Chapter CLXXVI: The Intruder, Fun Frolics And Possibility
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XVIII

Irritated Irma was once again sitting within the darkness of her underground headquarters. The sorceress was tapping her long black painted fingernails against the red tattered cushions she was lying upon. Then as another minute passed by, her impatience infuriated her so much that she even tore the fabric of one of the cushions making some of the white stuffing bleed out.

Becoming anxious as he saw his mistress do this, Volg could see that Irma was in a terrible, terrible mood! For since the failed attack against the keybladers and 'ARCS', all of them had to go underground.

For the security and surveillance above ground had been increased tenfold by that wretched magician and troublesome 'ARCS'! None of them had been able to do anything like they had before, they hadn't been able to see what their foes were up to, they hadn't been able to steal any useful trinkets or treasures. But more importantly-

"Rrrrooowrggghhh!" Bebuzzu growled as he floated in the air, for the terrible dark magical tome was getting impatient too as he then gnashed his bookish jaws and moaned aloud, "Agh! Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!"

This was not good and everyone knew it! For with Bebuzzu's increasingly loud and moaning words, they only added to Irma's frustration as she bit her lower lip angrily. The atmosphere was intense, it was like being in the same space as a dormant volcano which might erupt at any moment!

Volg was feeling the stress more and more inside, for he couldn't think of anything to say at that moment which might somehow calm his lady down!

CHOMP!

For what was he supposed to do!? How could he possibly ease his lady's burden? For it had been hopeless! There were no new magical resources! There was no way to go against the 'ARCS' and-

CHOMP!

No! He had to be strong! Nodding at this thought he crossed his black wings, for he was his lady's most loyal servant! He was the one who must be the figurehead to lead the others! He had to-

CHOMP!

Annoyed at this irritating sound, Volg turned to the source who was causing it. There standing next to him with his pink chubby wing in a bag of mini cookies. It was none other than Peekaboo, who didn't seem to have a care in the world as he simply continued to chow down with cookie crumbs covering his beak!

Looking to him the black coloured chocobo demanded of his associate, "will you desist from doing doing that!"

Puzzled as he heard this demand, Peekaboo looked to his brave superior not getting what the word meant as he asked, "what?"

Volg then spelled it out for him, "will you quit eating! Can't you see the sour mood Irma's in right now!?"

Hearing him say this, Peekaboo though chilled out said, "yeah I can see that, but I haven't eaten anything in the last twenty minutes! I don't want to wait around on an empty stomach!"

Irritated more by his cohorts ignorant ways, Volg was about to give him more of a piece of his mind when suddenly-

"Tch!"

Quickly turning at this sound it was then that both chocobo's looked to see that it was Gandrake who had returned from his search. He was clearly annoyed as he had his hand in his hair looking a little weary and as he walked forwards he uttered, "they're still as vigilante as ever!"

Hearing these words come from her loyal 'master' samurai Irma then looked at him annoyed herself as she asked the obvious, "let me guess? No luck whatsoever again huh?"

At this displeased tone, it was clear that Gandrake was in no mood for her either as he replied, "well what do you think?"

Then as these words came forth, Irma tore more of the red fabric of her cushions as she lifted herself from her luxurious seating. Volg could tell that, those words had now broke the camel's back and fearful he watched his lady as she asked, "think? What do I think?" Then pausing for a moment, she summed up her thoughts as she pointed at her cohorts and shouted madly, "I think you're all utterly useless!"

Now really horribly on edge, Volg watched as Irma stepped forward and let more of her hurtful words come forth with a pointing prosecuting finger, "all I ask for in your service to me! Is to simply secure me treasure, food and comforts!"

Then as she said these words, Bebuzzu acted up as he cried out, "Mrragh! Food! Food! I want food! I'm hungry! I want-"

But then summoning him to her hand, Irma calmed the starving book in her hand as she stroked his leather cover gently like she would a cat. After a moment of soothing him, the dark sorceress turned back to her associates as she summed up, "as well as feeding my beloved Bebuzzu! But have any of you been able to do that? No! You have not!"

Feeling hurt at these words, Volg couldn't think of anything to say to her. However Gandrake wasn't in the mood for these abusive words and so replied back to her coldly, "well what do you expect? Ever since you went to feed your so beloved Bebuzzu the last time, they've increased their guard and look-out. There's only so much we can do on our own without magical intervention and with only my blade I can't take them all down alone!" Then looking to Irma he gave her, his own cold and logical summary, "you're stuck in a stale mate and you know it!"

