Chapter CLXXXVI: The Persecution Of The Past, The Joining Of Powers And The Demonic Jaws
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXVIII
Agitated, Wairu backed away step by step as the group of hostile students surrounded him. Looking at them all, he knew that things were only going to end badly at this rate for him!
Smirking at his defensive state as he glared at them all, one of the students then asked him with a sinister grin on their face,"what's wrong? Run out of tricks you could use on us? Flop boy?"
To which hearing this, the other students laughed loudly with that person. Angered by this insult Wairu clenched his teeth as he then retorted, "oh no... just something else that will leave you imbeciles hammered, like the dumb nails you are!"
At once hearing this back talk another of the group demanded, "what did ya, just say!?"
Wairu though only continued to look on defiantly at them in silence.
It was then another of the group there, clicked his knuckles as he announced, "looks like I'll have to take you down a peg or two!" With that said he went to approach the irritating eyesore.
Clenching his own fists himself, Wairu was busy uttering something under his breath. He only hoped that this would be enough to get him out of the situation! Then just as the attacker was about to make contact-
"STOP!"
Turning around, it was then that instantly everyone saw that in the doorway to the roof was a hunched over figure. She was breathing in and out hard almost breathless as her face was red, she was clearly struggling but she gained enough strength to continue, "stop it! Don't hurt Wairu! Just leave him alone!"
His eyes turning wide with shock, Wairu then uttered as he saw who it was that came to his aid, "Nozomi!?"
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Over her still, Uriax had the female keyblader's hand held in his own. Looking at her, he saw her twist and turn painfully as she gasped, "Ah! Hrrgh..."
Squeezing her hand a little more, he told her trying to be reassuring, "Nozomi hang on! It's just a little... a little more, then it won't hurt you, anymore... I promise." As he said that, the bulging bulb of darkness that was sprouting from within the keyblader's heart continued beat faster and faster... it was almost ready to bloom!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Looking back as he heard this cry of pain, Uriax narrowed his eyes as he asked, "so those fools are still trying to infiltrate this space are they?"
With that as he asked this question there was a rumble in the ground, feeling it though he paid it no mind. For turning back to the person that captivated his attentions so much, he stroked her hair as he told her, "well it doesn't matter how hard they try, Nozomi... for when that spell is complete and activated... you and I will be long gone from this space..." with that he smiled at her chillingly, for soon his dark desires would all come true...
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"HHHHAAAA!"
Diving straight in from above, both Riku and Mickey aimed with their keyblades to smash apart the monstrous metallic chocobo abomination that was before their eyes! However quickly the creature reacted in retaliation as it roared loudly at them!
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
With that it then swung in the air, as it went to strike the lot of them with it's feathered knife like wings!
Seeing this attack coming quickly both keybladers dove out of the way of this hazardous blow, however as they turned in the air, Cait sith holding on tightly to Riku's shoulder noticed and cried out, "oh lads!"
Hearing this cry, immediately both keyblader's turned and then they saw that the creature now had a glowing mass of electricity brimming in it's mouth! The king's eyes widening in moment's knew that this wasn't good! Quickly he reacted, "scatter!"
With that instantly Riku obeyed the king's words and in seconds the two of them just barely avoided the incoming attack!
BLAST!
Instantly as the attack burst out from the creature's mouth, it struck the floor and incinerated the ground it touched in seconds!
Seeing this happen, Cait sith couldn't help but say out loud, "whoa lad! That was a close call there!"
However quickly Riku didn't care about that as he said, "that doesn't matter! We've got to hurry up or-!"
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Suddenly from above there came a series of gunshots! Looking on with amazed eyes, it was then the keybladers saw that both Juan and Sazh were shooting their pistols together!
Juan concentrating hard then said with a keen grin, "looks like it's etapa en for us amigo!"
Grinning himself as he heard this statement from his pal, Sazh then replied just as motivated, "looks like it is!" With that he looked back to his target and as he did, he told him, "now let's take this thing out partner!"
Hearing that, Juan then announced in reply, "con mucho gusto!" With that their shots rang forth!
The monster summon busily tried to swipe at the irritating insects with his wings as they came at him! However they were too fast as they moved in and out of his strikes with seemingly total ease!
Continuing to shoot their ammo at the beast, it was clear though that he was made of something really resilient and realising this, Sazh spoke up and said, "darn! Looks like we can't make a dent there!"
However Juan wasn't one going to give up as he announced, "not unless we stir this up!" Then turning in the air he cried out, "oi Poncho!"
With that cry suddenly from behind came flying over the gunner 'ARCS' pink axolotl buddy! Arriving quickly next to him, the black wearing mariachi man then told him, "condimentar this guy!"
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
With that as the monster twisted again to strike both of the gunner's, however they both dodged this incoming blow and it was then that the pink axolotl swum in about it's dangerous feathery wings! Making it through the gaps, the little creature opened up it's mouth and quickly in moments a rain of black round bombs fell!
KABOOOM!
Immediately the black bombs all struck onto their target! The space was lit up brightly by a tower of fire! Then quickly it went out and a charring black smouldering fog of smoke began to spread about everywhere!
As this happened, Riku along with Mickey and Cait sith on his shoulder watched on with widened eyes! At this moment of pause, the king dared to ask, "did they-!?"
However it was too good to be true! For suddenly from within the charring mess of soot, a glowing yellow eye gazed out from the depths! Then in another moment, the creature leapt up and flew into the air with a beat of it's heavy wings!
