Chapter CC: The Loot Of A Thousand Worlds, The Quest For Treasure Planet Part XII

"WWWOOO!"

Seeing the overly excited atmosphere on board the deck of the RLS Legacy. Balthier standing to one side with his faithful partner, Fran watched as the alien crew of the ship hooped and hollered loudly. Raising their laser pistols and rifles into the air as they celebrated their epic victory!

Silent as he continued his observations for a few moments, the courteous pirate then commented with a smirk, "Looks like that even a bunch of uneducated hooligans, can make a rowdy scene when called for? Doesn't it Fran?"

Hearing the question though, the tall rabbit earred woman made no reply and simply continued to stare on at the scene that was unfolding with her arms crossed. However it was clear that the noise was trying her, as she closed her eyes quietly with her eyebrows creased.

Riku and Mickey themselves, along with Cait sith who'd managed to re-join their group during the overhaul were clearly pleased with the result that had been reached. The mouse king looking on at the scene, couldn't help but comment with a smile, "I guess these fella's are really ecstatic, huh?"

Hearing him say this, Cait sith answered, "Well how can ya expect 'em not to be, Mickey mate?" Then stepping forwards he announced pointing out the key facts, "I mean c'mon! The whole lot of us worked together and managed to swat the whole swarm of heartless in one foul swoop!" Looking to the keybladers he added enthusiastically, "The lot of us of heroes here!"

Riku quiet as he listened to Cait sith's summary, then after a moment he couldn't help but smile as he decided to say, "Though you forgot one other little detail there, Cait sith."

Silent as he heard this being put to him, the small crowned cat then became annoyed as he demanded, "And what's that there slush fer brains!? What could I have-!?"

"Hey!"

It was then as the small feline was loudly interrupted. That down from the sky, came flying in a certain familiar enthusiastic individual, who smiled down to them all. Seeing her come, Mickey immediately smiled and cried out to her, "Hey ya! Nozomi!" With that he quickly waved!

The female keyblader hearing her name being called, nodded pleased. However-!

"Don't you go and forget about me!"

For shouting this out loud and holding her hand, as she guided him down with her. It was none other than the pink haired cat boy, Timbre. It was clear he was annoyed as he pouted, "No fair! How come I don't get a return greeting!"

To which, Nozomi herself after a brief stare then simply laughed and replied, "Tough luck I guess!" This immediately made Timbre more annoyed again as he looked to the side away from her, pouting.

Riku in the meantime seeing this reaction between the two, then finished what he was telling his feline comrade earlier, "We didn't win this thing alone, we all worked together."

Cait sith staring on at Nozomi's and Timbre's impending arrival, then turned to look back at Riku and as he did. He saw him smiling up to the female keyblader and eye patched pink cat boy and as he did, he uttered annoyed at being caught out, "Snowy pants!"

"Hi guys!" Then at that moment, Nozomi arrived back on the deck of the ship. As she did, she released Timbre from her hold and as she did, she asked them all, "How're you all doing? Are you all okay?"

Hearing the question being put to them, Mickey then assured her immediately, "We're fine there, Nozomi! No problems here at all!"

As she heard this, quickly the female keyblader felt her anxiousness drop slightly as she replied, "That's good!" Then putting a hand to her racing heart she added with a small smile, "That's really good..."

So the missing thread wasn't from one of her friends, it was such a relief! But inside she tried to convince herself, that maybe she was over thinking things. For during the whole tense planned event, things had been so rushed, that maybe she was just imagining things. However inside, she still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong, her smile wavered at the thought. But once more she tried to reason with herself that there'd been no time before to properly plan everything, that she might just be-?

"Nozomi?" Hearing her name being called, the female keyblader turned and there she saw that looking at her. With slight concern was Riku, seeing her change in expression he was staring at her, as he asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Hearing the white haired keyblader say this, instantly Mickey, Cait sith along with Timbre stared at the dark haired girl. For even they were becoming worried as this was pointed out.

Then as this question was asked, the female keyblader debated inside whether or not to voice her inner concerns. For she didn't want to worry him, or the others at such a joyous moment...but she felt inside she couldn't hide it, "Guys... earlier on, one of my-"

"Oi! Lads!"

