Chapter CCIX: The Loot Of A Thousand Worlds, The Quest For Treasure Planet Part XXI

The band of heroes were all mentally preparing themselves as they sailed on, stealthily towards their target. All of them could hear the swaying of the rigging's of the Legacy, as they got closer within the confines of the stolen enemy Long Boat. Nozomi looking to the ship, then couldn't help but utter gripping her keyblade in her hands, "There you are...!"

For inside that ship, were their friends who were being held captive along with the hidden treasure map, the very key that would lead them all to the heart of their quest. The Loot Of A Thousand Worlds!

Finally after some moments making it over to the ship, Jim tied the Long Boat in place to the lower side of the vessel and as he did so, he turned to the others and told them, "There, it's secure! Let's get on board!"

Nodding in agreement immediately, Timbre then replied with a keen grin, "Right!" With that he followed behind Jim, with Nozomi doing the same as they started to climb up the side of the ship.

Morph seeing the band of heroes go, quickly floated up behind them. Keen to see what would happen up above! While Ben, seeing this as all part of the fun, couldn't help but cry out as he got his metallic hands on the side of the boat, "SHIP CLIMB!"

"SSSHHHH!"

The others all uttered to him, their fingers all to their lips as they looked down at him with irritation!

Seeing he'd caused an upset again, becoming bashfully ashamed, Ben then replied, "Oops! Sorry!" With that he started to climb after them all quietly, as they ascended on up.

However, unbeknownst to them all. A certain figure with metallic wings had already noticed their little venture, with her cold green eyes. As she saw them all climb up, she uttered hiding in the shadows of the darkness, "So...? That's your tactic is it?"

Looking at them all as they went, Hari couldn't criticise it for being a bad choice of plans. But she couldn't let them do as they please so easily, so she said aloud gently, "I better inform our... hosts of this unexpected arrival." With that said, she vanished away into the darkness...

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Finally reaching the upper levels of the ship, everyone cautiously peered over the side of it. As they did so, they saw that the deck was empty. With no signs of life there at all.

Seeing this, Timbre then said quietly, "Looks like the coast is clear!"

However Jim knew better, so he replied, "For the moment, it looks like it... but be on your guard! There still might be someone here!"

Nodding in agreement as she peered next to him, Nozomi then said herself, "Yeah, Mr Silver wouldn't leave this place unprotected!"

As she said these words, Timbre looking to the dark haired girl. Then saw the fierce determination that was in her eyes and as he did, he replied looking back to the ship, "Yeah that I don't doubt! He may be a cyborg, but he's a cunning cyborg!"

No-one disagreed with this statement, instead quickly they climbed on over the edge. Finally standing upon the boards of the deck, but Ben, "Oohhh!" Fell over, making a loud clatter as he hit the floor.

On edge as this happened, immediately Nozomi whispered to him agitated, "Ben! Shhhh!"

Hearing her tell him this again, Ben then quickly apologised saying, "Oh! Sorry... sorry!"

Looking at him as he said this once more, with his bashful goofy grin. Jim put a hand to his forehead and shook his head with a sigh. But knowing this wasn't the time to dwell on silliness of any kind, so he told them all, "C'mon! Let's get moving!"

As he said this, immediately everyone followed the cabin boy down towards the stairs that led to the depths of the ship. Looking down at them, they could see it was lit up below... it was clear someone was still on the ship!

Realising this quickly, everyone then cautiously started to proceed down the stairs quietly. Trying to be careful not to make a single step creak! As they went down together, Timbre gripping his spear in his clawed hands decided to ask, "Okay? So we're gonna go and get Zidane and the others right?"

Nodding at his question, Jim then answered him, "Yeah! Then we'll get the map and-"

"Going somewhere are you?"

Alarmed in seconds! Everyone turned and saw that standing in the middle of the doorway to the stairs. It was none other than, "Raiyana!?" Nozomi cried out!

For there the long blue haired young woman was. She stared on with a serious gaze in her blue eyes, she spoke again, "It's been a little while since I last saw you all, have you all come to pay me a visit?"

At this question, no-one answered. For nobody knew what to say or do in that situation! However, Nozomi knew she couldn't let Raiyana make any moves on them! For her powers were really strong and down below, she and the others wouldn't stand a chance! So she immediately made her decision, she rushed back up drawing her keyblade out, she cried out, "HHHAAA!"

