Chapter CCXX: The Beginning Of The Game, The Ghostly Tower And The Controlled Blade
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXXII
Running head first into the darkness, the group of keyblader's and their comrades were keeping their wits about them as they dashed away and slashed into any enemies that were coming in their direction. They didn't have time to dawdle!
Annoyed as he cut into another one of the silver eyed glowing shadowed demons, Riku irritated couldn't help but utter, "This must be at least the thirtieth one I've slain!"
Then hearing him in the distance, Cait sith continuing to ride Nozomi's right shoulder cried out as she leaped out of the way of a heartless claw attack, "I don't care about numbers! Snowdrop!" With that as he said this, Nozomi moved in and swiftly struck the monster with a kick before finally she finished it with one blow from her keyblade! Doing this, he finished saying as Nozomi stopped, "What I care about is progress! Cause we gotta save me highness!"
Hearing him, Mickey then running over after dispatching his own foes added, "Yeah and the rest of our pals! We gotta hurry here!"
As she heard the King's concerned words with her long rabbit ears, Fran then finishing her shots of arrows added, "Indeed, it would be detrimental to leave your allies in this foul darkness."
Hearing her, Timbre then flying on down landed on the ground again after finishing off some airborne demons. As he did he replied, "You got that right there, Fran!" With that looking around himself at the desolate town that was around them he added, "I even feel like we could be swallowed up any minute!"
Then finally too, Noel re-joined the group and he answered, "Well I'm not gonna let that happen!" With that looking back in the direction they had emerged from, he aded, "Especially not when Yeul, Raiyana and the rest are waiting for us!"
Listening to him say this, Nozomi looking to the blue clad hunter. Then nodded herself, as she did so, she replied, "Yeah I agree! We can't leave anyone in anymore distress than there is!"
"You got that right lass!" Then looking to the clear darkened path that was ahead of them all, he announced pointing ahead with a gloved paw, "Now c'mon lads! Let's make some tracks through this darkness!"
"Right!"
Came the unified reply from everyone and instantly all the heroes began running away again. To find quickly all those who had been taken from them and were lost within the terrible darkened abyss that they were now all diving into...
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Observing the heroes as they continued to make their way through their maze of darkness, it was clear that Irma looking on at the image that was playing out before her, upon her black coloured nails was bored. Looking at them defeat more of the heartless as well as Bebuzzu's demons, she couldn't help but utter, "... This is no fun at all."
Hearing her say this, Peekaboo who was looking up at the image too couldn't help but agree as he said, "Yeah... it isn't." Then looking to some chocolate munchies that were in his pink winged fingers he couldn't help but add, "It's so bad I don't even wanna munch anymore."
As his partner said this, Greeble then couldn't help but admit, "Wow... that is bad!" However looking to a calculator he decided to crunch some numbers. Doing so quickly, he then had to admit, "... Percentages wise, I think it wouldn't be bad to add some more numbers into the formula."
Hearing him speak in his mathematical gibberish again, Gandrake then decided to state simply, "You mean it's time for us to turn the tables?"
Seeing he picked up on his logic, Greeble then immediately announced, "Yes! That's exactly what I suggest there Gandrake!" With that looking to his mistress he decided to add, "If we do that... none of us will be bored anymore, will we?"
Hearing her pepper mint green henchman say this, Irma grinned as she replied, "Indeed we won't."
"You fiendish rascals won't get away with this!"
As this protest reached the dark sorceress's ears, Irma turning her red coloured irises in one particular direction spied the one who cried out to her. There she saw within a small cage, was their captive Scrooge McDuck who'd been shrunk to a tiny size. Seeing him, it was clear he was infuriated with them as he added, "When the lad's storm through they'll-!"
"They'll do what?" Irma asked mocking him, as she did she added with a sinister grin, "Save you and the rest of your Arc and Committee idiot's from my clutches?"
To which Scrooge froze. However seeing the mocking look that was in her eyes, he gripped the bars of his cage more tightly, hating her and her sinisterness.
