Chapter CLXXXVIII: The Storm Of Diamonds, The Threat And The Final Door
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXX

Standing in the grounds of the ruined summoned zone, in the safe realms of the outside world. The remaining members of the 'ARCS' stood with the members of the Restoration committee... together everyone was utterly quiet as they looked at Oralee, Serah and Shirma concentrating their powers upon the darkened crystal.

As they all continued to watch on, with Merlin standing near the girls stroking his beard in observation. It was then that a single voice cried out, "oohh! I can't take it anymore!"

Turning at this complaint, Scrooge the entrepreneur business duck looked to the one who'd made this cry. It was none other than Bonkers, looking to him a little annoyed he asked him, "what can't ya take lad?"

Hearing him say this, the bobcat cop then told him waving his arms up and down, "this waiting around! The suspense is killin' me here!" Then turning to his trusty pal and stead, he asked him, "right Coco!"

"Kweh!" Came the small little yellow bird's response as he jumped up too and flapped his wings.

Sighing as he heard him say this, Scrooge then went to tell him, "well what do you expect us to do lad! I know meself and the rest of the blokes here wanna do somethin' too! But we-"

FLASH!

Distracting everyone suddenly, a white light lit up the place! This surprised them all! Seeing it, quickly Snow asked, "hey is that-!?"

FLASH!

Again another flash came forth! As it did, it was then Merlin ran over to the girls. Looking to them he asked, "lasses? Is it-?"

Immediately nodding, Shirma got up as she looked to the aged magician and told him, "it is! The seal's being undone!"

Quickly as she said those words, the glowing from the crystal became brighter! However doing her best to contain it, Oralee held it tightly in her hands. As she did, she told everyone as they all looked to her worryingly, "please hurry!"

Merlin was surprised. However remembering the previous incident he knew what he had to be done! "Alright!"

As he said those words, it was then that Serah stood up removing her hands from Oralee's shoulders as she agreed quickly and said, "yeah! Let's go!"

With that said, both of the magician and girls ran forwards! Immediately they all started to cry out, "lads! Back away now!" "Everyone move!" "It's dangerous here, please!"

Listening to these shouts, no-one knew how to react at all! However quickly Bonkers seeing this, knew instantly what to do, pulling on his cap he then told his pal, "looks like it's our cue! Let's go Coco!"

Hearing him instantly, the small bird responded! "Kweh!"

Then in another moment, Bonkers put his whistle to his mouth. Doing so he took a deep breath and unleashed the noise!

"Thweeeeeet!' "Thweeeeeet!' "Thweeeeeet!'

Immediately everyone hearing this loud pitching of whistling turned their attentions to the small bobcat! Looking to him they all watched as he started running about upon Coco, waving his baton back as he started to push them all back!
As he did this, Musashi cried out, "hey! What's the deal Bonkers dude!? Why're you-!"

Quickly though Bonkers spoke up as he told him, "no time! No time! There's no time fella's!" With that continuing to bat everyone back, he shouted out, "now back! Back! Get back fella's!"

With that immediately at Bonkers quick response and loudness, everyone was quickly driven back away from the radiating and glowing crystal!
Seeing him do this, immediately Shirma smiled in delight as she cried out to him, "Bonkers well done! You-"

FLASH!

Feeling this new pulse of light, everyone turned back. Quickly they could see Oralee wasn't gonna be able to hold the light back for much longer! Seeing her struggle, Merlin quickly spoke, "c'mon lasses! We gotta move!"

Shirma nodded as she replied, "okay!"

"I'll go and get her!" Serah told them both. As she did so, both white mage and wizard nodded to her then moving quickly, both Merlin and Shirma got out of the way.

Running back quickly to her friend, Serah then looked at her and saw her as she struggled desperately trying to keep the crystal's power in check. As she watched her concentrate so hard, she heard her uttering to herself fiercely, "please hurry! Please hurry! Please!"

As she tried so hard, Serah then quickly put her hand onto her shoulder. Doing so, she told her, "Oralee, it's okay now! You can let go of it."

Hearing her as she said this, Oralee jumped at her touch as she turned and asked breathlessly, "Serah...?"

Seeing her look at her like this, the pink haired girl simply nodded softly. Then gently she told her, "c'mon..."

As she said this, Oralee then nodded and with a smile of her own. Quickly she took Serah's hand releasing the crystal from her grasp, with that she was pulled up by her friend and the two of them started running!

FLASH!

At once as the two girls made it to a safer distance where the others were standing. The shining crystal lit up and quickly elevated up into the air, spinning fast and ringing loudly as the power inside of it was building and building!

Everyone looking up at this display of magic, were all mesmerised! Then before anyone could think of anything to say-

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Hearing this shout, quickly Yuffie cried out as she recognised the voices that were crying out, "hey! Isn't that-!"

However there was no time for her to say another word, for suddenly from within the shining yellow crystal, glittering comets of white lights came forth! Seeing them all, no-one could believe it! Then suddenly right before their eyes, five streams of light impacted the ground right before them!

Surprised everyone was quiet as they heard a series of voices cry out, "Oww! That really smarted!" "Agh! Tell me about it! That's the last time I'm gonna ever get myself caught!" "Be quiet you fool! Don't you see we're-"

Then stopping, three of the speaking individuals saw that they had an audience before them. Looking to them all, they were all spooked into silence as they were all gazed at oddly.

