Chapter CCXXXII: The Fun, Frolics And The Glorious Tournament

"Here you are everyone!"

With those words given, laid out immediately before everyone upon their table was the tea set meal they'd ordered a little white ago.

"Wow!"

Sora and Nozomi's eye lit up like blazing excited stars at the sight of the delicious meal they'd been given. They were practically salivating in unison! Their comrades looking on couldn't help but stare at them awkwardly, especially Riku as he commented, "Geez, with the way you guys are acting it's like you've never been fed in your lives!"

Donald hearing this sitting near the white haired keyblader couldn't help but agree as he said, "Yeah you said it!"

The one who'd given them their food, Oralee who was currently dressed in her pink maid attire then informed them smiling with amusement, "Well I hope you all can enjoy this all the same, after all without your efforts we wouldn't be standing here to do this."

"Right you are yer highness!" Cait sith called out, pumping his gloved fist up into the air. Then looking to his comrades, he told them, "And we're all mighty grateful to be served by yers truly, aren't we lads?"

Goofy hearing this being asked then replied with a cheery tone, "Of course! We're real delighted with all these cakes, cones and trumpets!"

"Scones and crumpets!" Donald cried out immediately doing his usual correcting.

"Yeah that too!" Goofy replied, chuckling away.

It was clear that Donald was exasperated as he put a hand to his forehead. While Mickey laughed glad to see his pals usual bantering again. Then looking to maid attired princess he told her, "Thanks again Oralee, your service is always the best."
Nozomi hearing this broke out of her hungry trance and looking to her friend she piped up and replied joyfully, "Yeah! Thanks a bunch again, Oralee!"

Nodding as this was said, the blonde haired princess replied, "It's no trouble at all."

Then as this was said, Nozomi decided to ask her, "Do you have much longer to serve here?"

As this was asked of her, Oralee then answered, "I'll have to work here until nightfall, but I'll be free before the parade begins so I will definitely see you all then."

Pleased to hear this, Kairi told her, "Well we'll be glad to see you then!" On another note she decided to add, "It'll be nice to get to know another princess."

Hearing this comment, Nozomi stared at Kairi who continued to smile then looking to Riku who had begun drinking his tea beside her. She couldn't help but feel depressed inside again as her heart throbbed with that familiar uncomfortable dull pain...

"Indeed!" Oralee replied, but before she could say another word-!

"Oralee!"

Turning around the pink clad maid saw that one of the penguin waiters called out to her, "We need help with the serving! Could you give us some help here?"
"Oh yes of course!" The princess replied hurriedly, with that turning around to the others again she apologised as she told them, "Sorry everyone but I have to go now! Eat heartily!" With that she ran off to return to her work.

Seeing her go, Nozomi forgetting her pain briefly felt a little bad for Oralee as she then said, "I hope she doesn't feel too tired at the end of her shift." For looking around and seeing the various amounts of people waiting to be served with their freebie tickets at hand, she knew it would be tough with the merry go round cafe being so popular for its central attraction and delicious food.

Hearing her say this, it was then that Mickey agreed as he said, "Yeah I feel a little bad too, with her having to work so hard in this time of celebration, " however not wanting the conversation to turn downbeat, he added, "But I'm sure she'll be fine at the end of the day! Oralee's a strong person after all and she's got Serah by her side too, she'll be fine!"

Cait sith having been silent throughout this conversation was looking towards his highness. Seeing her hurriedly delivering meal after meal with Serah doing the same dressed in her own maid attire. He saw she was doing her best not to be flustered... however seeing her falter slightly from a moment of unbalance. He decided on something, "Alright time to be doin' me duty!"

"Huh?" Puzzled Nozomi was about to question this statement when-!

"Hup!"

JUMP!

Suddenly the crowned cat launched himself from Nozomi's head and had landed on the bricked floor of the square. Seeing him do this, the female keyblader and her comrades was puzzled but then Cait sith called back, "Have fun with this carnival lads! I'm gonna be helpin' out me princess!"

Surprised to hear this, Jiminy on Sora's shoulder cried out, "But Cait sith what about more of those stories you promised me! You said we-!"

"Ya'll have to take a rain check on that promise lad!" With that the crowned cat began to run and as he did, he added, "I'll tell you all when I got time later! See ya then!"

"Wait!" Jiminy cried out! But it was too late as hurriedly the black and white cat vanished into the cafe space to help his princess out.

