Chapter CLXXIX: The Three Stones, Awakening And The Emergence Of The Sorceress Mateus
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXI

Smiling with pure glee as she was given all the information she needed, to it was finally now. That Irma had full access to all the secrets within the dark tome of Bebuzzu!

As the lesson finished for all of them, Peekaboo couldn't help but exclaim "whoo! I bet we'll be able to set off some real fireworks off now, huh?"

Hearing the pink plump chocobo say this, Uriax had remained coldly stoic throughout his explanations. But at this particular sentence he couldn't help but admit to the small bird and the others there, "indeed you will... in more ways than one!"

As he heard this sentence, Volg was a little on edge as he heard a devious tone to his words. For with the information that Uriax had given them was indeed powerful, he could sense though something sinister would occur to them all in the process! Looking to his mistress Irma, he lifted his wing to pull on her leg to gain her attention and say something to her but-

"Well I'm looking forward to doing that!" Gandrake spoke as he stepped forwards with a keen grin of his own face. As he stepped forward with the Muramasa blade in his hand he admitted further to Uriax, "it's about time we give those pests some long overdue payback!"

Annoyed that this brat had interrupted him from speaking his thoughts, Volg again was going to say something else when-

"Yeah! I'm all for that too!" It was then that Greeble spoke up, as he did he quickly made some calculations upon his calculator and coming to his conclusion he announced, "and I'd say our chances of winning this time are over ninety five percent!"

Aggravated that he was unable to get a word in again, Volg was about to lecture the interfering peppermint green chocobo. However Uriax liking the conclusion this bird had come to, he grinned a little more as he then told the group, "well if the probabilities that high for success... I suggest you guys get going!"

Then pausing he turned for a moment as he looked back to Nozomi again who was still unconscious upon her sleeping platform, with Peter the small pegasus still nuzzling into her anxiously. He was quiet as he considered further and decided turning back to the eager rabble of villains, "I'll need some time alone anyway..."

As he heard the young man say this, Volg became suspicious again and finally he was able to say something as he asked him, "to do what?"

Hearing the suspicion in the black bird's voice, Uriax then told him simply, "corrections."

Volg had no idea what that one word was hinting at, but before he could ask for any more details their dark benefactor continued, "now I suggest you go!"

However turning to Greeble who almost froze with fear at having Uriax staring at him, he heard the dark mage say seriously, "except you! You're staying here with me!"

Surprised to hear this, Greeble asked, "me? You want me to stay here with you?"

Simply Uriax answered, "correct, you have a problem with that?"

Quickly shaking his head not wanting to incur his wrath, Greeble was almost shaking.

Seeing this Uriax then said, "good, now the rest of you get going!"

With that hearing this, Irma could see that once again he was becoming all serious and grouchy again as she was ordering her own cronies around. However she was in a good enough mood that this didn't get under her skin as she simply replied, "fine! Fine, we'll give you all the alone time you need!"

Then turning to her group she was the one who gave the go ahead as she announced, "let's go guys! It's time we all have some fun!"

With that said none of the group however were going to refuse, with that they all turned to go on their way! As his group all went to leave though, Volg still felt a really bad feeling about all of this still however he began to still leave with the others as instructed by his lady.

Looking at them as they all started to leave their hideaway within this tome of darkness. It was then that another idea occurred to Uriax, he stopped them, "wait!"

Then immediately as they all began to turn, two objects were sent flying their way! Surprised quickly though Irma and Gandrake caught these items in their hands, the two of them saw that these objects were glittering gems, the one in the sorceress's hands was a shade of blue, while the skilled samurai's was red.

Looking at these stones curiously, they turned back to Uriax who told them, "think of them as little upgrades for you guys... with a special little secret inside each!"

Curious as he said this, Peekaboo was keen as anyone to know the secret core of any sweet treat and so asked him, "oh? What is it?"

Grinning simply Uriax then replied simply, "you'll all see..."then turning away again as he turned his gaze back to Nozomi as he added finally, "go!"

Volg didn't like how this young man was ordering his group around, then looking to Irma and Gandrake he suddenly saw with a shudder that their eyes were beginning to glow with an ominous power that was the same shade as the stone's they were both holding.

The powerful imbued samurai made his reply as he said with a smile, "with pleasure!" With that he turned and was on his way with Irma next to him smiling just as eagerly.

