Chapter CLXXXV: A Hurried Reunion, The Whispers In Darkness And The Watery Retreat
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXVIII
Silence, that was all that surrounded him...and darkness. He didn't know what was going on, he didn't understand at all what was happening. However there was one thing that he knew above all else, "I'm cold... so cold."
It was so chilling to the point that he could feel his teeth chattering, however strangely he couldn't see the steam of his own breath. But that was far from being important at that time, because now... he was so tired. He could feel his eyelids become heavier and heavier, if this continued then it was inevitable that he would fall into the slumbers of a deep sleep.
In fact... that would probably be better. Thinking that, the figure got himself more comfortable as he rested himself into something like a curled fetal position. Doing this, he then said gently and almost breathlessly, "...Maybe, I should just stop...and sleep...just sleep...yeah."
"No you can't!"
"Please Snow don't!"
Puzzled, the figure opening his eyes slightly uttered, "Huh?"
"Mate! Ya can't fall asleep here!"
"That's right pal! We've all come for ya!"
"Kweh!"
As these voices cried out, the tired figure uttered,"Who is that? Who's-?!"
"Snow!"
However as this particular voice sounded itself, Snow felt his eyes light up with recognition. As they did so, he couldn't help but ask, "Is that-!?"
"Snow please you have to come back! You can't leave us behind now!"
He did recognise this voice! His awareness chasing away the remnants of sleep that were trying to overtake himself, he asked, "I do know you all! You're all-!?"
"That's right Serah's waiting for you! For all of us!"
Then as this was called out to him, the person had a flash of girl with trailing pink hair and soft lilac eyes. As he remembered, "That's right Serah! She's my-!?"
"C'mon mate! How can the leader of the 'ARCS' just lay around on the job!"
"Exactly! We still have a carnival to host don't we!?"
"That's right!"
"Kweh!"
Then as this was all called out, the person finally remembered everything! That's right! He was-!
"Cait sith! Oralee! Nozomi!"
"Hana! Bonkerss! Coco"
With that, crying out the names of his friends. He immediately knew who was waiting for him! He had to go back to them and quickly everything around him lit up with blinding white light!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
FLASH!
Amazed, Nozomi saw the white stone they had acquired and light combined together. As they did so, immediately a glowing figure emerged from them and took a deep breath! As the person did so, Nozomi recognised him in seconds as he stood upon the floor! Instantly with a delighted smile on her face she cried out, "Snow!"
Smiling herself Oralee did the same and instantly she cried out, "Snow it's you!"
"Oh thank goodness Snow!" Hana cried out with delight as Ruby smiled pleased upon her shoulder.
"Snow mate!" Cait sith cried out loudly, then as he did so his princess who's shoulder he was riding upon ran forwards along with Nozomi.
"Wahoo!" Cried out Bonkerss, for then he couldn't believe their luck, "We got all our pals back, Coco!"
"Kweh!" The small chocobo called back happily in reply!
The white coated young man hearing all this, turned back and as he did so he saw them all approaching. As he did so, he smiled brightly as he called back, "Guys!" Instantly as did this they all made it over to him.
Smiling on himself, Timbre was pleased to see that they'd won their pal back. Quiet as he thought this, he couldn't help but comment, "Wow, that guy hasn't got too bad a style." However in another moment, he couldn't help but add turning smugly to the side, "But... I'm still the better choice out of the two of us!"
Then as he said those words, a little ways behind him. Irma was silent and made no movement and no comment whatsoever. As she continued to remain still, Timbre turning to look at her for a moment commented, "And it looks like you've lost your queenly nerve, huh?" Then cocking his head to the side, he couldn't help but add, "You can't even give us a critical mouthing off at the end."
"That she can't!" Bonkers decreed, then as he did so he couldn't help but add, "For bad guys like her always become helpless and silent when in front of the justice and law like us!"
Still though, Irma made no reply to this decree... as she did so, Timbre then replied with a slight chuckle to Bonkerss words, "Ha, I guess not!" However turning turning his head away from her, he couldn't help but add, "Well I;m not bothered in the slightest if she doesn't say anything anyway." Still though Irma didn't make any commentary whatsoever... however after a little moment unbeknownst to Timbre or Bonkerss, the sinister sorceress revealed a small cunning smile.
Meanwhile seeing all his friends gathering around him, he couldn't help but become excited and pleased seeing them all and started asking, "Hey! So what's been happening been here!? Can anyone give me the lowdown?"
As this question was put to them all, Cait sith grinning couldn't help but say, "We can do lad but it's a long, long story!"
Smiling Oralee couldn't help but comment, "Yes it is! Even I haven't learned everything that's happened yet!"
Hana hearing this, then pitched in saying, "Yes and I might even find it hard to describe and I was here through most of it!"
Snow hearing this was quiet, however in a moment he grinned and said, "Okay! Well I guess I'll just have to have a cluster filler, that way I can get the gist right?"
With a smile on her own face, Nozomi chuckled and said, "Yeah! You will! So let's start with the beginning!" With those words, the female keyblader began to explain what had happened to all her friend's, to the Radiant Gardens and what was waiting for them beyond the walls of the giant room they were within...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Quiet after a little time as finally all the information was given to them, Snow in amazement couldn't help but utter, "Whoa...now that's all really something!" For the battle that was described to him, almost sounded otherworldly. However he was only grateful that the result had been positive, so he then decided to ask a question that was more important to him at that moment, "And? Serah she's holed up in Merlin's house right now?"
