Chapter CCXXXIV: The Fragmented Revelations Part I

Staring on in utter disbelief, neither of the girls could believe who it was that was staring back at them confused. It was the one person that was supposed to be the leading their friend towards a romantic confession...

Riku couldn't understand what was wrong with Oralee nor Kairi and so after an awkward silent moment entered the atmosphere... he questioned perplexed, "What's wrong with you two? You both look like you've seen a ghost?"

As this question was put to them, it was then that Cait sith complained loudly, "That's three lad! And never mind that! Why're ya here!?"

Becoming further baffled by this statement, Riku then creasing his brow asked, "What do you mean why am I here? I've come to find Nozomi," then looking behind himself in one particular direction he added narrowing his eyes in dislike, "I was held back for a while by one particularly annoying sharp toothed shark."

The one hearing this statement who walked on from behind him, covered in green paint dust was none other than Ori. Hearing himself being referred to by this particular title, it didn't impress him in the slightest as he scowled at Riku with a glare before stomping off to re-join his pals.

Sighing seeing him go, Riku turned back to the girls and crowned cat before he went on to say, "It took me ages to track him down and get him to remove that paint dust he put on me!" However not wanting to dwell on distasteful memories, he decided to get straight to the serious matter that was now at hand, "But anyway, where's Nozomi? I need to talk to her."

As this was said, Kairi overcoming her shock then declared, "She just left with you!"

Freezing as he heard this, Riku had to process what was being said to him as he asked, "Left with me?"

Nodding, Oralee then went on to say, "That's right! Someone who looked and sounded like you led her away to-!"

BLAST!

Suddenly up in the sky, distracting the princesses and keyblader and the others who were all nearby. They all looked above to see an ominous purple blast of power reverberate throughout the sky and spread about everywhere! Then as this occurred-!

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Meanwhile walking down the street hand in hand, Serah was so pleased that everything had finished and that more importantly she was getting to be with her beloved Snow. It had taken them a little longer to pack everything away that had been used in the Carnival. A little longer then they had anticipated, even with Merlin's magic assisting them all.

But now the rest of the ARCS had all spread themselves and Serah with her beloved was heading out to join the festivities and to find her good friend and fellow songstress. As they continued walking forwards together, the pink haired girl couldn't help but ask, "Do you think that Oralee was successful, Snow?"

As this was put to him, the leader of the ARCS smiling then replied, "I've no clue! But knowing her... I have a good feeling she got thing's sorted out," with that squeezing Serah's hand a little more he added, "She's always had miraculous good insight, we just gotta hope for the best right?"

Seeing him smile warmly at her, all Serah needed to do was smile herself in reply and put her head upon his chest. However before she could say anything herself-!

BLAST!

The two lovers turned and saw the purple blast themselves! As they did so, Serah shocked asked, "What was that!?"

Unsure Snow answered, "I don't know? Was that-?"

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Immediately there were loud screams! As there were, quickly both ARCS were on guard! This was no time for hesitation and looking in the direction where the horrific sound had come from, Serah cried out, "Everyone!?"

"Let's go!" With that, Snow ran forwards with Serah following being led by him by their held hands! Running forwards the two of them could hear more sounds-!

ZING! ZING! ZING!

Then as these sounds rung out, Serah didn't know what was causing all this noise! But it couldn't be anything good! For quickly as each odd sound rang out-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

More and more screams came! As they did, it made both her and her dear Snow run faster! They had to help their friends!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Coming closer and closer, Snow balled his right fist tightly. Preparing himself for the fight that was ahead! Then finally making it out of the alley they had been in, the two of them made it onto the scene of devastation! As they did... both of them ground to a halt!

The people who had all gathered were all lying on the bricked floor, unconscious. Also the fire that had lit up everything and spread warmth to those who were present had been put out, all that was left was a spindly whiff of pale smoke that drifted away sadly fading into the air. Putting the entire space into darkness.

But despite this, Snow and Serah could see clearly who was responsible for this devastation. However neither of them could believe it! Her hand by her right side, it glowed faintly with lilac light, throbbing to and throw with power, like a pulsing heart. She was as still as a statue with her back turned to them.

However, neither Snow or Serah said a word. For the shock of what they were seeing hadn't worn off. They should say something, anything! But-!

"Urgh...!"

It was then they saw, that one person hadn't fallen into unconsciousness at all. It was none other than Timbre, lying on the floor cringing from the attack he'd been inflicted with, he gazed up to the person who had launched it and asked, "Or...Oralee...why?"

The person who he was now reaching out to, looked down at him blankly. The light in her eyes was vacant and it was clear she was now in a trance of some kind as she didn't respond verbally or even move to his beckoning hand.