Becoming further angered by this, Irma then spat at him, "don't you speak to me that way! You heathen!"

Gandrake then uttered straight back to her, "I can say whatever I want to you! You promised me the mightiest of swords and strongest of powers, but have you fulfilled that promise to me? No you haven't! You've made me into nothing more than a rat that scuttles in the shadows! So in the end you're just as useless if not more so!"

With that a huge row erupted between the samurai and sorceress! As it continued on, Volg wanted to intervene but he couldn't see the right moment to do so!

CHOMP!

Peekaboo though continuing to munch away at his mini cookies, spoke an observation of his as he went to put another round treat into his beak, "Mmm! Thinks are getting' real heated around here huh?"

Aggravated more by these words, Volg had just about enough of him and his damn cookies! He was about to snatch them away from his bumbling accomplice when-

FLASH!

Suddenly stopping the ensuing and heated argument in its tracks, everyone was stilled into silence. For there standing in the middle of the room, having emerged from a portal of darkness with the terrified form of Greeble being held in his outstretched right hand by the leg.

The apprentice of darkness, Uriax had emerged and as he did, he grinned sinisterly and asked with a humoured curiosity, "interrupting something am I?"

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Meanwhile back within the Fountain Courtyards where the Summoning Zone was being maintained, fun and frolics were being held abound.

"You ready there Snow amigo!" Juan cried out loudly with a keen grin across his face.

In reply the bold and brave leader of the 'ARCS ' called back, "you betcha!"

With that heard Musashi smiling cried out as he signalled for things to proceed, "all right dudes! Ready! Steady! GO!" With that swinging his arms down decisively the match was initiated!

With that charging forwards powerfully, both Juan and Snow were ready for each other! Running faster and faster! They were getting closer and closer together when-

POW!

It was then the sentinel and gunner clashed together! For the two of them were riding upon the backs of two huge dinosaurs! The keen black clothed mariachi man was upon an enormous green, spiked stegosaurus while Snow himself was upon the back of a tall blue triceratops!

As the two dinosaurs clashed together they quickly then backed themselves away and as they did, it was clear that like their riders the two dinosaurs were ready and willing to clash together again as they dug their feet into the cemented floor.

Riding on the back of the mother long necked brontosaurus, Dajh riding in front of his dad laughed at the versus match that was going on. Smiling he said aloud, "that looks like real fun!"

Hearing this Sazh was smiling too enjoying the unusual battle and immediately he replied, "yep it sure does Dajh!"

Nodding it was then the young boy turned to his father as he decided to ask him, "hey dad? Do you think you and I can have a match in a second?"

At this suggestion Sazh had to laugh as he told his son kindly, "maybe in a while son! In a while!" With that he then stroked his son's dark soft afro hair, which in turn made the small boy smile up to his dad.

Meanwhile though staring up at the match that was occurring between the excited sentinel and gunner with unimpressed eyes, Alania then said aloud, "trust a couple of blockheads to start smacking into each other!"

Shirma herself could only laugh awkwardly at this comment however she was able to say one thing, "well as long as they're having fun..." For this odd battle arrangement obviously was not what the summoning zone was intended for.

However hearing her adoptive sister's sentence, all Alaina could do was roll her eyes as she said, "whatever!" But then turning around to face the rest of the zone, the summoner decided on something else, "well let's see what everyone else is up to shall we?"

Hearing this suggestion, the pink haired white mage turned to her adoptive sister and brightened up gladly as she said, "okay! Let's do that Alania!"

Happy to hear the positive response, the summoner smiled in turn as she said, "all right let's go!" With that both girls walked together to see what the others were up to within the summoning zone.

Walking forwards together, after a few moments quickly the two of them stopped as they saw the king standing quietly with his arms folded. Seeing him do this, the two girls became curious and Alania immediately decided to ask, "hey there Mickey? What're you doing here?"

At this question the king turned to the female summoner and simply smiled as he told her, "oh? Well I'm just here to see Hana do some of her work?"

Surprised to hear this, Shirma asked the mouse keyblader, "Hana?"

Nodding Mickey told her smiling, "yeah! Just watch!"

Hearing that the two girls stood with king Mickey and watched, the two of them quickly became astonished by what they next saw. For there standing with her hands aloft and smiling gently, with many glittering dancing lights around her, it was none other than Hana. The long blonde haired girl was smiling gently as the lights continued to move about her, then whispering gently she uttered something no-one could make out to the lights.