Nodding, Nozomi then replied, "That's right! All the others are!"
Hana hearing this then also confirmed, "That's right! She is, we left them in safety there!"
Ruby then also chipped in and added, "Yeah, I'm sure he's taking real good care of everybody!"
Then as this was said, Nozomi couldn't help but think about her fellow keybladers and imagining what they must be going through said, "And I'm sure Riku and Mickey, they'll be looking after her and the others too! They're all waiting for us!"
Listening to these words, Cait sith then chipped in quickly too, "Yeah! And I say we shouldn't keep 'em waiting!"
Hearing her beloved friend say these words, Oralee smiling then decided to say, "Yes, I believe the same!"
"Me too!" Hana said smiling brightly.
Snow becoming just as eager as them all, then decided to say, "Alright!" With that pumping his fist up into the air. He decided to add, "So how about we get the heck outta of here then!"
Instantly hearing this, Nozomi nodded and replied, "Yeah! Let's do that!"
"I agree too!" With those words said, Timbre then revealed his own thoughts. As he did so, he couldn't help but continue on to say walking up to them all, "I think we've done enough waiting around with all that exposition you guys were giving!"
Hearing these words, Snow replied, "Yeah! We have!" However looking at Timbre he decided to ask, "... Um and who're you exactly?"
As this was put to him, Timbre sighed and then answered, "Now you do decide to ask?" With that cocking his head to the side, he couldn't help but say, "For someone who's supposed to be the leader of a so-called cool squadron group, yer rather slow on getting the the low down from others, huh?"
Puzzled hearing these words Snow then uttered in reply, "What?"
Timbre hearing this then replied, "Well whatever," with that waving away his tiredness. He then decided to say extending his hand out, "Anyway, setting aside intro's, I'm Timbre."
Hearing these words, Snow then saw the hand that was being reached out to him. As he did so, he then decided to say grasping his hand, "Well nice to meet and know ya!" Then releasing his hand from Timbre's he decided to say, scratching the back of his head, "Sorry I didn't notice ya straight away!"
"It's okay, forget it!" Timbre uttered out in reply. Then as he did this, he decided to continue on to say, "Anyway, let's just get ourselves out of here!"
"Yeah! Yeah let's do that!" Bonkerss said, for then approaching upon his pal's back he went on to say, "Cause even Coco's getting angsty, right?" He asked him.
"Kweh! Came the chipper reply. Then before anyone else could say another word or move-!
KABOOM!
Suddenly from above them all, something exploded! Shocked everyone turned and above they saw that the electric light had exploded and-!
"Guys get out of the way!" Timbre cried out! With that in seconds he grabbed Oralee's hand dragging her behind with him!
As he did this, Nozomi and Snow with Hana behind quickly followed after them both! As they did so, Cait sith seeing what was happening cried out mad, "Oi! Get ya dirty paws off me princess!" However nobody paid any heed to this for-!
CRASH!
Shocked they felt the light behind them crash into the red and black checkered board. As this occurred the whole table shuddered! Feeling this happen, everyone knew they didn't have time to rest or stop, for soon-!
KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!
More furniture and objects in the room began to explode and fall apart everywhere. As they did so, everyone knew that if they didn't get out of there. They would all be annihilated by all the falling chaos!
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!
"Guys we don't have time to stop! We gotta get out of here!" Timbre cried back as they all continued to run forwards!
Nozomi couldn't argue with those words as they all continued to run forwards. However as they all went-!
"Oh no! Irma!" Hearing this voice, Nozomi recognised it as Hana's! Turning, she saw with shock what her friend had!
Irma was still sitting upon the floor of the checker board lifelessly! Seeing her be that way, the female keyblader couldn't understand. How could she act that way in this situation!?
"Nozomi!" Distracted though out of her thoughts, she heard her blonde haired friend go on to say stricken with worry, "If we leave her here now, she'll-!"
KABOOM!
Interrupted both girls saw something else was coming toward the helpless sorceress! It was going to land straight on her! She would be wiped out! Horrified at that thought, despite her being her the enemy... Nozomi gripped her right fist tightly!
"This is bad! It's really bad she's-!" However Hana didn't get a chance to finish her sentence, for then running past her she saw, "Nozomi!?"
Not returning the call though, the female keyblader ran fast as she cried out, "Irma!"
Hearing her, Cait sith turning back cried out worried, "Nozomi lass!" Turning as she heard her dear friend say this, the princess saw what was happening too! Feeling her stop, even Timbre came to a standstill as well and became just as alarmed!
Startled, immediately Snow turned to look back himself! As he did so, he saw with fright what was about to happen too! As he did so, he cried out with just as much alarm, "Nozomi!"
However ignoring their cries, Nozomi made it straight over to Irma. As she did so, she grabbed her and started to try and drag her up by her right arm, saying urgently, "Irma get up! You gotta move!" However quickly the female keyblader felt the shadow of the hurtling object was getting closer and closer to them, as it's shadow became darker by the second. Feeling panicked by this, she cried out again using both hands to try and pull up the dazed sorceress, "Irma move it! Or we'll-!?"