Seeing that he couldn't even retort back to her, Irma scoffed. Then finishing doing this, she turned her attentions back to her viewing orb. As she did this, she added, "I don't think that's gonna happen this time... especially when they see who it is they'll be going against!" With that as she said those words, she snapped her fingers and certain figures emerged from the darkness. As they did so, it made her grin all the more along with her henchman.
As they came forth, Irma looking back to the group of unwary heroes then decided to say, "Now, why don't we get this show on the road?" With that saying those words, she couldn't help but add as a certain taste was entering her mouth, "For I'm getting hungry... with anticipation!"
To which as she said those words, the rest of her gang all grinned with that same hunger! For they couldn't wait for the battles that were about to take place!
However Scrooge looking on and seeing the figures who'd come, then back to the villains. Saw that all around them, there was something like a terrible dark like mist emanating from them and even their eyes were glowing with an eerie purple light. The darkness of Bebuzzu was transforming them and he could see it happening!
Realising this with rising terror, he looked back to the glowing viewing orb and he saw the unwary heroes continue to run on, as he did he uttered to himself, "Lads! Please keep yer wits about ya!" With that gripping the bars of his cage more tightly he added, "For if you don't! We'll all be doomed here!"
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As all of the keybladers and their comrades continued to run forwards, the demons and heartless continued their chase after them! They were growing furiously in number and were almost piling up upon each other, creating a terrible darkened tidal wave that was going to devour them all upon the spot!
Looking behind himself and seeing the horrible creature's that were on their tail, Timbre unnerved cried out in agitation, "Darn this! Those monsters don't know when to quit do they!?"
Annoyed himself seeing the monster's as well, Riku then replied clearly showing the same irritated note, "Obviously!"
Hearing him say this, Mickey looking back as at the tides of monster too. Knew he and the others had to do something! For soon these numbers would tire them all out and then they would-!
However shaking his head vigorously, he couldn't let himself be overwhelmed by panic! What was needed was swift decisive action! So looking ahead and around, he suddenly saw from the side an opening! Then through it, he saw something that he knew instantly would help them all! Acting fast, he cried out grinding to a halt, "Fella's!"
The others speeding off a little ahead heard the king and seeing him where he stopped. None of them were given the chance to question or debate, for Mickey then told them all, "Follow me down this way!" With that he quickly departed through the opening he'd quickly come across!
Seeing the mouse king depart, everyone baffled though quickly saw the hordes of monstrosities that were after them again! They didn't have time to think about what they needed to do next! So quickly they chased after him, as the hordes of creature's smashed into the opening just as they escaped through it!
There they saw the King was running ahead of them as they all rushed on too and as they did. They ended up in a circular opening amongst the building they found, also there were an open series of passageways which were darkened all around them, with no indications of where they could lead to. Nozomi thinking of this cried out for she had to know, "Your majesty! Just what are-!"
"There's no time for discussin'!" With those words, Mickey saw behind them all the heartless and demons were beginning to push and swarm through the opening, it was only going to be mere seconds before they were going to be storming through to get them all again!
Knowing this, Mickey then cried out, "I want you fella's to choose a path and go through it!" With that looking ahead as he went to pick his own opening, he added quickly, "If we split up they'll be less numbers of monsters to deal with!" Then as he said those words, the creature's exploded onto their area, seeing this with widened eyes, the mouse king quickly added, "Hurry!"
With that hearing his words and the unnerving sounds of the monsters fast approaching! Everyone looking around themselves quickly made their decisions and began making their headways to their chosen exits!
Running fast, Nozomi concentrated hard pushing herself to get to her destination! Cait sith riding upon her right shoulder, cried out anxiously, "Lass! Ya gotta hurry up here! We gotta go or-!" However quickly behind him, he saw the monster's were nearly on them! Becoming more desperate he added, almost panicking inside, "Agh! C'mon lass move it! Move it!"
Annoyed and feeling horribly panicked herself as she heard him, Nozomi cried back to him, "Shut up Cait sith! I know that! I just-!" However suddenly, the female keyblader tripped up upon a protruding cobble! Colliding hard upon the floor, she cried out, "Agh!"
Hearing her as he ran, Riku turning and seeing her fall was horribly alarmed! For the heartless and demons were no more than meter's were away from her! He had to get her! He began to move to do so as he cried out, "Nozomi!" But before he could even take a step towards her-!