Suddenly as she finished her whispers, the dancing lights moved away towards various buds and curled leaves that were dotted in about the zone. Then instantly in another moment the closed buds flowered and revealed dazzling shades of colours that seemed to shine! Even the curled leaves that were across all the walls seemed to turn gold as they opened themselves! Both Alania and Shirma with wide eyed with amazement at this dazzling show of magic! For neither of them could ever create incredible effects such as these!

Smiling as the dancing lights came to her again, the blonde haired girl spoke delighted to them, "thank you everyone! That went so well!"

The little lights then rang out with a series of twinkling bells, making the blonde haired girl smile all the more happily. Ruby who'd lifted himself into the air with his wings flew back to his princess's shoulder as he told her enthusiastically, "wow! Hanahime that was amazing! You haven't lost your touch!"

At this comment the blonde haired girl simply continued to smile as she said, "but of course!"

It was then that the king walked forwards clapping his white gloved hands, as he did he got the blonde girl's attention and as he did he told her, "it really was amazing there Hana! Yer gonna have to let me on your secrets of how you did that! By any chance the language you used... was it the one from your former kingdom?"

Hearing his curious words Hana was quiet for a minute, but then knowing she had nothing to be afraid of, she nodded, "yes... it is."

Suspecting as much the king nodded and he decided to ask something else, "I see, would you mind telling me about your old home, Hana?" Seeing the girl looking at him with surprise he decided to reassure her as he said, "I'd like to know about your roots?"

Hana seeing that the king was interested to know about her history, she felt flattered and honoured so nodding she replied, "of course! I'll be more than glad to tell you!" With that the king nodded just as happily as Hana began to tell him of her past with Ruby listening closely in upon his lady's shoulder.

Seeing that everything was going well between them, Alania couldn't help but pleased as she said, "you see! That's what it should be all about in this zone! Doing things creatively and making things pretty! That's style!"

Glad to hear she was impressed Shirma nodded once again as she said, "yeah it is! Plus Mickey's getting along well with Hana too! I'd love to find out later how she makes magic like that happen!"

Nodding herself Alania replied with a smile too,"yeah ditto!" Then turning she said, "right let's check everybody else!"

With that quickly the two girls walked forwards, to see what everyone else was up to and as they moved on past the glittering show of flowers, it was then they came upon a rather unusual scene.

"Oi! Don't let that one get away! C'mon Coco!" Bonkers cried out loudly as he pointed straight ahead!

Immediately the small bird replied quickly, "Kweh!" With that instantly the yellow chocobo and the cop bobcat ran fast as they took off and made their pursuit!

Wobbling away quickly the target was desperately trying to make a run for it, however it stopped and froze for there was nowhere for it to go! Shaking in fear it turned back and suddenly Bonkers and Coco leapt forwards with a shout! "YYYAAAGGGHHH!"

With that both chocobo and bobcat landed on their target pushing it down to the ground! Victorious Bonkers cried out loudly for the world to hear, "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ya're nicked escapee!" To which instantly in response Coco kweh'd cheerfully!

However looking on at this 'dramatic' scene, Alania and Shirma just stared on awkwardly as they saw both bobcat and chocobo bouncing upon the jelly like body of one of the summoned red topped mushrooms, the poor creature looked about ready to wave a white flag in surrender.

Gazing on, Alania had to get to the bottom of this! So walking up she asked, "uh Bonkers? What're you doing there?"

Hearing the question, the cop bobcat turned and seeing both summoner and white mage looking at them, he brightened with a smile and told them both, "oh hey! Alania! Shirma! We're roundin' up some mushrooms here that are runnin' amok! Right Coco?"

Hearing his question the small chocobo replied happily "Kweh!"

At this explanation Shirma puzzled asked, "amok mushrooms?"

Nodding Bonkers then went on to explain, "yeah! Ya see those red dancing mushrooms have gotten over excited and have been running here there and everywhere making trouble! So myself and a willing and enthusiastic recruit I've found are now on the case!"

"A willing recruit?" Alania asked doubtfully, for she assumed that the person whoever they were was far from being enthusiastic about doing so silly as this.

Bonkers though not noticing her doubt replied, "yep that's right!"

Sighing seeing he hadn't caught on to it, Alania decided to ask, "and just who did you recruit here to help you out with this Bonkers?"

At this question the cop cat was more than happy to answer the question as he replied, "oh that's easy! It's-"
"Bonkers!" Quickly with that call, everyone turned and there they saw standing with a couple of wriggling mushrooms under both of his arms and one riding piggyback and looking practically joyful as it waved one of its arms around excitedly, it was Riku.

