt himself being dragged forwards by the two terrible Sting Ray's! There was no time for him to do anything, for before he'd acted and done the only thing he could do to free Eric, attack the creature's himself with two strong painful pinches!

However this in turn now left him being the captive! What was he-

"Sebastian!"

Hearing his name being called, the small red composer crab then saw with relief a rescuer quickly coming his way! Seeing him the red crab then cried out, "Mickey man!"

Seeing he was alright filled the king with relief again! But quickly he told Sebastian, "hang on there! I'll get ya out of that!"

Immediately the red crab replied, "that's all I can do man!" With that quickly the red crab was dragged fast around a corner by Cloak and Dagger!

Following suit, Mickey followed after them and as he turned he saw instantly what the two Sting Rays had in store for their helpless crustacean captive! They were going to smash him into a tall icicle that was ahead of them! However the king wasn't going to let that happen! So quickly once more he brought out his keyblade and immediately he cried out, "looks like I'm gonna have to put you fella's on hold!" Then immediately he unleashed his spell, "Blizzaga!"

With that the powerful ice spell spilled forth and in moments it sped forwards and quickly feeling it coming Cloak and Dagger turned around shocked when-

FLASH!

Suddenly before the two creature's could even blink they were both struck and then frozen straight onto the huge icicle! Tied down by huge icy rings the two creature's were absolutely flabbergasted with shock as they looked to each other with widened eyes!

Seeing what had happened to his kidnappers, Sebastian was dumbfounded for a moment too! But then a joyous smile came across his face as he told the two Sting Rays with a mocking pincer, "ha! Take that you scaly flat toadies!" Then quickly he swam his way back in the king's direction and as he did, he told him, "you totally saved my claws there Mickey! I don't know how I could ever repay ya for-"

Quickly though as he arrived over to him Mickey told him with a smile, "aww shucks Sebastian you don't have to do anything! But you're welcome!" However he remembered the urgency at hand, "but now we gotta be headin' up to the surface! We gotta find out what Morgana's playin' at!"

Remembering this quickly too, Sebastian agreed with him as he replied, "right! Yeah of course! You lead the way up, Mickey!"

Nodding in response quickly Mickey started swimming towards the surface with Sebastian following behind him and as he they went, the mouse king thought to himself, 'I just hope Riku and Nozomi are doin' okay!"

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Seeing that things were going according to plan, Uriax then quickly dismissed his viewing orb. Though as she watched on it was clear to Jona that he was irritated, as she noticed this she asked him with a grin on her face, "something troubling you honey?"

Uriax not looking at her then replied coldly, "nothing that concerns you!"

Smiling all the more at this answer, Jona then put a finger to her lips as she made an observation, "you know I would never expect you to ask that madam to make that shark go to those guys side," then she decided to ask him as her curiosity was eating away at her, "why did you feel the need to?"

Annoyed further, Uriax could see she wasn't going to quit asking so he decided to indulge her, "you said I needed to work from the shadow's didn't you? How can I get Nozomi out from that ice without directly being there... and I doubt those guys could break through the ice alone either."

At this answer Jona was surprised that Uriax had taken her words so much to heart and this brought a smile to her face. So in turn she replied simply, "I see..."

Then turning from her, Uriax swam a short distance away from her as he said, "now c'mon... let's make sure things are going smoothly!"

With that as he swam away from her and entered the dark depths, Jona said aloud again with a delightful smile still on her face, "right you are sweetie!" With that she followed after him and together they went to see what events would be unfolding within Morgana's icy caverns.

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Swimming cautiously forwards Riku with Cait sith on his shoulder still within his bubble, they both followed Tip and Dash as they led the way to icy glacier where Morgana dwelled. Seeing the huge imposing structure, it was an ominous sight to be hold and it gave the white haired keyblader a bad feeling as he asked, "and you're sure this is where Nozomi and Melody are being held?"

Nodding quickly Dash turned and told the shark tailed keyblader,"yeah! We saw them both go in here ourselves!"

Hearing this Cait sith became curious as he asked, "why didn't ya fella's go in after 'em then?"

At this question, quickly Dash looked depressed as he gazed downwards. Tip in the meantime too became a little downhearted as well as he answered, "let's just say we encountered a little something that made us have to make a major detour!"