"Riku no!" With that suddenly he was grabbed by a strong arm that pulled him into a nearby darkened opening!
With this suddenly done, the white haired keyblader turned and saw who'd stopped him. It was none other then the blue clad hunter, Noel. Seeing him, he then heard the young man tell him with a serious gaze in his eyes, "You can't go back out there now!"
Instantly though he cried straight back in outrage, "But if I don't go now then-!"
"Hey!"
With that turning instantly, the white haired young man then saw with amazement that swooping in and dragging Nozomi by the hand out of harm's way. It was none other than Timbre who'd come to her rescue!
Meanwhile making it to his passage, Mickey standing with Fran was filled with relief as he breathed out glad to see his female comrade safe, "Oh thank goodness." Though the rabbit earred bow wielding woman said nothing, it was clear to see she was glad too, despite her calm demeanour.
Making it quickly to their own opening Timbre said looking back to the horror that Nozomi has just missed, "Man that was too close!" Then looking back to her he said with a cheeky grin, "We don't want your pretty face plastered all over the floor right now do we?"
Cait sith hearing him say this, was relieved hugely as he told him, "Oh lad! Thank Pete's dragon ya raced in there! I thought we were monster bait!"
Nozomi was too dumbstruck with surprise to say anything at this sudden assistance. However she tried to say at least one thing as her brain clicked back into action, "Timbre you-!"
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
Instantly the monsters were all on them! They all had to run for it! But just as they all turned to go down their chosen paths-!
CRASH!
Suddenly from the grounds, huge thorny vines emerged and trapped the heroes in their chosen pathways! As they did so, everyone then saw with shock the demons and heartless were all pushed back!
Seeing this happen, no-one could understand what was happening! Nozomi looking on herself and looking at the thorny bars that were trapping them, she couldn't help but ask, "What's going on!? What's-!"
But just as she said that, the monster's all looking on at the heroes as they swayed and creeped about hungrily around them, they all began slowly to disappear and melt away into the darkness...
Seeing this, Riku now puzzled himself didn't understand what was going on either! So he asked, "Why're these monsters all-!
"Hello! Hello! Hello there! You morons!"
Surprised as this voice suddenly called out to them, everyone looked up into the shadowed darkness! As they did so, all of them were quiet for they all quickly recognised this voice. It was the sinister feminine mocking tone's of the sorceress Irma. Quiet all of them became angered as they listened on to what sinister plans, she had to install for them all next...
"As you can see, you're all now rats in my trap!"
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
Gritting his teeth as he heard her cackle and speak on, Cait sith mad as he thought of her kidnapping his beloved princess, like she had before. Made him bitter as he whispered, "Just what is that hag plannin to-!"
"And now just like rat's! You've got no choice but to go down the path's you've chosen and when you arrive at your destinations... that's where the real game's will begin!"
Hearing her say this, no-one was in any mood for her game's! But no-one could argue with someone who wasn't even present! But Timbre then decided to say, "You know, that girl's hasn't got too bad of a sounding voice, but I'm not one for playing along with any trashy games like this!" With that he went to exit the thorny trap as he started to levitate upwards. But just as he floated upwards just near enough to escape-!
ZZZAAAPPP!
Suddenly the pink haired and cat tailed young man was thrown back! "Aggh!" Colliding back into the stone floor, he ached horribly as red coloured electricity raced about over him!
Everyone was horrified from their imprisoned positions to see this happen! While Nozomi herself seeing this became horribly worried, as she cried out, "Timbre!?" With that she raced to him and pulling him back up right she asked, "Are you okay!?"
Hearing her still continuing to ache all over, Timbre wincing as he tried to sit up asked, "Ow! What the heck hit me!? Just what-!
"Tut! Tut! Tut! No rule breaking allowed... otherwise you get a nasty shock!"
As she said this, Cait sith annoyed then complained aloud, reflecting Timbre's thoughts, "Great! Now the blasted hag tell's us!"
Annoyed herself too, Nozomi looked up into the darkness herself. As she did so, she was quiet as the others were as well... for now all they could do was listen on.