Then finally two more voices sounded, "Insulting... I can't believe this!" "Urgh... when I get my hands on that jerk! He's going to wish he was never-!"

It was then these two individuals stopped too! The others looking at them quickly recognised them as Snow cried out, "It's you Irma! You and your-"

"Lackey dudes!" Musashi cried out as he became agitated, just looking at them!

The sorceress's gang members all quickly became enraged at these titles as Greeble cried out mad, "hey! Who're ya callin' lackeys!"

"We are!" Came Bonkers cry and quickly pointing his baton forward at them, he proclaimed further, "you fella's ain't gonna get away this time!"

"Who says so!?" Volg cried out mad!

Then stepping in, Leon walked forwards with his gunblade at the ready and pointing it towards them. It was clear he was serious as he told them, "we say so!"

On edge as he saw this dangerous weapon being pointed him, Volg shivered as did the other chocobo's! Irma and Gandrake looked on absolutely enraged at the group of committee members and 'ARCS.'

Yuffie stepping forwards too then added, "you guys are so gonna get it when the dust settles!" With that she pointed her enormous shuriken star at them too!
Irma hearing this was about to reveal her angry comeback when-

"WWWHHHOOOAAA!"

Everyone quickly distracted, then turned around and there suddenly from the shining and ringing crystal. More comets pulsed forth and quickly they struck the ground left and right!

Blinded by all these lights, everyone couldn't see a thing!

Dajh who'd been quiet during this entire time of excitement, then cried out as he saw this rain of light, "what's goin' on here!? What's-"

"Whoa! What a trip there!" Quickly recognising this voice as he heard it, the young afro haired boy turned and he looked to where one of the comets had struck. His eyes widened as he saw a figure get up from a kneeling position as he commented further, "that was spine chillin! Now where-?"

"Daddy!" Suddenly the figure was distracted as he recognised that shout! Turning he then saw a small figure run to him, that he knew so well!

His eyes lighting up with relief he cried out, "Dajh!" At once, the young boy made it to his beloved parent and at once he was swept up into his father's arms!

Holding him tightly he told him, "I missed you! I missed you! What kept you!?"

Feeling him, Sazh could tell he'd been worried as he shivered in his arms. However smiling he patted his son's back as he told him reassuringly, "a lot of stuff, a lot...sorry, there Dajh."

However shaking his head, the young boy was just glad to have him back! But before he could say anything else suddenly-

"Agh!" Another comet landed and as it did, a young male voice spoke, "whoa! Talk about a rough landing there! I didn't think we'd get back that way!"

Hearing this another voice spoke who landed with more grace than her apprentice, "well it just shows you'll have to work more on your landings! Or you'll never-"

"Lightning!" At once turning around, it was then the brave female warrior saw her younger sister with widened eyes.

Looking at her older sister, Serah couldn't believe it! Running over she cried out in relief, "Lightning!"

Then too running after his fiancee came Snow as he cried out, "sis!"

With that coming straight in behind him was Musashi as he cried out, "Hope dude!"

At once both instructor and apprentice were quickly surrounded by the relieved group! Hugging her sister tightly, all Lightning could do was smile on awkwardly as she spoke to her younger sibling patting her head, "hey? Who said you had to worry like this!"

Shaking her head, Serah then told her holding her all the more tightly, "you don't ever give me a choice! You're so terrible doing this to me..."

Lightning could only sigh at this comment, though the smile still dwelled. Then Snow nodding his head then told his future sister in law, "Serah's right though you know! You really shouldn't dive head first into trouble like that sis!"

Annoyed at this comment, Lightning then told him bluntly, "you're not one to talk! You idiot!"

Hearing this, Hope chuckled as Musashi lifted him up onto his feet with a helping hand. He then shook his head as he said, "some thing's never change!"

Nodding at this comment, Musashi agreed though he had to ask, "just what did you dude's go through this time! What was-"

"You'd never believe it!" Hope commented, as he smiled still not quite believing things himself.

However before he could talk more about it, suddenly three new voices spoke up, "whoa! Qué viaje! That was totally intense! Huh? Poncho!" "It was! I'm so glad we've all unscathed!" "You can say that again! I mean-"
"Alania!" Quickly distracted, it was then the group all saw running towards them was the pink haired white mage, Shirma.

Then following after her, quickly came Scrooge who cried out, "lads! Ya here!"

For finally there arriving out of the crystal, it was none other than the rest of the 'ARCS'! Seeing their pals, Juan grinned as he greeted the welcome party, "hey amigo's!"

At once as the mariachi dressed gunner said that, the white mage made it over and hugging her adoptive sister in a tight hug she cried out, "everyone! It's so good to see you all!"

Alania smiling as she felt her sister's touch, then said, "awww..." with that she went to try and soothe them down as she stroked her hair.

Hana hearing this smiled as she replied, "it's good to see you too Shirma!"

Ruby then emerging from his princess's hair then cried out happily, "it's good to just be home again!" To which no-one at all could disagree with!

However Scrooge making it over, had to ask them, "lads! Just what was goin' on that crystal there! What-"

"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Suddenly at once everyone was distracted! Looking on up with huge widened eyes, it was then they all saw from the crystal a huge shape emerge! As it glistened and shone with light, it erupted forth as it's cry was heard about everywhere!