"Nozomi!"Oralee cried out in terrible alarm! As she did so, something suddenly moved from beside her and-!
CRASH!
GLOW!
Shocked, Nozomi then saw in amazement that arriving by her side in seconds producing his familiar shining yellow shield. It was none other than, "Cait sith!?"
As she said his name, the crowned black and white cat then cried out struggling to keep the debris from crushing the girls, "Lass hurry and move, if ya both don't then I-!" However he spoke too soon, for the debris was becoming too heavy against his shield!
CREAK!
Horrified he knew that at the rate things were going, they would all crash through the table and-!
"Not gonna happen!" Then suddenly as that shout sounded out-!
BASH!
CRASH!
Immediately running over, Snow aiming with his fist. Sent the horrible debris flying into the distance, stopping the terrible tragedy dead in seconds!
Amazed seeing this happen, Nozomi cried out in delight, "Snow!?"
In turn Cait sith cried out in just as much amazement, "Snow lad!?"
Hearing her cry this out along with the crowned cat, the blonde haired young man asked them both, "You guys alright!?"
Nodding quickly in reply, Nozomi then replied, "We're fine!"
"Yeah definitely!" Cait sith replied in urgency. However-!
KABOOM!
In seconds something else in the room exploded. As it did so, with terrible dread Cait sith realised, "But at this rate we won't be for long!"
Feeling a rising terror inside as well realising this, Snow replied, "Then we gotta move fast!" With that, the blonde haired young man grabbed the unmoving Irma and started carrying her in his arms. As he did this act, he told his friends who stood up in surprise, "C'mon guys!" With that in seconds he started running!
As he did this, Nozomi started to run after him saying, "Okay, Snow!"
Now riding on her shoulder, Cait sith then feeling anxious told her, "Lass ya better hurry up! Otherwise we're all gonna be biting the dust!"
Snow carrying Irma in the meantime, looking down at her with annoyance couldn't help but utter, "You better be grateful for this! Cause the only one who deserved to be carried in my arms, is my beloved!"
With those words, instantly everyone concentrated on escaping! With Timbre leading the way guiding Oralee, followed by Snow with Irma in his arms and finally Nozomi along with Cait sith. Seeing them go, Hana tailed behind them. However as they went, it was clear the blonde haired girl was struggling.
Catching up to them as they all went, Bonkerss couldn't help but ask, "You doin' alright there Hana?"
Nodding, the blonde haired girl was doing her best to keep her momentum. However it was clear it was tough for her, for since the battle before-!
"Hey!" Distracted, she then saw someone had come back for her, as she did so she saw it to be Nozomi who asked, "Need a hand?"
As this was put to her, the blonde haired girl recovering from her surprise replied with a relieved smile gracing her face, "Yes, it most appreciated!"
The female keyblader in turn smiled. As she did so, with that they all pressed on ahead. As they did, Cait sith cried out, "Forwards lasses! I got meself a princess napper ta punish!"This... only made it awkward for the two girls as they moved forwards.
Meanwhile the culprit in question was coming to the end of the table and as he did so, he gripped Oralee's hand and told her, "Get ready to jump princess!"
Shocked to hear this, Oralee cried out, "Jump!?"
However he gave her no time to think for then-!
WHOOSH!
He took off and flew through the air, guiding Oralee with him! As he did this, he looked back and aiming his hand he manipulated his power and-!
WHOOSH!
Snow took off with Bonkerss and Coco following beside him and instantly he guided the blonde haired young man down to the floor as he continued to follow with Irma in his arms. Then in turn after him Bonkerss took off following him on Coco, then-!
WHOOSH!
Nozomi took off too, with Hana in tow however unlike Snow. She used the power of her wings and with them she guided herself and her friends, allowing them to gently descend onto the floor. Then landing safely, they all aimed straight ahead for the mouse hole!
"Whoo! We did it!" Cait sith cried out loudly. As he did this, with smiles on their faces, everyone in seconds ran straight through the dark opening! Escaping from the chaos that was behind them, letting the giant enchanted room fall to pieces and crumble into nothingness...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Hmm..." uttering quietly into the darkness, Maleficent staring on at the finishing of the battle that had occurred within the depths of the viewing orb. She couldn't help but say, with a hand to her chin, "Well, that was certainly a sight to be hold." Then remembering the transformation that had occurred to Nozomi, with her turning into a knight she couldn't help but comment further saying, "... And it appears that the seventh has gained a better grasp and control of her powers than even I could have expected."
Pete silent hearing this, with his arms folded then nodded as he agreed saying, "Yeah, yeah she has! It's interesting seein' it from a distance like this!" For then he couldn't help but add remembering his past experience with her in the world of Treasure Planet, "I mean, if that limit break weren't in effect in her... we really would have had a problem ta deal with before!"
Hearing this himself, Uriax then replied simply, "Indeed..." For even he hadn't anticipated what she was going to do.
Jona continuing to remain silent though, gazed on. Her attention was upon the group of heroes, for she saw them all escape through the other side of the mouse hole. Making it back into the darkened streets of the ruined town. Looking at them all, she saw that there appeared to be an argument still occurring between Cait sith who was pointing accusingly forward upon Nozomi's shoulder, towards the pink haired cat boy, Timbre who was pulling with him the flustered princess Oralee.