"Now like I promised... you'll get someone back, someone who's extra precious to all of you for your efforts! And you can also help the fools who are already playing our game!"
Mickey hearing this asked, "Already playing?" For puzzled he couldn't help but wonder who would-?
"With that all said, you dolts better hurry! My patience is nearly spent!"
RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!
Instantly there was a monstrous hungry bellow that made the air and ground tremble! As it did so, everyone became unnerved. Nozomi and her fellow keyblader's recognised it as the hungry voice of the monster book. Bebuzzu.
While Timbre and his crew mates clueless about the origins of the voice, he couldn't help but gasp out, "What the heck was-!"
"And my darling book Bebuzzu! Who I'm sure is starving still... you better not give me a reason, or someone to feed him!"
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
With that the mocking and sinister feminine tones of the dark sorceress echoed away... as they did everyone was in silence. But then breaking it after a few moments, Cait sith decided to speak up as he said with great irritation, "That haggish brat is still as cocky as ever!"
Hearing him with a single nod, Nozomi then replied, "You got that right!" However now came the dilemma, "But now the question is, what do we do now?"
"We got no choice here Nozomi," with that turning as her name was called. The female keyblader along with Timbre, Noel and Riku they all turned their focus back to Mickey. The mouse king looking back to them, with Fran by his side continued on to say, "We've gotta play along with Irma's game for now...and hope we can win."
Riku hearing this had already come to the same conclusion. However there was one thing he had to know, "But what should we do afterwards your majesty, after we've won our battles?"
Hearing him ask this, Mickey was glad to see Riku was confident enough to think they could win. With that he answered him revealing a small smile, "I'd say we should try and get back to Merlin's house! That way we can decide on what to do afterwards!"
As he heard this, Timbre then called back, "That sounds like a good plan to me!" With that looking back up to the darkened sky through their thorny bars, he added with an annoyed glare in his eyes, "I can't wait to settle the score with this Irma girl..."
To which hearing her say this, Noel then replied to him, "I think we all do Timbre!"
"Yeah we do..." however as Riku said this, he looked to all his friends who'd been barred from him. As he did so, he decided to say, "But we all gotta make sure about one thing... that we all come back safe and sound!"
Hearing him say this, Nozomi looking to him smiled ad replied, "Yeah, you're right." With that saying those words, the female keyblader looked to her own darkened path and as she did, she was quiet. It was ominous and treacherous to see, for no-one could see what was beyond it's shadowed lengths.
She was uncertain and clearly uneasy, but thinking of her friend's who she was sure were caught in something worse than any of them were at that moment, it made her resolve to save them grow strong inside. As it did so, she looked back to Riku, Mickey and the others. As she did so, she went on to say, "And we all will, as long as we're careful and-"
"Work real hard as team's!" Cait sith announced loudly to which Nozomi and the others looked to the small crowned cat with surprise in their eyes. However the proud and positive announcement invigorated everyone and they knew his words to be true.
So quickly in succession everyone nodded. As they did so, they all then quietly looked to their darkened paths. Doing this, Mickey spoke up first and said, "Okay fella's! Me and Fran we'll catch you all later!" Then looking back at them, he added, "Do your best out there!"
Nozomi hearing this then looked to him and called out, "We will your majesty! You just be careful!"
Fran listening to these words, looked to the heroes and announced calmly, "We will, I will make sure nothing harm's either of us or our sought after comrades."
Riku quiet as he heard Fran's words, then announced to hear, "I'm glad to hear that! You take care out there!"
With those words given to him and Fran, Mickey smiled and instantly he took off with his rabbit eared companion fast following after him.
Watching them go, Timbre then said with a sigh, "Well looks like we better be off too, hey? Nozomi?" The pink haired cat boy asked his comrade.
Hearing him say this, the female keyblader nodded and replied, "Yeah looks like it." However looking over in Riku's direction, she saw him standing still with Noel. They were looking down their pathway and it looked like they were going to be on their way soon. Knowing this, she was quiet but then she decided to say something, "Riku!"
Her voice reaching his ears, Riku looked back. Seeing Nozomi gaze at him with her lilac coloured eyes, he heard her go on to say, "You and Noel be careful! Okay? I wanna see you both, the king and Fran back in one piece! Alright?"