Looking up, all of the warriors were in dismay as Riku revealed a single awful point he saw, "the attacks haven't even made a dent!?"
For it was true, the metallic outer shell of the beast hadn't been affected in the slightest! The creature though seeing all of it's prey below it then went to strike them all down, once more as it opened up it's sharp toothed beak to unleash more of it's dreadful blasts of electricity!
However none of the warriors there were going to give up! So instantly they all rushed forwards as Cait sith cried out loudly, "charge lads! Throw everything ya can at him!" With that cry they all went to do just that!
BLAST!
Watching on from the distance as the battle continued on, Alania stood next to Hope and Hana with Vincent just a little ahead. Flying over the scarlet red warriors shoulder was Peter who looked at the battle nervously. After they'd all launched a wave of assaults against the beast, they'd all in some form or another got struck by it's terrible knife like feathers.
When this had occurred a terrible paralysis then affected them and it had made them all have to take a step back, to allow the more agile of the their group to go up against the monster.
In the air, Ruby was rooting for them as he cried out loudly, "go and get 'em guys! You can do it! Go on! You can win this!"
Cringing in pain as she heard this the 'ARCS' summoner bit her lower lip as Hana was in the process of healing her with her white magic, as she continued though she asked worried, "are you okay Alania?"
Finally able to get up, the summoner responded annoyed, "I am now! But dammit!" Turning to look back at the creature that was now their obstacle, she couldn't help but comment further, "that thing really hits with a sting!"
Then saying that she turned to look at a particular group of culprits, it was Irma and her gang who'd now all been tied to some trees that were within this darkened realm. She gazed at them all with utter irritation and return they all had as much the same sentiment as they all looked to her with angered eyes.
Looking at them, the summoner then demanded of them, "why did you guys have to go and mess with such horrendous powers like this!? Just look at the hideous mess you've made for us!?" With that she pointed to the Greeble monster again.
However Irma herself didn't care for the summoner's pathetic complaints and so simply turned her face away defiantly as she retorted annoyed, "none of your business!"
Mad Alania had just about enough of the dark sorceress when-
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
Turning back immediately, the summoner looked back to the battle and she could see that it was still continuing on fiercely! Even Ruby was shaken up! So much to the point he hid in his princess's long golden locks, this made her try and soothe him as she patted him gently.
Peter too shivered as he hid himself in the holed drapes of Vincent's cloak as he looked up from behind with widened eyes at the terrifying beast!
However there was one thing that was clear, that a pair of green eyes spied, "neither side is making any real impact on the other are they?"
It was Hope who asked this question as he looked on with worried eyes. Vincent hearing him then confirmed this as he said, "indeed... this battle is nothing more than a delay tactic, that much is certain."
Quickly everyone remembered what it was they'd been told. As Nozomi and Lightning came into their thoughts, Alania looked to Vincent and demanded, "well if that's the case we gotta hurry up! We need to charge in there and get rid of that annoying thing or-"
However she spoke too soon as suddenly there was a shaking in the ground! This made everyone look up and there they saw the monster had flown high up into the air! Along it's wings huge bolts of lightning were charging madly and seeing this, everyone eyes widened!
Those particularly in the fray of battle were really on edge! Seeing the charge that was igniting along the monster's wings, they all knew this wasn't going to be good!
Sazh looking up had to ask, "just what is-"
Then suddenly he was unable to finish those words as the monster's conducting charges flared up brightly! As the electricity conducted all over it's body, it held itself in almost a fetal position!
As it did this, immediately as though acting on cue. The bat like twisting heartless flew underneath the monster and quickly it began spinning fast! As it did this, the electricity flowed to it and it began to create it's own dangerous charge! In seconds a huge spark began to grow!
Immediately seeing this Vincent acted as he turned to the others and cried, "everyone!"
Seeing this himself in the distance, Cait sith had a sudden inkling of what was coming as he then shouted out loud, "oi lads! We've all gotta leg it before-"
But it was too late for the small cat to go on, for suddenly the monster released it's deadly charge in one huge surge! As it did quickly the bat heartless laughed loudly and manically! With this chilling sound echoing everywhere, it released it's giant spark which turned into a huge wave of electricity that blended in with the metallic monster's charge!
BLAST!
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"
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Meanwhile on the outside of the space of darkness, Oralee was still busy in her hunt for the others! With them all being teleported by the beams of light she had to re-concentrate her energies to try and find them all!
Even with Shirma by her side, donating her energy. It was still proving difficult, but she had to find them! For she was sure they still needed their assistance!
Watching on from the distance as the two girls all continued to concentrate hard upon the crystal, the others were all quiet. Though they were all grateful that most of the others had been found, they were still deeply concerned...
Continuing to look on, Musashi couldn't help but look to his commander as he asked him, "hey Snow dude?"
Hearing him, the strong black hatted blonde turned to his friend as he asked him, "yeah Musashi?"
"Do you think the guys are doing okay still in there?" Came his question.
In reply the commander told him his thoughts, "well... they've made it all through so far, but... I don't know, if we can't find them... then?"
At these words of doubt, Musashi was full of unease as everyone else was... however it was then, that Serah hearing these words and looking on with Dajh in her arms decided on something quietly.
The young boy looking on with concerned eyes as he worried about his Dad and everyone else, then felt his carer's hands lift from his young shoulders. As they did, he looked up to her as he asked, "Serah?"
Hearing this question, the pink haired girl looked down to him and gently with a smile she told him, "don't worry... everything will be fine, I'm going to go and do something to help."