Seeing him grinning widely as he pulled Oralee with him, as they all continued to run forwards she couldn't help but sigh and say with a small smile, "Ha! You're still the same as ever... choosing royal pretty ladies."
Hearing a small part of her mutter, Uriax looked in her direction for a moment. As he did so, he was quiet... however his eyes couldn't help but narrow in suspicion. For he wondered what those words meant? However deciding not to dwell on this, he decided then to say, "But anyway, now that those guys have taken out the villainous main cast... it's time for the next phase!"
Distracting her out of her thoughts, Jona turned to Uriax. As she did so, becoming curious by the cunning grin on his face she asked, "The next phase?"
"That's right." Uriax answered and as he did so, he added, "And it's gonna turn out to be a complete and utter nasty shock for them!"
Becoming a little chilled as she heard this, Jona said nothing. However, Pete himself though feeling the same sentiments. He decided to cautiously ask, "...What kinda surprise would ya describe as shocking?"
To which hearing this, Uriax looked to Pete and told him, "Wait and see!"
The overweight villain said nothing to do this, however Maleficent amused and eager couldn't help but reply, "That I shall... with great anticipation!" With that she watched the events that continued to unfold along with her group of accomplices, as the heroes were finally making it back towards Merlin's house...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"HHHAAAGGGHHH!"
Running fast, Raiyana defeated another group of the heartless that was threatening to conquer Merlin's house. As she did so, she breathed in and out hard. She was tired, she could feel it... all of this fighting was taking away her energy.
"Just a little more! Just a little more!" For if she could just hang on a little longer, she knew that-!
"Raiyana!"
Hearing this voice, the long blue haired girl recognised it in seconds! As she did so, she turned and cried out with a smile coming to her face, "Nozomi!"
For there quickly coming over to her, was the female keyblader with Hana in hand, Timbre along with those all the others they had rescued. As they all came on over, they thwarted more of the monsters themselves as they came trying to devour them, Snow did his best to cover their backs as he said, "C'mon guys hurry up!"
"Yeah! Otherwise we're gonna be monster chowder!" Bonkerss cried out, for he and Coco were anxious with all the foes surrounding them!
Nodding, Nozomi then replied, "Yeah I know!" Then making it over to her friend she asked her hurried, "Raiyana are you okay?"
As this was put to her, the female nobody then replied, "Yes I'm fine! Weary, but alright!" She smiled.
Hana curious about this newcomer didn't know what to think. However she decided to say, to be courteous, "That's good!" Then looking to Merlin's house, she couldn't help but say, "And I'm glad that the house is alright too."
Immediately hearing this, Raiyana then replied, "Yeah! Everyone will be glad to see you're all okay! Mickey and Riku and everyone else have already made it inside!"
Cait sith quickly hearing these words then said, "Well what're we waiting here for!? We gotta go in there and meet 'em!"
As this was said Timbre eager then said, "Yeah let's go then!" With that pulling on Oralee's hand again, he said, "C'mon princess!"
"Oh!" However Oralee had no more time to speak, for then she was quickly dragged behind the pink haired cat boy.
"Hey!" Cait sith cried out.
Annoyed herself hearing this, Nozomi then didn't want another argument to break out. So quickly she chased after Timbre and Oralee muttering to herself, "Here we go again..." Hana could only laugh awkwardly from the situation. Raiyana herself simply smiled as she chased after them all!
Then Snow behind them, still fighting the monsters turned back and saw them all leaving. As he did so, he cried out in distress, "Hey! Guys don't leave me behind here!" With that he ran after them all continuing to carry Irma in his arms!
"Yeah me either!" Bonkerss cried out too!
"Kweh!" Coco added as he sprinted forwards!
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
The monsters immediately began the pursuit of all the heroes, but in another moment-!
FLASH!
In seconds they were all thrown back! Pushed away by the shining shield that surrounded Merlin's house. Making them all glower around furiously, all of them still hungry for the hearts and souls that were beyond it's shimmering barrier.
...
Hiding in the rooftops within the darkness... a pair of green eyes narrowed. They belonged to the cold and stoic keyblader Hari, who had made it into the realms of the tainted town. Staying within the shadows she could sense the presence that entered the house along with the heroes, as she did so she then uttered, "So? A fourth one has entered too, has it?"
For thinking of the plan that was possibly being put into motion as she thought about what that mysterious presence was... she knew that soon a lot of chaos would be unleashed...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Okay...! Let's try this!"
...
With those words, some gloved hands were held high and-!
GLOW!
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"
FLASH! CRASH! BANG!
"Mmm...agh!"
GLOW!
Suddenly a shimmering form appeared, glowing brightly with blue light and sparkles illuminating everything... everyone within the confinement's of the house were anxious with anticipation. For slowly but surely a figure appeared and in another moment-!
"BBBAAAA!"
A blue coloured goat with spectacles emerged! Swinging it's horns about left and right, as in another second it cried out in an fed up human voice, "Oh confound it! Confound it all!"
Everyone became just as dismayed as he did, for finally. Maybe they thought this time the transformation spell he'd been put under would have been removed. Mickey who'd cast the spell couldn't help but sigh sadly and say, "Gee, sorry there Merlin... I thought for sure that woulda worked then."