As she said this to him, Riku was glad to see she was concerned and quickly he told her, "Same to you, you be careful too... and make sure you don't fall flat on your face again!"
Blank for a moment as she heard this, Nozomi then cried out mad, "I won't do that again! Geez..." with that looking to the side she added, "I'm no klutz!"
"Most of the time!" Cait sith added, with that he smacked his gloved hands on her head. Making her more annoyed. However, the crowned cat looked back up to Riku and told him, "But don't you worry lad! I'll make sure this lass makes it!"
Riku was glad to hear this, but before he could say another word-!
"Yeah she'll be real safe and sound!" To which Timbre putting his arm around her shoulder, added with a cheeky grin, "I'll guarantee it! In my own... special way!" The pink haired cat boy finished saying with an air of flirtatious mischievousness.
This instantly annoyed Riku in seconds making him bitter, while Nozomi looked to him puzzled as she told him becoming quickly annoyed herself, "Timbre get off! Don't give me that kind of stuff now!"
Nodding, Noel then added in a serious tone, "Exactly, this is no time for flirting!"
Laughing as he heard this, Timbre then replied, "Sorry! Sorry there Noel! I can't help myself!" With that removing his arm from Nozomi's shoulder, he took her right hand instead and started running off with her as he announced, "Anyway! We'll catch you guy's later! Watch after yourselves ya hear!"
Annoyed as he did this suddenly, Nozomi complained as she and Cait sith were pulled into the darkness, "Hey! Timbre don't just pull me along like this! This isn't...!"
However no more sounds could be heard from either cat boy or keyblader for all of them had run on ahead. To their own predetermined destination.
As the silence surrounded them, Riku sighing couldn't help but ask, "I wonder if they'll really be okay?"
To which as this was asked, Noel putting a hand on Riku's left shoulder informed him, "They'll be fine, Timbre may act like a joker, but when the going gets tough he puts his all into any fight. You'll see."
As these reassuring words were given to him, Riku was quiet. However with a small smile he replied, "Let's hope you're right about that." With that turning ahead, his expression became serious as he said, "Now, let's see what devious game Irma's got planned out for us both!"
Hearing him say this, Noel then replied, "Yeah!" With that in seconds the two warriors sped forwards down their own dark path. Neither knowing what was coming, but nonetheless preparing themselves for the battle that was sure to come!
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"Haa...Haa!" Breathing in and out hard, with her back to the wall. A short blue haired girl was clutching her long summoner's wand tightly in her hands, she was clearly tired and was trying to catch her breath. She was struggling... badly.
Despite this dismal state she was caught in, there was one figure on her shoulder who was mewing for her anxiously. Hearing him, the girl then uttered with a small smile, "Carbuncle..."
The small turquoise blue creature with it's red jewel in it's forehead, looking to its summoner was clearly worried about her. About Alania, however the girl herself tried in turn to comfort him as she stroked his head. As she did so, she whispered gently, "It's okay... don't worry, we'll make it somehow! If I can just-!"
"You won't get the chance!"
Her eyes widening as she heard this sinister voice, Alania turned and saw-!
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After running through the dark path, after what seemed like forever. Riku and Noel finally exited it, as they did so... there before them. Was a tall structure...an enormous clock tower.
It was a tall imposing building, the clock face on top was stilled and was lit up with a pale haunting light with the hands frozen at the time 7:45 pm. It was clearly ominous, with it's odd piled bricks placed here and there jaggedly. As though it just been carelessly made by a child and it reached high into the dark skies, towering over the two warriors. As it did so, neither of them could judge how many flights of stairs there would be inside... but it was obvious, that it would be many.
Looking on though, it was clear Riku was far from ecstatic at the idea of climbing stairs and so complained, "This is going to be tiresome..."
"More than likely," Noel replied. Then as he did so, he took a step forwards and added, "But, the sooner we get started, the sooner it ends."
"Yeah that's true," with that Riku joined him and without another word. Both warriors entered the dark opened doorway and entered the ominous clock tower that was before them...