"RRRROOOOOOAAAARRRRRRR!"

There in the air, everyone saw the peeling and disintegrating form of the monster Bebuzzu! However emerging from it's shattering body, was the huge dark blue rabbit like monster and in it's enormous claws it continued to hold-

"Nozomi!?"Oralee cried out, for alarmed there she could see her friend, unconscious and slumbering in the beasts sharp clawed cradle.

Then as she cried out this name, suddenly another comet stormed forwards and another voice could be heard as he shouted out mad, "give her back!"

It was immediately everyone saw that storming forwards with his keyblade in his hand, it was none other than Riku!

As he raced in the air, Cait sith pushed him to go forwards as he cried out loudly, "c'mon lad! Let's go! Let's get him!" With that both keyblader and cat were on a head on collision with the beast!

Peter in the meantime nestled in Nozomi's lap shivered terrified! Then his eyes widening, he saw the beast lunge one of his other claws and immediately as he did, huge sharp diamond like shapes appeared! As they did, they were aimed and fired away like arrows!

Seeing these sharp shapes coming, Riku quickly brought his keyblade forwards in a defensive position as he gritted his teeth, "Tch!"

Then all at once, the sharp missiles impacted his keyblade! However his strength alone wasn't enough to stop this deadly barrage! "AAAGGGHHH!" Immediately he was thrown back by this glittering storm!

Seeing this happen with widened eyes, below everyone was horrified as Merlin cried out, "lad!"

Then as he fell, Cait sith smacked his rider in the cheek as he told him, "lad! C'mon! Get yer act together! Ya can't-"

"RRRROOOOOOAAAARRRRRRR!"

However the small black and white cat was interrupted, as the remaining huge jaws of Bebuzzu came forth opening up wide! Ready to swallow them both whole!

Seeing them coming, the small cat shouted out, "AAAGGGHHH!"

It was then at that moment, that the rabbit like creature quickly took it's leave! Leaping into the air, it created a tornado of purple diamonds making it take off into the air as it took it's sleeping captive with it!

Cait sith closing holding on for Riku for dear life shouted out mad, "I don't wanna be kitty chow!"

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

"RRRROOOOOOAAAARRRRRRR!"

Suddenly both Riku and Cait sith were caught in a pair of strong arms, as Bebuzzu's crumbling mouth and face was sent hurtling by the strong shots fired from none other than, "Vincent lad!"

For there was the scarlet clad warrior and focusing hard, he aimed with his gun and fired once more making the monster's crumbling form fall apart even more!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Awakening as he heard these shots, Riku opened his eyes as he asked, "Vincent...?"

Hearing the keyblader awaken, Vincent asked him quickly, "are you alright?"

As this question registered inside, Riku quickly remembered once more the monster! Looking he saw it hurriedly making it's escape as it was flying away in it's tornado of diamonds! Seeing it go, he immediately shouted, "wait!"

With that quickly escaping out of Vincent's arms, the keyblader went to chase after the monster!

However as they ran past the demonic tome, "oi lad!" Turning, Riku then saw Bebuzzu was trying to get at them again as it's huge claws were coming down upon them!

"AEROGA!"

Suddenly as this voice cried out, a powerful gust of wind blew forth! Striking the creature's claw and arm, it's peeling paper skin was quickly blasted through!

Turning as he heard who cried out this spell, Riku cried out as a smile quickly came to his face, "your majesty!"

With his golden keyblade aimed with both hands, the mouse king then told his comrade quickly, "Riku get after that beast! I'll handle this monster with Vincent!"

Agreeing with this order as soon as it was given to him, Riku replied back, "okay!" With that he chased after the beast as both Vincent and Mickey started peeling apart the terrible beast!

Looking to the beast as it continued with it's escape, Cait sith cried out, "c'mon lad! Ya gotta hurry up!"

Hearing him Riku nodded, as he then replied, "I know!" Saying that he went faster, as he did he whispered to himself fiercely determined, "Nozomi hang on!" With that he raced through the air as he pursued the beast!

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"Honestly! I can't believe this has happened!" The teacher complained as he spoke to both the injured students, that were before him.

Lying in the nurse's office, Nozomi was under the covers with her hand bandaged. Her cold indeed was worse than she had claimed it was and so the nurse had demanded she stay there for the last of the day, she would have Wairu's mother pick them up after the day had ended.

The young boy with her, in the chair next to the bed had a plaster on his face too where his cheek had grazed against the school's roof. It was clear the two had been through a lot as the teacher continued, "I can't believe the nerve of some people! We'll get this sorted out soon! Don't you worry!"

Hearing him, Nozomi was happy to hear this as she told him, "thanks teacher..."

As this reply came, the teacher told her, "don't say thanks yet, this incident still needs to be resolved! Just relax here... while I take this to the principal!"

Nodding as she heard this, Nozomi then said simply, "okay!"

Then taking this confirmation, the teacher exited the room, closing the door behind him. Leaving the young girl and boy alone together.

Under the covers, Nozomi then smiled to Wairu as she told him, "well it's good that thing's are gonna get sorted out, huh?"