Immediately distracted by this loud call, it was then everyone turned around. For there quickly approaching them, it was none other than John Silver and Jim. Seeing them approach, Cait sith called back to him, "Hey ya! Silver mate, Jim lad!"

Seeing the small crowned cat greet them so happily, Mr Silver couldn't help but smile back as he told them all, "Well this is a sight that brightens the misery! The lot of ya, all fine and dandy!"

Mickey hearing this comment, then replied just as pleased to see him, "Same to you Mr Silver! I'm glad to see you both safe and sound!"

Nodding, Jim himself was smiling and looking to everyone he then told them, "Well you guys really saved our hides and the ship! With all those heartless I couldn't tell if we'd all get out in one piece or not!"

Hearing this comment himself, Cait sith though told him smugly, "Oh c'mon lad! That's nothin' it's all in a days work for us! Them heartless are never nothin' we can't ever handle!"

Nozomi herself hearing this, then forgetting her worries for a brief moment thought to herself, 'Getting arrogant are you much?'

Jim though hearing this himself, simply laughed and grinned as he replied, "That I can see!" However turning his attentions to the female keyblader, he had to ask her, "Nozomi?"

As she heard her name being called, she turned and replied, "Huh? What?"

Seeing he'd got her attention, Jim then decided to ask her, "How are you doing? You weren't badly harmed or anything in that battle before were you?"

Listening to this question being put to her, the female keyblader replied, "Oh, no! I'm fine, there's no need for you to worry about me, Jim." However then smiling brightly to him, she added, "I'm just glad that you and the others are okay!"

Hearing her say this and seeing her smile to him, like she usually did. Jim relaxed and felt happy too inside as he told her, "I'm glad to hear that."

Looking on at this interaction though, Riku himself was conflicted as he saw Jim smile at Nozomi like that... inside his heart twisted with bitterness. For how could she smile so casually at just anyone like this?

Timbre though seeing this interaction and grimace had a quick guess as he immediately could suspect was going on before him. Doing so with a grin on his face, he made a quick decision and walking on over he put his arm around Nozomi's shoulders and told her, "Oh? It must be so tough being little miss popular here, huh?"

Hearing this question being put to her, Nozomi staring at him didn't get it as she asked, "Huh? What're you talking about?"

Looking at her with his single revealed green eye as she said this, Timbre then simply rolled it as he said aloud looking up to the starry sky, "Tch! Stereotypically naïve as well I see!"

Nozomi hearing this herself still was utterly clueless at what he was talking about. However before she could move to say anything-

"Hey! Timbre!"

Turning immediately with Nozomi as the others looked and heard this call, it was then Timbre saw his crew mates, Zidane along with Fran and Balthier approach. The monkey tailed young man seeing his feline pal then called out once more, "You causin' trouble again?!"

Seeing them all approach, the pink haired young man silent for a moment though quickly smirked and detaching himself from Nozomi he replied, "Only cause it's expected of me!" Then walking over to his pal, he quickly gave him a high five. Proud at the victory that he'd achieved.

The others all watching on all smiled too from a distance, while Balthier and Fran looking on though silent had the same positive atmosphere as it flowed around them. However quickly, the tall light coloured haired female heard something and turning around she turned and spied, "So? She descends down to earth finally does she?"

Hearing this being asked, Balthier turned too and as he did so. He saw her too and with a grin he asked, "Our angel of salvation is it?"

For there arriving on the deck of the RLS Legacy, it was none other than Raiyana. As the last effects of her radiant transformed state faded away from her being, leaving her once more with her long dark blue locks of hair and pale skin. She couldn't help but smile and say, "It's finally over..."

Then as she relaxed, letting her double edged scythe dissolve and fade away. She suddenly heard-!

"Raiyana!"

For there suddenly arriving in her direction, it was none other than, "Noel!" She cried out happily. Because quickly coming to her side, it was none other than her old blue clad warrior friend.

The brown haired young man arriving, looked to her and asked her, "How are you? Is your power-?"

"It's fine!" She told him as she reassured him with a smile. As he stopped in his tracks, she then went on to say, "I didn't lose control, besides I only used Solar Fury and Nightmare... it's only Total Eclipse that..."

Hearing her say this, Noel then quickly remembered and as he did he uttered, "Oh...yeah, that's right... I remember." With those words an air of melancholy flowed around them both...