However hearing her say this, it was then that Snow along with Musashi overheard her. Seeing her go, the young samurai asked her,"what've ya got planned, Serah?"
Becoming concerned, Snow also had to ask his fiancee, "you're not going to do anything that will endanger you, are you?"
Stopping for a moment as she saw her beloved worry for her safety, Serah simply shook her head as she replied positively, "no don't worry, I'm just going to do what Shirma's doing... I'm going to land Oralee a hand."
It was then that Bonkers walked over, riding upon the back of his devoted pal Coco. Looking to her he asked, "are ya sure, you're gonna be alright doin' that Serah?"
Nodding to him, the pink haired girl told him, "don't worry I will be..." then she asked the bobcat cop and chocobo, along with her fiancee and his second in command "just look after Dajh for me, will you?"
Looking to her, Snow was quiet for a moment. But he then responded to the confidence in her voice, "of course... you just help get our gang back!"
Nodding firmly, the pink haired girl replied, "don't worry I will!" Then walking up to Snow, she reached up to him and gave him a kiss upon his cheek and gently told him, "thank you."
A little surprised at her sweet action, Snow though then simply grinned as a little blush came to his face he told her, "no problem!"
With that hearing those words gladly, Serah was then on her way as she approached Oralee and Shirma.
Seeing her go, Musashi decided to give his own words of encouragement and told her, "good luck Serah!"
Bonkers then joined in enthusiastically too as he cried out, "yeah! We're rootin' for ya!" Then turning to his pal he asked him, "ain't that right Coco?"
To which immediately the small yellow bird replied happily, "kweh!"
Dajh was quiet as he was still a little worried himself, however he felt a strong reassuring hand on his shoulder. Looking up he then saw it was Snow, the blonde white coated young man gazed down at him and quietly he did a single nod of his head with a smile.
Taking this quiet reassurance, he smiled himself feeling a little more reassured and with that he watched as the pink haired girl joined her friends and combined her power with theirs. To find those in the crystal who were surely waiting for them.
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Unwrapping his cloak quickly as the blast of electricity faded away, it was then that those who were under his protective wing came out. Emerging as Peter flew out from behind him, it was then that Hope asked almost breathless, "what was-?"
Then looking on, they saw the effects that the thunderous wave had caused! All of their comrades were lying motionless on the floor! Paralysed and suffering thunderous damage from the attack! It was clear as they heard the groans of pain from them, that none of them could move!
Looking on with widened eyes of horror, as the others did with her too. Hana spoke, "that's bad! It's really bad!"
"Geez you think!?" It was then turning hearing Irma's voice. That the spared heroes could see that the chained group of villains were suffering from the effects of electricity as they cringed from the pain and paralysis!
Peekaboo spoke up as he said, "errrggghhh! Make it stop! Make it stop!"
Volg then replied mad, though with the same effects on him, "ca, can't! Volted stiff!"
No-one could think of a word to say to any of them as they saw them all like that. But Alania then simply said thinking it was rather appropriate, "well you all just got what you deserved!"
However suddenly Vincent looked over his shoulder and he noticed something! Quickly without another word, the red crimson clad warrior took off!
Immediately feeling him leave everyone turned and then they saw why he'd taken off! For now the terrible monster Greeble had become was stepping over the paralysed heroes and now it's metallic feathery knifed wings were aimed straight at all of them! Then floating over them all as if to taunt them, the twisted bat heartless unleashed its manic bout of laughter as it vibrated with electricity and it chilled them all to the core to look on!
Instantly though seeing the horrific act that the monsters were going to do to their friends, Hope spoke up as he cried out, "guys c'mon!" With that he quickly took off as he chased after their scarlet clad saviour!
Hearing him Alania reacted too as she brought out her wand and a certain warm coloured red and orange summon gem. Then chasing after him she cried out, "right behind you!"
Hana then seeing them go didn't want to be left out of this fight and so cried out too, "so am I!" With that she took off!
However seeing his princess go, Ruby cried out urgently as he tailed after them, "wait Hanahime!" With that he flapped his wings hurriedly leaving the group of agonised gang of villains and chocobo's to watch on bitterly from their tree, with Peter who was too nervous to venture into this ominous battle.
Riku on the ground cringed as he clenched his teeth, looking at the monster he could see it looming over him and the king! Bitter, he knew with aggravation that he couldn't do anything as he couldn't move a muscle! Also his friends were out cold!
Then hearing the bat heartless as it laughed manically once more, he felt another shine of powerful electricity! Looking he saw the monster's wings began to charge up and as he did, he immediately turned his head away dreading the terrible pain that was soon to come!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Suddenly though the bouts of laughter stopped, as a figure emerged and began shooting his gun quickly! Riku opening his eyes then saw who it was, Vincent!
Looking on he watched as the the warrior leapt forwards and shot at both creatures, evading the incoming attacks from the heartless and continuing to shoot at Greeble! However the more he did this, the more enraged the creature was becoming!
Quickly it began to focus it's attentions on him and as his back was turned for a brief moment, shooting away the heartless. It unfurled it's wings and went to strike him down with it's knife like feathers!
Then just as it was going to make impact!
"Oh no you don't!"
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
Suddenly arriving, was the huge enormous burning figure of the summoned beast of fire. Ifrit! Using it's giant claws, the fiery summon stopped the swing of the monster's wings and immediately it threw it away with it's giant claws!
Then quickly Ifrit unleashed a fiery blast from it's mouth making it take several steps back! The metallic monstrosity roared loudly back outraged!