However Wairu didn't reply to her words, his gaze was downcast as his hands were balled into fists. Seeing this concerned, Nozomi asked him, "Wairu?"

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Running through the air, Riku was gaining on the terrible beast! The two of them were racing fast over the rooftops of the Radiant Gardens! Soon they were past it's walls and were now within the darkened blue stoned wastelands that were beyond the Bailey! Seeing they were getting close as they entered the storm of spinning diamonds, Cait sith bolstered him as he cried out, "that's it lad! We're gaining on him!"

Nodding, Riku agreed silently. Then seeing the distance they were covering, Riku decided to go on the offensive! Bringing his keyblade forth he grasped it tightly as he shouted out mad, "Thundaga!"

At once the powerful lightning spell sped forth! However the monster, sensing this power turned in the air! Immediately summoning more of it's sharp diamonds, it created a tight spinning shield around itself, preventing the lightning from getting through!

Seeing this happen, Cait sith then cried out mad, "darn it lad! That ain't gonna cut it!"

Knowing this, Riku then went to use another spell!

However suddenly, the monster re-directed it's diamonds! Quickly the terrible sharp missiles were all coming straight at the keyblader!

Seeing them coming, Cait sith cried out, "lad watch it!"

Hearing his cry, Riku instantly went to do that! Smashing his keyblade into the barrage, he fought on determined! He was going to get through this storm! He was going to save her!

The monster though in the meantime didn't pay any mind to this nuisance! Quickly lowering itself from it's grand spinning storm, it descended down and immediately landed on the stone floor below.

Gently it lay down it's precious cargo and in another moment, it hunched over and quickly as mists of darkness escaped it's body. It was then that the apprentice of darkness, Uriax stood up, human once more.

Looking to Nozomi as she continued to slumber on with the flower of darkness blooming from her chest, it was then he said with slight urgency, "there's no time anymore! I have to activate it here and now!"

With that looking to her, Uriax quickly got down on his knees. As he did this, Peter flew on up and out of the way as he surveyed the scene that was going on with widened eyes!

The lilac haired young man though was focused, as the diamonds above continued to storm forth and strike against the keyblader who was desperate to reach his lost precious friend... Uriax was combing away Nozomi's hair from her sleeping face.

Softly touching her temple with his fingertips, he then whispered her name gently, "Nozomi..." with that he closed his eyes as he finally lowered himself as he went to finish what he started...

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"Wairu?"

Hearing her as she called out for him, the dark skinned young man was quiet further for a moment before he told her simply, "I'm sorry..."

Puzzled, Nozomi didn't understand why he was saying that as she asked, "huh? Why're you saying that?"

Looking to his hurt friend he told her sorrowfully, "it's all my fault Nozomi... that you got caught up in that mess... and now you're like this because of me."

As he said that, Nozomi didn't want him to feel so badly responsible like this, so she told him, "that's not true! It's not your fault Wairu... besides I can't stand leaving you alone, I hate it when you get hurt by people like that."

Hearing her say that, Wairu though told her desperately as he looked to her with upset eyes, "but I hate it more seeing you getting hurt! I hate it! I hate not being able to do anything for you!"

Listening to him as he said this, Nozomi became saddened for she didn't want Wairu to feel so bad. Trying to be positive she told him, "oh Wairu... this isn't anything! You know that! I mean... it'll all heal soon... just don't go so wound up about it!"

However it was clear that Wairu wasn't going to let this drop! He looked angered as he told her, "Nozomi I promise you! In the future I will make those people pay! Everyone who's ever hurt us...! I'll destroy them all! I swear!"

Seeing him talk so hatefully, Nozomi didn't want him to be like that! Becoming highly concerned she reached her hands across and took Wairu's ones into her own. Holding them tightly she told him urgently, "don't say stuff like that! Don't Wairu!"

Hearing the worry in her voice, the young wizard was instantly stilled, looking to her he was shocked at her words.

Nozomi seeing that she'd caught his attention then told him, "... it's not right! Doing that won't make things better..."

However Wairu wasn't going to let this go as he told her, "but I-"

The young girl then told him finally, "cause you won't have to do that! When I'm well and stuff... I'll be the one to do that! Okay?" Then pausing for a moment she added, "I'll give those guys the thrashing! So you don't have to do anything."

As she said that, Wairu felt her hand grasp his a little more tightly. As he did he then heard her say with a bright smile, "because I promised you... I'll be the one to protect you, I'll put those guys in their place, okay?"

Hearing her say this, Wairu was quiet as he stared at her. He couldn't believe that she still remembered that old childhood promise... but at the same time he couldn't help but admit with a little smirk as he turned away from her for a moment, "... it's crazy you know?"

Blinking as she heard this, Nozomi was quiet as Wairu went on, "it should really be reversed this situation!" Looking to her, he poked her forehead as he asked her, "are you sure you're really sick?"
Not understanding what he was saying exactly, Nozomi then turned her face away as she told him not liking being mocked, "obviously..." with that said, she lay herself back onto the bed. Then she had to add as she sniffled a little, "... and now I ache too!"

Laughing at her as she said this, Wairu then told her, "I can see that!" With that he then leaned forwards and stroking her hair he told her, "well just make sure you get well soon, okay?"