Looking at her as she proceeded to attack, immediately everyone called out to her, "NOZOMI!?"

However quickly seeing her approach, Raiyana calm and collected jumped back and onto the deck. Seeing her go there, Nozomi was relieved. She'd got her where she wanted her to be!

Watching her proceed to go on out, following after Raiyana. Jim quickly cried out to her, "Nozomi! Don't go after her! You can't-!"

"I know!"

As these two words were shouted out, Jim was struck silent. As he was, he saw Nozomi turn back to them all and said, "I won't last long by myself! That's why I need you guys to get Cait sith, Noel and Zidane!" With that, looking back to her adversary as she looked to her silently with that still serious cold look. The female keyblader gripped her weapon tightly again and as he did, she spoke once more, "Now hurry and go! Don't keep me waiting!" With that she ran forwards to engage with Raiyana!

Seeing her leave like this, though he wanted to argue with her and stop her. Jim knew they had no choice! So turning back to the stairs he said, "Okay you heard her! Let's get the others, guys!"

"Right!" Timbre replied! Then with that they all forgot about caution and started to run down the stairs!

Seeing them all go in a hurry like this, Ben ran with them as he cried out, "Hey! Hey! Fella's wait up!" However he missed a step and-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

CRASH! BANG! KLANG! CRASH!

The chaotic and clumsy robot fell the rest of the way down! However Morph himself, seeing his favourite person in the world was now on deck. He happily in seconds flew up there to greet her again!

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Running back forwards, Nozomi was up on the deck once again. Her keyblade still drawn, she looked to Raiyana with a concentrated gaze as the long blue haired girl looked back to her. Remaining silently stoic.

Seeing her look at her in this way, Nozomi watched her closely. The long blue haired girl, looking to the female keyblader then for a moment revealed a small smile. As she did so, she greeted her, saying, "Nozomi? You wanted to speak to me alone this much did you?"

Hearing her ask this question, Nozomi looking to Raiyana then replied, "Yeah? I guess you could say that..."

There was then silence between them again, but before more words could be exchanged between them both-

"Ha! Ha ha!"

Immediately a bubbly sound of laughter was heard! Then in seconds a pink jelly like shape came flying from the stairs! As it did, it quickly started rubbing itself affectionately into Raiyana's cheek!

A little startled at first by this sensation, the long blue haired girl. Then quickly saw who was doing this loving gesture to her, seeing him she uttered with a warm smile coming to her face, "Morph! It's you..."

To which the small creature chattered happily in reply, so glad to see her once again. As he did this, Raiyana then started to stroke him, grateful at least to have one more person in her life that wasn't scared of her. Knowing this, she told him with a warm smile, "I missed you..."

Seeing this affectionate display being done before her. Nozomi was caught slightly off guard, for looking at Raiyana. She could still sense that kindness and gentleness, that she first felt when she'd met her, however knowing that she was involved with Silver...

Raiyana in the meantime finishing stroking Morph, then turned her attentions back to Nozomi. As she did so, she asked her, "So? You've been taking care of him well."

As this was said, Nozomi then replied to her, "Of course, we had to... we couldn't rely on Silver to do that anymore."

Hearing her friend and leader's name being spoken like this, Raiyana fell silent. Her smile quickly vanishing to be replaced by a sombre expression. Morph seeing this could sense that something was wrong, as he looked to the long blue haired girl with concern in his eyes.

Nozomi herself remained silent, as she did so. She then heard Raiyana say to her, "No? I suppose you couldn't..." with that said, the long blue haired girl looked to the female keyblader and asked her, "And I guess you now no longer trust or believe in me anymore, do you?"

As this question was put to her, Nozomi struck silent as she looked down to the deck. Couldn't think of any words to say! For though, the answer was obvious what she should say, she felt conflicted for in her heart, she-!

"I see..."

Turning her gaze back up, the female keyblader saw that serious look return to Raiyana's eyes again. However there seemed to be a deadly aura now growing within her! Seeing this, Nozomi's eyes widened as did Morph's who looked to her nervously.

Seeing the anxious atmosphere that she was now causing, Raiyana feeling her power grow from within. Spoke on, "Well, it's only obvious you should feel that way... especially when facing a monster like me!"

Hearing her say this, immediately the female keyblader cried out, "Hey! I never said anything about you being a monster! You're-!"