Not understanding the slightest what he meant by that as they entered the shadowed icy entry way of the glacier, Cait sith then had to ask, "and just what kind of encounter would have that been lads?"

Then immediately as he asked this question, quickly behind them all a huge shadow came overhead that loomed over all of them! This confused everyone but turning quickly everyone then saw with terror the tall and foreboding form of Undertow! His massive shark jaws were exposed in a massive grin as he stared down upon everyone! Looking at him, it was then that Tip gave Cait sith his answer as he pointed to the massive shark, "something like that!"

Seeing the effect his entrance had caused, Undertow laughed as he asked them all, "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Goin' somewhere boys?"

Seeing the shark Riku was at first shocked but then quickly he was on guard as he drew out his keyblade and informed the shark, "we're here for our friends!" Then pointing his weapon at the creature he warned him aggressively, "don't get in our way!"

Laughing again as he heard this pathetic demand coming from such a small fry, Undertow replied," Ha! Ha! So it does looks like you're all worth fryin'!" Then feeling his predatory nature beginning to kick in again as he shook his tail, he remarked, "I'm gonna take my sweet time with all of ya!"

Aggravated at this statement, Cait sith then told the enormous shark, "we ain't got time to play around with ya! Ya damn overgrown sardine! Our lasses are gonna be sinkin' like Davey Jones's locker if we-"

"And you think I care! You guys have got bigger problems... like me!" With that Undertow leered at them grinning all the more menacingly as he moved his enormous nose closer to them all!

Seeing the shark looking at them like this, filled both Tip and Dash with absolute terror! Feeling his fear pumping inside of him, the walrus felt every fibre in his body screaming at him to run for his life! But then he remembered Nozomi and Melody and as he thought of their helpless state, something snapped inside of him!

Tip shivering suddenly felt his pal's fins on his shoulder and as he did he looked to him and heard him say, "well it's been nice knowin' ya!"

Confused the small penguin didn't have time to ask what he meant by that because-

"YYYAAAGGGGHHH!"

Suddenly Dash leapt forwards and was now on Undertow's back as he held his dorsal fin as he started to tussle and fight with it! The enormous Tiger shark was obviously irritated beyond all measure as he tried to buck off the shouting walrus!

Looking on everyone was shocked and were clearly not ready for this sudden action! Tip was in awe as he said aloud with wide eyes, "now that's one brave hunk of blubber!"

Cait sith now recovering from his shock reacted then too, "yeah! Way ta go Dashy mate! Give him one for!"

Shivering with fear but still determined to keep the enormous shark occupied, Dash replied loudly, "thanks! I'll hold him here! You guys go and find Melody and Nozomi!" Then suddenly Undertow started to leap in and out of the water, as he did the desperate walrus cried out, "hurry!"

Hearing this cry Riku reacted in moments, "you guys heard him!" Then turning he told Tip, "c'mon! Let's go!" With that he started to swim forwards with the small emperor penguin following closely behind him and together they swam deeper into the depths of the chilling glacier!

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Deep within their prison, Nozomi Melody and Flounder were still desperately themselves trying to escape their prison of ice! Smacking the ice, as well as searching all over, they were trying to find any way of escape! However as the darkness continued to grow their anxiety and stress grew with it! Time was running out! Soon-

"AGH!" Melody cried out as she felt a pain spreading from her lower abdomen! It made her hold onto it tightly!

Hearing her cry, Nozomi worried asked, "Melody are you-" Then suddenly, "AGH!" The same pain struck her too as she quickly held her body as well! The spell was nearly over!

Seeing the girl's pain, immediately Flounder worried asked, "guys what's wrong with you both!? What's-"

"Our time..." Nozomi cringed as she opened one eye painfully, "it's nearly up!"

Flounder hearing this was horrified, he couldn't do anything for either of the girl's! This made him feel terror inside at what was coming!

Melody feeling her despair grow rapidly again along with her fear, she cried out, "this is it! We can't-"

"No!" Hearing her friend cry this out, Melody looked at her startled as she saw that she had her keyblade pointing at her! Looking to Nozomi she heard her say, "I promised you! I'll get you out of this and I mean it!"

Melody though couldn't understand why she was saying that! Also why was she pointing her keyblade at her!? "Nozomi why're you-"

Nozomi then looked at Melody with a sad smile, as she did she told her, "Melody... if you happen to see Cait sith again or meet Riku and Mickey... tell them, I'm sorry..." then looking really bad she added," and I'm sorry I can't help you anymore..."