Feeling his touch, Nozomi then after a moment of surprise finally smiled herself. Relaxing at his warm touch, she told him, "alright... I'll try and do that."

Nodding as she said that, Wairu told her, "you better!" Then after a moment a serious look came across his face. As it did... he clearly was uncertain of how to phrase what he wanted to say,however he decided to try, "hey?... Nozomi?"

Feeling a little tired now, the dark haired girl looked to her friend puzzled as she asked, "hm?"

Looking at her lilac coloured eyes, Wairu still struggled,"would you...? Do you think you would ever?"

Confused, the young girl couldn't understand what had got her friend so tongue tied. So she repeated, "would I?"
However, it was clear Wairu had given up. Sighing he shook his head as he told her, "no don't worry about it, it's nothing."

A little concerned to hear this, the young girl asked him, "are you sure?"

Nodding he told her, "yeah... I am, just get some sleep, okay?"

Still a little uncertain, Nozomi though couldn't resist her sleep anymore as her exhaustion and cold got the better of her. So yawning, she then told him, "alright... Wairu...night..."

Then hearing her say that, the young man looked at her as she started to breathe in and out deeply. Seeing that sleep had overcome her, he reached his hand across taking one of her free ones into it. He stroked it gently as he told her, "just wait Nozomi... one day I will be the one to protect you... and I'll never let anyone hurt us ever again..." then lifting her hand to his lips, he told her firmly, "I promise you..." with that said the secret promise was sealed as he kissed her skin ever so gently...

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"Tch!" Striking more and more of the diamonds out of the way as he continued to try and dive downwards, fighting against the terrible storm. Riku refused to give up! He was so close! Just a little more and-

"Oh lad!" Hearing Cait sith shout out, he was distracted as he turned to look to his feline companion. As he did, he saw him pointing down.

Doing this he turned to look down too. There he quickly saw with widening eyes again that guy from before and he was now!

"Lad this ain't good! We gotta get to her now! Or-" suddenly the crowned cat was interrupted!

For Riku suddenly started to burn with darkness! He was angered! Looking down at the kidnapper and seeing the dark flower blooming in Nozomi's chest, he was focused on one thing, "I'll stop him!"

Then saying that instantly, a fire of darkness covered Riku's entire body! Lifting his keyblade he then shouted out loudly, "Dark Maelstrom!" With that instantly as his power ignited he shot forwards, destroying hordes of diamonds after diamonds! He was causing the whole storm to fluctuate against his dark power!

Distracted as he heard this shout, Uriax turned up and angrily he saw the keyblader thwarting his power! He was getting closer and closer to them!

As he looked up, he didn't see that underneath him that Nozomi was stirring. Peter in the meantime was worried as he continued to gaze up and down with uncertainty, he just didn't know what to do! However he heard movement! Moving quick he saw his friend, opening her eyes! Immediately he nuzzled into her trying to coax her into waking up more.

The keyblader's eyes were bleary and she couldn't see too clearly through the gathering mist, however she could feel Peter's touch and she could hear a voice, "damn! He's tenacious! He just doesn't know when to quit does he?!"

"Wai...ru?"At once turning as he heard her saying his true name, the dark apprentice saw with shock that Nozomi was looking up to him! Peter looked on with wide eyes as did Uriax as he heard her say to him, "is...that you?"

Feeling his heart tremble as she said his name, the young man bent down as Peter flew out of the way. Then stroking her hair he whispered to her in disbelief and yet slight tenderness at her finally properly seeing him, "Nozomi..."

"HHHAAA!" Above Riku was destroying more and more of his diamonds and he was fast approaching! His storm couldn't fight against his overwhelming enraged power! Turning and seeing that, his fists tensed up as he gripped them. He knew then he had no choice!

Looking back to her again, there was clearly a sad longing in his eyes as he told her, "I'm sorry... I can't stay here, I have to go."

However hearing him, Nozomi though reached and gripped his hand as she pleaded with him, "Wairu... please don't! Don't go please! I've finally seen you again, I've been-"

Quickly though Nozomi's words were stopped, for then the dark apprentice quickly put his lips to her forehead. Kissing her, the dark flower pulsed powerfully and as it did the keyblader gasped! As she did, she quickly fell back into unconsciousness once more...

Peter seeing this was terrified as he neighed loudly in distress.

As she did and hearing the little pegasus, Uriax then told her sadly, "this is all I can do for now..." with that he put his hand over Nozomi's chest, doing this the flower of darkness that was there quickly closed up it's petals. Instantly as it did this in another moment it then sunk inside of her, taking it's lilac coloured spores with it.

Then taking his hand away from her, he looked down at her, as he told her sadly, "goodbye, Nozomi..." doing this, he also looked to Peter and reaching his hand up he stroked him gently making the small beast look to him worryingly. With that done he turned away with a sad smile before vanishing away into a portal of darkness...

Descending down, quickly Riku was determined! However Cait sith riding with him on his shoulder then saw with amazement that the storm of diamonds around them dissipated entirely! Seeing this he asked, "hey?! It's calm now! Does that-"

However Riku didn't reply for there lying on the ground amidst the disintegrating purple diamonds was their fellow keyblader. As his powers of darkness faded in moments, the white haired young man got down to her and asked urgently, "Nozomi!" Then lifting her up in his arms, he called for her again, "Nozomi! Wake up! Please c'mon!"

