Chapter CCXXI: The Lightning Blade, The Game Of Ghosts And The Collapsing Tower
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXXIII
SLASH!
CLASH!
SLASH!
"Ha!" Falling back after clashing into Gandrake and his transformed state, Riku was gripping his keyblade tightly as he stared at his powerful enemy with angered eyes.
Seeing him do this retreating act, Gandrake gripping the Muramasa blade tightly looked chillingly relaxed. A smug grin was revealed upon his masked face as he asked the keyblader, "So? You're tired already?"
Hearing him ask this question, immediately the white haired young man responded, "Not even close!" With that he rushed straight back in! Slashing and trying to cut into his enemy fast!
However moving with seemingly no trouble, Gandrake dodged each and every blow that Riku was trying to land against him!
Riku seeing this was shocked! However concentrating hard he put all of his strength into every move he was creating, desperate to land any hit upon the sinister samurai!
Gandrake himself though continuing to smirk at these petty attempts, then remarked, "Child's play!" With that he took his own blade. Doing this as he held it in his golden gauntlets they started to glow with vibrant electrical light!
Seeing this with widened eyes, Riku gasped, "That-!" However in his moment of distraction-!
"Too Slow!"
SLASH!
"AGH!"
Suddenly in from behind, Gandrake cut straight into the white haired keyblader into his right shoulder blade! Turning fast, Riku jumped back and held his wounded limb making his keyblade vanish in moment's! As it did so, he cringed in pain as he looked to Gandrake and asked, "How did you-?"
"Sharp wasn't it?" Then asking this question, lightning crackled all over Gandrake's body. As it did so, he smiled as he pulled himself and his blade back, ready to launch himself forwards to attack again! As he did so he added, "This Magi Metamorphosis this time has been given an added magical boost from another summon!"
Shocked to hear this, Riku then asked him, "Another one!?"
Smirking as he said this, Gandrake then replied, "Correct... one possibly known to you as the great 'Ramuh!'"
The name familiar to him and yet not knowing this character with absolute certain knowledge, Riku then repeated, "Ramuh...?"
"That's right..." then with these words said, Gandrake's eyes were fixed straight onto Riku in a deadly light, as they did so his body began to glow too. As it did, he informed his weak foe, "And now prepare to face my judgement!" With those words Gandrake charged straight towards the keyblader!
Seeing him coming for him at full speed, Riku braced himself fast as he pulled up his keyblade ready to defend himself!
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Riding up fast, to where the captive summoner Alania was with her summoned creature Carbuncle, who continued to try and shield her from the mocking ghosts. Noel was upon an elevating platform that was carrying him up, gripping his own twin blades tightly. He whispered to himself, "I'll get there to you hang on!"
Then saying those words as he got up higher and higher, he was bracing himself to leap forwards and up! However just as he was just within a second of leaping-!
"Not so fast chump!"
Suddenly before him appeared one of the cloaked ghosts! Shocked seeing the transparent grinning being before him, he didn't have he time to answer back, for it spoke to him again, "Ya haven't met our fifth player!"
Puzzled as this word was uttered to him, Noel repeated, "Player?" Then as he did that-!
SLASH!
"Whoa!"
Immediately a shadow had come up from behind him! Then he had just barely avoided the blow that the controlled Musashi tried to incur upon him! However looking back, his gaze became harsh as he uttered, "You!?"
However the mind controlled long ponytailed young man, looking to his target said nothing. As he gazed at the blue attired hunter with blank empty eyes, his sword out and ready at his side.
Seeing this, Noel thinking of what had happened before when the young man had been snapped out of his trance uttered, "... I don't know you... but I don't hate you either!" With that taking up his blades, he informed the young man, "However, if I've got to beat you down to get us out of this mess! Then so be it!"
"Nice words fella!"
"Yeah! I couldn't have thought of anything better!"
"Not that you have a brain now bud!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
With these mocking words spoken hauntingly, suddenly around Musashi appeared the other three ghosts who quickly joined their fourth associate. Seeing them all gather around the controlled samurai, Noel looking at them all on the platform before him then demanded, "What're you all-!?"
"Nice of ya to join us for our fun game fella!" One of the ghosts cried out with a keen grin!
Hearing this, not understanding what they were talking about, Noel then repeated puzzled, "Game?"
"Exactly!" Then the ghost with the cigar in his mouth, took out the glowing the light that was Leon's life force. With it in his transparent hand, the ghost informed the blue clad player bouncing the precious treasure up and down, "And we've got a ball in hand!"
"That we have!" Another of the ghosts called out! As he did so, he added, "And now... we can have a game of Baseball!"
Shocked and slightly appalled by these words, Noel then demanded, "Baseball!? What do you mean by-!?"
"We mean this!" The cigar smoking ghost informed him! With that throwing the glowing orb up into the air, he added, "Shoot up Musashi!"
With those words commanded to him, the mind controlled samurai with no hesitation lifted his blade and in seconds the glowing orb of light was struck and sent flying high into the air!
Seeing it go high, Noel shocked cried out, "Hey!" With that he rushed up into the air and started climbing up to try and go after it!
Then as he did this, immediately Musashi started tailing after him as he climbed up high too! Oblivious to this though, knowing what that light was and knowing how important it was too, Noel couldn't believe how callous these guys were being! "How can they just treat someone's life force like a damn ball!?" With that he was just within inches of making it to the glowing orb! But then just before he could touch it-!
"Because it's fun!"