Riku standing by near him, couldn't help but agree as he said, "`Yeah same here," then folding his arms he looked to the side and say, "Especially since is the fourth time we've tried!" For before, they had tried Merlin had been transformed from a tortoise, to a rabbit, a mouse and finally this... the goat.
Merlin hearing this himself couldn't help but grumble, "And all the good it's done me! Honestly!"
Shirma hearing him say this as she stood with Alania along with Juan in another corner of the room, she couldn't help but say, "... Well I suppose there is nothing to be done, not until we get the original spell caster herself."
Aerith, standing with her fellow committee members then decided to say, "Yes that' true... for if this spell is as complicated as it appears... it won't come off that easily without her input."
Hearing these words, Merlin after a moment couldn't help but relent and say, "Well that's a truth that can't be denied..." however he couldn't help but add and say, "Though I'm sure there's no way she will cast the spell of her own free will."
For then looking to the side, all of the heroes in the house looked to the back. There laying against the furtherest wall amongst some tall stacks of books, were the three villain's they had acquired. Gandrake, Peekaboo and Greeble. Since their capture none of them had said a word and had all remained still. Hauntingly almost like statues.
Looking at them again, Riku didn't understand the way they all were all. He couldn't understand why they weren't complaining or ranting at them for their incarceration, especially for the fact that their arms and legs had all been bound... it was extremely puzzling. However before he could dwell on this further-!
"Hi guys!"
Shocked, he turned around along with Mickey and the other heroes! In seconds they became delighted with relief! The white haired keyblader then cried out, "Nozomi!"
In turn Mickey cried out happily too, "Cait sith! Timbre!"
With that that they ran straight over to her, then looking over her. Riku was so pleased... however he couldn't help but ask her mockingly, "Hey! What took you so long to get back to us!"
Laughing Nozomi then responded, "I got held up!"
"Yeah you lads have no clue!" Cait sith commented, loudly with a laugh.
Mickey though had to admit and say, "Oh I can I have a guess!"
Then at that moment, seeing who was entering, Noel and Yeul who'd been left behind couldn't help but become relieved too as they saw, "Raiyana!?" With that they ran up to her.
"Noel! Yeul!" The long blue haired girl said smiling.
Making it over to her, her young dear friend asked her with her green eyes anxious, "Are you okay? Did the monsters hurt you at all or-!"
"I'm fine! I'm okay!" Raiyana replied. Then as she said those words, she couldn't help but continue on to say, "I'm just glad I could help keep you all safe."
Noel hearing this himself though, couldn't help but admit with relief on his face, "Well, I'm just glad that you made it back to us in one piece."
"Same here!" The nobody girl replied happily.
"Snow! Oralee! Hana!" Serah cried out, for there before her was her beloved fiancee and friends! In seconds she ran over to them both and as she did-!
"Boss!" "Snow!" "Hana señorita!?" "Hana!?"
With that the remaining 'ARCS' went to join their lost friend and leader. Making it over, Juan was the first to speak as he asked, "Hey! Snow mucacho!? What happened to ya!? What took you so long and-!"
It was then he stopped, for he then finally noticed Irma in the blonde haired young man's arms. As he did so, he asked curious, "Hey? What're you doing with that hechicera problemático in your hands?"
With that as this was asked, Snow grinned as he said, "What Irma here?" With that looking down to the still sorceress, he lost his smile for a moment as he thought... then he came up with his answer and said, "Just some excess baggage!" With that saying those words, he noticed the spot where Gandrake, Greeble and Peekaboo were sitting. As he did, he quickly placed her down and turned saying, "But that's not a problem anymore!" Then taking a moment. He tied her up quickly too and finally finishing his work, he got up and opening his arms widely he asked, "Now? Where's my hero's welcome back?"
Hearing this question being asked, Serah couldn't help but release a small chuckle as she replied, "Geez can you be anymore corny?" However it was clear she was only too glad to indulge her fiancee as she walked up and wrapped her arms around him. Truly and fully pleased that he was back with her.
Seeing this sweet moment, Timbre couldn't help but comment, "Awww... how sweet!" Then looking to Oralee, who'd now made it over to the keybladers and had taken Cait sith back into her arms. He couldn't help but wonder, "Hmmm? I wonder if I can win a hug with her, since we've already-!"
"Timbre!"
Hearing this particular familiar voice, the pink haired cat boy turned and as he did so. Immediately three individuals came over with relief and seriousness in their eyes. Balthier his captain asked him, "Aren't you late in delivering something?"
As this question was put to him, Timbre blank for a moment with puzzlement repeated, "Something?" Then in another second it clicked in and so laughing a little awkwardly he scratched the back of his head and said, "Oh yeah! Sorry I'm late boss!"
Sighing herself hearing this, Fran then commented, "Well at least you've returned to us, wholly intact it seems?"
Hearing his rabbit crew mate ask this, Timbre grinned and replied, "You know it!"
Laughing, it was then Zidane's turn to speak, "Yeah!" Then looking in Oralee's direction, he couldn't help but ask, "So? Who's that pretty specimen?" Then a more important question occurred to him as he asked Timbre, "Is she taken?"
To which Timbre grinned and replied, "Yeah!" Then looking in her direction, he decided to add, "She's mine!"