Depressed himself now seeing this, Jiminy then couldn't help but say, "Oh, this is disappointing... I hadn't even begun properly to know everything yet."

Riku finishing another sip of his tea and beginning to eat a slice of cake told Jiminy, "There's no helping it Jiminy, once Oralee enter the picture he goes all out just to assist and save her."
Smiling as she heard this, Nozomi then replied, "That's true!"

Sora hearing this then finally said, "Yeah I can totally relate! Everyone goes full out when it comes to the people they really care about, huh?"

As he finished this statement with his usual goofy grin, Kairi smiled herself as she replied, "Yeah and you're totally a classic case of it!"

To which everyone laughed loudly, then embarrassed by this. Sora then grabbed the nearest sweet thing to him and started chowing away. In turn everyone else began to dine too, all cheerful and happy.

However unbeknownst to them all, sitting in hiding within his spell of invisibility beside the stall that Hanahime was maintaining, who was selling and giving beautiful flowers to all those who passed. It was Uriax, he was staring at Nozomi as she laughed and joked with the other keybladers. As she did so, he gripped his right fist tightly and doing so he murmured quietly to himself, "It won't be long now..." For the tool he would soon use had already been planted...

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"Whoo..."

Patting his belly, feeling fulfilled from all the food and drink he had. Sora then couldn't help but grin and say, "Man that really hit the spot!"

"I'd be terrified if it didn't!" Riku responded, still in disbelief at seeing his friend being a gluten.

Nozomi smiled as did Kairi, then as they started walking away from their table the princess of heart decided to ask, "So? Where do you think we should go now? There's still so much to explore and-?"

"Whoa!"

CRASH!

Shocked at this loud burst of ear crashing shattering, everyone turned and looked on dumbstruck at what they now saw. For there lying on the floor surrounded by countless shards of broken messy plates it was none other than Irma. Now dressed in a maid's outfit too, it was clear that Scrooge had already put her straight to work.

"Urgh..." getting up from her pained position, it was clear that Irma was not in a good mood as she then cried out in frustration, "Why am I the only girl who has to be on clean up duty!?"

No one said a word to this, but one of the other penguin waiters walking over then told her, "Because you caused a huge mess to begin with and now again!" It was clear that the the penguin was fed up. Then with annoyed look her added, "And once again I have to call upon the support!" As he moved his wings up and-!

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Immediately on cue, three figures emerged! Dressed in little waiter costumes, it was none other than Greeble, Peekaboo and Volg who quickly went to attend and help their fallen mistress.

Arriving before the penguin who called them, he said, "Now clean up this mess ASAP! We have a back log of orders to deliver and customers to entertain! Now hop to it!"

Nodding quickly at the instruction the chocobo's all quickly got to work. Hurriedly picking up the broken shards, Greeble couldn't help but ask, "Are ya alright lady Irma!? Are ya-!?"

"Owww!" Immediately distracted, Greeble turned and saw that Peekaboo had cut his pink wing upon one of the sharp shards...again. The pink chubby bird was nearly covered head to foot in band aids and he was clearly upset as he cried out, "A boo boo! I got another boo boo again!"

Volg seeing this couldn't help but sigh at this familiar sight, but acting quickly he took out a particular item from his pocket. This was quickly revealed to be another bigger big bandaid, which was placed upon Peekaboo's wing along with the various others he had already acquired. Doing this act he told him, "There! Now enough of this fussing, get going and clean!"

Peekaboo sniffled slightly grateful for the help, but quickly nodding he did as he was commanded. The troupe of chocobo's all worked together and were making good progress in cleaning up the hideous mess that had been created.

Quiet as she saw her chocobo's work so hurriedly, Irma was quiet. However feeling his mistress's eyes on him, Volg then told her, "Don't worry my lady, we'll be done soon."

As this was said to her Irma was quiet as she stared at Volg, however in another moment she turned her face away. As she did so, she told him, "Fine! Just hurry it up! Women of my calibre should never be kept waiting!"

Volg nodded to this command, and was about to turn and start working again when-!

"And thanks... for all the help you're all doing."

Surprised immediately Volg turned and looked, there he saw that Irma with her face turned away was blushing slightly red. It was clear she was too embarrassed to turn and thank them all properly.

However this filled Volg with great happiness, so smiling himself he made another small nod and answered simply, "Very well." With that he carried on with his work.