Alania then upon her summon creature's back told it, "you're not touching my friends when they're down!" With that she pointed with her wand and commanded loudly, "Ifrit let's go!"
With that her summon roared loudly and with that it went in for the charge against the beast and in turn Greeble went straight back towards them!
It was then as she did this, that Hana arrived over with Ruby fluttering by her side and she said, "okay! I'll heal you all right now!"
Then as she said this, Vincent arrived before them and taking a defensive position he told her, "make it fast!"
Nodding as she heard the red clad warrior she responded, "of course!" With that she quickly took out from her brown satchel bag, a series of potions and other remedies that would cure the keybladers in moments!
As she quickly got to work, Vincent looked in around them as Alania continued to fight against Greeble. Then suddenly he saw ahead the twisted heartless again and laughing hysterically it raced straight for them all!
Immediately seeing it the red clad warrior aimed and fired!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
While he fired his gun, Hana concentrated on her healing and feeding the bottle to Riku's mouth as she held him up. Quickly the paralysis effects left him and he recovered enough of his energy to finally speak, "thanks there... Hana."
Smiling simply she replied to him, "it's fine!" Then quickly she spoke as she got another couple of bottles out and said, "here, this is for Cait sith! I'll help the king!"
Taking the green bottle from her, the keyblader nodded as he told her, "okay!" With that quickly he helped his small feline companion as the blonde haired girl assisted the mouse king.
Continuing to aim and fire though, Vincent was finding the heartless creature difficult to strike as it was a fast and ferocious entity to deal with! He couldn't help but utter agitated, "persistent aren't you!"
With that he aimed for another shot! Then suddenly just as the bullet was about to impact it, it vanished! His eyes widened as he asked, "it-"
Hana though bringing the king up, was about to feed the medicine to him when! "Hanahime!?" Ruby cried out for there before them was-
"AERORA!"
It was suddenly then that the heartless that had appeared out of nowhere was struck away by the powerful wind spell that was assisted in it's force by the boomerang of none other than, "Hope!"
For spotting him behind them, it was then Riku spied the white haired young man as he came running to their assistance!
Seeing he made it in time, he couldn't help but grin as he said, "wow! It was a close call there!"
Nodding as he said those words Hana agreed as she told him, "indeed it was!" Then getting back to the matter at hand, she took the potion she had and fed it quickly to the king.
Then as she did so, it was finally that Riku revived Cait sith and immediately both him and the mouse keyblader regained their senses! Looking around himself, the black and white cat asked perplexed, "what the heck happened back there!? What-"
Riku then cut in as he told him, "to cut it short, we were knocked out and zapped! Now you're back to the land of the living."
Cait sith immediately was made silent as he stared on at the white haired keyblader blankly. Then as he digested this info, he grew mad as he said, "well that ain't fair!" With that turning as he saw Alania continuing to beat into the transformed chocobo. Seeing this he uttered mad, "I'm gonna teach that tin cuckoo a thing or two when I get my claws on him!"
Hearing this Riku couldn't help but grin for a moment as he told him, "that I don't doubt!"
Then as he said those words, Mickey shook his head as he asked, "huh? What's-"
Delighted to see him awake, Hana then said with a smile, "your majesty!"
Immediately hearing her voice, the king looked to her and he asked after a moment of astonishment, he asked, "Hana? Ya revived me?"
Nodding instantly at this question, the long blonde haired girl simply smiled.
However it was then that Vincent spoke up as he said, "and just in time too... we'll need all our forces together to take down this Metamorphosi abomination!"
At these words, it was then that Mickey looked into the distance to see Alania still battling Greeble and as he did, he then saw the bat heartless continue to fly around them manically! It was clear it was just waiting for the right moment to strike them down!
However as he saw it, he also saw the light of Lightning's life in its claws and as he did. He saw that it's light was beginning to dim! That wasn't good! Realising that he then nodded in agreement with Vincent as he replied, "you're right!" With that as he said those words, he got back up onto his feet as Riku did the same with Cait sith riding on his shoulder.
Then as Hana got up, it was Ruby who had to ask worryingly, "but how are you guys gonna make any damage on that thing! It's metallic skin practically makes that thing indestructible! Plus that bat thing keeps zipping here there and everywhere! If we don't get both, we don't win!"
Hearing his words, Hope then had to admit to the others, "he does have a point guys... when we attacked together earlier with everything we had, it didn't make any impact on it at all."
At these words everyone became quiet, for no idea's really came to anyone instantly. But Riku then had to say, "well we better think of a way to defeat them both... for the longer we wait, Lightning and Nozomi..."
As he trailed off at these words, everyone couldn't help but think of the female keyblader and the strong female soldier and their dire situation.
Becoming aggravated Cait sith then demanded mad, "well it's not like as if that thing's gonna be cut apart by a butter knife! We-"
"That's it!" Cutting Cait sith off suddenly, it was then everyone turned and they looked to the King. Seeing him he had a look of realisation on his face.
As she saw this, Hana had to ask him, "what have you thought of, your majesty?"
With that looking to everyone he then told them, "now listen fella's! I need ya all to pay close attention! For if we get this right, we'll be able to beat that thing in one fowl swoop!"
Hearing those words, it was then instantly listened in closely to the mouse king as a hope of victory, grew within their hearts.
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Upon her knees, the female warrior felt a horrible chill envelop her entire being! She shivered as she was desperate to try and keep her body temperature up as she rubbed her arms.