However just as Peekaboo left to follow their team members, Volg wavered for a moment as he stared back at Uriax with still suspicious eyes... but with a sigh he was on his way as he tailed after his lady.

Greeble seeing his gang go was curious as to why Uriax had asked him to stay behind with him. However before he could begin to ask anything about it. The dark mage then suddenly threw a yellow gem to him and as he caught it, he heard the masked young man say, "I want you to hold that and stay out in front," then looking to the peppermint green chocobo who was clearly puzzled he added to him, "you're going to be a lookout and let that stone charge up with power, do you understand?"

At this explanation Greeble quickly nodded again, then with his given instructions he hurried away to the entrance of the hideaway to keep watch whilst holding the glittering yellow gem within his wings. For he still did not want to get on this guy's nerves!

Then finally seeing that he was all alone, Uriax walked over to Nozomi who continued to slumber on quietly. As he did Peter seeing him approach with worried curiosity turned his face up to look at him.

Seeing the small black pegasus, Uriax gently stroked his head making the small creature move against his touch becoming happy for the comfy sensation. The dark mage then spoke softly as he made the little beast move, "come away now..."

With that seeing him gesture his hand away, Peter followed after his hand as he fluttered up and away from Nozomi as he then decided to stay aloft and watch on curiously as he wondered what was going to happen next?

Uriax though staring down at at the dark haired girl as she continued to sleep still, moved his right hand over and rested it upon her forehead. As he did this he then said softly, "now... let's begin the cleansing... Nozomi..." with that his hand began to glow with dark blue light.

As it did the unconscious female keyblader was wincing almost in pain as something was beginning to be warped and changed within the realms of her mind...

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Still running on forwards through the darkness, Riku was concentrating hard! He had to find the others who'd been trapped within this dark nightmare! He had to save the King, Cait sith and Nozomi!

As he continued forwards, he looked above himself as he cried out, "Oralee! Merlin! How is it? Have you both found anymore traces of the others!?"

Hearing him at once, Oralee's voice came forth, "not yet! But I sense you're close to something!"

At the mention of this, Riku then asked quickly, "to what? What am I close to?"

Quickly it was the aged magician who was the one to respond, "we don't know lad!? But it's something-"

SMASH!

Then suddenly before Riku could hear the rest of what it was Merlin was going to say. The world around him cracked and fell apart beneath him quickly! It was almost like shattering glass and immediately he fell through it!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

As he vanished from their sights quickly there was a cry of worry as Oralee's voice asked, "Riku! Riku!?"

Immediately as well Merlin's anxious voice cried out too, "Riku lad?!"

However there was no response to either of them as the keyblader had entirely vanished from their sights!

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"...Urgh..?"

Aching all over, a pained voice moaned as a body twisted over... confused he began to ask, "what was...?"

"Ha! Looks like you're finally awake now huh?"

It was then quickly that Riku's consciousness and concentration returned! Becoming aware again, he got back up on his feet quickly as he turned and looked around himself clearly agitated.

Around himself he then saw quickly that he was now no longer in a realm of pure darkness. Instead it almost seemed like he'd been placed inside the bottom of the sea or an aquarium!

For all around him it was almost like he was underwater, however he could breathe! Everything in the environment around him was dark blue and shimmering with corals, stones and vibrant colourful seaweed which were swaying back and forth. There was even pillars of bubbles floating upwards from the stony ground.

Looking around himself Riku couldn't figure out what the heck was going on! Why was he in this place? What was-?

"Like my little arrangements do you?"

It was then that finally Riku recognised that voice and quickly he cried out, further angered,"I know that's you Irma! Come out and reveal yourself!"

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

As this laughter rang forth, it was then that finally the sorceress of darkness came. Riding in her usual arrogant style as she lay upon the back of an enormous fish. Looking at it Riku could see that the creature resembled the fish that had all been swimming within the Fountain Courtyards waters.

However this one, though it had the same long transparent and graceful fins and long flowing tail. It's eyes were wide big and swivelling with black spirals for irises, they were also yellow in colour and glowed ominously in the darkness.