"Honestly!" Irma grumbled, however as she did this... she felt eyes on her. Looking in the direction she felt they were coming from she then saw it was the keybladers. All of them gazing on with mocking smirks and smiles on their faces! Outraged immediately she cried out mad, "Hey! Hit the road! We're not some circus performance for you losers to gloat at!"

"Could have fooled me!" Riku told the red haired witch.

"I was thinking more of a comedy sketch and it's clear who's the main lead, huh?" Nozomi added, enjoying putting the foolish sorceress in her place.

Irma was clearly not pleased and immediately cried out, "Just get lost! I'll get back at you twerps one day! Just you wait!"

Mickey hearing this couldn't help but say, "I doubt that somehow with you in that get up," then with that looking to the others he told them, "Okay! Well c'mon fella's let amscray, we've been here long enough... we need to let them get on with their work."

The rest of the keybladers had no reason to refuse the king's wishes and with that they were on their way to see what else the wondrous carnival had in store for them.

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"WWWHHHOOOAAA!"

Together the heroes had begun riding on the fun rides that had been prepared for the carnival! At that moment, they were on a big spinning machine! Holding on tightly to the safety bars, Mickey then couldn't help but cry out, "Well now we know what Cid was working on while we were busy!"

Turning Riku was about to answer back, but-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Quickly they were all carried on back up high into the air again! There was no time to talk as the adrenaline rush came with the screams of excitement! This ride was only the first of many though that they all tried as they went on all the contraptions that Cid had set up for them all...

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"Come back now you hear!?"

"Neigh!"

Looking on, Nozomi was perplexed as Alania before them was running around trying to get another one of the mischievous unicorns under control. This one was purposely striking people with it's lightning powers making them panic and flinch. Alania wasn't one for allowing this kind of torment!

Running it into a corner, she cried out mad, "Now I've got ya!" However in another moment-!

"Neigh!"

ZZZAAAPPP!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Alania got zapped herself and quickly the unicorn made a swift getaway! Seeing what had happened to he adoptive sister, Shirma cried out worried, "Alania!?" With that she went to heal her with her magic.

Smiling awkwardly as she saw this, Nozomi couldn't help but comment, "Wow... they got it rough." But then turning, she saw one who wanted her attention the most as he flew up to her. Quickly in turn smiling she began stroking a familiar mane of white hair she knew so well. It was none other than that of the small winged pegasus Peter, who was delighted to see her after so long.

Gazing down at the black and white pegasus Nozomi then told him full of relief, "I'm so glad you're safe Peter, I would have hated it if Bebuzzu had gobbled you up!"

Peter hearing this nodded in agreement, then fluttering up he licked her left cheek. Instantly Nozomi giggled crying out, "Hey that tickles! Peter cut it out!" However the small pegasus persisted pleased at the reaction he was getting from her.

Seeing that Nozomi was pleased as he stroked the horn of a blue triceratops that was before him. Riku smiled, then looking around he saw what the others were all up to. To the side of him, he saw that Kairi was busy speaking now to Shirma who had finished healing Alania. The white mage was explaining about the magic of the place as countless little fairies danced and fluttered in between their open hands and fingers, while Alania still continued her chase of the mischievous unicorn behind them. Then looking in another direction, he saw that Mickey was speaking again to Donald and Goofy who were baffled by the dancing mushrooms that were surrounding them in a circle. Seeing all this he was quiet, however before he could move to do or say anything-!

"LOOK AT ME!"

Immediately turning his face up as the others did the same, they saw Sora sitting upon the head of a tall green brontosaurus. Then gesturing with a powerful fist pump he cried out for all the world to hear,

"I'M KING OF THE DINOSAURS!"

Seeing him behave like this, Riku couldn't help but comment to himself turning his head to the side with a sigh, "More like king of the morons..." but then-!

"WHOA!"

Shocked Riku turned and looked back up! As he did so-!

"HEY! LET GO OF ME!"

Immediately looking on, everyone saw that Sora was being dragged down to earth by his middle by one particular figure that Nozomi, Riku and Mickey all recognised. It was the living feather quill known to them as-!

"Scriptium!"

There suddenly arriving on the scene, it was none other than-!

"Saria!" Nozomi cried out in surprise! Then as she called out the name of the long curled haired brunette girl who was now running in the direction where Scriptium was, who had wrapped herself tightly around Sora stroking into him, she heard her say, "Please stop this! Ody's been worried about you! You can't just-!" However she didn't get to say another word as-!