"Dangerous?" Raiyana asked, not paying heed to the worried tone in Nozomi's voice. As she said this, the long blue haired girl bowed her head, as she let the terrifying power she had flow out!

As this began to happen, Nozomi could feel the air around her intensify! As it did so, quickly she saw around her numerous dark portals emerge! Then in seconds from within them, emerged creatures which were the same kind that had attacked her and the others when they first went to escape! She gripped her keyblade, anticipating the battle that was soon about to begin!

Morph confused by all this looked around worriedly at the monsters and Nozomi's agitated state. However turning back to Raiyana, he saw his beloved friend was changing too! Her body quickly turning dark, like the colours of the night sky, her hair became silvery and glowed brightly! With that done, in moments her long deadly double bladed scythe materialised into her hands!

Seeing this happen, immediately Morph withdrew back from Raiyana! Unused to this change, he then saw her look up to him and as he did, he saw even her eyes were opaque and transparent as they glowed in the darkness! As they did so, he was terrified of her as he heard her say, "Because that fear you feel is correct!" With that said her voice ended in a slight snarl!

Scared witless, immediately Morph flew back to Nozomi's side in seconds! Hiding himself behind her shoulder, as he looked to Raiyana shivering.

As she saw this happen to Morph with concern, the female keyblader then turned back to Raiyana with a fierce determined look in her eyes. As she did this, it was then the long blue haired girl told her, "Now! I'll subdue you! I won't have you interfere with Mr Silver's wishes!"

Hearing her say this, Nozomi then replied, "Well you can forget that! I'm not gonna be tied down by anyone! Not even you, Raiyana!"

Listening to these words being conveyed to her, the transformed scythe wielder then told her, "We'll see!" With that, she rushed forwards towards the female keyblader! In seconds, her dusks all followed suit behind her!

Nozomi then looking to the small pink, scared creature over her shoulder whispered, "Morph run for it!" With that done, in seconds she left him and running forwards her wings emerged on either side of her feet! As this was done, she took off into the air moving her keyblade swiftly in the air, she shouted out, "Haaa!"

Instantly she struck into one of the dusks and seeing the fierce battle begin, Morph knew this was not where he should be! So in another second, he took off! Fleeing down the deck stairs to try and meet the others who were searching below!

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Running forwards through the corridors, Timbre on heavy alert needed to find his pals more than ever! Going on, he looked about all the doors looking for the one brig door! As he went on with the search being followed by Jim and Ben, he asked aloud gritting his teeth, "Guys! C'mon where are you!? Where-!"

"Timbre!"

Hearing this voice, immediately the pink haired cat boy looking back. Saw a small hand and arm waving out to him! Recognising the colour of the pale skin, he cried out, "Yeul!" Then running back, he peered through the bars, there indeed was the young girl looking to him with widened eyes.

Seeing that he'd come, she cried out, "It's you! You're really here, Timbre!"

Glad to see that she was safe, immediately the pink cat boy revealed a sharp toothed smile and as he did, he replied, "Of course! I always come for lovely little ladies like you!"

Smiling as she heard him say this, it was then that a certain voice called out, "Hey! Aren't you forgetting someone here?"

It was then that looking up and past Yeul, Timbre saw within the brig room it was Zidane. Still bound by ropes, he then spied Noel who looked on just as annoyed at hearing these corny lines. Seeing them look at him this way, the cat boy grinned again as he told them, "Oh sorry guys! Obviously we're here to save you too!"

Then as this was said, another voice chipped in as he cried out mad, "Well I should darn well hope so!" With that rattling the bars of his cage, it was revealed to be Cait sith who complained further saying, "I'm fed up with being stuck in this mangy, puny cage! Ya lads took too long!"

To which laughing as he heard this and seeing his fellow feline struggle against his prison, Timbre replied, "Sorry! Sorry! We didn't-!"

BLAST!

Suddenly the foundations of the ship were rocked! Feeling this shuddering sensation, immediately Noel looking up to the ceiling asked alarmed, "What was-!?"

"Guys!"

Immediately hearing this, everyone trapped in the brig saw that now Jim had come to the door! As he did so, he proceeded to tell them urgently, "Nozomi's battling Raiyana!"

Hearing this, Cait sith demanded, "What!? Raiyana lass!"

As he heard this, Noel too became terribly alarmed as Yeul heard this too becoming the same. Then they all listened on, as Jim spoke on, "That's right! She's buying us time! To get you out and get the map! We gotta get moving now!"