He looked utterly annoyed in the state he was in as he asked the small bobcat, "have you got the last one now?"

Glad to see his 'chipper' assistant, Bonkers immediately replied to him, "yep! Right here and strongly secured!"

Sighing Riku was glad to know this at the very least, then as he did this Shirma decided to ask him, "have these mushrooms really been causing you guys a lot of trouble?"

Seeing that he had an audience now, as he saw both Alania and Shirma he froze for a second. However knowing this wasn't the time to be embarrassed he answered the question despite his weird look, "yeah... well it's not just these guys, but we've all been trying to keep the creatures here all under control!"

Alania hearing this asked, "all of them?"

Riku then told her, "yeah! Take a look for yourself!" With that moving aside Riku let the white mage and summoner see for themselves.

Looking it was then that both girls saw for themselves the ensuing chaos that was going on, as both Oralee and Serah were busy trying to round up the little unicorns that were running around them excitedly left and right.

"Oi! Stop runnin' around like this ya beasties! We're tryin' ta get yer organised here!" Cait sith cried out as he chased down a couple of the creatures! However as he did suddenly-

ZAPP!

"Yeow!" The small Cat cried out for one of the small unicorns had decided to zap him in the butt with magic!

Irritated as he heard something that sounded like laughter, Cait sith then cried out, "oi! Get back here ya delinquents!" With that he continued his chase.

A little anxious as she tried to keep order within herself as well as not to get zapped herself, Serah complained, "oh! This is gonna take forever at this rate!"

Desperate herself Oralee tried to reason with them as she said, "oh c'mon please be still will you?!"

However the small creatures paid no heed to her gentle words! They were being too evasive to handle! Then-

"Hey! Get back here!" It was then quickly that everyone looked up and there they saw Nozomi with her wings summoned upon her feet as she was running through the air trying to get the small pegasi that was fluttering around under control!

The small horses were going left and right ripping off Hana's flowers off the walls and chowing down on them along with Alania and Shirma's decorations as they even started trying to eat these! The hard work they'd been put in was being ruined!

However just like the unicorns they were running here there and everywhere in the air! She couldn't get control at all! Desperate she cried out, "guys please! You could get in real trouble with your summoner's if you don't-"
But stopping her from saying another word, Peter flew over and started nuzzling his head into her cheek stopping her from speaking, however quickly she said trying to make him stop, "Peter oh please c'mon not now! I got to-"

There was no time though to say another word as once again, another young pegasi was starting to go in a direction that they shouldn't go to as he started trying to take down a banner that was across the wall! So quickly she went to chase after them!

Both Alania and Shirma were quiet, they didn't know things would get so crazy to this degree! Riku though sighing simply told them, "you see... chaos!"

"WHOA!"

"KWEH!"

Aa he said those words suddenly the mushroom that Bonkers and Coco were upon bounced back up having somehow gaining it's freedom!

Seeing this happen quickly Riku cried out, "Coco! Bonkers!"

Then immediately as he cried out their names, the white haired keyblader was suddenly unbalanced as he was sent off of his own feet! Now the mushrooms he'd been holding onto had got themselves free! "Agh!" He cried out as he crashed onto the hard paved floor! It was then that the mushrooms started bouncing away again hurriedly as they went to make their getaway!

Seeing this occur Alaina then saw it really was a fact, "looks like things really have fallen into chaos here!... I guess that what happens when summons get left in a powerful magical environment for some time, they get too over excited!"

Shirma looking around at everyone as they continued to try and get things under control, she felt terrible for them as she said, "oh this doesn't look good!"

Shaking her head Alania replied, "nope it doesn't!" Then retrieving her wand she decided on a course of action, "so let's tidy things up shall we?" With that said the girl then quickly started her plan as she brought forth a red gem from her blue bag that began to sparkle with magic!
In the air in the meantime Nozomi was still trying desperately to get control over these mischievous pegasi! However it was just proving fruitless as they fluttered in, around and behind her missing her nabbing hands. She couldn't do anything to stop them!

Exasperated she thought aloud to herself, "this is just hopeless!"

Then suddenly she was distracted from her depressed thoughts as down below, she saw a glowing and sparkling of magic! Surprised she looked on in awe at the spectacle!

Riku on the ground too staring at Alania as she started her magical casting was memorised as was Shirma, Bonkers and Coco! Holding her staff with both hands, the blue haired girl spoke aloud as a red summon gem floated before her, "I call upon you to help me bring peace and ease now!" With that she opened her eyes with fierce determination as she cried out, "come Carbuncle!"