"Agh!"

Suddenly Scriptium had rushed straight towards her and had wrapped herself around her too! Nobody could move for a moment seeing this sight. But quickly Nozomi acted herself and ran forwards crying out too, "Scriptium stop that!"

Sora in the meantime still in Scriptium's hold and was being pushed up very closely to Saria who squirmed uncomfortably feeling a foreign touch upon her body. Feeling awkward in the position he was now in, Sora had to ask, "Does this...happen very...often?" Then with a sudden thrust, "Whoa!"

"Yeah, sorry!" Saria exclaimed in apology as Sora's head came to rest somewhere she really didn't want it to! Feeling horribly embarrassed she cried out, "Someone help!"

However neither of them could say a word more, for Scriptium in her excited frenzy took both the keyblader and nobody with her and was floating around in a mischievous frolic as the rest of the heroes chased after them.

Annoyed Nozomi cried out to the living quill, "Scriptium knock it off! Sora and Saria don't like it! Let them go!"

"Exactly!" Mickey cried out, then in another moment he added, "This is no time for foolery!"

However it was clear that Scriptium disagreed greatly as it quickly rounded in on itself, then headed straight towards them all! Everyone baffled quickly tried to come to a hurried halt before they collided with the living instrument and as they did, Riku cried out in alarm, "Hey! What's-!"

SPLOOSH!

Suddenly erupting from Scriptium's mouth was spray of black that created a lake of ink and immediately-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

"WWWHHHOOOAAA!"

"HHHEEEYYY!"

CRASH!

Everyone slipped up into a messy heap upon the floor and each other! Nozomi aching and sticky brought up her hand and as she did so, she saw that the ink was congealing like tarry glue, disgusted she cried out, "Eww! This is so gross!"

However Scriptium released a loud noise that sounded like laughter, as it wiggled Sora and Saria only became even more uncomfortable in each other's forced company! This was not their day at all!

"Guys!" Shirma seeing what had happened immediately rushed in to try and help!

Kairi on the floor within the sticky slop they were all in, unfortunately was stuck underneath Donald and Goofy too, despite the pain she was in she reached her hand out and called out struggling, "Sora!"

Then as his name was spoken, it looked like quickly that Scriptium was going to make another speedy break for it. But-!

ZZZAAAPPP!

Suddenly the living feather was struck with vicious lightning. This grilled it all over before finally...! She collapsed onto the floor and became clearly dizzy from the unexpected attack.

Seeing and feeling this occur as they both escaped the grasp of the mischievous creature, Sora and Saria aching turned over to both see that aiming at them with her hands around the little unicorn she had finally managed to capture. With it's horn aimed at them looking on perplexed. Their rescuer was revealed to be none other than, Alania.

She had an annoyed expression as she then declared, "I don't tolerate trouble! But messing up my sparkling clean summon zone with black ink, is inexcusable!"

Feeling the effects of the lightning still upon his body, Sora then couldn't help but utter, "That's what... you find disagreeable?"

Alania didn't comment to this for at that moment-!

"Scriptium!"

It was then coming onto the scene, it was none other than Odyuex and the rest of the nobodies along with Pence, Hayner and Olette. The blonde spectacled young man seeing what must have transpired had to ask, "What on earth have you done now?"

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WHOOSH!

"Whoa..." Feeling massively relieved at being able to move around properly without the effects of the terrible ink sticking onto her body, Nozomi turned to the person who had assisted her, "Thanks for the refresher spell Shirma, I didn't think I could stand another minute being stuck in that state."

Full of relief herself, the pink haired white mage replied, "I'm just glad I could help," then turning look to behind herself. She saw the blonde haired spectacled Nobody known as Ody apologising profusely to Alania as he bowed his head over and over agin. Feeling a little bad for him somehow she added, "I just never would have imagined things could escalate like that."

Nozomi quiet herself for a moment then replied with a shrug and a smile, "It always does with Scriptium, it's hard to control a weapon that has a will of it's own."

Shirma herself smiled in reply. Then together she and Nozomi walked over to where the others were gathered as they listened on to the apology that Ody was making. "Again and again, I am truly sorry about this!"

Hearing him repeat this for the last few minutes, it was clear Alania was tired of it as she said, "I get it alright geez! You're like a broken record going on and on like that!"

