Chapter CXCVII: The Loot Of A Thousand Worlds, The Quest For Treasure Planet Part IX

"Haa! Haa! Haa!"

Breathing hard, Riku stood with his keyblade raised in both of his hands. It was clear from looking on that he was agitated, as he darted his eyes about left and right.

For all around him were demonic wolf creatures, each breathing out a dark mist from their mouths as their eyes continue to glow on with an eerie red light. They growled aggressively and it was clear they were all hungry for blood as they stared down at the cautious keyblader.

Gritting his teeth hard, the white haired young man was becoming weary for these creature's wouldn't stop coming! For every time he'd strike one down, another seemed to appear in a mere matter of seconds! If thing's continued at this rate, then-!

AAAWWWHHHOOO!

Suddenly all at once, the monsters leapt forwards to attack! Acting quickly though, Riku moved to dispatch each and every one of the creatures that came! Angered he whispered bitterly, "I don't have time for this! I've got to find the king and the others!" With those determined words he continued on, trying to get through the demonic barrage that continued to storm forth.

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Watching on from her quarters through a gap in the door, captain Amelia was clearly on high alert too. With her laser pistol in her sharp clawed hands, she whispered agitated, "This chaos refuses to cease!" For saying those words,

BLAST!

She shot down another wolf that dared to advance towards the door! Then quickly she closed it slightly again and made sure to keep a keen eye on the outside.

Standing beside her with his own long gun at the ready, was her dependable big stony First Mate, Mr Arrow. Peering through his scope at another distant target he replied, "Indeed captain!" Then-!

BLAST!

He struck a faraway target that she'd missed. However quickly in seconds it immediately turned into smoke and as it did so, he said, "These beasts are a tenacious lot to be sure!"

Back in the distance though in the room, shivering ever so slightly Delbert was looking to the door anxiously. For he didn't want to have to deal with what was beyond it!

"How is she, Doc?"

Immediately distracted from his own worries for a brief moment, Delbert tuned back to the one who asked the concerned question. For there before him was John Silver with worry in his eyes as he looked down to the patient that he was currently caring for in his arms.

For there lying unconscious was the long blue haired companion of the cyborg, Raiyana. She had a pained expression on her face as she breathed in and out hard... it was clear that she was struggling.

Morph looking at her too was worriedly terribly as he tried to nudge into her cheek. He was trying to urge her back gently to awaken, however his gentle gesture was to no avail.

Losing his anxiousness and worry for a moment as he tended to the unconscious girl, Delbert said honestly, "Well... I can't be sure, she simply seems stunned to me at the moment," however looking to the bite that was on her arm. He saw a dark pulsing like mist rising from it, which was a huge worry to him, "But this mark...I can't be sure of."

Hearing this himself, Silver gripped his fist tightly. For he was remembering what had happened before...

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BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Suddenly as the two of them came close to where the captain's quarters were the two of them were besieged by a rain of glowing missiles from above!

Silver seeing this happen, cried out, "What the blazes!?" Then seeing a nearby missile barrage coming his way, he moved his cybernetic arm gun and-!

BLAST!

He eradicated the lot in seconds! Angered he said mad, "Trying to catch me unaware's huh!?"

However there only came more missiles and as they did, Raiyana drew her hand back and immediately her double bladed long scythe came forth! As it did, she moved it quickly propelling it fast and as she did so, she destroyed them all in mere seconds! It was clear to her, that this was serious! Morph feeling this too, shivered as he concealed himself in her long locks of hair scared of getting struck.
Looking to her partner she told him, "Mr Silver! This is bad! We gotta get somewhere with better cover!"

Nodding as she said this, the cyborg man replied, "I know lass! But where can-?"

"Silver! Raiyana!"

Quickly turning around both the girl and cyborg saw that standing there just some distance away, it was none other than-!

"Riku lad?!"

For there the silver haired young man was, his keyblade drawn and ready to attack. Seeing him it was clear he was weary and tired. For what had he been doing?