With that instantly she struck the glittering red ruby with her staff making it shatter in moments and quickly in seconds a creature sprung out from the glittering gem! There suddenly floating in the air was a long blue/green eared rabbit like creature with long soft fox tails! It had a red gem in it's forehead and it looked about the scene with big blue innocent curious eyes as it saw all the summon beasts around them running chaotically.

Seeing her summon come forth, Alania smiled and quickly she told the creature what it was she wanted,"okay Carby! I want you to round up these guys! Make up little pen's for them that they can't get out of!"

At once hearing her orders, the small green rabbit like creature made a salute like gesture with one of his paws and as he did this, in a moment he took off forwards as he went to carry out his lady's wishes!
Nozomi amazed by the creature watched with awe in moments as the small creature sped through the air and in moments, from it's glittering red ruby gem emerged a huge see through bubble! Then as it took the the sphere into it's little paws, the small creature raced here there and everywhere and in another moment before she could blink all of the little pegasi that were running here and there were all sucked in to it!
Wide eyed she looked on in shock at this! Then suddenly-

"NEIGH!"

Immediately Peter was being drawn into the bubble too! However seeing the look of fear that was on the little black and white baby pegasus's face made her react instantly, "Peter!" With that she rushed forwards and caught him in her arms!
The small pegasus surprised looked at her and then smiled happily pleased, Nozomi herself made a sigh of relief as she was glad to get him,"that was close!" She said as she held Peter close to her.

Suddenly then she looked up and she saw the creature called Carbuncle come up and approach her, as she did she saw it was looking at Peter curiously who was still in her arms, the rabbit creature made the little pegasus nervous as he fidgeted with fright! He didn't want to be sent into that bubble with the others!
Nozomi though seeing the summon looking at Peter told him, "oh don't worry about this little one Carbuncle! He's a good boy! I'll take good care of him!"

Hearing this the creature turned it's head to the side curiously, then looking down to his lady she gave him the thumb's up, saying it was all good! So taking this instruction Carbuncle turned back to Nozomi and nodded to her cheerfully as it squeaked as an okay! Then in another moment he turned tail and headed down to finish the job down below!
Again in moments the creature sucked up the remaining unicorns that were causing a ruckus into another bubble and then finally gliding on swiftly it managed to ensnare the elusive mushrooms into a final see-through sphere! It was all done before anyone could even blink!

Everyone looking on could only think of one thing, 'Incredible!' Looking on herself at Carbuncle's handy work Alania grinned and in another moment the rabbit like summon floated and landed back onto her shoulder. As he does this, the girl smiled as she told her favourite summon, "always perfect every time! Way to go there Carby!"

Hearing his lady's words the small summon smiled happily in joy to be congratulated like this! So in turn he rubbed his little head into his lady's cheek making her smile joyfully in return.

Shirma was glad that her sister had got the job sorted out the job so quickly, however a little worried she had to ask, "um? Alania? The creatures they're gonna be okay aren't they?"

At the qiestion Alania turned from Carbuncle for a moment and looking to her sister, she told her reassuringly, "aww! Don't worry they'll be fine, they'll just chill bubbles and be relieved from the overwhelming effects of the magic in the zone, so in other words it's nap time for them!"

Hearing this, Shirma then looked to the bubbles and saw for herself that all the summons inside were all indeed relaxed now and simply napping inside the bubbles! Relieved to see this, the pink haired girl relaxed as she said, "oh thank goodness..."

Seeing this happen and hearing Alania's words herself as she continued to float in the air, Nozomi was still astonished! But looking on as she saw Carbuncle and Alania interact together happily like that she couldn't help but smile herself. Then looking to Peter who was still in her arms, she told him with a little serious note, "you see! It's better to be a helpful good little boy don't you think? Otherwise it's bedtime for you!"

Hearing this the little pegasus looked to her puzzled for a moment but then it neighed as his way of agreement, glad to see she'd got this through to from him Nozomi nodded gladly.

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Shocked to see someone enter her dark hidden abode so easily, at first Irma was speechless! However quickly her fury turned to this intruder as she demanded out of him, "where did you come from! How dare you just let yourself into my domain!" With that reacting instantly the dark sorceress went to strike the stranger down with a blast of dark fire!

However reacting immediately Uriax suddenly vanished from the spot he was in along with Greeble! Shocked at seeing him vanish so quickly, instantly Peekaboo cried out dropping his bag of mini cookies, "hey what the!? Where'd that guy-"

No-one could see him anywhere in the room! On guard instantly forgetting his rage for a brief moment, Gandrake took out his katana making himself ready for anything! As he did this everyone started to step cautiously around the room, looking for him.