This stopped Ody in his tracks, as he did so he looked to Alania with uncertainty. As this occurred, Meixeng who was close to him, nudged herself over and putting an arm around his shoulders said, "So you're gonna cut my darling baby some slack, huh?"

Immediately blushing red, Ody cried out, "Hey! Meixeng I'm not that to you! Don't say crazy words like that!"

"Oh ho?" Curious to this, the long white haired Nobody leaning close to him then asked, "Then what am I to you sweetheart? After all the time we spent together you-?"

"Mmph!?"

Quickly stopped in her tracks, a long white bandage tied itself around her face which was getting a little too close to Ody's. As it did so, the one holding the other end of this bandage was revealed to be none other than Araxne! Looking on with hostile eyes, she then commented, "That will be enough out of you!" For connected to her other hand was another long bandage that was keeping Scriptium under tight control like a leash, which she was desperately fighting against. As she did so, the dark skinned Nobody continued on to say, "I've already got a mischievous beast on my hands! I don't need a hungry one to deal with as well!"

Meixeng obviously couldn't reply to this and instead only fought against her bonds more. Everyone couldn't help but look on at this sight awkwardly. Alania staring on for a moment, decided to forget these foolish shenanigans and so turning to Ody, she told him, "I can forgive you and...that beast," she said looking to Scriptium who continued to struggle against Araxne, before she looked back to it's owner and finished saying, "If you can clean up that mess!"

With that said everyone looked to the pool of messy black ink that had been created by Scriptium's antics. It was horrible to stare at and even more dreadful to even think of touching it. However Alania clearly didn't care for the disgust of the idea as she went on to say, "And I want it done real quick! It's a hazard to everyone! Human and summon a like!"

Ori who'd been silent up to this point, then looked to the side and complained mad, "Tch! What a pain!"

However, Ody hearing this then responded immediately, "Sure of course! Not a problem!" With that he turned, then in a moment he held his arms aloft and doing so-!

FLASH!

Suddenly in seconds, two Dusks appeared that were Ody's very own creatures known as 'Ink Wizz's.' Shaped liked ink pots with toothy grins on their faces, in moments at Ody's unspoken command, they bowed their bottle necks down and immediately sucked up all the black ink that Scriptium had poured forth before!

Seeing this being done, everyone was astounded! Then in another few seconds after this act was done, in moments the Dusk's vanished leaving the brick floor so clean and crisp that it seemed the ink had never spilled at all! Ody unaware of the amazed expressions that were on everyone's faces lowered his arms down and looking behind himself he then asked, "So? Is that alright now? Is it to your standards?"

Alania her eyes widened at this amazing sight, was broken out of her trance and looking to Ody who looked to her with an anxious curiosity. She was quiet before she finally replied, folding her arms and turning her face to look away recovering the serious attitude she had before, "It's adequate," then there was another pause before finally she said, "Just make sure it never happens again."

Pleased that he'd undone the damage he'd done, Ody smiled gratefully and replied, "Of course!"

Sora who'd been gobsmacked up to that point, finally came to his senses and cried out, "Man that was so cool!" Then making it over to Ody he decided to say to him, "I had no idea a Nobody could do stuff like that!"

Quiet as he heard this praise, all Ody could do was blink. As he did so, he felt a little bashful and so started to say, "Um well? That is I-?"

"That's not all he can do!" It was then making his way over, that Hayner spoke up and walking over, with Olette and Saria behind him, he went on to say, "You should see the way he makes repairs! He can make anything old and rotten brand new! It's awesome!"

Ody hearing this, looking to his friend then decided to say, "That's not true! That's a combination of all our efforts!" For looking to Araxne, he then said, "I mean, Araxne's the one who really makes the repairs with those bandages of hers!" Then looking to Saria he went on to say, "And Saria's incredible with her healing waters! She's the one that makes things shiny and Ori-"

It was then that as his so-called leader stopped upon him, Ori was quiet. However seeing him become so uncertain, he decided to ask suspicious, "And what do I do exactly?"

As this was put to him, it was clear that Ody couldn't think of anything to say. So he said with an awkward laugh, "Um? Well... you manage to put points across?"

Annoyed in seconds hearing this, Ori then decided to ask, "So you're saying I'm useless in the cleanup?"

However, Pence stood quickly in and offering him a handful of popcorn that was within a paper bag he had. He then said, "Hey! You keep the heat off us you know! I mean with Seifer you always manage to ground him, if y'know what I mean?"