Shocked, Noel saw that the light was snatched out of his reaching grasp! As it was, the ghost who appeared floated back and cried out, "Hey! Time to shoot again Musashi!" With that the light was thrown behind the blue clad warrior! As this was done, immediately Noel turned back and saw the act being done, with the light being shot high into another direction! As this occurred the mind controlled samurai took his blade back and aimed before-!
"Agh!"
Suddenly Noel was struck! Falling back into the air, he quickly collided onto a moving clockwork gear! Cringing in pain as this occurred, he looked up to see again the mocking ghosts and their controlled sword wielding batterer stare on at him blankly like a zombie.
Seeing this, Noel was angered! For this was not fair! How was one person alone supposed to deal with these weird and supernatural numbers!?
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
However the ghosts clearly not caring for this, then laughed loudly again! As their chuckles filled the air, the lot of them then informed the angered hunter, "Looks like ya've enjoyed the warm up!"
"Yeah!" Then the ghost holding the light of Leon's life informed the brown haired young man, "Now it's time for the real game to start!" With that in seconds, he threw the orb of light again and with that the devious and chaotic game began amongst the ghosts and humans!
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"Aagghh!"
Falling back, Riku's was in terrible pain! Being struck back again by another terrible blow from Gandrake. He looked to his enemy with wincing eyes as he lay upon the floor and uttered, "That power is-!?"
"Incredible isn't it?!" Gandrake asked him, his pleasure and arrogance brimming from the tone's of his voice. Then as he walked forwards, towards his helpless opponent, he informed him, "With the power of two Summon's on my side, with Bebuzzu's power..." then saying that, he brought up the Muramasa blade again. As he did so, it held the darkening white stone that held Leon's body, which he knew was slowly fading away and giving him permanent absolute power he added, "Along with that of your helpless friend... I'm near enough to be proclaimed as God!"
As this was said to him, Riku struggling as he lay on the floor was quiet for a moment. However after a moment, he couldn't help but grin as he asked, "You a God?"
With this provoking question being put to him, Gandrake dropping his smile momentarily as he then asked, "You have a problem with the truth?"
Hearing him ask this, Riku sitting up then had to be honest as he said, "I do... because it's not the truth!" With that getting back up fully onto his legs, Riku then informed Gandrake of his own impressions, "You're not a God! You're nothing but a leech! Using the powers of summons and captives to give yourself strength!" With that positioning his keyblade, he added, "They're not your own abilities! You're a disgrace as a warrior!"
Quiet as this was put to him, Gandrake was quiet. However it was clear these words perturbed him as he drew forth the Muramasa blade. Doing this though, Gandrake couldn't help but mock his enemy in turn saying, "This coming from a weakling wielding an enormous house key!"
Riku hearing this, then quickly taking aim informed Gandrake, "This is no mere key!" With that racing forwards, he informed the malicious samurai, "This blade is my heart!" With that he struck into Gandrake's blade over and over again!
As it sparked and glared with frightening power against his own keyblade. He wasn't going to give up! He was gonna save Leon and Alania! Feeling his power grow, he felt ready as he cried out, "Dark-!"
"Too bad!"
"AAGGHH!"
Suddenly Riku was cut off as swiftly, Gandrake moved straight in again to attack, striking the keyblader straight in his middle! Stopping his oncoming Limit Break in seconds! It was clear, that the dark samurai was not going to give the keyblader one moment to call upon his forbidden powers!
Aching horribly, Riku was almost winded by the blow. The white haired keyblader was barely breathing, it was clear he was struggling badly!
Gandrake all the more amused though by his suffering, then said, "Looks like your so called heart is nothing but a pathetic gasp of pointless wind out of your mouth..." with that walking forwards as he continued to flow and burn with fierce electrical power. Gandrake informed Riku, "Now... let me show you what real power is!"
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Watching on from her bound point, as the ropes continued to hold her arms and legs in place. Alania with widened eyes looked down and saw Gandrake glow furiously with electrical power and light! As he did so, it looked as though he'd become a living bolt of lightning and he did so, he charged straight into Riku and-!
"Agh!"
With alarm, Alania saw Gandrake throw Riku high into the air! Then as this occurred, he was quickly struck into again and again, then again and-!
It was horrible to see! The keyblader was helpless against Gandrake's fast speed and physical strong power! He didn't have a chance! Then as he began to fall, the terrible white robed samurai got straight underneath the white haired young man. His hand aimed high, he struck it into his back and doing this-!
FLASH!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Riku was struck all over by a powerful blast of lightning that came forth out of nowhere! He was electrified all over and was clearly in agony! Seeing this, Alania was horrified, "MMPPMMHH!" However she could not utter out any proper words, for her taped mouth was glued shut and would not allow for her to cry out his name.
Gandrake though carrying on with his furious attack then with a terrible sadistic grin, cried out with ferocious power hungry eyes, "Wakizahi's Thunder!" Then at his cry one last volt ignited in his fingertips! As this occurred, the pulse charged straight through the keyblader making him scream all the more!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
The terrible sight seemed to last forever! However it was no more than maybe just for a few seconds, for then the relentless attack was ceased and as it was, Gandrake tossed aside the keyblader making him fall down into the depths of the Clock Tower, where a terrible deafening thud could be heard.
Horrified, Alania couldn't believe what she'd seen! It was so horrible! Torturous! It was-!
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Hearing this sinister laughter enter the air, the blue haired girl was struck into shocked silence. Gazing down to Gandrake who laughed so loudly, she heard him say with a sickening contentment on his face, "Now... let's go and put that piece of trash out of it's misery!" With that Gandrake descended down into the depths himself to find where it was he had thrown Riku away.