Hearing this Melody was worried for she couldn't understanding why she was saying this? She began to ask, "Nozomi what're you-"

Then suddenly the blue tailed keyblader grasped her weapon with both hands as she cried out, "Protect! Aero!" With that instantly the two spells came together and struck the red tailed mermaid and immediately it encapsulated Melody in an air bubble! Feeling this protective sphere all around her, the young girl looked at Nozomi with widened eyes as she stared back at her with a sad smile.

Then suddenly in that same moment their transformation spell ended and quickly the two of them spun and in moments their fishtails came apart as their legs returned and in a burst of sparkling light the magic vanished into glittering bubbles. Both Melody and Nozomi were restored to their human forms again!

However looking on from the confines of her air bubble, Melody looked on horrified with widened eyes along with Flounder as her friend covered her mouth and was now unable to breathe! She struggled as she kicked her legs frantically in the water! Seeing this happen she cried out distraught, "Nozomi no!" For her friend had kept her promise, but she wouldn't live beyond her promise!

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Back above in the water Riku was following Tip's directions as he led the way! As he charged on he whispered aloud to himself, "Nozomi hang on! We're nearly with you both!"

Cait sith then cried out mad as he held himself steady on Riku's shoulder, "Tip mate! We nearly there yet! Those lasses ain't got long!?"

The small emperor then replied, "yeah nearly! Just a bit longer and I'm sure we'll-"

"RRRAAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Shaken quickly instantly everyone turned around and saw quickly approaching like a torpedo, it was none other than Undertow! He had a mad grin on his face as he shouted out loud, "DINNER TIME!"

Horrified as they all saw him coming, immediately Tip then saw his sidekick on Undertow's fin, seeing him he cried out, "I thought you were gonna hold him!"

Quickly Dash replied back in terror, "I am holding him!" He then closed his eyes in absolute fear as he felt the shark charge on forwards!

Irritated as he saw the monster shark coming their way, Riku gripped his keyblade hard as he said with gritted teeth, "tch! There's no choice!" With that he charged forwards and cried out, "come and get it shark man!"

To which Undertow grinned widely as he was happy to accept the challenge! Rushing forwards the shark had the merman in his sights as he opened his wide jaws!

Cait sith feeling on edge now then cried out as he braced himself in his bubble, "lad he's comin! He's comin!"

Tip seeing this too tried to stop Riku as he sped back told him slapping his bare chest, "hey! Haven't you got the telegram! You ain't got a chance against that shark! You gotta get out of the way now or you'll-"

Then he turned around and saw Undertow was on top of them and immediately at the sight of his sharp white teeth he cried out, "AAAGGGGHHH!"

Riku instantly acted! For just as the enormous shark was on top of him, he slid to the side as he snapped his jaws shut! Then immediately he struck the creature with his keyblade right in his head between the eyes!

Shaking his head as he felt this attack hit him, Undertow then grinned as he turned again and replied, "agh! For a shrimp you sure pack a punch!"

Angered Riku then told him, "I'm packing more than that!"

"Well I'm gonna have to see it then!" Undertow spoke sinisterly and with that he charged forwards straight towards the keyblader again!

Terrified as he saw the massive Tiger shark coming his way again as he stood now on Riku's other shoulder, Tip cried out, "oh not good! Not good! Not good!"

Then once again just before he could strike them all, Riku acted as he leaped forwards into the air and quickly he turned and aimed a spell as he cried out, "Thundaga!"

With that the powerful Thunder spell came forth and struck the monster square in the back! Missing Dash as he tumbled over the spell and then slammed into his bucking ride! Then landing on the other side of the creature, Riku looked at the beast as he pulsed with electrical damage, staring on with angered eyes quickly he asked him, "you've had enough yet!?"

However quickly Cait sith had realised a terrible error that had been made, "oh lad!"

Hearing him cry out like this, the white haired keyblader not understanding why he was making such a fuss, he asked him, "what's wrong with you Cait sith?"

Immediately the small cat in response pointed ahead, confused still the keyblader turned his head and there he saw Undertow was now facing them but on the tip of his nose unconscious from the sudden rush, it was none other than Tip!