Thinking desperately to herself, she spoke aloud as she said, "I've got to keep it together! I've got to stay awake! Or-"
SHINE!
Suddenly all at once a surge of power came forth! As it did, the brave soldier collapsed entirely! As she gasped in agony, she felt more and more of her energy vacate her body. She was breathless!
As she ached though, she had to keep going! She had to stay alive! She had to persevere... however as her eyelids began to become heavy, she couldn't help but wonder... why? Why did she have to?
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Using the claws upon his feet, Ruby was busy as he pulled up a bottle and said gritting his beak, "here! Now drink this!"
With that he plonked the bottle straight into a black whiskery mouth! As the individual began to chug down and down, there were a few moments of silence...
"WHOA!"
All of a sudden getting up onto his feet, Juan snatched up the bottle and finished off the contents that were in it! As he did he then couldn't help but speak out brightly and fully energised, "now that really dio en el clavo!" Then stopping for a moment he had to look around himself a little perplexed. After a moment he asked, "huh? What happened?"
Immediately then Ruby flew up to him and said mad, "don't fool around Juan!? We got a situation going on here! We need-"
Then Juan seeing the little robin asked him, "oh hey little amigo! Just what-"
"Would ya just listen Juan!?"Aggravated he saw the gunner become perplexed and as he did. It was then the little robin went on and said, "now look! Ya gotta help out Sazh!"
At once hearing him say this, it was then the 'ARCS' gunner's eyes widened as he asked, "Sazh amigo!?" Then looking he quickly saw his pal and as he did, his memory came back!
Quickly bending down, he lifted his green coated pal as he asked him, "oi! Sazh! Can you hear me amigo!?"
The green gunner then groaned painfully, showing he was still living. Seeing this, Juan became relieved however before he could say another word, Ruby spoke up, "now quick give him this!"
With that the little robin flew up with another green coloured healing potion in his claws. Seeing it, the gunner didn't have to be told twice and quickly taking it, he told the small bird, "thanks there Ruby!"
With that he started to feed the bottle into Sazh's mouth, as he did. It was then that Ruby told the gunner, "now look! All of us have come up with a plan!"
Hearing him as he said this, Juan turned to him as he asked, "a plan?"
Nodding at these words, it was then Sazh finally was revived and as he was he asked, "what the heck? How did we-?"
Then giving him no chance to ask anymore, Ruby continued straight on, "we're gonna go for an all out attack! Now you guys have gotta go when I give you all the details!"
With that as he said those words, Juan and Sazh remained quiet as they heard everything the little bird had to say. Even Poncho too listened on keenly as he floated above his pal's black coated shoulder with a still as ever blank expression.
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Still fighting fast and furiously, Alania had Ifrit strike and strike against Greeble! However she was beginning to struggle, for she'd nearly used up all her magic maintaining Ifrit's presence!
Cringing she could feel herself becoming breathless, it was difficult trying to keep up her magical concentration! She spoke aloud and said, "I just hope the others are-"
Then suddenly she was stopped! For quickly she saw that in Greeble's sharp toothed beak he had a blast of thunder that was about to thunder down on her! She couldn't get out of the way and Ifrit couldn't defend her as he held one of the monster's giant wings in his own claws!
Her eyes widened as the sphere of electricity grew bigger and bigger! Then-
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
Suddenly another set of claws punched straight into Greeble's face! Turning quickly Alania then saw with widened eyes, a dark blue coloured beast with glowing yellow eyes and silver horns upon his head! Looking at him, Alania recognised him in moments! It was Vincent, in his Galian beast form!
As the warrior smashed into Greeble, he growled as he turned to face her! Silent for a moment, the stunned summoner didn't know what to say at all! Then suddenly-
"Alania!" Turning she saw it was the King! Looking she saw the others approach behind him, as they did. She heard him call and ask her, "think you can help Vincent, hold that big fella down for us!?"
Hearing this request, Alania turned to look at the beast again and though she was struggling. She knew she could do that at the very least and so told him, "you betcha!" With that she directed her summon beast as she told him, "let's go Ifrit!"
With that he did as he was commanded and he pushed back as Vincent did too! Together the two strong beasts held Greeble's wings aloft and back, which in turn exposed his chest and the yellow stone that was there glowing in the centre!
Seeing their target was in sight, Cait sith cried out from Riku's shoulder, "there mate! Get it now!"
Hearing this, the King went to do just that! Running in-between the two beasts. The mouse keyblader brought out his blade! However it was not the keyblade he used, instead he brought the powerful blade Muramasa!
Using all his energy and focus, the king sliced the samurai sword straight into Greeble's chest! Just missing the yellow gem that was in his centre, he cut a massive line which glowed red with power!
Seeing he'd made his opening, he looked back and then cried out, "Hana! It's your turn!"
Hearing him, the blonde haired girl responded instantly, "yes!" With that she brought forth from her brown satchel bag several seeds, however these grew with golden magical light and as they did, she took them into her right hand and blew them away on a gust of Pixie dust!
Immediately getting out of the way, Mickey then watched as the seeds entered into Greeble's chest and as they did, quickly the monster roared loudly as it's yellow eyes widened! Screeching in pain, it stepped back making both Vincent and Ifrit release it!
Quickly as it stepped back, huge roots began to intertwine and dig into the monster! This began to crack and splinter the metallic plating that covered it! Looking on everyone then could see massive cracks appear in it's once impenetrable armour!
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
It screeched out loudly! Then in moments it went to fly in the air! Seeing it go, quickly both keybladers saw, "it's time to go!" Riku cried out!