"No she ain't she's mine!" Cait sith cried out mad, hearing every word of the conversation! Making Oralee look on puzzled as did the keybladers.
Laughing at this, Timbre then recovering decided to ask, "Anyway, what's been happening around here?" With that turning to the side he happened to notice on particular thing, "And what's with that blue goat?"
As this was said, Merlin bleated with irritation. Hearing this occur, Aerith then decided to say feeling awkward for him, "It's a long story!"
Nodding in turn, Yuffie agreed as she said, "Yeah! A really, really long story!"
Then Leon who'd been silent decided to add, "... And I don't know if we'll have the time to relay it all."
However at that moment no-one didn't want to think of the darkness that was beyond the walls. Or the difficulty's they were going to have to face, for finally they were all reunited and all that they wanted was just to bask in the warmth and presence of their returned friends...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
However in the darkness somewhere witnessing the warm reunion taking place somehow. Scrooge who was still within his cage couldn't help but grip his hands tightly against the bars, as it did it was clear he was anxious. As he did so, he uttered out worriedly, "Oh lads... lads!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Hearing this loud bout of sinister laughter. Scrooge was on high alert, for looking behind him. He saw who was chuckling, as he did so... he heard them say with malicious delight, "Looks like they really did take the bait! They never noticed the obvious difference did they?"
Scrooge hearing this, didn't say anything in reply. However he was terribly tense! For thinking of what was now inside the magician's house with his friends. Soon they would all be-!
"Urgh..." an irritated groan voicing itself then said, "Who cares! We should get back to the meeting point." Then with a sinister amused tone, he couldn't help but add and say, "After all the fun's gonna begin soon, right?"
"Yeah that's right!" Another eager voice cried out.
As it did so, another voice added, "Oh boy I can't wait! I could drink down five mega cola's, I'm just so excited!"
"As am I!" The first voice said and as it spoke-!
"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"
Scrooge hearing this roar, felt a terrible chill go down his spine. For that monstrous call was-!
"Well we better get going!" With that suddenly Scrooge's cage was taken off the hook and then being jostled back and forth, he was being carried over to their next destination. However as he went, his chills increased all the more as he heard his captor say, "For my Bebuzzu is getting terribly hungry I think!" With that the speakers all entered the darkness... as they did so, they knew that what was waiting for them was going to be a terrible dark force that was going to gift them... with supreme wondrous power!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After a little time, after everybody had finished with their reunion. Nozomi was quiet as she stood with the others, listening on she heard about the battles that Mickey and Riku had faced and as she did so, she also heard what they had been getting up to since they'd made it back to the house.
"So... you haven't been able to break the spell that's on you at all, Mr Merlin sir?"
As this was put to him, the blue billy goat then had to sigh and answer honestly, "I'm afraid so lass." Then as he said those words, he decided to go on to say, "For one thing's for certain! If I was restored back to my original form, I would most definitely be able to stop this madness from occurring and re-secure Bebuzzu's seal!"
Leon listening to this, then remarked quietly, "And then we'd have our town back."
"And our carnival festivities would be able to finally start!" Then saying those words, Snow couldn't help but sigh annoyed as he folded his arms and admitted, "Honestly we've been working so hard! The festivities should have taken place ages ago!"
"You're tellin' me amigo!" Juan said agreeing. Then as he did so, he couldn't help but grieve inside as he said, "I was lookin' forward to some hot churro's and some good algodón de azúcar and orange soda!"
Not knowing what he said for his last words, Alania then decided to say, "Well that's beyond our control now," then looking back in the direction where Irma and her cronies were, she then added, "Unless we get those jerks to work with us."
Hearing these words, everyone looked in their direction too. No-one was happy to though, for they all held an angry grudge and contempt for the villains. However one party who'd been quiet up to that point, finally made his voice be known as he said, "... That will not so be easy I imagine, my lady is stubborn." Though he had to also add, "But even I have to admit, that she has not been to the point of absolute silence like this before."
Bonkerss hearing him say this, then had to admit, "Yeah I can imagine it!" Then he had to add, "I'll never know how ya could have worked with that girl! Especially knowin' how nasty she can get!"
Volg hearing this, then told the bobcat cop, "That's not necessary for you to know!"
Coco felt different to this and complained loudly, "Kweh! Kweh!" However Volg folding his arms refused to respond to his fellow chocobo.
"UUUGGGAAAHHH!"
Shocked everyone turned! On guard in seconds, Bonkerss then cried out as Coco's feathers bristled, "Whoa! Where's the fire at!? What's happenin here what's-!?"
Merlin though recognised that voice and spoke quickly, "It's the sleeping lad, it's Kagi!"
Surprised to hear his name, Nozomi asked, "Kagi?"
The blue goat though quickly realising what was going on. Then continued on to speak, "He must be having another of his nightmare's again..." clicking his hoof against the wooden floor frustrated, he declared with annoyance, "Darn it all! If I could use magic again I could-!"
"Ah! Lachesis! Lachesis no! Please!"
Hearing him cry out so badly like this, Nozomi felt terrible for him! As she did so, remembering the pain he'd been in long ago... she realised she couldn't leave him to suffer like that. So she moved and said, "I'll go and comfort him! I'm sure that I can calm him down!" Then running to his door, she went on to say, "I'll see you guys in a minute!"