Further silent for a few moments, Alania became incensed! For how dare that horrible lackey of Irma's do that to a good friend of hers! She had to get herself out of that mess! With that she continued to struggle against her binding ropes, desperate to free herself and save Riku who was struggling badly himself, for who knew how much longer!
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Racing forwards, again Noel was on the tail of the glowing orb of life! He had to get it back no matter what! Running fast he cried out mad, "Get back here you ghosts!" Then saying that he landed upon another platform!
Doing this though it was flimsy as the chains holding it were not strong one's at all! He had to be careful! But seeing the mocking ghost that was before him was getting away, he endeavoured to run forwards again! But just as he did so, making the platform tilt forwards. Suddenly the platform twisted backwards, "Hey!" He was now struggling to keep his balance as he waved about, crying out, "Whoa!" Then immediately the platform spun around and around and-!
"AAGGHH!"
Suddenly the blue clad hunter was sent hurtling down! Falling and tumbling in confusion, he quickly knew he had to focus! For if he didn't then-!
Immediately something caught the corner of his eye and as it did so-!
CLASH!
Immediately he brought out one of his swords! Instantly he blocked another oncoming attack from the controlled Musashi! Seeing he managed to dodge another near fatal blow, he gritted his teeth in fierce agitation! For this was-!
Quickly though he felt something behind! Turning fast, he saw a falling chain! He saw something that would give him leverage! In seconds he grabbed it as Musashi continued to fall, then doing so his hand gloved hand gritted against it before finally he came to a stop!
Then looking down, he saw Musashi continuing to fall! However from out of nowhere another lifting cog emerged and stopped the controlled Samurai's fall and his blank dark eyes turned to target him again!
Seeing this, Noel knew he had to act fast! So quickly he began to climb, getting up higher and higher within the tower! He was getting close now to the hostage! If he could get her free then maybe-!
Quickly though his thoughts came to a stop as he made it to another more steady platform. He looked about himself and saw that he was getting closer now to where Alania was! He was almost there! Just a little more and-!
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!
Unnerved by this loud crashing of noises, Noel spun around shocked and saw that it was another one of the ghosts! Holding a wooden spoon and a metallic water basin, it asked him mockingly, "Ha! Ha! Got ya fella!"
Angered by this Noel cried out, "You!?" With that he swung and struck the figure but quickly it passed straight through him!
As he became shocked, the ghost though laughed as he said, "Too bad! Yer forgettin'! You folks can't hurt ghosts!"
Annoyed Noel gritted his teeth! This was annoying beyond words! It was-!
"Oh! Here's our star player!" The ghost cried out laughing aloud with a wave of his spoon!
Seeing him look behind him, Noel realised with horror who the ghost was calling out to! It was-!
CLASH!
Again his blades came into contact with Musashi! Irritated as he saw him, once again trying to strike into him, Noel was hating every moment of this fight! For those ghostly pests were just delaying him! They were-!
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
As this sinister laughter entered the air again, Noel then saw behind Musashi who continued to try and strike into him, were the ghosts enjoying the fight immensely! Looking on, one of them couldn't help but say, "Ha! Looks like he's tryin' to send that poor wise guy to the showers!"
"Ya got that right!" Another one of them joked!
Then as this was said, the smaller cigar smoking ghost said, "Yeah! But it goes to show what happens with teamwork and a sucker on hand!" With that he bounced the orb of diminishing light in his ghostly hands.
Seeing him do this, Noel was quiet. However something quickly occurred to him, 'Teamwork...' Looking to the side to his pouch, he remembered again the few Paradigm crystals he had... he thought of one that could help! Gaining confidence quick, he looked to the ghosts and informed them, "Thanks for the tip!"
Quickly stopping in their chuckling the ghosts puzzled by his words, looked to him and saw the blue clad warrior shove Musashi away with a fast kick to his middle! With that as the long ponytailed young man fell back, he reached into his pouch!
Outraged one of the ghosts cried out, "Hey! Red card! Red card!" With that it vanished fast!
Seeing this, Noel replied becoming confident, "This isn't soccer and I'm gonna send you guys right to the-!" However looking fast to the crystal he pulled out and was about to throw, he saw that it was-!
"I say that's a strike and yer out!"
"Whoa!"
Suddenly Noel was pulled down by his feet! As he was the crystal he had flew fast from his hand as it was launched up high into the air! Alarmed he cried out, "Oh no!" But it was too late for him to act as he fell backwards and down into the depths below!
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Meanwhile above, still fighting badly against her bindings Alania was no closer to escaping her terrible ropes! Even Carbuncle who had sensed her struggles was attempting to bite through the thick ropes to help her. But his lack of sharpness in his teeth was proven as he hadn't been able to get through the ropes at all.
Seeing this, Alania was feeling a horrible sense of hopelessness... she hated this! For again she was failing her friends, Riku, Musashi and... Shirma and Scrooge. If she couldn't do anything here then what was the good of her being born a-!
FLASH!
Suddenly her darkened thoughts were disrupted! For something had made it fast onto her level! As it did, distracted she saw something forming from a small green light. She was confused. For what was-?
However quickly she became highly tense for as Carbuncle hissed fiercely ceasing his biting, his fur bristling. She saw with him, the creature that had arrived to them was a yellow glowing eyed green skinned coloured creature. With a sharp knife revealed from within it's brown robes by a single hand, the monster that had been sent accidentally to her was none other than a Tonberry!
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Noel landing hard on the floor, couldn't believe the mistake he'd made! Irritated he quickly got himself up! He had to correct it! But before he could move to do so-!