As it did, Noel hated himself for dampening the atmosphere so easily! However quickly he wanted to change the subject and so told Raiyana, "But anyway, good job there... you did really well."

Quiet at first as she heard these words, the long dark blue haired girl looking to her friend saw him smiling to her. It was clear he was feeling a little awkward at what he'd caused, but she was glad to see that he hadn't changed in that regard. So she smiled back to him and said, "Thanks..." but she also had to admit, "But, this whole thing would never have been pulled off if it wasn't for-"

"Noel! Raiyana!"

With that quickly approaching from the other side of the ship, exiting the captain's quarters. It was none other than their long blue haired dear friend, "Yeul!" Noel cried out as he saw her quick approach.

However just as he noticed her, a certain pink jelly like creature came flying out of the girl's hands and came straight towards his favourite person! Feeling his small soft form, snuggle and stroke himself into her cheek as he cooed, Raiyana at first surprised then laughed as she cried out, "Oh! Morph!"

Yeul that moment finally making it over was so pleased to see that her dear friends were all safe. So smiling to Noel, she nodded happily as he smiled and returned the gesture. Then taking her oppurtunity she hugged Raiyana around her middle and as she did, she looked up to the startled girl and told her, "Welcome back!"

Hearing these words, Raiyana then smiled back and giving her friend a brief squeeze she responded, "It's good to be back!"

To which Yeul laughed aloud, as Noel simply smiled on. However before anything else could be said-

"Attention! Attention now!"

With those words, quickly the noise all toned down immediately. For there coming forth across the ship's decking. It was none other than Amelia herself, seeing her coming on over everyone was silent in moment's to see what it was she had to say.

Seeing that she'd got the attention of her rowdy and excited crew, finally. Captain Amelia coughed into her gloved hand and as she did, she spoke aloud, "Now, for the chaotic events that have just passed...I must congratulate all of you, for a splendid well done! For keeping the ship in check and stopping those monsters!"

Hearing this, immediately everyone brightened up! This day seem to be getting better and better by the minute for them all! However despite smiling slightly herself, Amelia carried on with her important words, "I must especially commend our valiant keyblader's, Mickey, Nozomi and Riku."

However quickly speaking up, one small individual piped up saying, "Hey! Don't be forgettin' about me here!"

Quickly looking to where she could hear this voice, Captain Amelia saw where she had made her error. So laughing a little she corrected herself saying, "Oh my pardons! And our brave and noble crew mate, Cait sith!"

Nodding gladly, as he sat upon Nozomi's head. The small crowned cat then replied with a thumb's up, "Aye, there lass!"

This irritated Nozomi and made the others look at the small cat with sceptical dismissive eyes. He really was getting too arrogant for his red coloured boots.

Amelia though was simply amused and so carried on with her words of thanks, "And I also must especially commend the brave actions of our cabin boy, young Mr Hawkins for quickly securing all the crew on board with the shimmering threads."
Hearing himself being congratulated, the young ponytailed young man smiled pleased. As he did so, Mr Silver who was standing close by gave him a friendly nudge as a silent well done. To which acting, the young man returned the gesture making the cyborg man smile back.

Raiyana watching this occur smiled herself from the distance she was standing in. However suddenly she heard, "Raiyana!"

Immediately turning as she heard her name being called, the long blue haired young girl turned to Amelia and seeing her cat like eyes looking at her. She was silent as she wondered what it was that would be said to her? Quickly though the answer came as the words were spoken to her, "I must thank you as well, for you were the main key in finally vanquishing those monstrosities... so thank you."

Absolutely amazed to hear now even Captain Amelia thanking her. Raiyana just couldn't believe it! However quickly she felt a quick hug from Yeul and a hand on her shoulder from Noel. As she felt them, she turned in surprise! Then looking in another direction, she saw Mr Silver nod to her too, seeing and feeling all this warmth around her, the long blue haired girls then responded blushing with happiness, "...It was no trouble."

Seeing this reaction, Amelia smiled simply more. Then looking to the group of mutineers, she was quiet before she made a consideration, "Mr Balthier?"

Hearing his name being called, the charming leading man turned to the feline captain and as he did so, he responded, "Yes, my lady Amelia?"