Hearing him say this with a cheeky grin on his face. Ori was quiet, however in another moment he grinned as he said, "Yeah I guess so?" Then looking to everyone, he added feeling arrogant, "After all these chumps need a security force of some kind don't they?"

No-one made a comment to this. But Olette smiling and making a small chuckle couldn't help but say, "He never changes!"

Nozomi though looking on was glad that everyone had made up and things were becoming peaceful again. Feeling this way, she decided to turn to Olette and ask her, "So what have you guys been up to since we last saw you all?"

Hearing this question being put to her, Olette then explained, "Well, pretty much I suspect the same as what you guys have been doing," then counting on her fingers she said, "Going on all the rides, trying all the foods, seeing the sights of this place, the usual."

Mickey who was listening to this conversation nodded himself and as he did so, he looked around himself and noticed something, "Hey? Why isn't Raiyana hanging out with you guys?"

As this was put to her, Olette then smiled and said, "Oh? She wanted to explore this place with Noel and Yeul, we're gonna be meeting up with them soon at-!"

"Oh darn it!"

Surprised, everyone turned and they saw again that it was Ori speaking. Mad he realised what was up, "I'm late!"

Puzzled at this, Riku then had to ask, "Late? Late for what?"
However Ori didn't have time to answer him properly and so cried out, "My match! I'm gonna miss my chance to show off!" With that he ran towards the entrance of the Summon Zone.

The others left baffled didn't know at first what to say. However, Saria feeling responsible for her partner then explained, "Um? Ori booked a match with a man we met today called Juan, he's running a tournament ring so-?"

Immediately his ears pricking up hearing this, Sora had to ask, "Did you say a tournament ring?"

Hearing the eagerness in his voice, Saria was surprised but she nodded and replied, "That's right."

Quickly brimming now with more excitement, Sora knew what he wanted and so said, "Great!"

Seeing him act like this, his fellow keybladers were puzzled along with everyone else. But quickly, Donald could see what was up as he said, "Oh darn, he's getting' itchy for a fight again!"

Curious as she heard this, Nozomi asked, "Again?"

Nodding, it was then Goofy told her, "Yep! It may not look like it, but Sora loves a challenge! He can never pass up the opportunity show his stuff."

Quiet as she heard this, Nozomi didn't respond. Instead she smiled, for actually it did seem like something he would do. But before she could dwell on this-!

"Let's go guys!"

With that Sora took off to catch up to Ori, as he did so they were all left dumbfounded. However seeing him go, Riku sighed again and decided to say, "Well you heard him, we better catch up to him before he does something idiotic."

Laughing, Kairi responded, "Good plan!" With that she and him went running. Then feeling compelled the others all began to do the same.

But Nozomi before leaving through the entryway of the Summon Zone called back to Alania and Shirma telling them, "Catch you later guys!"

Seeing them go, both sisters were quiet. However they both smiled to each other, amused by Nozomi's behaviour and that of her friends...

...

"Neigh!"

Still hiding away within his invisibility spell, Uriax was being distracted by a particular winged individual who'd caught him out by his keen sense of smell. It was Peter and sighing as he stroked into him, trying to make him stop, Uriax told him, "I can never get away from you can I?"

"Neigh!"

Came the cheery response from the small black and white pegasus. As it did so, Uriax revealed a small amused smile. However, he couldn't dwell on this small distraction... he still had a mission to do!

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Running past all the crowds that were getting in his way, Ori with his hand on his bow already uttered mad to himself, "Gotta get there! Gotta get there! C'mon hurry up!" For he was nearly at the spot just a little more and-!

"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!"

KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!

Hearing and seeing the loud explosions before him, quickly Ori came to halt! For he was awestruck, just like the big gathering audience that was around him! Then the one that had landed the amazing blows was none other than-!

"Have a nice dream!"

With that landing upon the floor the amazing fighter was revealed to be none other than the expert mariachi dressed gunner, Juan who then winked to his audience.

"WHOO HOO!"

Immediately the loudness of the whooping audience reached everywhere and quickly reached the ears of the hero keybladers and their gathering of friends, who all hurried to make it to where Ori was.

Juan lapping up the attention, grinned widely then as he did so, he opened up his jacket and cried out, "Gracias amigos! Gracias! Here have these delicious bottles of Cerveza de mantequilla for your enjoyment!" With that he threw bottles of the delicious substance to the hands of the eager crowd!