However just as he moved to go and ask him that question-!

"Silver!?"

For suddenly Raiyana had rushed forwards and pushed him! As his eyes widened from the sudden impact, he turned and saw as he fell-!

"RRAARRGGHHH!"

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Suddenly Raiyana screamed in pain as her right arm was bitten into by a monster wolf! Seeing this horrified, Silver then shouted out, "LASS!"

However the long blue haired girl, moving turned, then using her strength and agility she threw the beast off of her! The monster jumping back landed onto another spot of the deck snarling angrily at her!

Her pink transforming friend seeing this happen, twittered up to the girl worryingly. Seeing this she smiled to him gently as she tried to soothe him saying, "I'm okay Morph, you don't have to-"

"AGH!"

Suddenly Raiyana was silenced as something struck into her head! As it glowed and faded it caused her consciousness to fade into the darkness too!

Immediately seeing this, Morph cried out worryingly for her and as he did, Silver caught her in his arms! Seeing this, his eyes were widened in horror, then moving her he tried to shake her awake as he said, "Hey! Lass! Open yer eyes! Hey!" But it was to no avail and then-!

AAAWWWHHHOOO!

More wolves appeared surrounding Silver, Morph and Raiyana! There was nowhere to go! Agitated, he brought forth his cybernetic cannon ready to attack again! Then as he moved to do this, the creature's moved and-!

SLASH!

However quickly intercepting the attack came Riku! Slicing right through them, making them scatter! He looked on at the creature's bitterly!

Seeing this happen, Silver cried out, "Lad?!"

"Take her and get out of here now!" The keyblader demanded! As he did so, he then moved to attack again!

Hearing this command being given to him, the cyborg knew he didn't have time to disagree. So quickly with a hard nod, he complied gathering Raiyana in his arms he ran with her and as he did, he called out, "Morphy come now!"

To which immediately the pink creature came flying and followed the cyborg into the guarded quarters as Riku stayed behind to thwart the hordes of wolves that continued to come and prey upon them.

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As he remembered the attack, Silver felt horrible that he couldn't get Raiyana out of her predicament. Looking down at her, he whispered to her, "Rai lass! C'mon and pull through! Ya have to!"

Morph hearing this, continued to nuzzle into Raiyana as he tried to awaken her too. Delbert looking on down though, felt terribly too. But there wasn't much more he could do... not without proper medical supplies.

Then as he dwelt on these thoughts, he heard movement. Looking he then saw that the concerned cyborg had lifted himself up and as he did so, he asked him, "Silver?"

It was then suddenly that the cook readied his cannon once more and as he did, he proclaimed, "I'm gonna teach them scoundrels what consequences there be when you harm one of me crew!" With that said, with a deadly glint in his eye. He proceeded towards the door of the cabin.

Delbert looking on as he said this, sensed a terrible foreboding about this. For there was one thing that was clear, a terrible storm would soon be unleashed...

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Riku in the meantime, still fighting against the hordes of monsters was unaware that from a certain concealed distance. A pair of serious rich coloured brown eyes was staring down at him...

The individual who held those eyes continued to watch on silently, within their hands they held a glowing purple crystal which throbbed with power. Then suddenly as the number of wolves on the deck lowered, the crystal lit up and immediately more wolves appeared!

Seeing this happen once again, the brown eyed individual had lost count at how many wolves had been called forth. With a monotone to their voice, they had to admit to themselves, "A tenacious individual, he most certainly is."

"Hey Fran!"

Turning around the individual saw who had spoken her name. There standing with a grin on his face, as he held his hands behind his head, it was the pink haired and cat tailed boy, Timbre.

The catlike individual seeing that he'd got her attention, smiled and asked her, "That guy still giving you trouble?"

It was then Fran turned to face him properly and answered, "Indeed... he is Timbre." As she did this, it was revealed that like her approaching crew member. She was not human either.

She was a tall and imposing woman, with rich coloured brown skin and long white flowing locks that was tied into a flowing ponytail that fell behind her. However from her head were a pair of long white rabbit ears and from behind one could even see her little cotton tail.