It was at that moment Snow and Serah couldn't just stand and watch anymore! They instantly both took steps to move and started to cry out, "Timbre!" "Oralee!" But then-!

"I can't let you do that I'm afraid!"

Moving both lovers turned to see who had spoken! But-!

BASH! THWACK!

"Urgh!"

"Agh!"

Instantly the two of them were struck from behind and they both immediately fell into unconsciousness, falling painfully to the floor. As they did so, the one seeing this attack being perpetrated was now doubly shocked, for the person standing in front of him was his one and only, "Sis...?"

Hearing this title she hadn't been called by for so long, the female turned and smiling down widely she greeted him, saying, "Hello, Timbre! My sweet little brother!" It was then revealed that the person in question was none other, than the exotic female Sphynx, Jona.

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"AAAGGGHHH!"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Fighting some distance away, Sazh and Juan were busy trying to defend the townsfolk that were fleeing rapidly from the oncoming horror. That was the Heartless! The entire town was crawling with the horrible creatures and they were trying to devour the hearts of any defenceless individual they could get their claws on!

Letting various people pass him, Sazh could feel his son clinging to his leg! As he did so, he could feel him trembling in fear from the horror that was going on. The afro gun slinger couldn't blame his little boy for that, inside he just felt so much frustration! "From havin' a good time in a fiesta to bein' thrown into a mad riot!"

Hearing his father say this, Dajh looked up and then as he did so. He saw a Heartless come flying in to get them from above! Immediately he pointed up crying out, "Dad!"

Turning as he saw the pointed gesture Sazh moved and-!

BANG!

He became astonished for the one who suddenly stepped in and stopped the sneak attack, was none other than his Mariachi pal, Juan! The Mexican gun totter annoyed then said, "Darn these colarse sabandijas!" With that turning his twin pistols in another direction, he couldn't help but ask, "Where are the others!? We can't deal with this just on our own and-!"

"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

With that turning, Juan hearing that beastly cry he knew to be Bahamut and knowing the one who was in charge of it. Looking himself, Sazh finished his sentence off for him, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure Alania, Shirma and Hana can't keep fighting forever either!" With those words said he then had to ask as well, "We just gotta hope that those Restoration guys and those keybladers get to us sooner rather than later!"

"AAAGGGHHH!"

With those words said, quickly more crowds came their way and with them more Heartless! As they did, Juan and Sazh had no more time to talk anymore. They had to fight and keep going, otherwise these people and themselves would all lose their lives!

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"Ho, ho, ho!"

Struggling fast to keep himself conscious, Timbre could hear the tap of his sister's shoes and the disturbing hum in her voice as she approached his position. He squeezed his clawed right hand tight, desperately. For he had to do something! He had to get up or-!

"You seem to be holding up well?"

Hearing her voice again, Timbre turned his head up to look up at her. As he did so, he saw that the orange maned young Sphynx he knew so well was gazing down at him curiously. As she did so, he then heard her go on to say, "I was sure you'd be knocked out cold by my honey's power."

Puzzled as he heard this, he questioned, "Honey's...power?"

Then with a knowing smile, she tapped Oralee's shoulder as she came to stand next to her. As she did so, she informed Timbre, "That's right, my darling..." with that turning to look at Oralee's vacant expression as she held onto a aching slumbering Cait sith who was now in her arms, she went on to say, "He's had this little princess under his power for quite a long time now," with that she waved over to the blossoming ominous lilac flower upon Oralee's right wrist and arm, to prove her point.

Seeing this, realising what had happened to his crush and what had led her to attack him and the others. It angered Timbre greatly and made him grit his teeth as he practically spat out, "That's dirty!"

Chuckling a little in amusement, Jona then replied, "It always is when it comes to conflict," then looking at him fully with her golden eyes... there was silence for a little moment before she became more serious in tone saying, "But it is a relief I'll have to say, to see that you've survived well in this turbulent world."

Still struggling badly, Timbre just couldn't gain enough of his strength to get up! Though he was trying hard, whatever that spell had done to him was sapping away his strength. Making him utterly helpless to his sister's whims!

Jona seeing him do this turned her eyes to Balthier and Fran along with the other members of the crew she knew. Looking at them, she then had to add, "I'd give this former crew of mine a huge thanks," then turning to look at her young sibling she went on to say, "If thing's had not turned into the circumstances they have now."

"What do you mean...now?" Timbre asked her. For he couldn't understand, why would his very own sister work with the party that had attacked him and his crew? Why would she do this? Why-?

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Freezing in fright immediately... came a sight he did NOT want to see in his current condition! For there emerging from various portals of darkness upon the floor were Heartless! All of them gathering over and around the bodies of his fallen friends! Seeing them sway hauntingly with their claws outstretched, he quickly cried out struggling, "N, no! Don't...touch them! Don't-!"