Listening to these fast words, Cait sith needed no more information. So rattling his bars again, he replied, "Well get us out of here then, lad! We gotta get up and move it!"

Timbre hearing this, then replied to the crowned cat, "Wish granted! I'll open this door now!" With that, the pink haired cat boy went to open the door, as he pulled out his spear. But before he could begin to use it-

"I'll do it!"

It was finally then, that Ben arrived over! Bumping into the door, he pushed Timbre out of the way!Falling to the floor, the pink haired cat boy complained, "Hey!"

But ignoring him, Ben proceeded to use his long nimble robotic fingers to open the door. Grinning away he said aloud, "Ah! This shouldn't take too long! This little old lock is..." However it was becoming clear, that this little old lock wasn't going to be that easily undone. For Ben was beginning to struggle as he became slightly awkward saying, "Oh? Uh! Hang on guys I'll get this, it's uh, one those new model's right? It's uh... ugh."

Hearing this new voice, with confusion. Zidane couldn't help but utter puzzled, "Who's that?"

Knowing already who it was, Jim feeling tense and anxious told the clumsy robot, "Ben! Just get out of the way! We have to move now or-!"

BLAST!

CRASH!

BLAST!

As the shuddering came forth, making the ship shake again. Everyone was alarmed terribly! Feeling himself tense up thinking of what could be happening up above them. Jim then told the clumsy robot, "Ben!?"

Immediately hearing this and feeling this shuddering, Ben then replied becoming anxious himself, "Oh I know! I know, hurry! Lot's of bad, bad thing's happenin'! Gotta move and-!"

CRASH!

Interrupted again, it was finally though as this particular shudder was sent throughout the ship. That with a slip of his fingers, the door was clicked opened! Delighted as he saw this, Ben told him, "Ah there! I told ya I'd get it done!"

However no words of congratulations were given to the bumbling robot, as quickly Jim and Timbre ran into the brig to free everyone! For at that moment, time was of the essence!

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"Firaga!"

Swiftly aiming her keyblade, the meteor like fierce fire spell shot straight out! Doing so, in seconds one of the terrible Dusks was struck instantly!

"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Seeing she'd been successful in her strike, Nozomi didn't have time to celebrate! For quickly on another side, more Dusks came straight towards the female keyblader! Seeing them coming, racing through the air with her winged feet she went to evade!

However seeing her go, the monsters quickly turned themselves and aiming their snake like tails. Immediately in seconds, terrible glowing purple arrow like shots fired up towards her! Seeing them coming, immediately Nozomi went to strike them out of her way!

"Haa!" "Haa!" Haa!"

With each strike with her keyblade, the blows of the monsters didn't touch her! However, suddenly in another direction-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Suddenly she was struck, from behind in her side! The pain was fierce and burning! Cringing, she fell slightly in the air! Then as she did this, she noticed something in the corner of her eye! It was-!

CLANG!

Moving swiftly, the female keyblader stopped in it's tracks. Raiyana's double bladed scythe! As the sparks began to come, with each weapon biting into the other. Nozomi wincing with one of her eyes shut in pain, she looked into her attacker's opaque glowing eyes with fierce determination.

As she did so, she heard the transformed young woman tell her, "So? It looks like you fight well still?"

Cringing from the pain that she'd been struck with. Nozomi didn't reply to this, instead she concentrated her eyes on the long blue haired girl. For she had to be strong, she had to hold out! She had to wait for the others, she had to-!

"Nozomi?"

Coaxed out of her inner thoughts, the female keyblader looking to Raiyana heard her say, "Tell me? Are you scared of me now?"

Hearing this question being put to her, Nozomi was baffled. Staring at her, she uttered, "Huh?"

"Are you terrified of my power? Do I scare you...?" As this question was put to her, Raiyana staring at her. Then narrowing her eyes, told her, "Does facing a Nobody, like me... change what you first thought of me?"

As this was put to her, Nozomi's eyes widening repeated in shock, "A Nobody!?"

However she didn't get another chance to speak, as suddenly she was thrown away from the attacker as she spun in the air. Turning herself and her double edged scythe, almost like a ghostly dancer!