"Right on!" Cait sith cried out and with that quickly riding on his buddy's shoulder, he and him and the king began to chase the monster into the air!
Then as they began to, suddenly flying in from nowhere came the hysterical bat heartless and giggling manically it went to strike them down as it began firing away bolts of lightning at them!
However-
"Our turn!" Came a joyous shout and quickly in moments, flying in from nowhere with Poncho and Ruby, it was none other than Sazh and Juan! However they were both glowing with the glitter of Pixie dust which held them aloft in the air!
Seeing their target was in sight, the green coat wearing gunner then said with fierce determination, "we're on target! Let's fry it!"
Nodding getting pumped, Juan agreed with him as he cried out, "yeah!" With that instantly both gunners began to fire away!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Quickly they struck the heartless straight out of the way! Then as it started to dart here, there and everywhere trying to evade the two gunners. They kept up the pace as they chased after it!
Seeing what they were both doing for them, Mickey looked back and cried out, "thanks fella's!"
Immediately hearing him, Juan turned back for a moment and as he did. He told the mouse keyblader, "No hay problema, Muchacho's!"
Then Sazh added, "just finish this thing!" With that he started firing again and in turn, Juan joined him too!
However it was then that Ruby flew on over and quickly in moments, he threw forward a bag which contained the last of the Pixie dust that his princess had handed him! As the two keyblader's were bathed in it's effects, Cait sith turned and cried out, "thanks there mate!"
To which Ruby simply saluted with his wing to show it was no problem!
Feeling this light all over them, Riku and the King rushed forwards and upwards together and as they did. It was then that the white haired keyblader, told him, "let's finish this your majesty!"
Hearing this, the king didn't have to be told twice as he replied, "right Riku!"
With that they were on target! However the monster Greeble was, wasn't gonna give up that easily! Instantly he crackled with electricity as he went to strike each and every of the nuisances away!
However the two keyblader's with the aid of the Pixie dust were too fast for him! Together they weaved in and out of his blasts and quickly they come on target! Immediately they both together started to cut straight into him! Moment after moment the two of them chipped more and more of his metallic skin away with the aid of the growing roots and branches, leaving his vulnerable red skin exposed!
Cait sith fully pumped then proclaimed, "yeah! Way ta go mates! We'll have this chickie plucked and well roasted, real soon!"
Greeble though becoming infuriated as he heard this, then swung his metallic wings at the keybladers! In seconds they all spread about, making him miss! However quickly, it's whole body started to glow with that dreadful charge of electricity and it was going to blast them to kingdom come!
Seeing this web of bolts as they crackled over it's wings, the keybladers were too late to move! For suddenly the beast fired at them!
BLAST!
As this horrible wave of electricity came their way, both Riku along with Cait sith and Mickey looked on with shocked widened eyes! Then-
"LAST RESORT!"
SHINE!
Suddenly in moments this blast was blown away by a great source of light! Quickly the power was thrown back and dispersed in moments, then in another moment orbs of light flew forwards and struck the beast away as they crashed into it's wings!
Turning back as the monster screeched from the pain, it was then that Riku and the king saw suddenly that Hope came up unbeknownst with them, using the same Pixie dust they'd been bathed in! As the two startled keyblader's looked to him, he laughed as he said, "looks like you guys needed a hand!"
To which Riku couldn't help but smirk as he replied, "you have no idea!"
Hope then simply smiled again, however he then turned and said, "well I'm gonna go and help Sazh and Juan! You guys take care of the rest!"
Nodding at this request, both Mickey and Riku along with Cait sith watched as the white haired young man quickly departed! Then turning back, they looked to Greeble again and quickly in moments the spunky black and white cat proclaimed, "right mates! Let's end this!"
With that there was a one word reply from both keyblader's, "right!" Instantly they both charged forth as Greeble came straight at them flapping his giant wings!
Hope flying forwards, then saw Juan and Sazh firing away into the heartless! As they did, they shot away together and it was clear with each shot their powers were increasing and increasing!
Feeling what was coming, Juan turned to his comrade as he asked him, "hey do you feel it?"
With that hearing the question, Sazh smirked as he replied, "I reckon I do!"
Seeing the heartless coming to charge at them both again with another blast of electricity brimming around it, they both darted out of the way of it's frenzied approach! Then as it turned in the air, it was finally at that moment both gunner's reached the peak of their powers!
Aiming forth both of his pistols, both of them lit up on fire and in turn Sazh's brimmed with ice vapours and in moment's both gunner's artillery turned into rifles as they merged into one and immediately the two of them shouted out together in unison!
"BOOMYA!"
"COLD BLOOD!"
With that the two attacks unified becoming one! Immediately this shining blue and red blow blasted forth and struck the heartless in seconds making it hurtle in laughing mess backwards!
Then as this happened suddenly from behind it came another powerful blast, "Thundaga!" Instantly the monster was struck straight through, shattering it's centre by an attack launched by none other than, "Hope!" Both gunners shouted out in amazement!
Immediately at that same moment, aiming their keyblade's high Riku and Mickey were both poised and ready! Then again, the monster tried to fire at them with more blows of electricity. However these all missed!
Flying high and fast both keyblader's felt their power grow and grow! Then as they did they were on target and immediately Cait sith shouted out determined, "alright lads! Let him have it!"
With that the they did and quickly in moments they shouted out, "Double cast, FIRAGA!" With that both of them plunged their keyblade's into the monster's chest! Immediately the fierce fire magic spread about here and there all over the monster's body and quickly it shrieked in agony!