Seeing him respond, the feline captain continued, "Though you and your group tried to take over my ship and imprisoned my crew... all of you did aid us in the battle that's passed, for that I will grant you my thanks as well."

Silent at first as he heard these words, Balthier though simply smiled and replied, "Well I and my trustworthy cast, couldn't stand back and let those rogues destroy this glorious stage... so ultimately we all had something to gain from co-operating."

To which hearing this response, captain Amelia then replied simply, "Indeed, that I will not deny..." however she then decided on something else to say, "However, if you decide to continue your peaceful cooperation with with us... I will permit you all to travel freely upon my ship."

Really surprised to hear this, Zidane had to ask her, "What really?! You'll let us all do that?"

Captain Amelia hearing the surprise in the monkey tailed boy's voice, replied, "Correct, if you continue to act civilly of course."

Hearing this being said, Timbre though replied straight away, "Aww! That won't be a problem there, captain Amelia!" Then with a suggestive smile on his face he added, "Besides? Who are we to go against the orders of such a beautiful lady such as yourself?" To which he then finished with a courteous bow.

Seeing this captain Amelia though wasn't flattered in the slightly, so simply she turned her face away from him coldly as she replied, "You can save that type of flim flam for another day!"

Immediately everyone laughed at this comeback. However as they all did, Nozomi finishing her own laugh, couldn't help but feel that something was wrong still as she looked to Amelia. But what was it though? As she gazed on for a moment more... it then finally it occurred to her! Her eyes widened worriedly as she asked, "It can't be...?"

Hearing her say this, Cait sith looking down to her asked curious, "Can't be what lass?" However before the small crowned cat could hear from her, he heard-

"All familiar hands and new ones to be accounted for, Mr Arrow!" Captain Amelia announced aloud as she looked to the side.

However there came no response, immediately everyone looking around could see no sign of the stone skinned man anywhere! Amelia seeing this then asked aloud again now with a more curious tone, "Mr Arrow?"

As they all looked around trying to find him still, Mickey had to ask worried, "Where is Mr Arrow? I haven't seen him at since-?"

SSSHHHH!

Startled into silence quickly by this sudden hiss, everyone then saw quickly approaching that it was none other than the red skinned alien, Mr Scroop. However what was unusual about him, that made everyone stare at him, was the rather sad expression on his sharp toothed face. Seeing him like this, no-one could understand at all why he would-?

"I'm afraid... that Mr Arrow has been lost," the red saddened being spoke, as he handed all that was left of the first mate to the captain. Taking what was offered to her, Amelia had an expression of utter disbelief as she took into her sharp clawed hands. Mr Arrow's black hat...

Everyone was shocked! Nozomi feeling horrified then realised her earlier pang of worry had been a terrible omen! All who were there were shook up as the positive atmosphere they'd all been bathed in had completely evaporated into the night air.

Mr Scroop seeing the shock and sorrow that was around them now, then added as he shook his head apologetically, "I was not swift enough... his thread was not secure and the beasties took him before I could properly aid him..."

Jim was in utter disbelief as he heard this and uttered, "No! It can't be!"

Hearing this though Raiyana gasped in sharply! As her eyes widened, she then saw in her mind's eye Mr Arrow smile as he thanked her... as it haunted her, she was then reminded of another face from her past. As the painful memories re-surfaced she trembled terribly as she whispered, "I...failed?" Then as the horror settled inside of her she whispered hysterically, "No! No! No!"

Yeul looking to her old friend and seeing her react terribly like this, called out to her, "Raiyana!" For quickly the blue haired girl fell to her knees! Shaking all over! As she continued to whisper no, repeatedly in sorrow.

Noel seeing this, then bent down to her too as he tried to attend to her saying, "Raiyana! Calm down it's alright! Raiyana!"

However as the worried pink transforming Morph looked on worriedly, even he could see that it was no use as Raiyana shivered and shook from the horror and shock...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Looking on as she reacted so violently like this as they watched on from their hiding place in the riggings. Pete then couldn't help but comment, "Well... looks like that girl there can't take shock too well can she?"

Hearing this being said, as she continued to watch with her arms folded. Hari then replied, "Indeed... it seems so." However as she looked on at the trembling haired girl, she noticed a power that seemed to be leaking from her. As she did, her cold green eyes narrowed and as they did so... she sensed something about her and knew one thing, "That girl... she may be of use to us, very soon."