Everyone was quiet as they looked around everywhere trying to find some trace of the stranger! Looking around everywhere now on heavy alert Volg asked, "where is he!? Where's-"

Then suddenly-

"Looking for me?" It was instantly that Uriax re-appeared right behind Irma!

The dark sorceress was startled and as she turned suddenly she was pushed forwards as something was removed from her hands and then-

"AGH!" Immediately she landed painfully on the floor as she crashed into it!
Seeing this happen quickly Volg ran forwards towards her as she cried out, "lady Irma!"

Running with him Peekaboo followed suit, then making it to their mistress he asked her quickly, "are ya okay there!?"

Hearing their concerned voices, the dark sorceress complained irritated, "oww! That was-"

Then lifting up her right hand she saw, "uh? Hi there lady Irma?"

For in her grasp was Greeble!? Holding him by his foot she stared at him dumbfounded for a moment and then dropping him it suddenly occurred to her?!

"So this is the source of your power?"

Turning immediately at this question Irma then saw the intruder had Bebuzzu within his right hand and was flipping through the dark tome's pages so freely! As he looked through the struggling book Uriax was curious and he had to admit further as a grin came to his face again, "you certainly have interesting tastes! I'll give you that!"

Infuriated beyond all measure, Irma then cried out angrily, "how dare you!?" Then turning she immediately instructed, "Gandrake! Make him pay and bring back my darling Bebuzzu to me!"

Hearing her instruction, the samurai didn't need to be told twice and so holding his katana tightly he leaped straight into action as he went to deliver a damaging blow to this stranger!

However still looking through the book, Uriax was dodging each and every one of Gandrake's attacks and as he did he couldn't help but mention, "now what was it you said you wanted earlier? The mightiest of swords and strongest of powers wasn't it?"

Gandrake though wasn't in the mood for jesting and so simply tried all the more harder to strike him! However he was slipping past him too quickly! He was almost moving like the wind itself!

Uriax seeing that he wasn't going to get a response from this young man, he decided to speak his mind anyway, "well...how about I deliver just a little something for you then?"

As he made another evasive manoeuvre, Gandrake asked him as he moved, "what're you-"

Then suddenly stopping him in his tracks Uriax somehow plunged his hand into the depths of Bebuzzu pages and as he did so, the book shuddered and moaned like crazy! As he did suddenly from within it, emerged a long sword with a black glittering blade and golden hilt. Along its edges were a thunderous line, it shone with a red heated hue... just to look at it. One could feel power!

Uriax immediately taking the sword in his right hand from Bebuzzu then turned and faced Gandrake, as the samurai went to make another strike against him. The dark apprentice moved and in a swift moment the sword in his hand flowed powerfully with red fire! Then-

SLICE!

Immediately As Uriax moved he sliced straight through Gandrake's katana's blade as though it were nothing more than paper!
Shocked in moments Gandrake stepped back as he saw the broken sword that was now in his hands! Looking up he saw Uriax smiling at him triumphantly...

There was then silence in the room as this one young man had now completely gained the upper hand! Without Bebuzzu in her possession there was no way Irma could take him down and her other Trump card had now literally been snapped in half!

The entire cast of henchmen were at this young man's mercy! Greeble and Peekaboo hugged each other in pure fright! For what was going to become of all of them!

Uriax though seemed to be completely unperturbed as he simply waved the sword in the air and commented, "hmm, the Masamune sword is just as powerful as the legends say? Fascinating huh?"

Then seeing that they'd all gone quiet, Uriax decided to stop this foolery as he then did something unexpected, "here! Think of it as a little present from me!" With that he threw the Masamune across to Gandrake who caught it in his startled hands!

He couldn't believe it! The sword he'd been searching everywhere for! Now it was in his hands! It was...!

Seeing him do this Irma didn't get this guy, so immediately she questioned him, "what're you playing it here, what's the big idea!?"

Hearing the question, the dark apprentice enlightened her, "I'm not playing, I'm giving you a present, what does it look like?"

However Irma never believed in anything that was too good to be true! So she asked again, "I can see that... but what's the catch?"

Seeing she wasn't completely brain dead, Uriax then informed her, "the catch? Well... I'll let you know this at least, it'll be more beneficial than not! I'll kindly unlock all of the secrets of this book Bebuzzu here for you and provide you with some more assistance you haven't been able to get at."