"Wait Nozomi!" Shirma cried out, but it was too late the female keyblader disappeared through the door.
Everyone was quiet as the silence settled into the air. However knowing that this wasn't the time to dwell, the heroes all knew that swift action was needed to stop the chaos that was still occurring outside in the darkness. Thinking of it, Balthier looking to their captives then said, "Well, since we've had that unusual stage call, I suppose we should take that as our direction to deal with our current nuisances."
No-one argued with that suggestion and with that everyone turned their attentions to the still captives, to see what it was they could all get out of them.
However, Shirma looking after Nozomi along with Oralee, with Cait sith quietly sitting on her shoulder. They both couldn't help but both wonder. Was there anything either of them could do to help the keyblader and stricken sleeping young man?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Making it into the room hastily where Kagi was sleeping, Nozomi was quiet. Looking on at the long ponytailed light green haired coloured boy, she couldn't help but look at him sadly. For how long had it been now, since he had he been asleep for now? It almost seemed like forever...ever since the beginning he'd been this way.
Quietly, with these thoughts on her mind, she made her way over to him. As she did so, on closer inspection she saw that he was sweating quite badly. He almost seemed to be writhing in pain! Seeing this, she knew she had to do something quickly! So making it over she began to say, "Kagi! Kagi!"
"UUUGGGAAAHHH!"
Immediately he reacted, twisting and turning wildly in the bed! Seeing this in distress, Nozomi grabbed his out reaching hand as he writhed about! Doing this she spoke to him saying, "Kagi! Please calm down! It's okay! You're safe! You're-!?"
"Urgh!?"
But it was no use! It looked like that words were just not going to be enough! Knowing this, she tried to still the struggling boy as she held onto his body, struggling to stop him writhing! As she did this she couldn't help but say harder desperately, "Please calm down! It's okay! Believe me it is! So-!?"
"Urgh...Urgh! Ah...!" Shivering badly as he heard this being said, the young boy was clearly in deep distress. However as Nozomi held him and continued to whisper to him gently with comforting words, saying, "It's okay... it's alright...it's alright..." gradually as she repeated this over and over... he finally stilled and became calmer.
As he did this, Nozomi was quiet herself as she held herself still for some moments... however after a few moments she felt herself also calm down. As she did so, she finally slowly lifted herself off of Kagi and doing so, she couldn't help but say, "Thank goodness... thank goodness."
Then as she did this, the female keyblader stood herself up finally and properly and as she did so, sighing she couldn't help but say, "Man... I've never heard someone cry out so sadly like that before, I mean it was-!
However quickly in seconds, the female keyblader stopped dead in her tracks! For there looking down, she saw something she nearly felt she would never see. Kagi... had opened his eyes! Though only by a faction, she saw the blue of his irises and as she did so, dumbstruck she heard him tiredly ask, "Who... are you?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile back outside, the interrogations were about to begin. Volg walking over to his group, felt conflicted about he was doing... for it felt like a betrayal. But he also knew that he couldn't allow his accomplices to be controlled by Bebuzzu's power any longer.
"Okay! I think it's time to get tough!" Musashi spoke, for then approaching the villain's he told them, cracking his knuckles, "Cause I got a lot of bones to pick with you guys! For makin' me go against my own pals!"
Nodding, Snow agreed as he said, "Yeah and for turnin' myself, Leon and Yuffie into power sources!"
Leon seeing the anger that was in their eyes, sighed. Then walking over he decided to say, "Alright guys, I know you've all got grievances, but that'll have to wait!" For then standing over the villain's he couldn't help but say, "Because we've got something more important to fix."
Stepping forwards, Mickey then agreed and said, "That's right, the Radiant Gardens!"
Then hearing the king say these words, Hope stepped forwards and said, "Yeah, and they might know the locations of Lightning and Vincent."
"And my dad!" Dajh spoke up as he stood with the white haired boomerang wielding young man.
"Exactly," Leon agreed and with that, looking to the villain's he told them, "Now... I think it's time you guys quit with the quiet act and start talking about what you know."
…
However again all that came was nothing but silence. It seemed that they still didn't want to speak.
Looking on, the others in the background could see that this was going to take a long while. But Oralee along with Shirma were worried for Nozomi. For inside the room behind them had gone deadly quiet and she hadn't come out for a while and there was something in the atmosphere that was making them feel uneasy...
Looking to each other, they nodded to each other. They could both see that each of them was feeling the same concern as the other. As they did so, the blonde haired girl turned to her friend and said, "Serah, we're going to go and check on Nozomi and Kagi for a little while, alright?"
"I am too, alright Alania?" Shirma added as she looked to her adopted older sister.
Hearing this being said, the pink haired girl looking to the girls could guess at their worry and so replied, "Okay, you both do that I don't think anything else is going to happening here for a while." With that she turned her eyes back to look at the interrogation that was just beginning.
"Yeah, you guys take your time!" Then as she said those words, she decided to add, "If you need anymore of us, just give us a yell!"
Revealing a small smile, Oralee then moved and in turn Shirma nodded to her sister's words. Then together the two of them went up to the door that led into Kagi's room.