Pete surprised to hear this from Hari, simply stared at her. However he couldn't guess at what she meant. But he knew this wasn't the time for this and so turning his attentions back to the events that were happening down below, he decided to see how things would play out...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Still outraged, Jim wasn't going to accept what Mr Scroop was saying! Looking at everyone as they all looked back to him, he then informed them along with captain Amelia, "I did a thorough job! I was with Mr Arrow! He was safe and following after me! There were no heartless anywhere! Raiyana protected us!" Looking to the shivering distressed girl, he knew he had to defend her too and so proclaimed strongly, "I swear! It couldn't have been-!"

Quickly though, Jim was stopped in his tracks as Amelia looked at him with serious and sad narrowing eyes. As she did so, the young cabin boy lowered his head in shame and guilt...seeing him do this, Nozomi then whispered sadly, "Jim..."

Mr Silver silent himself as he saw all this sorrow gather, felt conflicted inside. For turning his head to look to Mr Scroop, he saw the cunning grin that was upon his gruesome features. As he did so, he tightened his grip in agitation...for that worm had made the people he cherished suffer!

Amelia though, unaware like the rest was doing her best to not let her emotions get the better of her. So she said sadly as she clutched his hat in her hands, "Mr Arrow was a..." however coughing for a moment. She carried on her dignified tone and proclaimed, "A fine spacer, finer than most of us could ever hope to be."

Delbert hearing her say this, looked at her with deep concern and sympathy. For though she was strong outwardly he could sense the inner turmoil that she must be going through, it made his heart ache inside to see it.

Amelia though finished her words for everyone as she went on to finish and say, "But he knew the risks as do we all..." with that said she turned her back and informed them finally, "Resume your posts, we carry on!"

With those words, she proceeded up towards the stairs to return to her cabin. As she did so, Delbert though knew he couldn't leave her alone and so proceeded to follow after her, to console and heal what he could...

Everyone on board deck though, looking on as all this had occurred were all caught in the deepest of sorrow... however this was no time to loiter and so they all proceeded in various directions to make themselves useful once more.

The keyblader's themselves though watching on, then saw Jim with his head bent down quickly escape and move on elsewhere hurriedly. As he did, Nozomi was quickly worried as she called out, "Jim wait! We-!"

However as she proceeded to go forwards, she was quickly stopped in her tracks. As she was she turned back startled and saw Mickey had grabbed her hand, as she did she heard him say, "Nozomi don't! Leave him alone for now."

Hearing this though, the dark haired girl couldn't help say, "But! Shouldn't we-?"

Knowing of her good intentions, Cait sith though had to inform her, "Lass, anythin' we can do right would be of no help to him... ya need to give him some time, cause everyone needs it."

With that looking up, he turned his head in Raiyana's direction and as he did so. He saw with the others, Yeul and Noel lead her off in another direction as Morph continued to follow after them. As they all did so, Cait sith then finished saying simply, "Everyone needs some time to be alone right now..."

Riku hearing this could only nod at these words, however like the king next to him. He felt terrible, for the terrible loss that had come, for again he and the others had lost another life during their adventures...

Listening to these words, Nozomi feeling shaken up from all this sadness then couldn't help but feel down. For once again helpless and powerless... she wasn't able to comfort or help her friends when they needed her. She was utterly useless to everyone once more...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Walking over in the darkened concealed space they'd made into their centre of operations, her hands behind her head grinning away. Jona approached the object of her affections and as she did so, she asked, "So Uri honey? I take it the take over's gone peachy has it?"

Hearing her as he stood to one side within the darkest space, Uriax turned his cold eyes to look at Jona for a moment. It was clear that looking at him, that he was not amused in the slightest by her presence within the room with him. Though he was annoyed, he informed her simply, "It's gone just as I predicted it would, the gardens themselves are nothing compared to my power."

Standing behind him, Jona stayed silent as she watched his back and heard him carry on with his explanations, "Half of those so called 'ARCS' and Restoration committee have already fallen into my power... all that's left is to pick off the stragglers." Then smiling sinisterly as he imagined them squirming before him he added, "Then finally... this entire space will be mine!"