Her clothes consisted that of a long sleeved black leather like top, that finished just below her chest revealing her abdomen. It was also veiled with lace giving her a stylish feminine touch. She was also wearing a short black layered skirt that had a couple of white trailing veils on either side, then to finish her image she was long black high heeled boots that exposed her feet and toes. Revealing her sharp nails that showed her dangerous animal like qualities.

Seeing the serious cold look on her face. Timbre simply continued to smile more and as he did he took a look over the edge she was peering from and he too saw Riku fighting away still at the wolves.

As he saw this, he then spoke his thoughts, "He must be still mad about us taking his pal earlier..." Then as he watched him slice again through another wolf, he couldn't help but say, "I guess he likes him more than I thought he did."

Fran said nothing to this comment as she simply bowed her head and closed her eyes. Her expression not changing.

"Though I suppose that's what makes this drama all the more entertaining."

Hearing these words, Fran opened her eyes and as she did she saw an important member of her group. Though she didn't need to say a thing as Timbre turned and greeted him with smile, "Hey Boss!"

For there coming over it was none other than Balthier, smiling himself as he heard his title being called, he asked, "So I take it the antics on this front have refused to quell?"

As she heard the question being asked, Fran answered, "I have managed to dispatch another of their crew... her weapon would have proven a nuisance if left to frolic about."

Hearing this, another voice moaned annoyed, "Oh Fran! You didn't take out another cutie did you?"

It was then arriving on the scene was another individual, it was the blonde haired and monkey tailed young man known as Zidane. Coming up from the stairs he was pulling up something, then as he made it up to his team mates level he had to add, "It's no fun without some lovely beauty's to lighten up the dreary scenery around here."

With that he dropped the item he'd been carrying and as he did, it moaned out a muffled, "Mmph!"

However ignoring this, another individual appearing behind him who'd been carrying the other half of their 'package' said, "This is isn't the time to be joking around you know Zidane. Things are going to be getting real here soon."

Turning around then, Timbre saw the last member of their crew to emerge. It was a slightly taller individual than himself with shoulder length brown hair and ice blue eyes, who had a serious expression on his face.

His clothes consisted of a black V-neck top with tribal patterns on top of it. Around his neck was also a simple black thread necklace that held a tied clear quartz crystal. On his left arm was a brown leather brace, while on his right were entwined cord threads that wrapped around it.

Around his middle was held a few purple pouches upon his orange coloured belt. Over it, he also had a light blue veil twisted over it with some silver coin like jewellery pieces keeping it in place. Then his hunter's knife which he had was concealed behind him in a red leather scabbard He also wore a large blue sirwal like trousers, then to finish on his feet he also wore low cut sandal like boots.

Hearing the words of reason from his old 'pal,' Zidane then shook his hands as he responded, "Fine! Fine, whatever Noel!" For looking at him, he had to admit, "You know you could stand to lighten up a little at times like this."

However in response all Noel did was sigh, then looking back he gazed at the 'package.' What it was revealed to be, was a person tied with tight ropes with a gag over his mouth. It was none other than Jim as he struggled, he looked up to both his kidnapper's with angry eyes.

Seeing him do this, all that Noel did was look back at him with cold serious eyes. Then silently he turned away.

As he did so Balthier with an all knowing smile said, "Well, since we all have the pieces in place... I'd say it's about time we make our checkmate!" With that said, the leader of the group brought forth up a small bird cage that rattled and shook.

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Looking up from above as the unfolding drama continued, Pete couldn't help but grin as he said, "Wow! Thing's are really heatin' up down there!"

Hearing this, Hari standing near to him remarked coldly with her arms folded, "Indeed..."

As he heard his accomplice say this, Pete then had to ask, "So what do ya say Hari? Should we step up to the stage here?"

Quietly as she heard this question, Hari at first didn't respond. However then looking back to the deck where she could see Riku fighting and continue to struggle. She spent some time making her observations before coming to her decision, "Not yet..."