"Oh no! No! No! No!"
Shocked, Noel then saw that before him was one of the ghosts! Wagging it's finger in front of him, it informed him, "You've scored a massive fail!"
Then another of the ghosts appeared and as they did so, they told the shocked blue clad warrior, "And since that's the case!"
With that another of the ghosts came and crowding around the hunter, with his gang he added, "It's only natural that you get-!"
"Struck out!"
With that final cry, from the cigar smoking ghost. Quickly appearing on the scene was none other than Musashi! However in his right hand was his long and dangerous Oar! It was glowing dangerously with vibrant green light! As it did so, Noel was horribly alarmed for this attack that was coming was going to be ferocious huge power and now he didn't have the time to escape it!
Because immediately the oar became huge and long! Reaching far behind Musashi, the controlled samurai had his dead eyes fixed on Noel! It was time for him to finish his opponent!
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Breathing in and out hard from the pain he'd been dealt, Riku was resting upon a metallic flooring which was grated. His back against the cold wall, his hand was in his pocket and it looked like he was near to unconsciousness... that he was-!
"So this is where you've slithered off to?"
Opening his eyes, Riku then saw that grudgingly that Gandrake had made it down to his level. As he did so, he said nothing in turn but looked to him with agitated eyes.
Seeing this, Gandrake simply continued to grin on. As he did so, with his Muramasa blade extended out in his right hand, he proceeded to walk closer to Riku. Doing this he decided to ask him in a mocking tone of voice, "Saying your last prayers are you?"
As this question was put to him, Riku quiet for a moment couldn't help but release a small laugh that almost sounded like a cough. However, he had enough strength to inform the Samurai, "You could say something like that?"
Surprised to see that he was confirming something that he remarked on, Gandrake's curiosity was peaked. As it became so, he decided to ask, "Really?... What is it then may I ask you've been so desperately pleading for?"
Hearing this Riku continued to reveal his smile and as he did so, he looked to Gandrake and informed him, "...Just one thing." Then smirking he said with a sense of confidence, "To wipe that smug look off your face!"
Seeing that he still had the strength to be so boastful, annoyed Gandrake. However keeping his own smile without making it waver, he then said, "... Oh how quaint!" With that raising his blade, he then told him, "But sad, for that wish will never be granted!" Then saying that he raced straight ahead and went to strike the keyblader down!
As he came charging straight towards him, the keyblader was silent. However at the most crucial moment, "Just what I wanted!"
"What?!" Becoming immensely puzzled as these words were uttered Gandrake lost his grin and-!
CLASH!
Suddenly Riku had lifted himself up and had launched himself straight at Gandrake! Then as he did this, the white robed Samurai was shocked! As the keyblader did this he demanded, "How can you move!? You should be-!?"
"Yeah! I nearly did have it back there!" Riku admitted, however grinning he informed the Samurai, "But you made one major mistake!" With that he moved his other hand and quickly thrust it into his enemy's white robes! As he did this, Gandrake becoming shocked heard him say, "You let me out of your sight!"
"You!?" He cried out! With that he went to strike away the space invader! However quickly leaping back, Riku evaded this blow with total ease!
Then as he did this, landing at a safe distance he informed the shocked Samurai, "Because you forget one thing warriors always have at their side!" With that said with his other hand, he took out one item from his pockets, it was a golden bottle. An elixir bottle, with that he revealed to him the answer, "Revitalising potions!"
As these words were spoken, Gandrake couldn't believe something so simple had escaped him! Quickly he became angered as he spat out mad, "That alone won't-!"
"That's where you're wrong!" With that Riku revealed the item he'd taken! It was none other than the black stone that Gandrake was using to control Musashi! Seeing it, he then saw what has ploy had been! "You! You were only pretending to-!?"
"Obviously!" Riku commented! Then gripping the black stone tightly in his right hand he could feel it begin to crack and splinter under his strength. As it did so, he decided to continue on to mock his foe by saying, "And this just proves that arrogance is the end of all fools like you!"
SMASH!
With those words in seconds the stone was smashed into pieces! Making it's shards explode out everywhere!
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Pulling his blade back, Musashi then started to cry out, "Great Oar...!"
Feeling what was about tot come, Noel braced himself as pulled up both of his blades! For he had to defend himself to-!
The ghosts looking on and seeing that victory was theirs then cried out, "Yeah that's it kid! Finish him!"
However just at that moment-!
FLASH!
"Huh!?"
As he gasped out like this, Noel suddenly saw something change within the eyes of the long brown haired Samurai! As he did so, he was quickly puzzled as he uttered out, "You're-!?"
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Squeezing her eyes, Alania was expecting a sea of pain as the Tonberry got slowly closer and closer to her! However-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
Suddenly all at once the tight and terrible ropes that had been binding down the blue haired summoner were all cut away in moment's! As they were feeling herself become free she landed on the floor! Shocked by this, as she knelt on the floor she quickly pulled the tape off her mouth and feeling the sting of it she uttered, "Huh!? What the-!?"
Then looking to the Torn berry. The creature looked to her eerily and still, it's knife pointed straight towards her...
Looking at the creature as Carbuncle came to rest on her shoulder, he also had the same expression as his summoner. One of utter disbelief... for it should have hurt her badly! However looking at the green skinned monk robe wearing lizard, one thing was certain. It had saved her... so knowing this, she decided to utter out, "Um...? Thanks?"