A smile appearing upon Jona's face as she heard this, the exotic Sphynx staring at Uriax then asked, "Really?" With that she got closer and as she did, she finished saying, "That's great..." with that she quickly wrapped her arms around Uriax's back and chest. Hugging him close to her softly and gently.

As she did this, Uriax still and unbothered by this gesture asked her coldly, "What is this you are doing?"

Hearing this question being asked of her, Jona then with a warm expression on her face as she continued to feel Uriax's warmth. She then answered in an almost dreamlike tone, "I just felt like giving you something... after all you deserve a reward don't you?" With a small chuckle she then added, "Since you've worked so hard lately, right honey?"

Uriax though didn't bother to reply to her, but again he didn't try to shake her off either. Instead a silence continued to dwell and drift around them as the darkness remained.

Feeling this silence come, Jona then decided to ask him a question that had been on her mind for quite some time, "Uriax...?" However there came no response. Expecting as much, the exotic Sphynx was undeterred as she continued on to ask, "That Nozomi sweetie?" With that holding him a little tighter she finished, "Why don't you just give up on her?"

A shudder coming at this question, Uriax tightened his grip. As he did, it was clear he was agitated as he replied, "...What do you mean?"

Jona expecting this would prickle his nerves, though continued on, "I know you must have already figured out by now, that you've got no chance." As she asked this, Uriax didn't move against her touch at all. Since he didn't she continued on to say, "You know she's smitten with that pale haired hunk...so why don't you just give up on her?"

Uriax hearing this, then replied to her, "And do what exactly?"

As this question was put to her, Jona then could feel her own heart inside fluttering rapidly with excitement and warmth. As it was, she then told him, "You could... move on, to others... one's who could treat you better and... love you like you deserve."

Hearing this suggestion being put to him, Uriax was still for a moments. However then looking over his shoulder he turned his blue eyes down to Jona and asked her, "You mean like you?"

Jona still feeling the beatings of her racing heart, looked up to his gaze. Quickly though she was chilled as she saw the dark rage that was burning behind those irises! Seeing it, she didn't have time to react as-

"AAGGHH!"

Quickly before she knew it, she was thrown off by a blast of dark power! As she collided hard onto the floor, she looked up to Uriax startled as she ached in pain. However she was quickly becoming terrified, for she had no idea what he would do now to her!

The dark apprentice staring down at the discarded Sphynx then told her angered, "Well I'm sorry to inform you of this, but I have no interest in beasts like you!" With that he turned away from her again and as he did, he added, "There's no one in this or any of the worlds that can take Nozomi's place..." with that holding his hand to his own chest. He finished as he felt it's strong beats, "She and I... are two parts of the same creation, we were always together in the past and in the future..." with those words a sinister smile appeared on his face as he added, "We will be together, eternally!"

"HA HA HA HA!"

Hearing these words and his manic laughter that rang out everywhere. Jona held up her clawed hand to her own now aching heart, as she did so she then couldn't help but utter sadly to herself, "How can you say that...?" For clenching her hand tightly, she finished saying, "When we were all once a part of it..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Haaa..."

Sighing, Nozomi walked up the stairs from the sleeping quarters that were below deck. It was now later in the night, after the news that Mr Arrow's demise, everyone had worked until the late hours. Now they had all gone to bed, to rest and recover from the extreme events that had happened that day.

However it'd been completely gloomy with no-one barely saying a word to each other. However Nozomi couldn't fault anyone for being like this, for after all she was feeling terrible with guilt and sadness for what had happened. For in reality, it wasn't just Raiyana's or Jim's fault... it was also hers. For it was her thread that had held Mr Arrow and since it had snapped... it meant her power hadn't been enough to save him... because of these feelings, she hadn't been able to fall sleep at all.

Continuing to feel this sadness, she also couldn't help but think of the sorrow again that the others must be caught in. She just wished she could do something to relieve everyone of it, but simply laughing and chattering wouldn't be enough to dispel it... this was something that was going to have to settle and fade with time. However, she wished that she could still talk to Raiyana or Jim, to try and help them at least for she just wanted to do something for them!

"Man... I hate being so helpless like this!" She said aloud to herself as she made it to the top deck.

As she did so, another familiar voice asked her, "Oh? Still depressed, my little chiclet?"