Volg in the meantime, looking to his accomplices then asked again, "Lady Irma, please. Will you not speak?" … Again though, there came no reply. Seeing this, saddened him greatly. Then knowing what the reason might be, he decided to say, "I know you will probably never forgive me for my betrayal of you... and you don't have to." However then moving his feathers onto his lady's hands, he spoke again, "But please you must speak! We must end this madness!"
Then as this was said, a voice responded, "End this?"
Shocked though, Volg heard along with the others who were listening that this was not the feminine voice of Irma. It was a haunting jovial male voice! Oralee and Shirma though unaware of this had reached the door and as they did so, the blonde haired princess went to open the door. But just as she did so-!
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nozomi still dumbstruck couldn't believe what she was seeing and hearing! Looking at Kagi as he gazed up to her, she asked, "You...you're awake?! You can see me!?"
Hearing this being said, the green haired boy then responded tiredly with confusion, "...Yes?"
Her heart racing, Nozomi knew this was something she couldn't keep to herself! "Oh man!" So quickly she told him, gently but quickly lowering down his arm and hand. She went on to quickly say, "Okay! Just hang on there Kagi! I'll be right back!" With that she ran towards the door!
Doing this, she started to cry out loudly, "Guys! Guys you won't believe it! Kagi is-!?"
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Immediately in seconds, hearing this shout of laughter. Nozomi struck by shock uttered, "Huh? What-!?" Then as she did this-!?
"AGH!"
She was suddenly knocked into the wall! Aching she cried out, "Ow! The heck is-!?"
Then suddenly all at once, the door that had swung open quickly closed again and locked itself with a click! Seeing this happen, she immediately got up and went panicked towards the opening and tried to twist it open with both hands! However nothing occurred, seeing this worried she cried out, "Hey! What's happening here-!? What's-!?"
"Nozomi!?"
Then suddenly from beyond the walls of the room, the female keyblader heard a voice she knew only too well! Quickly she responded to it, "Riku!? What's happening here!? What's-!?"
"You gotta look out!"
Baffled as she heard this, she then uttered, "Huh?"
"It's a trap!"
"PHWEE! PHOO! PHWEE! PHOO!"
DRUM! DRUM! DRUM! DRUM! DRUM!
SNAP!
"Whoa!?" She was quickly thrown back again and there to her disbelief she saw four transparent figures green coloured emerged! But in seconds before she was given time to think, they passed straight through her and-
"Hey fella's this looks like the chump right!?" Hearing this voice, Nozomi turned and there to her horror she saw that the group of transparent figures surrounded themselves around Kagi's bed!
As she did so, she then heard another figure amongst them say, "I say yeah! There ain't no one else in here," then looking behind to Nozomi they had to correct their words and say, "Well except that twerp!"
Nozomi hearing all this didn't understand what was going on at all!?
Kagi who was struggling to keep his eyes open, couldn't help but feel the same as he asked, "Who..what is-!?"
"Wah!?"
But he was given no time to speak further as he was lifted up out of the bed! As he was, he was still weakened as one of the figure's said, "Now I'd say it's time to do our special delivery!"
Nodding another of the figure's agreed as they said, "Yeah! Then we're sure ta get-!"
"Wait a minute!?"
Stopping dead in their tracks, the figure's turned in Nozomi's direction. As they did so, Nozomi having got back up onto her feet again then demanded mad, "Just who are you guys!?"
…
Silent as they all heard this, one of the figures then opened their mouths and-!
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Laughed insanely loud with laughter, as they did immediately the rest of the group did so too! Making Nozomi hugely alarmed. Kagi struggling badly with a terrible weakness was just as haunted however he was unable to do anything and-!
"Hey fella's, we never did introduce ourselves did we?" One of the figures asked.
Then as this was said, "Yeah, we didn't!"
With that the shortest figure decided to address the issue, "Well then! I'll just give this girly the low down!" With that looking to Nozomi he informed her, "We little lady are the Lonesome Ghosts!"
Baffled as she heard this, the female keyblader staring on repeated, "Lonesome... Ghosts?"
"That's right sugar!" With that done, the short ghost floated up and hung over his three other pals and said, "And now, it's time we were goin'!" With that-!
"Wah!"
"Whoa!"
Suddenly the ghosts zoomed right by Nozomi as she dived out of their path and immediately they opened the door with some invisible force, carrying Kagi with them!
"Seeya later, lady alligator!" One of the ghosts cried out and with that, they started to tip tap their way out of the room! Seeing this happen, with Kagi weakly struggling Nozomi immediately recovering from her shock cried out, "Hey! Wait!" Then suddenly as she was about to make it over-!
SPLASH!
Suddenly from out of nowhere huge bouts of water came, flooding the entire room pushing the female keyblader back! Panicked as this happened she cried out struggling against the surging waters, "Hey! Agh-!"
However it was too late for the female keyblader to do anything, for then quickly departing out through the door, the ghosts took Kagi and in another second-!
CRASH!
They smashed straight through the front door of the house and the shield guarding it! Carrying their weak helpless cargo with them! As this occurred, the huge floods of water within the room came crashing out!
SPLASH!
"Urgh!"
Then as Nozomi landed on the floor, she was aching and soaked to the bone and in the distance she could hear a loud series of coughing. It was clear that the others had been exposed to the same terror she had and realising this, as she felt a terrible chill throughout her drenched body. All of them really were now in deep, deep trouble!