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
In moment's the monster glowed brighter and brighter as the power of the keyblader's burned into all of it's vital points! Then in seconds-
KABOOM!
A huge light lit up the dark space! Feeling it as it happened, in that moment it was then the heartless creature turned into dust entirely. As it did, it's crumbling embers fell into Hope's hands, there he caught the beating light of his beloved trainer and friend. Lightning...
He held it close to his own heart as he whispered and told her, "it's over, I've got you now..." he only hoped inside that he and the others weren't too late to save her...
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In the midst of the cold and pain she was suffering from. She could feel her eyes becoming heavier... her will was gradually fading away.
However suddenly she felt an unexpected warmth around herself. What was this feeling? She didn't know... but somehow she felt safer and she tried to respond more to this warmth. However her body was lacking strength... maybe, she didn't have much time left now?
But again... what did she really have time left for anyway?
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Finally with the beast vanquished and laying in a daze behind them. Mickey and Hope hurriedly making it to each other had come together and were now busy trying to reunite the white light with the yellow jewel that were both held in their hands!
As they were busy doing this, the others had surrounded them all urgent with worry in a small circle. Looking on as this magical union was trying to be made, Ruby had to turn to Hana and ask, "do you think that they'll do it?"
Shaking her head, Hana could only respond honestly, "I don't know Ruby... all we can do is pray."
Nodding sadly at this, the small bird acknowledged this.
However Riku was becoming restless, for pulling on his trouser legs was Peter who was urging him to move! He had to go! He was torn though for he too wanted Lightning to be revived. But he also knew behind him in that grove of trees was Nozomi! As he thought again of the memories she was going to lose, he knew this couldn't wait! Turning to the others as Peter leapt up and fluttered overhead, he told them all, "guys! I can't wait anymore! I've got to save Nozomi!"
Hearing him they all turned to look at him, quietly after a moment no-one there could fault him for wanting to do that and quickly hearing him say this. Mickey told him, "alright Riku! Go fast!"
Nodding the keyblader instantly went to do just that! As he ran on, Cait sith then urged him, "c'mon lad! I know we can do it! We'll get to her in time!" With that they both started to follow after Peter who was leading the way for them!
Then suddenly backing him up, two other voices spoke up, "yeah! We'll be there to back you amigo's up!" "Yeah nobody messes with the memories of my friend's!" With that Riku saw that following him, it was none than Alania and Juan!
Seeing them, the keyblader was glad to have back up and so told them, "thanks guys!" With that they all rushed towards the grove of trees, with Peter beckoning urgently!
As they did, Hope and Mickey concentrated their efforts on Lightning. As they both did, the white haired young man then said aloud, "Light! Come back to us!"
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"Light! Come back to us!"
Hearing that voice, the woman stirred. Did she recognise that voice? There was nothing but silence... no, it must have been her imagination. For there was-
"Come on Lightning! Everybody's waitin' for ya here!"
Another voice? This one sounded familiar to her... but, she was too tired now to think. In fact, she didn't want to think about anything anymore...
"Lightning!"
Then suddenly came another voice! This one made her eyes widen! For she did know this one! It was-!
"Come on you can't give up now!"
Her eyes widened, immediately energy from somewhere started to return to her! As it did she began to get back onto her feet. Looking around herself, she then heard the voice again.
"You have to come back to me! You're my strong sister aren't you!?"
It was then after a few moments that it immediately all flooded back to her! She remembered who needed her, countless friends of hers! But one of the most important of all was!
"Serah!"
With that shout, it was then the world lit up with light and turned white! As it all faded away, it was then she was sure that she could see her younger sister, smiling to her. As she welcomed her back to the world...with a kind warm reaching hand...
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The gang all seeing who'd come up the stairs were all instantly annoyed at seeing her. Then the one who was obviously the leader walked up towards her and as he did he asked her, "tch! You're bothering to help this outsider again!?"
Cringing it was clear Nozomi was still struggling, however she told him with what strength she could muster, "of course I am! We're friends! Why wouldn't I!?"
Looking down at her as she said this so pathetically, the young man obviously hated her for her cocky attitude. So he told her, "you just don't know when to quit!" With that suddenly he pulled on her arm and made her tumble, causing her to fall forwards!
As she slammed onto the ground painfully, Wairu was shocked and worried as he cried out urgently, "Nozomi!?"
On the ground the ill girl looked up to the bully and as he leaned over her, he said, "even when you're ill!" With that he stepped forwards and then with his foot he stepped onto her left hand hard! This immediately made her cry out in pain, "Agh!"
Smirking at this action, he then told her, "now I'll put you in your place too! For all the humiliation you've put us through!" With that he pressed harder, increasing the pressure!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
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"AAAGGGHHH!"
At once, Uriax's eyes widened in delight! For finally there before his eyes, the flower of darkness had bloomed and around him appeared glowing lilac orbs of light that throbbed in the midst of the shadows. Looking to the flower he couldn't help but utter, "how beautiful!"
Then as Nozomi shivered, he smiled as he said, "now it's complete... all that is left is to initiate it!" With that he walked over to her. With his free hand he stroked her dark locks of hair once more as he used his other hand to tilt her face to look at him.
With that seeing her parted lips, he could feel her warm breath tickle him and feeling a fluttering excited hunger inside his heart and being he whispered, "now you will be mine..." with that he leaned down as he finished, "with a kiss..."