As this was uttered out. The creature was silent and said nothing... however after a moment it lowered it's knife and then calmly it turned and walked on ahead. There was nothing but silence in the air and after a moment, suddenly the creature put it's knife out to the side in a dramatic still gesture!
…
Alania staring on didn't have any idea how to respond to this! However after a second the summon vanished away! As it did so, becoming nothing but a gem crystal. Alania after a moment went and picked it up. Then studying it, she looked behind herself and couldn't help but say, "Um... why do I feel like I was in some kind of weird Western?"
"Maelstrom!"
Suddenly hearing this cry she looked down to see-!
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"WWWAAAAGGGHHH!"
Shocked, Noel looked on to see that Musashi had changed targets fast and had instead focused upon the ghosts! In seconds the laid back Samurai had unleashed his power and with his oar had sent the ghosts flying away into the distance by a blast of powerful wind!
As they were sent spinning into the air, the angered Samurai drawing his great oar back then informed the ghosts, "... I ain't gonna be no puppet for someone else anymore!" Then with absolute outrage he declared, "And I'm gonna put you losers through the wringer!"
Hearing him say this, Noel was more than relieved at these words! So quickly he replied, "My thoughts exactly!" With that as he said those words, Musashi turned to look at him. As he did so, the blue clad hunter glad for an ally extended his hand out and said, "I'm Noel, thanks for not sending me to the cleaners!"
Quiet as this extended hand was given to him, Musashi then became quickly glad to have a new ally too and so replied, "Musashi! Pleased to meet ya dude!" Then shaking his hand the brown haired young man's grinning, felt he also had to add feeling slightly ashamed, "Sorry for the bad spell back there... I wasn't being my usual tubular self!"
Seeing his chilled attitude, Noel replied releasing a small chuckle, "I can tell!" However looking up to the ghosts who were now staring down at them both with displeased expressions, he knew what needed to be done urgently so he told Musashi, "And if you wanna make it up to me! You can help me bring those fools down! We got someone else to save!"
With that turning his blue eyes to look up, Musashi saw the ghosts again. As he did so, he then became fiercely determined too and replied, "Will do!" With that both warriors then rushed up to chase after the ghosts who quickly began fleeing!
Seeing the heroes coming after them as they vanished and reappeared here and there, throwing Leon's orb of life between themselves, it was clear they were struggling against their strength as one of them cried out, "Hey! No fair! Double teaming up on us is-!"
"Shut it!" With that slicing through this ghost as it sent the orb flying again, Noel told him angered, "You guys are a four one up on us both!" With that jumping up as he chased forwards after their target he added, "This has just become even!"
With that as the orb arrived in another ghost's hands, Musashi fast catching up to his own target replied, "Exactly! And I've got some pay back to deliver!" With that he sliced through his own ghost!
However again the orb escaped the fierce samurai's grasp as it then came to the cigar smoking ghost! As it did so, he could see thing's were becoming desperate for him and his crew! They needed back up! So looking down he cried out, "Hey! Gandrake pal! We could use some help up here! Give us somehtin' that will charge us back into the lead!"
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Hearing this cry from where he was, Gandrake was becoming horribly frustrated! Thing's were becoming worse for him! Sensing this, he cried out, "You absolutely useless fools!" With that said he lifted his right hand which started to crackle with electricity and added, "I have to pull you out of everything don't I!?"
Sensing what he was about to do, Riku becoming fiercely determined rushed ahead and with his keyblade aimed ahead shouted, "I won't let you!" With that feeling his powers come to the limit, he then invoked them as he cried out, "Dark Impulse!" With that he struck straight into Gandrake sending him flying high into the air!
Then as he glowed all over with a purple shadowed aura, he followed him into the air and began to strike into him more in a flurry! Angered as he felt this, Gandrake looking to Riku then uttered, "You!?" However he hadn't lost his concentration on what was needed! As his right hand buzzed and crackled with fierce electrical power, he cried out, "Rain Of Bolts!"
With that Riku saw with alarm he'd been too late as he crashed down with Gandrake that a thunderous storm of lightning was igniting in the air! As it did so, horrible bolts of electricity began to rain down upon his unguarded friends!
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Hearing the spell being cast from her high point and seeing the thunderous clouds begin to develop, Alania could see this was going to be bad! Then seeing that Musashi and Noel were still struggling to get the orb of life back from the ghosts... she knew she had to do something! Then as her mind raced, she remembered one creature she knew that could help them all! As she did so, she looked to her beloved summon and told him, "Carbuncle!"
At her call, the small turquoise blue creature looked to her. As he did so, she told him, "We gotta get to work!" To which hearing those words, the small summon was silent as it listened on to what it's summoner and friend wanted to have done!
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ZAP! FLASH! ZAP!
"Hey! Whoa! Agh!"
Dodging madly left and right! The two warriors were doing their utmost to not be struck by the lighting that came raining down upon them! However it was tough for the lightning was coming down incessantly with ho signs of letting up!
Annoyed as this continued on, as he jumped out of the way of another bolt. Noel couldn't help but comment, "Man! And I thought it was only bad with these stupid ghosts! Agh!" Quickly again he dodged again as another bolt came hurtling straight towards him!
Seeing him do this, Musashi doing his best to dodge cried out in reply, "You're telling me! Yah!" With that he dodged again himself, grabbing hold of a chain that was nearby!
"Ah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
The ghosts were clearly thrilled to no measure! Seeing their enemies struggle it was clear they weren't going to get to them all anytime soon! One of the taller ghosts couldn't help but joke saying, "Ha! Looks like those chumps aren't gonna be able to keep goin' on with the game now!"