Falling through the air, Nozomi gasped, "Agh!" Then as she began to gain her footing in the air again. As she came upon another orb in the night sky, she turned to face Raiyana she suddenly saw-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

She was thrown back! As she was struck by Raiyana's powerful scythe! Then swiftly the transformed young woman chased after the keyblader! Doing so, she slashed and struck into her over and over again! Making her unable to fight back!

Feeling the pain as she was stuck into, Nozomi cried out, "Agh!" Again, she was struck, "Agh!" Then again, "Agh!" It wouldn't stop! She was helpless against Raiyana's power! She was too fast, for her! She couldn't-!

However her thoughts were stopped, for Raiyana striking fast into Nozomi again. Sent her falling through the air! Watching her descend helplessly, it didn't fill the transformed girl with sinister glee, nor any kind of satisfaction... she just felt cold and empty.

Then looking down, she saw her Dusks were flying fast into the air. Coming to attack the helpless keyblader, with their claws all aimed straight for her... the female Nobody looking on, remained still in the air...gazing on silently.

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"Finally!" With that getting up and shaking his tail a little, feeling the joy of manoeuvrability again, Zidane then commented, "Man! Those ropes were driving me crazy!"

"I can imagine!" Timbre grinned as he looked to his pal. He was glad to have him back with him, sharing his usual amused thoughts.

Hearing this comment from the monkey boy, an annoyed tone then commented loudly, "Driving you crazy!" With that hearing this voice. Zidane turned in it's direction as he did so, he saw it was Cait sith who finally freed told him, "You try being stuck in a small knit cage overnight and see how you like it!"

Ben who'd freed the crowned cat, told him with a grin, "Wow! That does sound tough!" Then with a laugh he couldn't help but say, "But this is the first I've ever seen, where a cat being the bird!"

The crowned cat hearing this, looking to Ben was silent for a few seconds. Then replied sarcastically, "I think you and me are gonna be great pals, aren't we?"

To which in reply Zidane simply rolled his eyes, amused by this interaction. As he did this, it was then that Jim finally freed Noel. Doing this, the brown haired hunter stroking his arms to remove the ache he'd been put through said, "Okay! Let's do this, let's get out of here!" With that he started to walk forwards to get to the door.

However before he could make it over to the door, suddenly he was stopped as, "Noel! Are you going to fight Raiyana?" Hearing this voice, the hunter saw that it was none other than Yeul looking on with worry.

Seeing her look at him like this, he looked to her quietly. The young man didn't answer her immediately, however looking to the door. He then told her not bothering to turn back, "... I will do what I have to Yeul." With that he exited not giving her another chance to ask another question.

Looking at him go, the young girl feeling horribly powerless about this. She felt conflicted, she didn't want this to happen! She didn't want either of them to fight! She didn't want-!

"Yer not goin on yer own lad!" With that, it was then that Yeul saw it was Cait sith. Looking at him, as he began to go on ahead, she heard him say as he waved his hand back to her, "Don't worry Yeul lass! I'll get this situation back under control! Don't ya worry!"

Hearing him say this, Yeul then whispered, "Cait sith?"

The small cat hearing her say his name like this, smiled. Then quickly without another word, he proceeded to go chasing after the blue clad young man.

Yeul watching the small cat go, though still worried. Prayed desperately inside that Cait sith could help, that he could save her friends. That-

"Don't worry little lady!"

Stirred out of her thoughts, the young girl saw it was the robotic newcomer, Ben. Looking to him, she saw him grinning to her. As he did so, goofily she heard him go on to say, "I'm sure yer pals will get things sorted! They look like good strong guys!... I think?" He finished with a slight chuckle.

Looking to him as he said this, Yeul was quiet. Then looking at the odd robot she couldn't help but smile, as she told him, "Yeah I know they are... thank you, Ben."

To which hearing this and becoming surprised for a moment. Ben then regained his smile as he said, "Aww! No problem!" For he was glad that he'd been able to make at least one person happy that day.

Walking over then, as this exchange was done. Jim, now with Zidane along with Timbre following him said, "Okay! Now we get that map and then help the others out!"

Hearing his words, Timbre and Zidane were more than ready! So both grinning, they replied simultaneously, "Right!"

With that they proceeded out the door, as they all went to go and gain the treasure map. With Yeul and Ben quickly following quickly after them... all of them unaware of a pair of sinister glowing yellow eyes, that looked on with a sharpened grin.