Peter looking on was silent again with worry as he watched the scene unfold before him. It was then though stirring as she heard his voice, the female keyblader mumbled, "mmm?"

However Cait sith though noticed something alarming, "lad! The flower of darkness it ain't here!"

Hearing this horrified, Riku's eyes widened as he saw indeed that it had gone! What did this mean? It couldn't be good! It couldn't-

Then awakening Nozomi sleepily asked, "who...?"

As she said that, Riku's heart pulsed with terror as he looked to her. Cait sith too was terribly tense. Looking to her, the keyblader asked her, "Nozomi...?"
Blinking for a moment, the female keyblader looked puzzled. However quickly her eyes lit up in recognition! Instantly shocking the white haired young man she wrapped her arms around him as she cried out, "Riku! Thank goodness! You're safe!"

His eyes widening as he heard her say his name, he then blushed as he felt her soft form hugging him tightly! Cait sith though had to ask her, "lass ya recognise us!? Ya know us!?"

Puzzled as she heard this, Nozomi then replied, "yeah of course I do? Why're you asking that?" As she said this, it was quickly after a moment that she regained her awareness and immediately she saw what she was doing!

Peter himself seeing that everything was okay neighed happily pleased! After releasing Riku she backed away as she told him, "oh! Uh!?" She was obviously embarrassed as she then said, "um! Sorry Riku I uh...?" With that she laughed awkwardly as she blushed red... for what was she doing!?

Then Peter took his opportunity and flying down he nuzzled into Nozomi again! Feeling him, the female keyblader still a little baffled then held the small pegasus in her arms as she hugged him saying, "oh Peter!" For she was glad he was safe too!

Riku himself though seeing she was okay, felt an indescribable amount of relief inside. Smiling as he watched her hug Peter he told her gently, "it's good to have you back with us... Nozomi."

Nodding Cait sith then replied, "yep it is! That was a real nasty spell we went through with Bebuzzu back there! I didn't think any of us would make it out alive!"

Puzzled as she heard this, Nozomi stopped her stroking with Peter for a moment as she repeated, "Bebuzzu? Why're you talking about him?"

At once there was concern from both cat and keyblader as they looked to her. Cait sith then asked her, "wait a minute lass! Don't ya remember!?"
Confused the dumbfounded look on her face said it all as she replied, "what? What am I supposed to remember?"

Immediately Cait sith then told her mad, "the attack that banshee Irma and that book Bebuzzu launched! Us all gettin' sucked in! I mean I know ya were asleep for the most part! But... I mean I gave ya at least a little lowdown, when we were swallowed!" Seeing her looking on utterly clueless as she blinked with disbelief in her eyes, he was flabbergasted as demanded out of her, "don't ya remember a thing!"

Shaking her head at this, Nozomi replied, "no I...?" with that she paused as she tried to recall something, "I remember being in the summon zone... hanging out with the others and sorting out the mess that was caused, then there was a storm... and something else but...?"

However nothing else came to her at all, seeing this blank slate in her mind worried her. Looking to Riku she asked him, "what is it I've missed out on? What's happened?"

As she asked this Riku was quiet, however before he could give her an answer-

"FELLA'S!" "LADS!" "AMIGOS"

There high above them looking on down were the others as they looked on down from the Bailey with urgent eyes. Was the king, the 'ARCS'and finally the members of the restoration committee. Looking up to them, Riku was glad to see them. However he knew what needed to be done, as he said turning to the female keyblader, "we'll get your answer... and make sure of everything."

Nozomi hearing this was confused by what those words meant, for what was it they needed to make sure of? Peter though only looked on sadly... for he couldn't help but think of Uriax and how he was now left out of her memory...

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"AAGGHH!" Thrown inside the holding cell within the jail of the Radiant Gardens, Irma slammed straight into the stone hard floor!

"My lady!" Quickly running to her, Volg was immediately worried as he went to tend to her. Then in turn Greeble and Peekaboo did the same.

Turning around mad as she was thrown away so roughly, she gazed on with enraged eyes at the jailer! Then standing near to him was Scrooge along with Merlin, who had in his aged hands the dark tome Bebuzzu. Which was safely sealed with a magical red leather book belt, which it was desperately trying to get rid of!

Bonkers at that time was truly proud to see the lot of them in the cell and Coco too! Laughing out loud he proclaimed, "ha! Jail suits you guys so well!"
With that Coco agreed as he cried out happily, "Kweh!"

Hearing this Irma was enraged as was Gandrake too as the two of them stared at the lot of pesky nuisances!

Looking at her and her gang himself as they all continued to look back at them angrily, it was then that Scrooge told them all, "now a little stint here ought to burst all yer bubbles! It's about time ya lads get what's comin to ya, for all the grief ya put us through!"

Immediately agreeing with him, Bonkers told the entrepreneur duck, "right on, Scrooge!"

Irma herself hearing this simply bit her lower lip angrily, as she did she concentrated her gaze on Merlin. For seeing him handle her beloved tome so uncaringly and roughly with that muzzle he had on it, she wanted to tear him to shreds!

Merlin himself seeing this angry glare, simply stared back with pity. He then couldn't help but reveal his sad thoughts, "I had such better expectations for you Irma... I can only hope that your lust for power now dies away."