Quickly Riku was worried as the enormous shark grinned menacingly and as he did, Tip awoke and as he did he saw startled where he was! Nervously he grinned as he said, "nice fishy!"

However in response Undertow growled with a sinister hunger! The battle had now become more dangerous than ever!

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Back in the watery prison Nozomi was still struggling badly she fought to keep the last bit air of air she had left inside of her! Melody seeing her like this felt horrible all over! She couldn't do anything for her friend as she desperately smacked the edges of her bubble as she whispered in horror, "oh no! No! Please no!"

Flounder in the meantime was desperate himself as he tried forcing himself against the ice trying to make a dent, a crack, anything! Though he was pained all over, he cried out, "hang on guys! I'm gonna bust us out of here! If it's the last thing I-!" However as he smacked the ice again, the pain was too much as he fell in the water and said, "do...do..."

Nozomi in the meantime struggling badly felt the worse kind of pressure she'd ever experienced! It was painful and her heart beat madly, desperate for oxygen! However there was nothing she could do! She couldn't breathe! She couldn't...! However as she looked to Melody, there was one thing that she could be glad about. That she'd used the last of her power to save a friend... It was then as the thought came that the world around her became dark, as it dimmed all the colour around her turned grey as it gradually faded away...

Melody watching on then saw with horror Nozomi's hands drop in the water and in another moment, bubbles spilled from her lips! Her eyes widening she then cried out, "Nozomi no! Please wake up! Please! Nozomi!" However there was no response as her still body fell lifeless within the icy waters... The white wearing pyjama girl felt tears spill from her eyes as she cried out in despair, "no! No!" With that she collapsed inside her bubble in total sadness whimpering sorrowfully!

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SPLASH!

Leaping into the water and diving forwards, Riku was swimming down fast as behind him Undertow was right on his tail! He wasn't able to attack now due to both Tip and Dash being on top of him! The two of them would be harmed by any spell's that he tried to cast and he didn't have the strength to face the giant Tiger shark alone!

They were running out of options! What could they do!? What could they-

Cait sith then cried out, "oi lad! Incoming!"

With that hearing his call, immediately the white haired keyblader turned and he saw once more Undertow was launching himself forwards like a torpedo! Instantly he reacted as he swam away out of his target range!

However from behind he saw with widened eyes that Tip was dislodged from the giant shark's nose! As this happened the small helpless emperor penguin looked on in horror at the massive predator and then-

SNAP!

The small penguin was swallowed whole into the shark's jaws! Horrified immediately Riku cried out, "TIP!"

Cait sith too cried out in distress, "TIP LAD!"

Then seeing what had happened to his brave leader Dash cried out in horror! "TIP!" With that he dove forwards trying to see any signs of his beloved pal!

As he did this his flippers covered Undertow's eyes and as they did the annoyed shark cried out, "hey get your mitts out of my eyes Flubber butt! I can't-"

CRASH!

With the speed he was going at, Undertow literally had become a living ram and had managed to smash straight through the thick icy barrier! The shark had then crashed straight into the wall that was behind it and was now suffering from the worst concussion ever!

Swimming through the shattered doorway that had been made and slipping past the icy debris that was there, Dash swam forwards cautiously as he approached the shark hoping to find any traces of his friend... looking around though there was no trace whatsoever... nothing at all! This left the walrus with a terrible painful sad ache... for his friend was now-

CRACK!

Then suddenly Undertow's teeth all cracked and broke apart in moments almost like glass! There inside shivering upon the shark's long tongue was none other than Tip! Alive and well!

Dash couldn't believe it and smiled brightly! Tip too breaking out of his scared state looked around himself hurriedly couldn't believe it either! But then feeling proud and relieved at the same time he rubbed his wing's together as he remarked aloud triumphantly, "another plan! Perfectly executed!"

Inside her bubble hearing this voice, Melody recognised it and quickly she asked though her tears still fell, "is that-?"

"Tip! Dash!"

Then hearing another couple of voice's, Melody turned and there she saw arriving in the now broken entry way, it was none other than Cait sith and a grey tailed Merman with white silver hair, that guy was!?

Riku looking inside cried out again worried, "guys are you all right!? Are you-"

"GUYS!"