However before anyone could question what that meant, suddenly Uriax snapped his fingers and instantly at his command shadows emerged from swirling portals with glowing yellow eyes and swinging antenna that moved back and forth hauntingly...

Looking at these creature's everyone knew what they were in moments! Heartless! Then as the monsters surrounded them all, Irma now knew they were totally at this guy's mercy! If there were benefits, it was clear that the strings that were being attached to them were gonna cut painfully deep!

Uriax seeing now he had complete control over this entire rabble informed them, "and in exchange for the benefits I give you... you're going to help me retrieve something that's mine!"

Then clicking his fingers again he dismissed the heartless and as he did, he continued to hold Bebuzzu close to him as he told the helpless villains, "and this is how we're going to do it!" With those words said, it was then the band of chocobo's, one sorceress and samurai listened to the instructions of the apprentice of darkness...

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Now finally being able to relax, Nozomi was sitting with Oralee and Serah as they attended to some of the unicorns who had all now calmed down tremendously after being placed in one of Carbuncle's bubble pens.

After the summoner had performed her task of easing their chaos, she had been quickly summoned away again after the dinosaurs Snow and Juan were riding upon had started to go nuts too! So immediately acting both her and Shirma had left to resolve the situation!

Sighing as she petted the head of a white haired unicorn Nozomi spoke her thoughts, "I'm glad things have calmed down now!" Then looking at the little creature she was holding in her arms she couldn't help but comment, "you'd never think these small guys would cause that much trouble would you?"

Hearing her say this, Cait sith then let her know his own thoughts as he sat on his majesty's shoulder, "oh they can lass! Get enough of these lads in a huge cluster and you'll be over taken in moments!"

Nodding Serah agreed as she said, "yeah that's true! I had a similar thing happen to me and the others when we came across a whole wave of flans!"

Curious as she heard this, Nozomi had to ask, "flans?"

Nodding to her as the little unicorn she was caring for then jumped away, Serah went on to explain, "yeah, dangerous jelly like monsters that use elemental magic! They once congealed together and stopped our ship from going anywhere! It took us nearly forever to peel them off of us!"

Seeing her shudder at the memory, Oralee couldn't help but comment with a smile, "it sounds like that was very harrowing!"

Hearing her say this, Serah looked to her friend as she told her with a shake of her head and a smile, "you have no idea!"

Nozomi smiling as she heard this couldn't help but giggle a little, then as she was about to ask something else when-

"YYYAAAGGGHHH!"

Turning quickly Nozomi and the others then saw the ensuing chaos that was going on behind them!Running away at full speed Juan was desperately trying to avoid the horns of Snow's blue triceratops which was now chasing him everywhere left and right!

Desperately Juan was trying to negotiate with the creature as he cried out, "Hey! Hey! Hey! Watch yer horns there ya tres bestia con cuernos!"

However his words only seemed to infuriate the beast further as it snorted and continued to chase after him! As he ran Juan desperately cried out, "Poncho help me!" But the pink axolotl only continued to float in the air aimlessly as he stood near Sazh and Dajh who stared on at the scene with perplexed eyes next to the calm mother brontosaurus and her babies.

Then in another direction-

"AAAGGGHHH! Hey watch that tail!" Snow cried out as he desperately avoided the spikes of Juan'a green stegosaurus which now had it sights set on him as it thundered forwards!

Acting as best he could as he chased after them both, Musashi cried out with his sword at the ready, "hang on Snow dude! I'll get you out of that!"

Then as he ran forwards following closely behind him, was Alania as she looked on with bitter frustration as Carbuncle was moving with her carrying a big bubble in his paws, she cried out, "urgh! Trust you idiots! This is what you get dealing with a couple of blockheads!"

"Alania wait!" Shirma cried out as she chased after her sister!

Staring on at this silly scene as it played out, Serah couldn't help but comment, "looks like they're having fun still huh?"

Hearing her say this, Cait sith then said flatly, "if that's what ya wanna call it lass!"

Nozomi hearing this only shook her head, but then looking in another direction she saw Riku standing with Mickey and Hana along with Ruby on her shoulder. The red topped mushrooms were now dancing amongst them peacefully as Bonkers kept a keen eye as Coco walked after them. As she looked on she saw the white haired keyblader converse with the King as the lot of them watched the antics of the dino troubled 'ARCS.'

Looking at him as he laughed with the king, Nozomi then felt that odd feeling again beating within her heart, then suddenly he saw her looking and instantly it made her flush red again as she turned away feeling odd and embarrassed once more.