"Urghh...!"

Hearing this sound of grovelling pain behind him, Juan turned and looked. There he saw lying on the floor, it was none other than Gandrake who looked at him with deep irritation, "How dare you...putting me through this! Making me lose purposely!"

Throwing the last of his few bottles away to the crowd, Juan walked up to Gandrake and told him grinning, "It can't be helped amigo! This is your punishment! You gotta keep losin' for making up for all that travesura you put us all through."

Remembering what had been arranged for their sentences, Gandrake couldn't argue that it beat him having to spend his time in a jail cell. But on the other hand his pride as a proud samurai was barely intact with what he was being put through. All he could do was clench his right fist in agitation.

Seeing him do this, Juan had already got used to it and so continued on to say, "Besides! With you here with me, it's the best way to attract customers! Cause who can resist a fight with-!"

"Hey! You the mexican gunner!"

It was then becoming distracted, that Juan turned and saw that one of his customers had finally come along. He smiled as he saw Ori approach and say, "Our match is supposed to be now!" Then brining out his bow with a blazing arrow to go with it, he aimed it before adding, "Bring it on!"

Juan hearing this, then responded pleased, "Con alegría!" With that his pistols were at the ready as he charged in forwards and Ori in turn did exactly the same!

Watching on from some distance some way, Raiyana with Noel by her side and Yeul before her were silent. This match they were watching was indeed a serious fast paced one, Yeul though looking on couldn't help but feel a little sad for Gandrake who dropped down from the stage to heal and recover. Looking on, she couldn't help but say quietly, "I hope he's going to be alright."

"I shouldn't worry your sweet little mind about it," surprised to hear these words, Yeul turned to see that it was none other Balthier who had Fran by his side.

Looking to him, she cried out, "Captain Balthier!"

"He's right y'know Yeul," looking to her other side as her name was called again, it was then Yeul saw it was Timbre who had arrived along with Zidane. The pink haired cat boy looking to her, then decided to say, "That guy had it coming along with that red haired witch friend of his, so if he does feel bad he's only got himself to blame!"

Hearing this being said, Yeul was quiet however still feeling slightly conflicted she replied looking down to the floor, "I suppose so..."

Hearing her say this, amused Zidane and moving over he gave her head a gentle rub saying, "You're really too nice for your own good, Yeul! I bet even the villains would love you!"

Smiling a little at this, all the long blue haired girl could do was blush as she held onto her small deer teddy a little more tightly.

Raiyana was smiling too at this, but looking to Noel's crew he decided to ask, "So have you guys been enjoying the carnival?"

As this question was given, Fran then responded, "It has been amusing, yes." Then looking about herself, she couldn't help but add, "Though compared with everything we have encountered up to this point... it has almost been too surreal, it's as though a real battle is waiting to come at us from around the corner."

Hearing these words, Yeul became a little anxious and looking to Fran she asked, "Really you think that?"
Balthier though looking to his small crew member told her, "My leading lady is simply impatient for her next cue to this drama."

Not understanding this cryptic interpretation, Yeul uttered, "Huh?"

Noel chuckling then told her, "He's just saying Fran's being too tense Yeul, don't mind it so much okay?"

Hearing these words, Yeul was quiet. However despite her uncertainty she decided to believe him and replied, "Alright..."

Noel smiled at this, then looking to the fight that was beginning to wind down. He decided to say, "Hmmm... I wonder what that parade's gonna be like that Snow said he and the Restoration Committee was going to have for us?" However just as he spoke that thought aloud-!

KABOOM!

"WWWHHHOOO!"

The crowd broke out in loud applause as the fight had come to an end! As it did so, there revealed to be the winner... it was none other than-!

"HA HA HA HA HA HA!"

"Urgh..." On the floor, Juan couldn't help but say cringing in pain, "You're a demonio! That's just jugar sucio what you did then!"

Hearing him say this, Ori then responded, "I don't know what you're talking about! I just know I'm the winner!" Then looking out to all the audience, he added in proud glory, "And I know there's not a chump amongst you all that have the gall to take me down!"

Saria hearing him say this, was slightly ashamed as she then uttered to herself, "He's letting the winning go to his head again!"

Riku hearing this couldn't help but say, "Almost reminds me of a certain someone," with that he looked in a particular person's direction.

Sora feeling his turquoise blue eyes on him then said mad, "Hey! I'm not that bad!"