"You don't need to fret."

As this single sentence sounded, breaking his concentration Timbre looked back to his traitorous sister again and as he did so, he saw that she looked on coolly with seriousness all about the scene slowly.

Seeing her do this, Timbre followed her path of sight and saw where she looked, the Heartless backed away slowly and somewhat cautiously. It was clear to him quickly that the monsters were under her control. Though it filled him with relief that his crew and friends wouldn't be hurt, it didn't comfort him knowing that his sister was the one in control.

Jona herself making sure her...servants, were not going to make an undue mess. She looked back to her younger brother again. Doing this, she smiled and told him obviously pleased, "Cause you see! Big sis here is in charge!" With that she pointed her face with both her clawed hands, being wrongly cheery in this dismal situation.

Timbre was quiet in the face of these words. However, he still burned with intense desire... to know the truth, so he asked her, "Jona, tell me... tell me! What's going on here!? What're you going to do with everyone!?"

As this was asked of her, Jona dropping her cheery gesture stared down at her brother quietly before she smiled brightly at him chillingly and began to answer the first of the questions he asked, "Isn't it obvious?" With that she bent down to his level and stroking his pink hair said, "This is a kidnapping!"

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"Huff! Huff! Huff!"

Struggling, Pete was pushing himself to run forwards! For on his heels-!

"Come back here you haggard!"

ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!

"Argh!" Jumping hard, Pete dodged out of the way of some oncoming blasts of power that were being fired at him from none other than, Merlin! Looking back at the aged wizard, the overweight villain was getting fed up! "For an old senior, that Merlin can really keep up the pace!"

The powerful wizard had a tremendous reason to pursue Pete, for in his arms he had got a hold of Kagi who was continuing to slumber away in his arms. Looking down at his captive, Pete couldn't help but comment, "But anyway with you and them other vessels, Maleficent is sure to give us some praise fer a change!" Then thinking of one other who would be waiting for him, it made him smile a little more as he began to add, "And I know that-!"

"Hari!"

Shocked to hear this name, Pete looked down at the green haired boy and as he did so. He saw him grimace as he cried out again, "Hari! Hari! Don't do it! Don't...!"

Hearing him say the name of his accomplice, Pete couldn't believe it! He then uttered, "This kid and Hari-!"

"Now I have you!"

BLAST!

"Yaaaggghhh!" Terrified, Pete was sent hurtling into the air as a powerful spell again was fired at him! As it was, he nearly lost his balance as the floor splintered and cracked everywhere! But turning quickly in the air he landed back on his feet!

Having enough of being made into target practise he cried out, "Alright you asked for it old man!" With that using one arm while he slung Kagi over his left shoulder like baggage, he put his right hand to his lips and-!

"PHWEEE!"

He whistled loudly and in seconds-!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

"RRROOOAAARRRGGG!"

Immediately huge amounts of Heartless came pouring out! Heading straight in Merlin's direction! As they did so, the elderly magician irritated cried out, "Oh darn it all!" With that he moved his wand and-!

ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!

Immediately he began destroying all the Heartless that came into close proximity to him! However with him left having to concentrate on this, gave Pete time and space to escape!
Seeing he had some peace on his side for a little, Pete sighed in relief and with it he proceeded to move forwards, "Phew! Now I just gotta get back to that there meeting place where Jona's at and get out of here with them other treasure carriers!"

However as he sped on, he couldn't help but look down again to Kagi who was now back in both of his arms. As he did so, he was quiet. For he couldn't help but wonder? What past did this kid have with his accomplice? However shaking his head, he knew that these questions he had would have to wait for another time, for he was now pressed for time as he rushed on! But unbeknownst to the overweight villain a particular figure was following his path, as he tailed him from high up in the rooftops!

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The very statement that was given to him filled Timbre with fear as he looked at the person, he once considered to be so beloved to him. As he did so, he had to repeat, "Kid...kidnapping?"

"Exactly!" Jona answered, with that the female Sphynx lifted herself up. As she did so, she then informed him standing up and looking to the stars above, "It's been made aware to me that you and I," with that she looked down at him again and finished, "Are a part of a bigger whole!"

"A bigger whole?" Timbre had to ask, still struggling with his pain and understanding.

"Exactly," Jona answered. Then as she did so, she informed him, "And to make it all come together again, we're gonna need to be gathered up together! You and me...this here princess and cat, Nozomi, the one big guy's carrying, Hari," then holding her arms over her chest, she had to add clearly pleased by this thought, "And finally my dear sweet honey!"

Hearing this one particular word being repeated again, though not understanding exactly all the rest his sister had said. Timbre was quiet before he realised, "Honey again? So I guess you've fallen for some dude right?"