Turning instantly as she heard this voice, Nozomi then saw who'd called out to her! Instantly she saw, "Timbre!?"

For there approaching her, it was none other than the pink haired cat boy! Seeing that he'd been spotted, he immediately replied with a bright smile, "Yo! You lookin' for a good time there?"

Annoyed at him being so casual like this, with everything being so grim around them. She couldn't help but ask with an agitated tone, "Just what do you think you're doing up here?"

Hearing the agitation in her voice, Timbre though didn't let this deter him from speaking further as he replied, "Just hittin' the breeze!" With that he winked and as he did, he added, "I couldn't stand being cooped up below floor and so came up to do some star gazing!"

"Star gazing?" Nozomi repeated curiously.

With a single nod, Timbre replied, "Yep!" With that putting his hands behind his head, he added, "Anything to escape the doom and gloom, it's not my style!"

Hearing him say this, Nozomi then saw he had similar thoughts to her. Which was surprising, however she didn't like this light hearted side and so she asked him, "Do you feel nothing about what's happened today? To Mr Arrow and the others?"

As he heard this being put to him, Timbre then replied, "Well I don't deny that it saddened me like everyone else, but moping around ain't gonna bring rock guy back... plus it ain't gonna make that Jim guy or that Raiyana babe feel better either is it?"

Listening to this, Nozomi had to be honest as she replied, "Yeah... that's true." Then looking up to the stars that shone down, she admitted, "I just wish there was something I could do for everyone! I mean... I wish that hadn't happened to Mr Arrow, I wish that Jim and Raiyana weren't blamed for this... I just wish I could make it alright for everyone somehow!"

Listening quietly as she said all this, Timbre then told her, "That's a lot of wishing you're doing there y'know!" However to his question came no reply. Seeing this he simply studied Nozomi some more and as he did... he came up with an idea as he smiled, "Though I can't grant those... I could at least do one thing that could make you feel better?"

Puzzled as he said this, Nozomi had no idea what on earth he could suggest at a time like this. So curious she asked, "And what's that?"

With that question asked, Timbre walked on up close to her and moving his face close to hers with a grin he answered, "I could give you a nice wet kiss!"

"WHAT!?" Immediately pulling herself away from him, the female keyblader then demanded out of him, "What the heck are you saying?! There's no way I'd want that!"

Tilting his head to the side in apparent surprise, Timbre though told her, "Really?" For then putting one of his clawed hands to his lips, he couldn't help but say, "Cause if I remember correctly, you really enjoyed that little number I did on you, down below!" To which he then licked his lips, revealing his wet tongue.

Seeing him do this, Nozomi then responded straight back, "I didn't enjoy that! There's no way I would! You're an utter jerk for even thinking that!"

Looking at her getting so steamed up over this, Timbre though had another thought. Amused by her cute behaviour he asked, "Oh? What's wrong? You sad because I stole your first ever kiss are ya?"

Hearing this, Nozomi shouted out mad, "You idiot! That wasn't my first!" Then as she said those words, she quickly remembered when it did happen. Her hands coming up to her mouth, she blushed madly red as she thought of Riku's gentle warm lips upon her own... inside she was quivering from the memories as she uttered weakly looking to the floor, "My first was..."

However looking on at her, it was clear that she couldn't continue. Seeing this, Timbre then grinning still couldn't help but move himself over to Nozomi as he told her, "You know... you shouldn't make a face like that." Saying those words, he then hugged her and as he did, he whispered into her ears making her eyes widen, "Otherwise someone's gonna come along and gobble you all up!"

As she heard these words, Nozomi then outraged told him, "Shut up! Get off me! I don't need this!" With that she pushed Timbre off of her in seconds! Doing so, she then ran off further onto the deck.

Looking at her as she did this, the pink haired cat boy still a little surprised again then couldn't help but laugh. As he did, he then couldn't help but say, "Well... at least you've succeeded in cheering me up! My little chiclet." With those words he moved himself away to go back down below deck.

However as he did so, looking up above to the stars above. He couldn't help but utter, as he saw them continue to glitter and shine, "Sis... I hope you're doing well out there..." then as he disappeared down below he finished saying, "Because I'm trying hard to." Then as he vanished down below, he was unaware of a pair of glowing yellow eyes that were watching on from the darkness that surrounded the higher canopies of the ship...