"Yes you are!" Came Donald's reply.

Then as it did so, Sora became even more mad as he said, "Knock it off Donald!"

All that Goofy could do was shrug his shoulders shaking his head, already used to this particular banter.

Ori though not hearing this conflict, looked around and cried out again, "Hey! Who wants to fight! C'mon! Anyone too scared to take on the champ!"

As this was said, Timbre wasn't so keen on this show of arrogance. So he decided, "He's awfully confident," with that taking his long spear from his back he then added, "Let's see how well he does against me."

Seeing his pal go, Zidane then called out, "Just don't get too cocky yourself, Timbre y'hear!"

This response given all that Timbre did was signal he'd got it by a gesturing wave, before he climbed up onto the stage.

Meanwhile, Sora who was continuing to argue madly against Donald was not a match that anyone really wanted to see. Riku sighed putting a hand to his forehead and adding, "This is gonna go on all night at this rate."

"That's true..." Kairi said, feeling a little awkward at seeing this silly show.

Nozomi didn't need to comment how she felt. For it was obvious it was the same as how the others felt. But turning, she noticed who was approaching the stage as she did so, she said, "Timbre's gonna fight?"

As this was said, immediately Sora ceased his fight with Donald and looking to the stage himself cried out, "Hey! I wanted to fight next!" With that he started to plough through the crowd to get through to the other side!

Seeing him go, Nozomi quickly though felt she had to stop him and so followed suite crying out, "Hey Sora! Leave it! C'mon!" But he wouldn't listen and so she had no choice to follow after him, leaving the others baffled at this sudden turn of events!
However quickly in turn, Riku cried out, "Nozomi wait!" With that he chased after too and following closely behind him, came Kairi, Donald, Goofy and Mickey worried for them just as much.

Making it onto the stage, Ori saw his opponent come and as he did, he grinned and asked, "Heh, you think a kitty cat like you stands a chance?"

As this was asked of him, Timbre replied, "Of course, cause don't forget!" With that his spear was at the ready as he added, "All kitty cats have sharp nasty claws!"

"True!" Came Timbre's response. With that he pulled out his bow and one of blazing arrows out at the ready! They were about to engage each other... but then-!

"Hey!"

Turning around in surprise, they saw who had appeared on the stage. It was Sora who then told them, "I wanna fight! I came here first!"

Staring at him, Ody and Timbre both had the same thought as each other, 'Who's this guy?' But before they could dwell on it-!

"Sora!"

There arriving on the stage, there came a face both of them. It was none other than Nozomi who then told him mad, "You can't just come up onto a battle stage when two people are already about to fight! Don't you know what can happen if you-!?"

"Hey! Soot girl!"

Puzzled as she heard this, Nozomi turned and as she did. She saw that Ori was grinning at her, as he did so, she didn't quite like the look in his eye and was perplexed as she then heard him say, "I got a score to settle with you!"

"A score?" She repeated then as she did so, she realised, "What you mean the fight we had back in the coliseum?"

"Bingo!" Came the response and as it did, Ori aimed his arrow at her and as he did so, he added, "I wanna settle it here and now!" With that-!

FLASH!

"Hey!" In seconds, Ori unleashed an arrow on Nozomi that she barely missed in time!

Angered seeing this occur, immediately Sora drew out his keyblade and then sad mad, "That was dangerous! You can't just-!"

"But I have!" Ori announced, with that he added, "The game's on! Double team time," then looking to his right he asked Timbre, "If you wanna it to be?"

Quiet as this was said to him, Timbre was quiet. However in another moment he replied, "It's not in my interest to fight pretty girls..." but, with that he aimed with his own spear at the two keybladers and as he did so, he added, "But since she's got an escort with her then why not? I'd like to test my strength more against a keyblade!"

Nozomi couldn't believe it and complained saying, "Timbre not you too!?"

Sora though could feel what was going on and so said, "Hey, Nozomi?"

Hearing her name being called by him, the female keyblader responded, "Yeah?"

"Looks like we gotta fight double," then grinning he added, "Sorry for you dragging you into this!"

Instantly dismayed, Nozomi then cried out mad, "You're not sorry at all!" Then with that, the two teams began to fight each other and all the audience around were forced to watch on with silent excitement... though it was awkward for the friends of the fighter. No-one could argue, the fight was amusing for them all to watch as the whole day had been and the night ahead... only promised to be more and more fun for them all.