Annoyed hearing the old man say this to her, she spat out angrily, "and become old, useless and aimless like you! I don't think so!" With that said she got up and then walking to the bars of their cell, she threatened them, "I will surpass you! And all of you will pay for this insult!"

Hearing this from his former student, Merlin only stared at her quietly still with that sad look still in his eyes. But Scrooge next to him, saw this as nothing more than empty threat and so retorted, "yeah sure lass! Ya can prove that if ya get out!" However he also added as he and magician friend started to walk out through the door, "if ya ever get out..." with that the two of them left leaving the captured villains in the dark.

Then seeing it was time for the next part of his role, Bonkers decreed, "now let's start Coco!"

"Kweh!" Came his pal's voice and with that the two of them started marching up and down the corridor as they begun their duty!

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It was some time later and after handing Mickey handed over the sword Muramasa along with restoring the summon zone. Nozomi had been told everything by everyone and was now sitting down having an examination done by Merlin in his home. The female keyblader was horribly worried, for thinking of the flower of darkness that she'd been told her about... and the fight she couldn't remember. She wondered to herself about why this... Uriax did this? What did he want with her?

As these thoughts continued to fuel her worries, Merlin it seemed then had finished his diagnosis. Moving his glowing white hands away from her, he spoke, "well... there seems to be no trace of that flower now."

Hearing this Mickey standing nearby with Riku, asked him as he was still worried, "are ya sure there Merlin?"
Turning as he heard this question being put to him, the magician confirmed his certainty as he nodded and replied, "I'm sure... my magic can't sense it at all."

However Riku hearing this felt this was too good to be true and had to say his thoughts, "but even if you can't sense it, that doesn't mean it's gone, " with that looking to the magician with serious eyes he asked, "does it Merlin?"
Hearing this Nozomi trembled, for she didn't want to lose all her memories! That would be horrible... putting her hands to her chest she clutched it worryingly.

Oralee who was next to her all this time, put her hand upon her shoulders as she tried to comfort and ease her, "Nozomi..."

Peter too fluttering overhead then flew down as he tried to ease her too, as he nuzzled into her gently.

Merlin himself hearing Riku's thoughts couldn't deny them as he said, "well lad I can't say that you might be wrong... but, if I can't sense it, there's nothing I can do about it... for exposing the inner depths of one's heart with no prior knowledge is dangerous."

Hearing this from the aged wizard, it was then they remembered the experiments that were performed by the mad scientist Rosso... no-one wanted to have anything like that happen. There was a terrible ominous feeling that surrounded them all... it was dreadful.

However Cait sith then decided to elevate everyone as he told them, "oh c'mon lads! Look at the bright side!" With that he jumped up and onto Nozomi's head, making Peter fly out of the way. Doing that he told them, "we thwarted that banshee Irma! We got our hands on the book Bebuzzu and more importantly nothin' was lost, was it?!"

Hearing this everyone was quiet with amazement as they heard the small cat proclaimed this, then patting Nozomi's head he added, "besides! This lass has always been a tad loopy!"

Annoyed as she heard this, Nozomi cried out, "hey!"

Then giggling Cait sith added, "so don't ya worry lads! That flower won't ruin nothin'!"

As everyone heard him say this, though he was clearly being insulting. Everyone there couldn't help but laugh at his words, it was probably more out of relief than anything else.

However Nozomi herself felt a little deflated as she asked, "hey? You guys really don't think I'm that bad do you?"

Oralee recovering herself, though decided to tell her in a more gentle way, "no Nozomi it's not that... Cait sith's is just saying that no matter what happens everything will be alright."

Surprised to hear this she asked, "really?"

Cait sith then patting her replied, "yep basically... though I preferred the way I said it!"

Seeing then he didn't mean any harm though, Nozomi was glad he believed that. But she couldn't help but retort, "of course you would."

Peter then flew down again and immediately he went to Nozomi as he sat upon her lap. Then once more she couldn't help but hug him as she saw he showed his dear care towards her.

To which again everyone laughed, as they did though. It was then that Merlin asked them, "so lads how do you wanna proceed now? Do you want to relax for a while? Or do you want to head straight to the door?"

Hearing this question, the king was quiet as he was uncertain for a moment. But then he decided, "I'll let Nozomi decide."

Surprised in hearing this, the female keyblader asked, "you want me to decide your majesty?"

Nodding the king spoke, "yeah, whether we leave or not I want you to be comfortable with, since you have been through a lot, I don't want to force ya to go now if you're not ready."

Listening to him as he said this, Nozomi couldn't help but look to the King in amazement... then looking down she became quiet as she started to think to herself, putting a hand to her chin.

Watching her as she did this, Oralee and the others around her were quiet. But with a reassuring hand still on her friend's back, the princess of Alexandra whispered to her gently, "Nozomi..."

After a moment and hearing her voice, it was then the female keyblader spoke up and looking on with determination she said, "I think we should go."

Merlin though wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do right then and so he asked her,"are you sure lass?"

Nodding firmly, Nozomi then explained, "yeah! I mean I've been napping long enough! I couldn't be more recuperated if I wanted to be!" Then she also added, "besides this is the last door, the sooner we get it taken care of... the sooner the carnival can occur!" With that smiling she added cheerfully, "then we can really relax!"