"Ya got that right!" The cigar smoking ghost replied, as he did so. He looked to the glowing orb of life that was in his hand, as he did so, he saw something else, "And it looks like it will be over for this poor sap too!" For the light was growing dim and dark within it. It was clear that their master's host was soon going to be no more... the win was almost theirs!
FLASH!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly one stray bolt came flying straight towards them all and zapped them all! Immediately they were all frizzled and coughed loudly from the charring flood of electricity that came at them! However as they became paralysed from this unplanned attack-!
"Ah no!"
Quickly the orb was dropped from the ghost's grip! As it did so, it began to fall to where the heroes were!
Seeing that they'd been granted an unexpected chance, Musashi cried out, "Noel dude! Look!"
Hearing him saying this, the hunter turned and saw the glowing orb coming and as he did, he acted saying fast, "I got it!" With that he raced to go and get it!
Then getting closer and closer to it, as he climbed higher and higher, jumping from platform's and chains, he was getting closer towards the orb! However just at that last moment, when he was mere inches away from the orb-!
"Yoink!"
Shocked, immediately Noel saw the orb was being taken straight out of his reach! As it was, the ghost who'd grabbed it told him, "Ha! You're not getting it that easily!" Then turning he aimed and cried, "Think fast!"
With that in seconds the orb was thrown up and was heading in the direction of another ghost! As it did so, it was heading to the catcher fast! And just as it was coming to the ghost's fingertips-!
TAP!
Suddenly the orb rebounded and went in another completely different direction! As it did so, the ghost shocked cried out, "Huh!?"
Confused seeing this happen, Noel then saw with amazement that the orb was coming straight towards him! However again another of the ghosts came to retrieve it! "Hey! You're mine! You're-!" But immediately again the orb was sent flying out of his transparent hands again!
TAP! TAP! TAP!
But quickly avoiding not just this ghost, the orb was avoiding the other ghosts entirely! As this was happening, Musashi looking on with surprise then saw something else! Something shine! As he did so, he quickly noticed, "Carbuncle!"
For there quickly in the air the small turquoise blue creature came floating down, as it did it was creating reflective panels! Then as each one was made, the orb ricocheted off of the panels! As it did so, the ghosts couldn't keep up with the speed of the glowing treasure!
Seeing this, Noel could see that the orb was coming quickly closer back in his direction! As he did, he saw his chance!
FLASH!
However immediately the lightning came running down! "Agh!" Quickly he had to evade again! Grudgingly as he did so, the orb landed upon another platform! Out in the open and available for anyone to grab!
Seeing this, Noel and Musashi both rushed forwards to gain the orb as theirs finally! However in turn the ghosts saw their chance too! As they did so, one of the spectre's cried out, "Ha! Looks like the ball's back in our field again! Let's go get it!" With that they all went to go and grab it once more! Vanishing in puffs of smoke!
"Musashi! Hurry up!" Noel cried, for he could see that the orb was closer in his direction! As he did so, he added anxiously, "We haven't got much time!"
As these words were given to him, Musashi then replied, "Okay! I'll hurry dude!" With that he hurried to the platform! As he did so, he was almost there! However just before he could step onto it-!
"Ha!"
Suddenly the ghosts appeared onto the platform from the smoke! The cigar smoking one, taking the treasure into his hands again proclaimed to both the warriors, "You're out!"
"NO!"
Surprised the ghosts and warriors turned and saw above Alania was looking down at them all! Doing so, they all saw that she was holding her long red coloured wand! As they did so, they saw in her other hand she was holding a certain gem and doing this she informed the infuriating ghost, "YOU'RE ALL OUT!"
With those words she launched the gem into the air and doing this, she smashed her wand into it!
SHINE!
Doing this the summoner feeling the creature come to life from the flows of her magic, she cried out loudly, "COME FORTH! PANDEMONA!"
In seconds, in a glitter and sparkle of light a huge shape emerged purple in colour that resembled a humanoid shape! However it was more alien in structure with three pump like structures over it's right shoulder and all over it, there seemed to be woven twisting tubes. These twisting structures led behind to it's long tail which had a yellow top on the very end. Then as it stepped forth, it's feet were revealed to have wings.
Looking at the creature who'd been called forth, the ghosts looking up were silent. Then the taller of the ghosts asked his cigar smoking pal, "Uh? Hey Boss?"
"Yeah?" He uttered in reply.
"What's that thing?" The tall ghost asked him.
Hearing him ask this question, the cigar smoker was quiet before saying, "... I dunno? A clown?"
Then as this was said, the summon quickly released a furl of hair from it's head, vibrantly coloured green! As it did so making it glitter brightly, two red halo's came glowing over it's head! As it did so, the ghost couldn't help but feel unnerved by this... as he did he asked, "An angel... clown?"
Alania though knowing what was coming next cried out, "Guys! You better hold onto something!"
WHOOOSH!
Suddenly the summon started sucking in air! It's long tail behind was quickly expanding out like a balloon! As it did this, immediately the ghosts were being drawn in towards the monstrous summon! Quickly they all began to cry out in panic!
"AH! NO! NO! NO!"
Noel and Musashi quickly could see what Alania was talking about and instantly they went to grab anything they could get their hands on! As they did so, holding on tightly for dear life they felt the pull of the summon drawing in everything and everyone into it's field of vacuous power!
The ghosts were desperate trying to fight back against it's power! However none of them had the strength to! Flurrying about they were all being sucked away into the monster and they were terrified out of their minds! Then in their terrified state, the cigar smoking ghost dropped the orb!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Quickly in seconds the ghosts were swallowed up into the monster and were all sucked into it's tail which had expanded hugely! Making it into a huge sack! With that as the ghost's vanished away, the wind stopped fading away in seconds!