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Making it inside, both young men saw that inside the tower reaching high up was a huge column of clockwork, with gears and springs constantly turning and whirling, making loud metallic sounds. It was nearly deafening... but this wasn't what was shocking to them. What was though, was the inside of the building, the outside had deceived them about the immense size of what was inside!
For it reached out widely like a huge industrial factory setting, with expansive metallic floor levels and paths, with ropes that were tied onto doors and levers, locking them and blocking them. It was both constructive and chaotic to look upon. Seeing it, Riku had to remark, "Who created a place like this?!"
Noel hearing him as they continued to walk forwards had to answer honestly, "Obviously someone not of sound mind..." with that as they continued forwards, looking about and seeing the columns of gears along with the clockwork. There seemed to be nothing but the ticking and whirling of the machinery...
Then as they walked and leaped, making it to what appeared to be the middle of the chaotic clock tower. Both heroes were silent as they gazed about... then feeling he'd been silent enough, Riku had to ask, "Well? We made it to their little play room... so now what?"
Noel hearing him was quiet... however he couldn't think of anything to say in reply. But he decided to voice his thoughts anyway as he began to say, "Well, I think that-"
"It's time to get started!"
Startled immediately both warriors turned to see where the voice had come from! But Riku recognised it in seconds, bitter he whispered agitated, "Gandrake!" With that swiftly he started looking for the terrible samurai!
Noel too looking around hadn't heard him say this, but turning around to one angle he saw-!
"Riku!"
"What-!?"
SLASH!
"Agh!"
Suddenly before he knew it, Riku had been pushed out of the way! Colliding hard onto the floor, he rolled over and over! But then looking up he saw in amazement that Noel had intervened and had stopped a blade from cutting into him! However he quickly became shocked for the person who tried to attack him, it wasn't who he'd been expecting. It wasn't Gandrake, it was... "Musashi?"
For there before him was the long brown haired zig zagged ponytailed young man, his strong samurai sword cutting into Noel's two twin swords! However the expression on his face was blank and there appeared to be no light in his eyes!
Noel in the meantime doing his best to hold back the sudden attacker, had to look back to Riku and ask him, "You know this guy!?"
Then as he cried this out, Musashi stopped his attack and leaped back! Landing upon another one of the platforms that was lifted up by some clockwork turned chains.
Seeing him, Riku getting up and standing next to Noel didn't understand what was going on!? Why had Musashi attacked him!? Why would he-!
"Like my puppet do you?"
It was then that Gandrake's voice spoke again. As it did so, both confused young men looked around hurriedly! But then up on the highest level, the two of them saw finally the long dark haired samurai. He smiled at them both with a sinister grin along with his arms folded.
Seeing him there, Riku immediately demanded, "Gandrake! What's going on here!? What've you-!"
As this question was put to him, Gandrake replied casually, "I've simply made an ally out of my old adversary... and re-gained some of my old powers."
Confused as this was said, Noel then questioned, "Old powers?"
"That's right, stranger!" With that he revealed a white gem that glowed brightly and as it did so, he added, "One's granted to me by an old friend of yours..." with that as he said that-!
FLASH!
Suddenly in seconds before them all, like a transparent hologram there appeared a figure Riku knew from the Radiant Garden's Restoration Committee... it was none other than, "Leon!?"
As his name was called out, the forehead scarred gun blade wielding young man looked to Riku and appeared to call out to him! But quickly his image was snatched away as Gandrake dismissed the image away and replied casually with a cold proud tone, "Correct!"
Then as he did this one act, Riku knew what his plan was! He was going to use Leon to perform a 'Magi Metamorphosis,' he couldn't let that happen at any cost! So quickly in seconds, he brought out his keyblade and cried out mad leaping forwards, "Let him go!"
Seeing him act so impulsively Noel cried out worried, "Riku!?"
Gandrake though simply grinned and in seconds blocking the white haired keyblader's attack came-!
CLASH!
As two warrior's blades smashed against each other Riku gritting his teeth then whispered desperately, "Musashi! Get out of the way! You have to or-!"
"What makes you think he'll listen to you?"
Distracted as he heard this question being put to him, Riku looked back to Gandrake. As he did so, he saw the long dark haired young man smile on smugly as he went on to say, "I've told you, he's nothing more than my puppet now... his mind is under my dominion."