Looking at the creature it was then as it turned in the air of this watery realm and finally descended fully onto the ground. It was then that Riku saw on the creature's chest was the heartless emblem!
Seeing it the keybladers eyes widened and seeing his reaction Irma still upon her ride grinned all the more sinisterly as she asked, "impressed by my ride are you?"

It was then that Riku tightened his grip upon his keyblade harder as he braced himself for battle! Immediately he asked this arrogant witch, "so... you've sided yourself with the heartless huh?"

Continuing only to smile on though, Irma replied smugly still as she stroked the beast's head, "sided? I don't think so!" With that she moved herself off of the creature and doing that she snapped her fingers making it swim away and as she did, she informed him, "I'm just using these things as what they are, gifts!"

As he heard this Riku repeated puzzled, "gifts?"

However Irma wasn't going to give him any answers as she informed him, "but now's not the time for guessing games!" With that she moved her right hand forwards and outstretched, as she did this she added finally, "I've been in the mood for revenge for a long time! Ever since that humiliation you dealt to us with the rest of those pests!"

Then quickly as she said this, more fish heartless emerged around them both and as they did, Irma told the keyblader who looked at her with fierce determination, "and this time you will be eradicated personally by my own hands!"

Riku though staring at Irma was unintimidated as he told her, "just try it!" With that he rushed forwards with the 'Way To Dawn' in hand as the heartless all came rushing forwards towards him!

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Groaning in pain as he ached all over, a pair of eyes blinked as they main, "Aye! Aye! Aye! What Tauros ran over me this time? What have I-"

"For blinkin' sake lad! Get yer darn act together and get on ya bloomin' legs this minute!"

Hearing this voice it was then that as this voice rang forth, quickly as his realisation came with it. Suddenly a pair of brown boots landed square upon Juan's face with an almighty clonk!

Blank faced as this happened, the gun totting 'ARC' was then suddenly spooked as he cried out, "WWAAGGHH!"

As he moved up and forwards hurriedly from the shock he then sent Cait sith flying off of him as he got up and cried out, "Oi! Oi! Oi! What're ya doin' there what's-!?"

Finally it was then that Juan's senses snapped back into place and looking down he saw who it was, who'd given him his rude awakening, looking at him he asked, "Cait sith amigo? Is that you?"

Irritated beyond degree the small cat had been laid out on his back, quickly he jumped back up onto his feet as he told the idiot, "of course it's me ya dummy! Who else do ya think it was!? It took me over an hour to get ya back up on ya feet and this the reward I get!? Why I oughta- "

Seeing that he'd angered the small cat, Juan did not want to have a nasty scratch attack and so he told him immediately apologising, "Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! There amigo! I didn't mean no harm there I just...um," however seeing still the look of anger upon the small black and white cat's face as he had his arms folded as well as tapping his right boot. Juan then clapped his hands together almost in prayer as he told the small cat simply and desperately,"please just forgive me!"

At his act of desperation, Cait sith sighed with annoyance as he knew this was no time for these shenanigans and so replied, "...all right lad, that'll do... for now." He added sourly as he stared at him.

Glad to see that he'd got some form of forgiveness from the small black and white cat, Juan was relieved... but looking around he became curious as he saw the realm of darkness that both he and the small cat were immersed in.

Looking at this all Juan was puzzled as he asked, "where are we anyway amigo? This is a really extraño lugar? Ain't it? Why-"

"Juan! Cait sith!"

Hearing this voice all at once both the gunner and small cat were spooked as they looked around puzzled trying to see where the voice had come from!

Looking around Cait sith asked, "that voice! Ya heard it didn't ya!? It weren't my imagination?"

Juan then replied, "I don't think so there Cait sith amigo? Cause I heard it too unless it's-"

Then suddenly flying in and out of the darkness came-

"Poncho!"

For there suddenly arriving upon his master's shoulder was the pink axolotl! Seeing him, the gunner was amazed and pleased! He had to ask the small creature, "where'd you come flying from amigo? Were ya-?" Then suddenly a thought occurred to him, "Poncho? It wasn't you who just-"

"Lads!"

It was finally then as this voice called out, that quickly Cait sith recognised it as he cried out, "Merlin mate! Is that you!?"

Seeing they'd made contact, quickly the master magician cried out, "finally we've found more of you lads!"

Hearing it was him, Juan then looked to Poncho for a moment queerly. Then he looked away from him again as he thought about what an idiot he was for nearly coming up to such a silly conclusion. His loyal axolotl pal though simply continued to stare on blankly onwards...