Surprised that she said this, Pete asked her, "What really? Ya don't wanna strike 'em dead now Hari?"

To which she didn't respond, however becoming impatient at all this waiting around. The overweight villain then complained, "But why not!? We've been in the shadows long enough here! I say that we oughta-!"

"I said we will not strike yet," Hari responded cooly. As she did, Pete became silent in seconds and as he did. It was then the green eyed female servant looked back below and as she did, she said, "Not until the flames of tension are stoked to their highest peak..."

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Wiping out the last of the wolves that were upon the deck. Riku was heaving in and out hard tiredly, for all his energy was nearly spent from attacking all the wolves that had come unceasingly at him. But the thing that was bringing him down more was the fact that he hadn't been able to even get close to where the king could be! For as he remembered him being kidnapped once more... it-!

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Suddenly shocked by this, he turned and as he did he saw someone quietly approach with a bright smile upon his face as he told him, "Bravo! Bravo!"

Looking, Riku then saw a short brown haired man in an embroided golden and olive shirt approach with a smile on his face, his hands stopped in mid clap. Seeing him, soured the keyblader in moments and quickly he gripped his blade more tightly.

Balthier approaching and seeing the look that was on Riku's face then told him, "I must say as the leading man in this story, I'm quite impressed with your performance in dispatching our entourage."

Unimpressed by this, Riku wasn't in the mood for fancy words and so pointing his keyblade at the man he demanded, "Tell me where the Mickey is now!"

Hearing this demand being made out to him, Balthier acting with amused indifference then told him, "My? Temper, temper... one should be calm when making conversation with a gentleman, shouldn't they?"

Riku though once more though said nothing as he continued to hold out his keyblade poised right at him with gritted teeth.

Seeing this, Balthier then saw that he was now only going to get the silent treatment from the keyblader. So then realising this he asked him, "So you refuse to converse altogether now do you?"

Once more Riku said nothing to him and seeing this, with amusement still in his voice Balthier told him, "Well how about I entice that tongue of yours to speak?" Then looking over his shoulder he called out, "Fran?"

To which at this bidding, the tall rabbit eared woman came walking over coolly and casually with something in her clawed hand. Riku looking on at this unique woman, then saw something that made his eyes widen and quickly he called out, "Cait sith!?"

Immediately the small caged crowned cat seeing him cried out, "Lad! Get me out of this mess!" With that he rocked against the bars of his cage agitated.

Watching this from the distance as they continued to hide within the confines of the quarters, Amelia's eyes widened as did the others who were inside! Silver standing near to the captain then seeing his little crew member caged with startled as well, for what was-?

Looking at him silently, Riku couldn't believe it! But then if they had Cait sith, that meant!? Quickly becoming angered, "Why do you have him!? What've you done with the others!?" However there came no response to this question and quickly, he asked another, "Just what're you doing? What are you trying to accomplish?" Riku demanded out of the flamboyant man and his rabbit earred companion.

Hearing him say this, Balthier continuing to grin and as he did so he enlightened Riku, "To accomplish? Why my dear boy, it is simply a transaction."

Repeating this confused, Riku asked, "Transaction?"

"Correct," Balthier replied and as he did so, he looked over his shoulder.

As he did so, the white haired keyblader looked where he was and immediately he became shocked in moments. For there being led forwards by a monkey tailed young man and a dark blue attired one, was none other than-

"Jim lad!?"

Immediately turning around, Riku then saw behind him with the door wide open was none other than Silver with a distressed look on his face.

In reply, Balthier seeing he'd got the reaction he wanted simply smiled more as Jim was being forced to approach. Though he struggled madly against his bonds as he looked up to his captor madly. As he did so, he then turned back to Riku and told him, "Now if you would be so kind to call forth your dear captain, we can arrange the negations so that both parties present will gain what we want."

As he heard this request being made, Riku agitated knew then with his friends captive like this... he had no choice. However full of dread as he saw Cait sith in the cage, it was clear that even Nozomi was...