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Falling through the air, Nozomi in terrible pain. Could hear the snarls and wings of Raiyana's Dusks! As she did so, looking down she saw them all fast approaching! Gazing to them first alarmed, she then became frustrated! She wasn't gonna be helpless like this! Everyone was counting on her!
Realising this, she forced herself to turn over! Looking at all the monsters that were coming, she took her keyblade out! Aiming quickly, she focused her power and immediately she cried out, "Swift Star Rays!"

Instantly as she cried out, comets of sparkling light erupted out from her weapon! Then as they did so, they all struck the creature's swiftly in their eyes! The monsters all crying, all covered their eyes!

"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Seeing them do this as they roared in pain, Nozomi then using her wings dived straight in! Using her keyblade she quickly struck into each and all of the monsters! Fighting hard, she knew she had to get this done fast! She had to dispatch them before they all recovered their sight!
Her fast blows were effective in the monster's blinded states! However, she could only be so quick! For quickly one of the monsters, recovering from it's blinded state. Saw Nozomi! It became enraged at her pesky attacks!

"Haa!" Striking again another one of the monsters, Nozomi then gritting her teeth. Turned to aim and strike another one of the creatures again! But before she could move to do so-!

GLOW!

Suddenly she saw something glowing brightly behind her! Noticing it, she saw something burning! As she did so, she realised she had to move! Which reflexively she did flying up high into the air! Then just mere seconds after as she did so, -!

BLAST!

A fiery missile was fired forwards! Looking down it flew into the air and then blasted in the air like a bomb! As it did so, alarmed Nozomi saw that it was fired from none other than the Dusk's sharp toothed mouth! Knowing what she'd just missed, the female keyblader shuddered!

However she couldn't stay relieved for long. For the other creature's all quickly recovering then all fixed their aim on her! Seeing this, the female keyblader uttered with high anxiety, "Oh no!"

With that utter, they all opened their lion sharp toothed mouths and in another seconds they all started to unleash their terrible burning blows! Seeing this all coming, the female keyblader cried out, "Whoa!" With that she quickly dodged and ran, diving away from the horrible blows as they all came for her!

Running again along the glowing orbs, she evaded quickly, dancing in and of the riggings and beams! Then recovering from her panic, again becoming agitated. She aimed once more and concentrating her power, she aimed her keyblade as a shower of hellfire came flying her way, she cried out, "Blizzaga!"

BLAST!

In seconds the powerful icy cold spell and fire clashed together in seconds! Making an explosion that cancelled out the other's terrible attack! In turn, the wind from the blow caused the monsters to be swept back and in turn, Nozomi exhausted dropped to the floor! Landing upon the wooden bords of the deck, she breathed in and out hurriedly, trying to recover from the panic and rush she'd been put through.

"You really do fight well, Nozomi..." Hearing this, the female keyblader looking up. Saw who was talking to her, it was none other than Raiyana.

Still in her transformed state, the glowing and powerful nobody staring down at her with her opaque white eyes. Stared on as her adversary continued to try and recover her breath. Seeing her do this, with a somewhat angered expression on her face, she couldn't help but ask, "Tell me? What're you feeling now?"

Hearing her ask, the female keyblader finally recovering enough of herself replied, "I... I'm feeling," then taking in another breath. She spoke saying, "Annoyed." She said looking to the long blue haired girl.

Puzzled as she heard her say this, Raiyana repeated, "Annoyed?"

"Exactly!" Nozomi replied, as she did so. She continued on to say, "I can't believe you're doing this! Battling me like this! I can't believe you're listening to Silver's words like this!"

As this was told to her, Raiyana looking on coldly replied, "Of course...I am a Nobody, did you really expect me to fight like a normal person?"

As this was put to her, Nozomi replied, "I guess not, but that doesn't matter!"

Becoming more curious as she heard this, Raiyana asked, "It doesn't matter?"

It was then finally Nozomi recovered of herself properly. Standing up, she looked to Raiyana and told her fiercely with determination, "Yeah, it doesn't matter how you fight! Nobody or human, I'll take you on and beat some sense back into you!"

Hearing this, Raiyana was shocked. Staring at her with widened eyes, she asked repeating, "Nobody or human?" Then as this settled into her mind, she had to ask, "You don't care what I am? That I'm not-"

"Why would I!?" Nozomi demanded annoyed. As she did so, she continued on to say, "It doesn't make any difference! Human or Nobody! Whatever you are Raiyana I will take you on! And I'll get through to you! Cause you're lost right now!"