Cait sith though listening to the ageing magician had to ask, "what do ya mean more of us ? What is-"

It was then that the most precious of voices called out, "we don't have time to discuss this! Please! You both must-"

The small black and white cat cried out, "ya're highness is that you!? Are ya safe!? Are ya-"

Immediately Oralee answered, "yes Cait sith! I'm fine! But Riku isn't!? He's-"

Juan then spoke becoming high on alert as he asked, "Riku amigo!? What's wrong with him? Is he-"

Oralee though had to interrupt again as she told them both, "please there's no time! You must help him!"

Hearing the urgency in her voice, quickly Cait sith agreed and knew this was no time for questioning or debating as he said, "all right yer highness! All right! Just tell us where old snow drop is and we'll be on our way!"

Nodding Juan then added bringing out his pistols was ready for action, "justo en! We'll help our amigo! Just tell us where the action is!"

Glad to see they were ready to help, Merlin then told them both, "all right lads! We'll lead the way for ya both! Just follow our directions!"

"Right ya are Merlin lad!" With him saying that, Cait sith then hopped up and landed on Juan's other shoulder and as he did he announced to the gunner pointing forwards with determination, "okay mate! Full steam ahead!"

At once hearing this decree, Juan was ready as he announced, "okay!" Then prepping himself he cried out, "let's ¡vamos!" With that he took off using his ostrich fast speed as he and his small passengers went to help out their struggling friend!

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"HAAA!"

Striking another heartless as it came swimming straight at him, Riku jumped in the air as he aimed in another direction as he cried out, "Thundaga!" With that immediately the powerful lightning spell flowed forth and quickly it struck another heartless ending it in moments!

Seeing that this guy was as tough as ever to deal with, only amused Irma as she continued to gaze on at him... however she was now getting bored with this repetition of events. Summoning heartless to attack he'd eradicate them, she'd summon again and once more he'd destroyed them.

She had hoped the creature's would incur some damage or something more upon him, but she supposed it was only natural since he was a keybladers after all. So... it was time to rev things up a notch!

Destroying the last of the heartless, Riku was breathless from the adrenalin rush as he clutched the 'Way To Dawn,' in both his hands. Suddenly though he was broken out of any possible thoughts he could have had as a sound of applause came forth.

As it did, quickly Riku turned again and as he did, he saw Irma approaching him still looking as smug as ever as she said pleased, "Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Such brute brawn... I bet lady's must fawn themselves all over you!"

Irritated though, Riku was in no mood for more of her games as he declared mad, "tell me where my friends are right now!"

Giggling though as she heard this Irma had to ask mockingly, "oh? What's wrong? Am I not good enough company for you?"

Angered Riku was going to show her he wasn't playing around as he went to strike her down right there and then as he launched himself forwards!

Irma though expecting as much brought out her axe and quickly blocked his blow, then spinning she knocked him back as she said with a wag of her finger spinning in the watery terrain sending bubbles flying, "oh no! No,No, temper temper!"

Angered Riku looked at her fiercely, gripping his keyblade he was ready to strike her again! This girl was not going to get the best of him!

Irma herself seeing this look of anger and contempt on his face... then decided that it was time to get serious, so her smile dropping she then told the determined keyblader, "okay... I'd say it's time to take the kid gloves off..." then as a powerful dark aura began to surround her, Riku could feel a horrible ominous present as Irma said, "it's time for a whole other game!"

Then before he could react suddenly she threw her axe away and at the clap of her hands a hole of darkness emerged before her in the ground! As it did Riku looked at it with widened eyes as he wondered what was going to happen next? What was she-

Immediately again Irma acted before he could think as she clicked her fingers and cried out, "Peekaboo!" Then suddenly the pink plump chocobo came running forth! As he did, the dark sorceress demanded from him, "the blue stone! Let's have it!"

With that hearing the order from his mistress, Peekaboo agreed as he cried out, "okay lady Irma! Here ya go!' With that the small pink plump chocobo threw it to her!

As he did the sorceress of darkness caught it in her sharpened nailed left hand and grinning as she held it, she turned to Riku and smiled sinisterly as she said, "oh are you going to be in for a shock!"