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Running forwards, the female keyblader lighting the way with a single lit lantern they'd found, she told her friends, "Guys hurry up! We gotta move it!"

Hearing her say these words, Mickey then told her, "Yeah we know! We're hurrying as fast as we can Nozomi!" Nodding in agreement as he said this, Yeul continued to hold Mickey's hand as she ran as fast as she could after the two keybladers.

As she rushed forwards through the darkness, Nozomi was desperate to find the stairs to get to the deck! For they had to stop whatever conflict that was occurring up above, in her mind she thought to herself, 'Guys! Please be okay!' With that the small band of desperate heroes proceeded forwards.

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Amelia standing on the deck before the captor, with Mr Arrow and Riku standing on either side behind her. Was busy in negotiations as she asked him, "So...Mr Balthier?"

To which came no reply, but a rather smug smile from the confident man.

Seeing it didn't amuse the captain of the Legacy in the slightest, but she proceeded on, "You will hand us back both young Jim and Cait sith, along with the rest of the crew..." with that said she obviously became bitter as she reached the conclusion, "If I surrender full control of the ship to you."

To which in response, Balthier pleased that he had her understanding then replied, "That is correct."

However saying that, immediately Jim resisted against both Noel and Zidane, showing his opposition to that idea. Though the light blue clad monkey tailed young man, patting his head told him, "Oh c'mon don't feel too bad, you guys can get a nice big boat elsewhere y'know?"

Noel himself though rolling his eyes knew that, that was far from going to relax their captive. So tightening his grip he made Jim stand up and still, though it hurt him slightly as he grimaced. But this was to be expected in a situation like this.

Riku seeing this didn't like this in the slightest! If he had any choice, he'd dispatch these guys right there and then!

Silver looking on from the distance as he stood guard at the door, could feel Jim's pain and frustration and deep down he was feeling much of the same. "To think these rogues would cut me to the chase!" He uttered silently to himself.

Delbert himself looked to Silver curiously, still within the confines of the room. He had a curious expression on his face as he wondered what it was he'd just said? However he didn't have time to dwell on that, as Raiyana in his arms shivered and trembled in pain.

Morph hearing her do this cooed in worry as he desperately tried in his own way to awaken her, seeing the small transforming creature continuing to try and do this. The doctor knew he had to try hard too so he fixed his full attention on her.

Meanwhile outside, Amelia herself it seemed had reached her conclusion and so looking to Balthier she told him with a serious gaze in her eyes, "You drive a hard bargain I must say, for a pirate of your caliber."
To which in turn Balthier then replied, "Indeed, but upon the sea's one must be harsh in order to survive don't they?"
Hearing these words, Amelia wasn't one to disagree and so replied, "Indeed..." then silent for a moment she replied, "But at least now we can come to an agreement." With that she lowered down her crossed arms and reached out her right hand to him as she asked, "Can't we?"

Pleased that things were going so well, Balthier then smiling still bowed as he told her, "I'm glad to see that our lady captain is so willing!" With that, the pirate captain reached his hand out to hers to be shaken.

Timbre watching on from high, had to laugh as he said aloud, "Now that's what I call handling with real style!"

Cait sith though fed up with all this idiocy, then shouted out mad banging the bars of his cage, "Oi don't be agreein' ta anything with that cheat! He ain't playin' fair here! He's-!"

However quickly his prison was rattled hard, making him quiet in moments. As this happened, Fran then told him coldly, "Be silent, we don't need more pointless quarrels."

This angered Cait sith immediately, but before he could retort anything he then heard something. Turning to look back, he saw that Amelia had put her hand in Balthier's. Looking on anxiously, he then heard the triumphant man say, "Looks like we have our agreement."

To which unexpectedly, Amelia smiled and as she did she replied, "We do!" Then before Balthier could say another word-!

CLICK!

Suddenly shocked and alarmed, Zidane cried out, "Boss!?"