Shocked as he heard this, Riku then uttered mad, "There's no way-!"
"In disbelief, huh?" With that bringing out another small black stone Gandrake then informed the white haired keyblader, "Let me show you who holds the rein's of power here." With that the stone glowed with a sinister dark blue light.
As it did so, in seconds another stone the same in colour to Gandrake's that was fixed to Musashi's neck glowed. As it did, his blue eyes widened in shock and in seconds he gasped as he stepped back and stopped his attack against the keyblader. Seeing him do this, Riku was quiet but then he saw the samurai look to him with confusion as he asked holding his forehead as though it ached, "Riku...?"
Seeing that he recognised him, the white haired young man spoke hurriedly, "Musashi! Are you in control now! Are you-!?"
"In control? Dude? Why would you-?" The stopping his words in seconds, Musashi turned and saw who was standing there behind him. Shocked he became alarmed as he cried out, "Gandrake!"
Smiling smugly as he did this, he said nothing in reply to his rival samurai. However quickly Musashi looking to him cried out, "What you've done dude! Ruining the town and taking everyone!? Do you have any idea of-!"
"MUSASHI! GUYS!"
Shocked as this new voice reached all their ears, everyone looked up and there they saw hanging from a tall metallic pole with a couple of gears running above and below her. With her arms held above her by some heavy chains, it was none other than, "Alania?!" Riku cried out!
For there the now hostage summoner was held against her will high up in the clock tower's height's. It was clear she was agitated with anxiousness as she cried out, "You gotta stop Gandrake! Before he activates the stone! If he uses that power then-!"
"NYA! HA! HA! HA!"
With that suddenly her voice was stopped, for then her mouth was plastered with something like duct tape! Stopping her voice in seconds! There around her were four figures, all transparent and glowing with pale green light. They were ghosts!
All of them though had red noses and wore bowler hats with long cloaks behind each of them with mischievous grins on their faces. Looking down at their captive one of the smaller ghosts with a small cigar in his mouth told Alania, "Now, now little lady no more chit chatting now! This is a boy's only time right now!"
Immediately hearing this, Alania was angered! Squirming madly she wanted to give that ghost a piece of her mind! But quickly diving in, one small furry figure squeaked angrily making the ghost back off!
Seeing the small creature act like this, the ghosts then backed off and one of the taller ghosts cried out in hilarity, "Oh feisty! Feisty! We better make ourselves scarce!"
"Yeah and scare off those chumps below!" Another of the ghosts cried out and in another second-!
"NYA! HA! HA! HA!"
They vanished away in puffs of smoke! Leaving Carbuncle to look on with fierceness as he darted his blue eyes around, for he was going to do his best to protect his dear summoner!
Musashi seeing this was shocked! But then looking to his rival he cried out, "Gandrake!" Then as he did this, his nemesis lifted up the black stone and in seconds it shone with dark blue light! As it did, the one on Musashi's neck began to glow too! As he hurried forwards he proceeded to say, "Let Alania go dude! She's-! Agh!"
Riku in horror seeing his friend stop and cry out in pain, called out, "Musashi!" But it was too late, the mind manipulation spell was active again and his usually chilled pal, became nothing more than a robotic slave to the stone's power, as he turned to look back at him with darkened still eyes and a blank stare.
With that as this was done, Gandrake now stood next to his slave and told Riku laying his arm on his shoulder blade, "It's no use..." with that holding the master black stone in his hand, he continued on to say, "I've told you his mind is under my dominion, as long as this stone is mine!"
Agitated as he heard this, Riku hated Gandrake more than anything now! He-!
"Then we'll just take it from you!"
In seconds Noel leaped forwards and went to strike Gandrake and take the stone! However just as he did this-!
CLASH!
Immediately Musashi intervened again and barred Noel's path to the evil samurai! Grinning seeing that thing's were going his way, the long dark haired young man informed, "You're not going to have thing's be that easy!"
Hearing him say this though, Riku though saw he had a chance to intervene and so he rushed forwards to strike Gandrake himself! But spying this attack, the dark samurai leaped out of the way! As he did so, he landed upon another metallic platform!