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Immediately a ringing sound came forth and in moments the yellow stone and light that floated in the air. Rushed together and became one again!
As the two objects shone with light, quickly the Magi Metamorphosis that had been cast upon Greeble was undone and there the peppermint green chocobo was reduced to his original size and form. However he was still dazed in a concussion as stars fluttered about his head.
Everyone was amazed and quickly delighted as suddenly in a flash of light, the brave female warrior quickly materialised and fell forwards! Seeing this, immediately Hope ran to her and caught her in his arms as he cried out, "Light!"
Immediately though seeing this, Hana cried out happily, "oh thank goodness! She's come back!"
Nodding brightly with a grin on his face, Sazh replied, "yep she has! I'd say this'd be a great time to celebrate!"
However near him still tied with ropes, having being dragged there from their trees. Irma was far from delighted as the rest of her group was as she replied, "oh yeah... I'm just leaping for joy right here! You bunch of losers!"
Vincent hearing this standing near to her, looked to her with a serious cold look. He was obviously not pleased and Irma herself seeing him then simply glared straight back. In just as much of a bad mood.
It was then that finally Lightning awoke properly and as she did, she looked around and saw the group around her. Seeing them, she said almost breathless, "everyone..."
Mickey looked to her smiled as he greeted her and said, "glad to have you back with us Lightning!"
Revealing a smile of her own, she couldn't help but admit, "well I'm glad to be back!"
Hope hearing this then told her, "you should be! After all who'd continue to train me if you weren't here!"
At the mention of this comment, Lightning then finally picked herself up and looking to Hope she poked him in the forehead as she told him, "wise guy!"
"It's so good you're okay Lightning!"
Hearing the voice of her sister, the female warrior then spoke up to her and said, "well it's all thanks to you Serah! Without you and the others I would have-"
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly as this cry filled the air, everyone was quickly alarmed! As they turned Mickey started to cry, "that was-"
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
As this horrible sound filled the air, everyone was shocked! Then-
"Everyone!"
Quickly hearing this voice, they all recognised it to be Oralee! However there was no time for replies as she cried out to them!
"You're not alone there! A darker presence is there with you!"
Everyone was shocked, then suddenly there was a rumble in the ground! Turning they looked in the direction it was coming from and-
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"AAAGGGHHH!"
As he heard this cry, Riku immediately shouted out, "Nozomi!"
Then running in followed by Alania and Juan, with Peter still beckoning frantically! They finally saw before them their unconscious friend on a floating platform, the flower of darkness sprouting from her heart and-
Seeing what the shadowed stranger was about to do to her, Riku shouted out enraged, "get away from her!" With that he moved his hand and shouted out, "Thundaga!"
However as the spell thundered forth, the young man brought out his hand quickly and caught the powerful thunder spell in his opened hand! As he did, he turned to the nuisance and told him with a smirk on his face, "is that all you've got?"
As he said this, Peter looked over at everyone with widened worried eyes! For the small creature didn't know what to do!?
However on guard on either side of the determined keyblader, Alania and Juan were ready! Cait sith then announced as his fur stood on end, "we got more than that ya freak! We're gonna-"
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
Suddenly everyone was alarmed! Even Uriax was! He asked with widened eyes, "that is-!?"
Then turning, everyone saw a series of huge haunting swivelling eyes peering into the grove! Looking on everyone was frozen in shock! When suddenly-
"OH! YUM! YUM!"
With that the eyes were quickly moved away and a huge mouth was placed there instead before the entrance! Immediately as the tongue rolled out, there was then a huge gale that blew forth and in moments everything in that place was being sucked into those horrible sharp toothed jaws!
Feeling this pull, quickly Juan acted as he cried out, "oh this ain't good muchcacho's!" With that he grabbed one of the tree's that was nearby!
As he did this, Alania feeling the pull cried out, "AAGGHH!" With that she grabbed onto the gunners leg! This made him shake like mad as he was being used as a human climbing frame! The pain was unbearable and embarrassing!
In turn Riku had grabbed another nearby tree as he started to cling on tightly! As he did, Cait sith told him urgently, "whatever you do lad! Don't let go!"
Uriax in the mean time moved to grab his most precious one, when-
"HHHOOOWWWNNNGGGHHH!"
Suddenly at this sound, the gusts became stronger and at once slipping away and out from his fingers he watched in horror something he never expected to happen!
Riku too looked on with just as much terror! For now Nozomi's helpless body was being sucked into that horrible giant mouth!
"NOZOMI!"
"NOZOMI!"
As the two young men cried out her name, she was getting further and further away from them! Peter who'd being flying against the current though couldn't bear to see her vanish and panicked he neighed loudly as he followed after her!
Seeing the little pegasus go, Cait sith then acted too as he cried out, "oi Peter! Get back here!" However as he reached out to grab him, even he got caught by the wind and he too was being sucked in!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Seeing him go everyone was shocked! Alania and Juan then shouted out, together!
"PETER!"
"CAIT SITH!"
However it was too late! Quickly all three helpless individuals were snapped up into the giant jaws!As they smashed down over them, the creature moved back. Then in the grove and outside of it. Everyone saw what the monster that had appeared from within the terrible depths of darkness was!
In a huge bulking shape that resembled an enormous twisted scaly green, black and silver coloured alligator with huge sharp toothed jaws and long sharp claws. They saw too that it had massive insect like wings that sprouted upon it's back. It was hideous! But more than that, they all knew and recognised that creature to be the evil demonic devourer, Bebuzzu!