Baffled listening to this, she asked, "Lost?"

"That's right!" Then as she said this, looking to the Nobody... a softer more sympathetic expression began to come to her face. As it did so, she decided to reveal one other thing, "I don't know what's happened to you Raiyana, but this isn't like you! I know this isn't what you want to do! It isn't in you to hurt your friend's like this!"

As this was said to her, Raiyana couldn't believe what she was hearing! Looking at Nozomi, she asked her, "You still think we're that? That we're friends?"

With a firm nod of her head, Nozomi then replied straight back up to her, "I do! I know you still are! No matter what's happened here or to you!" Then reaching her hand up to her, she told her, "Raiyana please, stop this now!"

Seeing Nozomi reaching her hand out to her like this, Raiyana had no idea what to do... she felt so conflicted now. This girl, she wasn't frightened by her being a Nobody? That she had these terrifying powers? That-?

"I will remind you again, not to be deceived... for they will do all that is necessary, to make you release them."

Remembering these words, Raiyana turned her opaque eyes into the darkness of the skies. Looking to the riggings, she saw a pair of ice cold green eyes peering at her from the darkness. As she did so, she knew who it was... then remembering what had been promised to her. She knew then she couldn't let herself be swayed.

Nozomi noticing that Raiyana was looking somewhere turned her own eyes to look in the direction she was staring at. But before she could concentrate on that spot, the transformed Nobody turned her glowing opaque eyes back to her and said, "Those were some sweet deceptive words you told me."

Listening to this, Nozomi repeated perplexed, "Deceptive?"

However ignoring the puzzled tone she used, Raiyana looking to her coldly. Informed the perplexed keyblader, "But you can't trick me, no matter what you do!" Then as she said this, immediately in seconds her summoned monsters descended back down and surrounded her from behind.

Seeing them all come, crowding around the Nobody girl protectively Nozomi was shocked! Seeing the creatures had returned, she then heard Raiyana tell her in a chilling tone, "Now, I will subdue you!" With that she pointed her arm forwards and in seconds, her monsters all stormed forth to attack the helpless keyblader!

Looking at the monsters as they all came straight for her. Nozomi retracting her reaching hand, pulled up her keyblade! Despite her tired state she had to persevere! She couldn't-!

"HHHYYYAAAHHH!"

Suddenly a new cry sounded in the air! As it did so, one of the monsters suddenly in seconds was sliced apart! Cut into two halves, it disappeared into dark fragments and as it did the others all paused as the attacker turned and proclaimed, "If you wanna take her! Then you'll have to take me too!" With that he took his blades and aimed the dangerous instruments at the Dusks!

Immediately seeing who'd come to her assistance Nozomi cried out in amazement, "Noel!"

Hearing his name being called, Noel turned his head for a moment and with a small smile he revealed, "Sorry I kept you waiting, Nozomi!"

Shaking her head, the female keyblader though told him instantly, "Don't worry! I'm just so glad you're okay!"

"We're both okay, lass!"

Then in seconds hearing this other familiar voice, Nozomi then felt a warmth jump up onto her right shoulder! Amazed she then saw with delight, "Cait sith!"

For there the small cat was, once again! Seeing him on her shoulder, she saw him make a simple wave to her as he told her, "In the flesh lass! Glad ta see yer still in one piece!"

Smiling, glad to see him. Nozomi couldn't help but laugh as she replied, "For the moment!" However she knew it was time to get serious. So turning her expression back to Raiyana and her monsters, losing her smile. She tightened the grip on her keyblade, getting ready she said, "Now we just have one last issue to resolve!"

Hearing her say this, Noel tightening his own grip upon his blades said, "Yeah... but it won't go down easy!"

Pumped though, Cait sith punching one gloved paw into another said, "Easy or not! We're gonna pound some sense back into her lad's! A real good hard poundin'!"

Raiyana said nothing in reply to this comment. Instead narrowing her eyes, her creature's all growled menacingly, their thirst for battle growing with their masters! Then immediately in seconds the battle proceeded onwards, with keyblader and hunter facing the Dusks and Nobody as they all rushed at each other.

Whilst this transpired, Hari continued on her observations from... for as the intense battle commenced she was keen to see who would be triumphant. The puppet on her strings, or the foolish treasure hunting heroes?