Surprised to hear her being so chipper was really impressive, especially considering everything that had happened. Everyone couldn't help but stare at her in amazement.

Nozomi though feeling a little unsure then, couldn't help but look to Riku. Thinking she might have been a bit selfish in her actions she asked him, "... are you okay with that Riku?"

Hearing her ask this, he told her, "well, I would like to relax more..." however looking to her with a gentle smile he told her as she started to look bad, "but as you said, it's the last door and then when we're finished with it, we really can relax!" Then becoming quiet for a moment he also added, "... I also have a promise I need to fulfil, don't I?"

Nozomi silent, then nodded as she smiled and replied, "yeah you do."

Seeing that things were now decided, Cait sith announced, "well there ya have it Merlin mate!" With that he then added with a thumbs up, "now! Why don't ya show us the way!"

Hearing this declaration, Merlin couldn't help but be amused by the enthusiasm of the keybladers so with a smile on his face. He went towards the door and told them all, "alright then lads! Let's go!"

With that everyone got up and followed after the magician and with that they were all led to the location of the final door of time...

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Walking forwards together, everyone was led to the centre of the town. Having not been there in a long time everyone was impressed by the warm banners and decorations that were ready for the carnival to begin.

Remembering the huge pipes and building materials that were scattered about everywhere, it was more of construction sight then a town centre. But now it was totally the opposite, everything was clean, shiny and really pristine as the shop's lights glittered.

Amazed Nozomi couldn't help but smile as she said, "wow... I really can't wait for the carnival now!" Peter flying with her neighed happily for he couldn't help but agree.

Nodding Mickey had to agree as he said, "yeah me either! I bet it'll be swell!"

Cait sith then in the arms of his princess proclaimed proudly, "if anything's gonna make this carnival shine, it'll be me royal highness and her beautiful singing voice!"

Becoming embarrassed as she heard this, Oralee then squeezed her beloved companion as she didn't want him proclaiming this so loudly, "oh Cait sith, please don't!"
With that said the king laughed at the two of them, even Nozomi herself giggled as Riku simply smiled. However looking to the female keyblader, there was something that he wanted to ask, "hey... Nozomi?"

Hearing him she replied, "yeah?"

A little unsure, Riku though decided to ask anyway, "the discussion you and I were having before... do you remember it at all?"

Confused as she heard this, Nozomi repeated, "discussion?"

Seeing she had no memory of it, Riku felt down inside. However he knew this wasn't the time to bring it up so he told her, "...no, don't worry it's nothing."

Nozomi though wasn't sure it was, but since she had no memory of that time. There was no way she could say anything so all she could do was cast her eyes down. Peter himself sensing the melancholy in the air looked on sadly too.

However it was then at that moment that everyone made it to their destination. Standing in the centre of the town, before everyone was the final door of time. It was tall and white like the others, however the stained glass image decorating it's top was emerald green. It's symbol in it's centre looked like a sphere with two rings over it, making something like an X sign.

Seeing it everyone was quiet, however it was clear Cait sith was good and ready for this challenge! "Alright lads! This is it the final door and after that party time!"

Hearing this remark Riku had to roll his eyes as he said, "well I'm so glad you're excited!"

His ears pricking up as he heard this response, Cait sith then turned and told him pointing his gloved hand, "obviously lad! C'mon! How can ya not be! A new world, a new adventure! I never get tired of this!"

Smiling as she heard this, Nozomi had to agree too as she replied, "yeah neither do I!"

Nodding as he heard this, Cait sith then proclaimed, "that's the way to be lass!" With that the small cat launched himself from his princess and ran up, jumping up onto Nozomi's shoulder. Doing this he then said, "now why don't we make a move on!"

A smile coming to his face as he heard this, Mickey then replied, "okay Cait sith!" Then turning to his fellow keyblader he told him, "c'mon let's go Riku!"

Knowing he didn't have a real choice, the white haired keyblader smiled and replied, "okay, your majesty!"

With that the keybladers stood before the door, however before moving to open it. It was then that Cait sith turned and told his princess, "don't worry yer highness we'll be back real soon!"

Nodding with a smile on her face, the princess of Alexandra replied, "yeah I know you all will! Take care everyone!" With that Peter flying back hovered near the blonde girl as he neighed happily too, bidding them good luck!

As they did this, the keybladers turned to face the door again. However-

"HEY!"

Suddenly there was a shout, looking behind it was then everyone saw all the restoration committee members, the 'ARCS' along with Vincent, Lightning and Sazh with his son Dajh!

Seeing them all, everyone was surprised. But before they could ask anything it was then that Snow shouted out for everyone, "be safe out there guys! We'll all be rootin' for ya!"

Nodding Aerith then chipped in as she told them all, "yeah! Don't do anything foolish out there!"

Lightning then spoke up too as she told them, "we'll all be waiting for you!"

The keybladers amazed to have all this praise given to them, then smiled and with that they waved to them all and Nozomi cried back, "thanks guys! We won't be long!"

Then saying that they all turned back to the door as everyone all cheered for them! Then as they entered through, Juan shouted out, "increíble suerte a ustedes!" With that they all entered through as they ventured into the world this door led to...