However quickly seeing the orb dropping down, Noel rushing forwards leaped up and doing so he caught the glowing treasure in his right hand! Pleased he cried out, "Finally! I got it!"
Then Musashi and Alania smiling gladly as this was done knew quickly like Noel did there was only one thing left that needed to be taken care of!
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Fighting hard and fast! Riku was cutting straight into Gandrake over and over desperately! Trying to use every last moment of his Limit Break! Which was fading away fast!
The transformed samurai was angered and he in turn was trying to strike Riku with just as much tenacity! Looking at him, Gandrake told the white haired keyblader, "I'll get you for this! How dare you steal what's mine!"
"Because it wasn't yours to begin with!" Riku replied straight back! With that he turned and using his right hand he cried out, "Dark Firaga!"
Instantly his powerful spell fired forwards! As it came though, instantly glowing with electricity Gandrake using his Magi Metamorphosis abilities sliced right through the flames with the Muramasa! As he did so, he rushed forwards and immediately cut straight into the keyblader!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
His back colliding fast into the wall of the tower again, Riku cringing in pain quickly felt his Limit Break end. As it did so, he looked up to Gandrake wincing and as he did so, the dark samurai was coming straight towards him. His sword dangerously shining in what light there was.
Seeing his foe had fallen, Gandrake then feeling his anger burn told the weakened keyblader, "And now you end!" With those words, the Samurai lifted his blade into the air. Ready to deliver the final blow!
Riku seeing this coming immediately shut his eyes! For what was coming next would be-!
CLASH!
CLASH!
Suddenly the sound of grating metal came! Hearing it, Riku turned around immediately and there he saw to his amazement were, "Noel! Musashi!"
Hearing their ally call out to them, the two warriors turned around. Both of them grinning to him, as they did so the laid back Samurai told his pal, "Sorry for the late arrival Riku dude!" Then looking back to Gandrake he added, "But I'm ready to give some ya some well deserved back up!"
Noel hearing this then replied, "Yeah! Ditto on that!" With that in seconds, both warriors kicked Gandrake back and away from themselves!
As he saw that he had his allies back, Riku was only too glad for the assistance! For now his resolve for battle had been greatly restored by hope! As it did, he got himself up and quickly he lifted his keyblade and cried out, "Curaga!"
GLOW!
In seconds his body and his friends were bathed in the green light of the healing spell! As they became so, they were all fully energised again. Gripping his keyblade he said, "I hope you don't mind me joining you guys then!"
To which Noel and Musashi smiled in turn, they didn't need to speak to give their ally the go ahead!
Seeing though that he was now outmatched in number now, Gandrake quickly overcoming his shock gripped his sword tightly! As he did, he cried out mad, "I've had enough of you and your pathetic heroism!" With that his own body and sword began to glow vibrantly with electricity! With that he aimed and fired out dangerous thunderous bolts at the all!
As he did so Riku and the others got out of the way! Then landing the keyblader knew in seconds what was coming next! Immediately he cried out, "You're not playing that trick twice!" With that he charged forwards followed swiftly by Musashi and Noel!
Seeing his opponents coming, Gandrake felt his power ignite from within! As it did so, a pool of darkness opened up beneath him as thunder and lightning flowed about everywhere! Holding his sword tightly he started to cry out, "Thunderous Judgement Zan-!?"
WHOOOSH!
"WWWAAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly a huge blast of wind was unleashed! Quickly distracted by all this power turbulence Gandrake's attack was stopped in it's tracks! As it was, he cried out turning back, "What is-!?"
With that as he looked back he saw Alania smiling down at him smugly as Pandemona was blasting out it's terrible gusts of wind at him! As she saw him looking at her, she then informed him, as Carbuncle graced her right shoulder fondly, "This is what you get for turning me into a damsel in distress! You dork!"
Angered to see her with his ghosts falling about him left and right, concussed and dizzy. Gandrake uttered out angrily, "Why you-!?"
"HHHAAA!"
Suddenly in his moment of distraction Riku, Noel and Musashi had all rushed forwards! As they did so, with their blades all aimed they immediately started to cut into the Samurai!
"Agh!" Feeling the pain of all the powerful blades striking into him, Gandrake enraged cried out, "You losers dare-!?"
SLASH!
Immediately though Musashi sliced straight through Gandrake's mask and as he did so, in another moment it fell apart into two revealing his outraged and shocked expression! As this was done-!
SLICE!
In seconds Noel moved and sliced away at the armour that had been guarding Gandrake's middle! As he did this, he moved again and using his other sword-!
SLICE!
He destroyed the golden gauntlets that had been guarding the white Samurai's hands! As these were destroyed in another moment Gandrake lost grip upon his sword and as he did so-!
"YOU'RE MINE!"
Riku rushed forwards and quickly he snatched the Muramasa out of Gandrake's hands before stabbing his keyblade straight through the evil Samurai's chest! As he did this, Gandrake's eyes widened in horror! Then as he did so, he felt a huge burst of power that sent him flying backwards!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
CRASH!
With that in seconds, the dark Samurai impacted the wall and slid down from the cratered hole that had been made... doing this, he cringed with pain and outrage as he turned his eyes to look at the keyblader and his friend's.
Seeing him look at him this way, Riku informed him, "What you felt just then was the strength of my heart..." then turning to look at his allies he added with a pleased smile, "And the power of my friends."