Everyone then hearing this shout turned and there they saw the white pyjama girl within her bubble! Seeing her like this everyone was surprised and quickly Dash cried out, "Melody you're-"

However shaking her head quickly, Melody cried out desperately,"There's no time! Please Nozomi! She's-"

Hearing her name instantly Riku cried out, "Nozomi!? Where is she!? Is she-"

Then looking he saw Melody was pointing somewhere and then looking, he saw her! There lifeless and still in the water! His eyes widened in horror as he saw her still form! "NOZOMI!" With that he immediately swam forwards and caught her lifeless form in his arms!

Seeing her like this he shook her as he cried out, "Nozomi! Nozomi!"

Cait sith looking at her too then cried out, "this is bad lad! She needs air! She needs it now! C'mon! We gotta get her out of here!"

At his words Riku was panicking inside horribly but he knew it to be true and quickly he cried out, "right! Guys c'mon!" With that he swam back through the entry way carrying Nozomi with him in his arms! Then in turn behind Tip and Dash moved Melody's bubble as they followed after the desperate keyblader with Flounder following after them all!

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Making it quickly back onto a floating sheet of ice, Riku had laid Nozomi's still pale form out as Cait sith did a look over her! Quickly arriving behind them, Melody's bubble burst and quickly she ran forwards as Tip and Dash followed hurriedly after them!

Riku looking at Cait sith as he did his checks was desperate with silence, he hoped it wasn't too late! The anxiousness and fear was horrible as it pulsed throughout him! But he had to hold himself together! He had to-

Melody making her way over asked, "is Nozomi all right!? Is she waking up!? Is she-" In response Riku simply shook his head sadly.

However Melody seeing him answer like this thought immediately the worst as she quickly collapsed onto her legs, as her pain caught up to her again she cried, "we were too late! This is all my fault! All of it is! She sacrificed herself for me and now-"

"It ain't too late!" Cait sith proclaimed! This immediately made everyone look at him with wide eyes and as they did, he told them all, "she's over the edge! But I can bring her back with a burst of me power!"

Hearing this quickly Riku told him with relief quickly taking over, "well do it then! C'mon Cait sith she's-"

Suddenly though Cait sith removed himself from his bubble in a magical shining burst and in another moment he waved his right paw across and as he did a glittering yellow light covered Riku's body! The merman keyblader seeing this happen was shocked as he saw his form glow with a yellow light. Looking to the small cat he was about to ask him why he was-

"I can't give it to her lad... there's only one way to give it to her... care to take a guess at how?" The small cat asked him.

Quiet as he heard this Riku was still for a moment with confusion, but then as it dawned on him of how to. A blush quickly came to his cheeks as he heart pounded inside his chest... silent he turned to Nozomi again. Seeing her lying still like that made him ache inside terribly, he couldn't let her stay like that!

Everyone then watched quietly as he moved himself over to her, moving his strong right arm carefully he lifted her head up gently and feeling her soaking wet yet soft dark locks of hair. He looked at her still closed eyes and pale parted lips, seeing them his heartbeat faster and in tow the magic around him seemed to increase with it. Then slowly he lowered his head down as he whispered to her longingly, "please... come back to me..." then closing his own eyes he spoke her name softly, "Nozomi..."

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Stirring herself as she gradually awakened, Nozomi's eyes were cloudy and she couldn't see clearly through the murky mists of unconsciousness... 'what happened to me? why am I?'

Then as her consciousness stirred more, an unusual sensation was spreading throughout her that she'd never experienced before, 'what is this feeling?'

For it was so warm throughout her entire being and tingly, her heart was also beating with trembling sweetness, it was so comfortable this sensation! But why was that? Her eyes blinked as her thoughts continued to come forth, 'it's so warm! I feel so..."

Then reaching her hand up as the warm sensation continued to grow and grow inside of her, she felt something soft in her fingers, looking to it she thought, 'white...?'

Finally at this moment her eyes cleared and as she blinked she was confused by this sight. Then blinking again, she saw something else, what was it? Then suddenly she stopped in surprise as she realised something soft was upon her lips! Then looking she saw in her out reached hand, she was holding a lock of long soft white hair!

Instantly her eyes widened as she saw and felt was happening, for there at that moment still within his Merman form, his chest bare as he was holding her ever so gently within his strong arms with water dripping from him and onto her soaking wet form... Riku was kissing her...