Noel was put on high alert too and even Fran was startled, for Amelia quickly with her other free hand had pulled out her pistol and had it aimed straight at Balthier's face! This immediately had caused the smug pirate to drop his smile instantly. Timbre too watching on, lost his too, for this now was not going according to the plan!

Even Mr Arrow hadn't been ready for this and cried out in shock, "Captain!?"

Riku too horrified then cried out, "Amelia! Don't-!"

However ignoring him immediately, Amelia told Balthier angrily, "We agree to disagree!" Then pulling her sharp nailed finger a little more on the trigger she added, "I will never have you pirate's take over my ship!"

Quiet as he heard this, Balthier recovering from his stunned state then sighed and said, "What a pity..." with that he pulled out his own pistol and aimed it at Amelia and finished saying, "I was hoping to end this as a good and proper gentleman." With that quickly everything had turned on it's head and everything was in a deadlock!

CLICK!

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Pete seeing this happen, then had to whistle and say, "Wow! What a humdinger!"

Hari though herself continued to observe on silently, her expression unchanging.

However her accomplice had to admit, "Looks like ya were bang on the dollar when sayin' we should wait!" For looking down at the two opposing captain's, he couldn't help but say, "With an atmosphere as intense as that, it almost feels like a fuse on a bomb could go off and explode!"

Hearing Pete's words, the cold keyblader then replied, "Indeed..." then as she said this, she brought forth her right hand that began to glow with embers of darkness and as it did, her accomplice looked on startled as he heard her say, "And I believe it's now... that I will be the one to ignite the fire."

With those words, she pointed down to the deck and as she did so, various portals of darkness began to emerge upon the wooden flooring. Then from them, the heartless began to form and swarm out from within them...

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Still staring at each other with a deadly intention... the two captains said not a word to each other. No one did anything... the whole ship was shrouded in tense silence, for one wrong move or word would-

"Everyone!"

Suddenly startled by this new voice, immediately they all turned and there they saw standing at the doorway to the stairs, it was none other than-!

"Yeul!?"

For instantly recognising her, Noel was shocked. As quickly the rest of the crew were as they stared on at the young blue haired girl. Then with her, quickly the others saw-!

"Nozomi!?" "Mickey!?"

Riku cried out recognising his friends in seconds!

However Timbre standing close by, recovering from his shock as he saw the keybladers surround the helpless girl, immediately thought angrily, "Why you!" With that running forwards, he drew out his long spear and rushed into attack!

Nozomi standing nearby though noticed and acted, then immediately-!

CLANG!

Their two weapons struck each other! As they did, Nozomi looked at him with determined eyes as she heard him say, "You let go of Yeul now! You-!"

"Timbre don't!" The young girl cried out in worry! As she did this, the pink haired cat boy looked at her in surprise as she went on to say, "Don't hurt Nozomi again! Please!"

Hearing her say this, Timbre didn't understand? Why would she-?

"Yeul!?"

Instantly distracted, Timbre looked down to his crew mate Noel and as he did, he heard him say, "What're you doing with those two! Get away from them! They'll-!"

"No Noel! Listen to me!" The young girl cried, as she did she said desperately, "They haven't hurt me! They're not bad people! They're-!"

BLAST!

Suddenly something exploded nearby, sending the young girl flying and everyone else too! With shards of wood being blasted here there and everywhere!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Horrified and shocked, Cait sith then shouted out loud from his cage as Fran looked on shocked, "LADS!?"

Riku shocked himself though, knew this was no time to hesitate and quickly he ran forwards! Desperate for his friend's safety!

Amelia and Balthier quickly seeing this happen, lowered their guns in seconds! As they did, Mr Arrow asked, "Just what was-!?"

Then suddenly all at once, the First mate along with the captains along with the various others. All around the deck and above the ship, was a huge dark cloud. It consisted of hordes of all kinds of heartless, many with wings and some others with cannons. Staring down at their helpless prey with their soulless yellow eyes, they were ready to devour and ensnare all those who were onboard the RLS Legacy...