With that looking down at his adversaries, he then decided, "Alright then...now that the combatants are in place! Let the battle commence!"
With that he lifted the white gem that contained Leon into the air!
Knowing what he was about to do, Riku cried out, "No!"
But it was too late as the sinister gem began glowing brightly with white light as he began his summoning spell,
"I Summon thee! I summon thee!
You who's blade instills fear to all!
Come and join me!
Make me as fast as the white lightning!
Yojimbo! Grant me my swift vengeance!"
In seconds as these words were uttered a huge dark shadow leaked out from the stone and wrapped itself around Gandrake's body! As it did so, looking on with shock Noel quickly backing away from Musashi asked, "What's going on! What's-!"
But he couldn't speak anymore! For then the spell was quickly complete and there before their eyes, was Gandrake's transformed state! Standing before them, he was now dressed in icy white robes, which were stained with red along on the edges. Upon his arms he was wearing golden metallic gauntlets upon his hands and within them was quickly revealed the deadly Muramasa blade which now long and more lethal than before!
His golden mask concealed away his face, but his eyes could be seen and they were a fierce cold blue. His lips revealed showed a sinister smirk. It was clear he was ready for battle!
Looking on at him, Riku realised with agitation he was too late! The transformation was done and now-!
Suddenly Gandrake with the white stone in his hand, looked to it and in seconds he suddenly slammed it down into his blade. The Muramasa! Then as he did this-!
FLASH!
A white light quickly raced out of the embedded stone! As it did so, it raced away high into the air and in seconds there above them all-!
"NYA! HA! HA! HA!"
The group of pale ghosts above in the upper reaches of the tower took the glowing light and in seconds it was floated up to the area where Alania was! As they did this, they looked down to Noel and Riku who were below. As they did, one of the ghosts announced mockingly, "Hey fella's! You want this little firefly!?"
Then as this one ghost cried this out another one joked, "Ya better come up here ta get it! Before we squash it!"
As this declaration was made, Noel and Riku were quiet. However Gandrake spoke up and said, "Well what's your decision going to be?" With that grinning menacingly he added, "For time is of the essence now!"
Hearing these words, Riku didn't have time to think and he knew it! So quickly he spoke, "Noel!"
As his attention was gained, the white haired keyblader declared, "You get Alania and the light!" With hat gripping his keyblade tightly, he announced looking at his adversary, "I'll take care of Gandrake!"
As these words were said, though Noel had a lot of question he wanted answered. He knew this wasn't the time to ask them so he answered quickly, "Okay! I'll do that!" With that he leapt up onto an elevating platform that was coming by! As he did, he told his friend, "You be careful though Riku!"
With that hearing those words, he announced, "I will be!" With that as Noel went out of sight, Riku turned his attentions back to Gandrake! As he did so, his eyes narrowed as it was now time to battle!
However his enemy seeing what he was playing at decided on something as well, "So... you think you can take me on, on your own?"
As this question was put to him Riku replied, "Obviously! I've faced you before..." with that he decided to mock Gandrake himself as he added, "You're not worth talking about!"
Feeling slightly angered as he heard these words, Gandrake losing his smile for a brief moment though recovered it as he replied, "I'll have you change your thoughts about that!" With those words he then made a small nod to Musashi and as he did so, the brown haired samurai quickly moved back.
Seeing him do this, Riku looked to him but before he could think anymore-!
CLASH!
Suddenly Gandrake came at him and their blades clashed into one another! As they did so, he then saw Musashi go up above as well! He was now chasing after Noel! Seeing this his eyes widened!
As he became this way, Gandrake then told him, "You're not going to get your friend's back that easily!"
With those words said, Riku looking to Gandrake told him with a serious light in his eyes, "I never said I would!" However becoming fiercely determined he added, "But I WILL get them back!" Then pushing into his attack more, he added, "And I'll defeat you doing it!"
Surprised that he could be this tenacious, Gandrake though only saw this as a foolish pretence as he replied back to Riku, "We'll see how long that resolve of yours lasts!" With that the warrior of light and darkness proceeded on with their fierce struggle to see which of the two forces would win!