Oralee noticing her as she turned her face away, then looking at Riku as he turned away sadly again. She became concerned and so she decided to ask her friend, "is that feeling still troubling you Nozomi?"

Serah hearing this then looked at Nozomi becoming concerned herself and as she did, she heard the keyblader say, "yeah... it is." She was quiet a little more as she tried to find the right words to explain her thoughts, "I mean I know I shouldn't be ashamed of it, plus I trust Riku... but I don't know what to say to him or act properly after everything that happened... what am I supposed to do?"

Hearing her say this, Oralee concerned then decided to ask her gently, "have you tried to say anything at all?"

At this Nozomi shook her head as she said, "not properly no... I just, I just haven't been able to."

Serah hearing this, was becoming all the more curious and worried, so she decided to voice her thoughts now, "well why don't you try doing that?"

Nozomi surprised to hear this was quiet, but then she asked, "what?"

Serah then said, "just talk to him, I know I don't know exactly what's going on between the two of you, but if you don't talk to each other then a rift will come between you both which you might not be able to fix," the light pink haired girl then asked the keyblader seriously, "you don't want that to happen do you?"

Instantly there was a reply from Nozomi as she was horrified at this idea, "No! No I don't want that to happen!"

Glad to see this reaction, Serah then told her with a smile, "well there you are then! There's the answer to your problems! I'm sure once the two of you get talking the rest will just sort itself out!"

Nozomi hearing this was surprised again by the simplicity of what would resolve the situation, however it couldn't be that easy as she began to object, "but-"

"Oh lass! Just do it already! Ya know Snowdrop real well by now! He always listens to ya! Plus I know he'll listen to ya now, don't be scared to for the Pete's sake! Remember ya got the lot of us rootin' for ya!" Cait sith told her mad getting irritated by her hesitation and indecisiveness, for this was not like the lass he knew!

Nozomi hearing this was surprised again as she repeated questioningly, "you're behind me?"

Cait sith was about to answer again with annoyance, however Oralee stopped him by putting her hand over his mouth, she then told her friend in a more gentle way, "yes Nozomi, Cait sith is right! We are all behind you, so don't worry! I know you'll be able to sort things out with Riku if you talk."

Surprised again Nozomi asked, "you really think I can?"

Nodding it was then that Serah added putting her hand on Oralee's shoulder confidently, "definitely! We have total confidence in you!"

Hearing this, Nozomi was really pleased and relieved now, so nodding happily herself she told her friends, "thanks guys! I'll do my best!"

Then suddenly as she said these words her new pegasus friend flew down and nuzzled into Nozomi's face making her cry out with a laugh, "hey Peter! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Everyone seeing this couldn't help but giggle at this little scene that happened between the keyblader and pegasus, then at that moment finally after getting things sorted. It was finally that Alania with Carbuncle on her shoulder and Shirma came back in their direction and as they did, the summoner moaned aloud, "man that took forever to sort out!"

Nodding Shirma had to agree feeling drained herself, "yes... it did..." however wanting to change things to a brighter note, the white mage decided to ask, "hey Alania, that stranger you mentioned before? What was he like?"

Hearing this question, Alania then told her adoptive sister, "well he was a bit cranky slightly but...wow what a looker he was!"

Getting really interested now as she heard this, Shirma asked her, "cool! What did he look like!"

At this question Alania began to answer as she walked past Nozomi and her group as they continued attending to the unicorns happily, "well he had dark skin in colour, but he had long locks of lilac coloured hair that was tied into a ponytail and wow! He had the most amazing pale blue coloured eyes!"

At this description Nozomi paused in surprised as she asked, "what?"

However Alania and Shirma didn't hear her, so the white mage asked her sister, "did you get a name for this guy?"

Hearing this question the blue haired summoner replied, "sadly not... I was too much in a hurry..." however she spoke with fierce determination, "but I'll be sure to ask him when I see him next!"

Shirma laughed at this as she told her, "yeah I'm sure you will!" With that the two girls went to attend to the pegasi that were within one of Carbuncle's bubble.

Peter stopped stroking into Nozomi and was puzzled by the worried look that was on her face, the keyblader thought aloud quietly to herself, "that description? It couldn't be...?" However as she thought of her lost friend, she shook her head as she knew, "it can't be him! He doesn't have long hair! But..." the thought inside her wouldn't subside. Could it be possible... was Wairu here in the Radiant Gardens?

As she thought about this, it was clear that two dilemma's she was now facing between Riku and now possibly Wairu was going to trigger something huge within this peaceful and playful zone...