Wondering what she meant by that the white haired keyblader had no time to ask as suddenly from within the blue stone that was being held within both her hands, came forth a human form! It was ghostlike and looked on with utter shock and horror as it tried to shout, but nothing but silence came forth!

Riku staring on was horrified to see who he was looking at, for there before him. It was none other than Sazh as he stared at him with terror in his eyes, immediately Riku reached his hand out to him as he cried out, "Sazh!"

But it was too late as suddenly the gunman's form vanished and was absorbed back into the stone! As this happened Irma then began her incantations as she began to speak aloud with powerful dark magic flowing in and all around her,

"I summon thee! I summon thee!

You who are the corrupt with darkness and ice running through your veins!

Come forth and become one with I!

You Mateus, become my lance and shield!"

Then suddenly from the portal of darkness emerged a huge dark shadow! Quickly it warped and moved, wrapping itself around Irma along with the blue stone! As the shadow continued to twist around her, the sorceress laughed manically as she was absorbed into this darkness!

Trying to see through the darkness as Riku tried to shield his eyes, he cried out in total worry, "what's going on!? What's happening here!?"

It was then quickly as Riku cried out these words, that Irma's voice returned though now she sounded deeper and monstrous! She proclaimed loudly,

"My Transformation! My beautiful transformation!"

As Riku heard these words quickly the darkness around her seemed to pulse and move faster and faster at almost the speed of a twister! As it did it quickly reached it's climax as Irma cried out,

"It's complete!"

Finally it was then that the darkness fled and flowed away! As it did, finally Riku was able to remove his arm from his face and he could see what had happened to the sorceress!
There before him was Irma, however the very sight of her chilled Riku to the core! For now before him Irma's appearance had greatly change. For all the clothes she was wearing had all turned entirely black even the purple sleeves and skirt had changed to that colour. She was clad in darkened armour that were upon her arms and legs, they had lines of lilac interwoven in them, which almost looked like blood veins. Her fingers now also had long sharpened black nails and around her waist she had long descending veils on both sides of her hips. Though they made her look elegant they were utterly haunting as she seemed now almost ghostlike.

This feeling was further increased because her skin had now turned into a light blue and her eyes were glowing with a haunting pink shade, she was now almost like a demon!

Looking at her Riku was shocked and even more so as suddenly from out of Irma's back erupted twisted wings black which held blue fins! As this happened Irma flexed her shoulders as she laughed and said, "oh this is power! It's so wonderful!" Then looking to Riku she admitted gazing at him with a certain deadly lust, "I've never felt so alive!"

The white haired keyblader though was quickly on guard again as he gripped his keyblade! As he did this, he saw the blue gem that contained Sazh was quickly attached to Irma's dark collar that had emerged around around her neck!

Immediately as this happened another light came forth from the stone and quickly flew to where Peekaboo was and as it went to him, the small pink bird caught it and as he did he cried out with a cheer, "ha! I got ya!"

Riku had to know what that was! So turning to Irma he demanded from her, "what was that!"

The now monstrous sorceress then informed the clueless keyblader, "oh? That's simply the very essence of your friend... he's the one giving me the power to take on this transformation!" Then feeling a sadistic impulse she had to inform him, "oh and just to let you know, the longer time goes on... the more his life drains away and when it comes to an end... his power will be mine, permanently!"

Riku was horrified to learn this and quickly he moved to go and get Peekaboo! Though quickly the small bird moved terrified by him, "hey! Whoa!" He cried out!
Quickly though Irma got in the way between the two and immediately she used her powers of darkness and brought out a huge lance made of ice and as she did, she pointed it straight at the keyblader as she told him, "hey now... I wanna play with you sweetheart!"

Then immediately to increase the fun she snapped her fingers again and more fish heartless emerged around her, ready to attack too! Seeing the pretty creature's filled her with delight and as they did she told the keyblader, "now let's dance!" With that said she launched forwards and proceeded immediately into battle against the keyblader with her monsters tailing after her!

Riku then quickly moved his own keyblade and clashed against her, "tch!" He breathed, for he knew this was going to be a hard fight! Jumping back he avoided a blast from one of the fish heartless and quickly beginning the battle as he dodge and evaded as well as striking power, he knew he had to hurry! For Sazh's life along with the rest of his friend's were all on the line!