With that said, Noel and Musashi nodded to him feeling the same pride. Then as he did this, Riku turned his eyes to Alania who smiled herself and nodded to him too. Carbuncle seeing this was glad that the battle was over and so he stroked his cheek into her right one, making her smile fondly all the more. While in that same instant Pandemona who'd been by his summoner's side quickly vanished away in a twinkle of light becoming his summon gem form which arrived back in the hand of his summoner.
As this occurred, Riku looked then to the sword that he had acquired. Looking to the white gem that was embedded in it, he was pleased and quickly he extracted it. Then seeing it's glow he said, "Finally... we got you back Leon!"
The ghosts though having awoken from their battle concussion. Had hidden themselves and seeing what the heroes had done together, looked to each other with unease. As they did one of them asked, "This looks bad doesn't it?"
The cigar smoking one replied, "It does..." however as he did so, Gandrake looked to him cringing in pain. As his master did, the ghost unexpectedly revealed a grin as he added, "But soon a whole new ball of fun will be startin'!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Breathing in and out weakly, all Leon could see around him was darkness... nothing but cold and darkness. Second by second, he felt so weak... so sleepy, looking around himself dazed. There was nothing to stop him from slumbering and it would be so easy now... so easy. Slowly he began to shut his eyes, ready to sleep everything away...
"Leon!"
"Leon dude!"
Hearing these voices, Leon opening his eyes asked, "Those are?" For did he recognise them? Did he-?
"Don't fall asleep!"
"The Radiant Gardens needs you!"
"Everyone's waiting for you!"
As these voices continued to call to him desperately, he felt something awaken itself inside of him! His eyes widening he asked, "The Gardens!?"
"LEON COME ON!"
Immediately this voice he finally recognised and as he did, he remembered everything else that had happened! He knew where he was needed and quickly he cried out, "Riku!?"
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Watching on with amazement, the group of heroes saw the glowing orb of light and the white stone quickly come and merge together! Then as they did so-!
FLASH!
Quickly in moments, everyone saw the two item's come together and as they did so a bright light shone out! Becoming bigger and bigger before taking on a full human form!
As this occurred, Gandrake was silent as his Magi Metamorphosis transformation was undone. As it was and he was returned back to his normal human form, he said nothing. He looked down to the floor apathetically not paying attention to the return of the member of the Restoration Committee. For he was seemingly lost in the depths of defeat...
After a moment, finally regaining his human form Leon gasped and feeling his strength quickly return he cried out, "What was I-!?"
"Leon!"
"Leon dude!"
"Oh! Leon!"
Turning quickly, instantly the Gunblade warrior saw that it was none other than, "Riku! Musashi! Alania!" However he quickly became quiet, for looking back he spied someone he didn't know. As he stared at Noel, he asked him, "You're?"
"Noel," the blue clad hunter replied simply.
As this name was said to him, Leon turning around directed his eyes to the white haired keyblader and asked him, "Riku? What's been happening?"
With this question being put to him, Riku then replied, "Alot...of trouble." Then looking back to Gandrake who continued to stare down to the floor lifelessly. His eyes narrowed as he finished, "A whole lot of it."
This was something no-one was going to argue with, however Alania decided to put more details down, "Yeah and there's more than what's going on here!" With that looking to the doorway of the clock tower she added, "In fact there's probably worse going on! Because Juan and Hana-!"
RUMBLE!
Suddenly the floor beneath them began to tremble and rumble! As it did so, everyone quickly becoming shocked looked around themselves hurriedly! As they did so, "Hey! What's-!?" Instantly though as Musashi was interrupted-!
CRASH!
Immediately from above, heavy metallic beams, wood and stone began to fall from above! As it all did so, the shocked heroes all quickly scattered! As they did so, everyone then all saw that above them that the fixtures of the tower were falling apart!
Realising quickly what was happening, Noel cried out, "The tower's collapsing!"
"Yeah no brainer!" With that Alania looking to the exit said, "Let's get out of here!"
"I'm not arguing with that suggestion!" With that Noel began to follow Alania as she started to run ahead!
As they did so, quickly Musashi seeing them go cried out, "Hey guys! Wait up!" With that he was escaping too!
Riku seeing them go, though quickly remembered Gandrake! Seeing him still sitting lifeless on the floor, he knew that though he hated him. He couldn't leave him to die there! So quickly placing the Muramasa onto his back he went running to him, grabbing him by the shoulder he said fast, "Hey! We've gotta leave now!"
However the lifeless Samurai didn't move a muscle. Seeing this, Riku was becoming frustrated as he cried out, "Snap out of your defeat stupor! We're gonna die here unless we-!"
RUMBLE!
Quickly though the white haired keyblader was interrupted! For feeling the rocking of the building again, he saw ahead a sea of cogs and metal was avalanching straight towards him and Gandrake! They had to move or-!
"Not on my watch!"
Suddenly jumping in the fray, Leon came running and instantly aiming his Gunblade-!
BLAST!
He destroyed the terrible debris that was coming for his allies with a powerful blast of fire! Then as he destroyed the terrible hazard, Riku cried out to him, "Leon!?"
Hearing him the scarred young man, turned to Riku and as he did he told him, "C'mon we gotta go!" Then grabbing Gandrake by his other loose arm he added, "I'll help you with this useless baggage!"
Pleased to hear this, Riku then replied, "Thanks!" With that done both warriors went to make their exit out of the clock tower! As they did so, pulling Gandrake roughly behind with them they were unaware that the defeated Samurai was revealing a sinister small smile...