To which as this was asked of her, Jona broke out of her little daydream and as she did so. She looked to Timbre again, as she did so she heard him then continue, "Honestly...you really do have the worst taste when it came to guys! It looks like this time's no better!"

Jona didn't make a single reply to this, however Timbre simply continued as he had to ask her, "So I guess by taking all of us to this guy of yours, you think he'll fall in love with you, huh? Is that it?"

As this was asked of her, Jona then told him, "I have a hope of that, sure!" However with a more serious look in her eyes, she informed him, "But I also don't have a choice, I go soft on any of you here..." then looking around at all the unconscious heroes along with the Heartless that were hovering them, she went on to say, "These servants of mine will kill everyone here and more... also, if I give them what they want, we'll be set free from our fate."

As this was said, Timbre could tell that with the way Jona turned her face away from him... she was telling some truth. However, he knew she was stupid for following along with this folly of a plan! For it was just like the past! When she assumed there was no choice, she would just-!

"Hey!"

Turning, Jona then saw that finally making it upon the scene. It was none other than Pete himself! As he came quickly over carrying Kagi in hand, he cried out again to Jona, "Get a portal ready! We gotta make our exit!"

As this was said, Timbre froze for with that order given it meant-!

"It's about time!"

Smirking, Jona losing her serious face then told Pete as Timbre stared on at him, "I was beginning to think you'd never make it!" With that she turned and aiming her hand-!

SWOOSH!

Immediately a tall portal of darkness emerged! Swirling ominously and horribly, waiting for the couple of villains to enter... with their prey!

Seeing this, Timbre shivered even more so and as he did so-!

"Alley-oop!"

"Whoa!"

Surprising Timbre, quickly he was dragged up and placed upon his sister's shoulder with one arm! As this occurred, the pink haired cat boy was outraged as he cried out, "Ha! Hey!" With that he tried to struggle against his sister's hold complaining, "Let me go! Put me down Jona! I-!"

However turning, ignoring him. The orange maned female Sphynx informed her cohort, "Well let's get out of here Pete, I don't wanna keep my honey waiting!" With that she started walking to the portal.

Hearing her, Pete who'd stopped to recover his breath for a few moments cried out to her, "Don't you be barking me around! I ain't yer slave!" With that he plodded forwards to catch up to her!
Seeing him do this and looking to Oralee, who was following behind her slowly with Cait sith in her hands in her entranced state. Jona was quiet... however it was clear, that though she was doing something so terrible. There was some regret in her eyes, as she looked to her former crew and the still keybladers. As the Heartless hovered over them... she then whispered quietly, "Farewell...guys." With that she proceeded on forwards as Oralee caught up to her and her brother.

Seeing her do this, Timbre looking back at the others and all the Heartless who were hanging over them. He tried desperately to cry out, "Guys!...Guys wake up! Help us! We're all being takin' here! Ya gotta-!"
"Shut yer trap kitty cat!" With those words given to him, Timbre saw that it was none other than Pete who'd told him this! Staring up to the tall villain, he heard him say, "There ain't no-one who's gonna hear ya! Or ever will!" With that looking to all the monsters at his and Jona's disposal, he went on to say, "Cause soon they're gonna be nothin' but Heartless chow!"

With this new horrible information given to him, it was terribly clear what was going to happen to all his friends when they left! They were all going to be-! He couldn't bear to finish that last thought and shouted out with all his might! "NO! SOMEONE HELP US!" Then as this occurred-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

"Agh!"

"Yeow!"

Suddenly, in seconds both Jona and Pete were struck by loud shots! Stopped in seconds by this, falling to their knees in pain they turned to see who had done this! Then to their shock... they saw it was none other than the scarlet clad warrior, Vincent Valentine!

In horror seeing who'd tracked them down, Pete cried out wincing now, "You!?"

However paying no heed to his words, Vincent quickly moved and in another second-!

"RRROOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

He dispatched all the Heartless who were near him as they tried to attack him! It was clear to the villain's that their monsters were no match for his fire power! They had to leave there and then-!

SWOOSH!

He was rushing straight towards them and as he did so-!

"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Again the Heartless tried to attack him! However turning his gun on them-!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

He made swift work of them! The villain's had to leave right then! Getting up with great struggle, Pete still with Kagi in his arms cried out, "Move it! Jona c'mon!" With that he rushed straight through into the portal of darkness disappearing with his prize in hand!
"Hey you tub of lard!" With that she rushed to go straight after him and as she did so wincing I pain, with Timbre on her shoulder. He reached out to Vincent who was getting closer and closer to him! He wanted him to get to them! To save them from-!

However looking on from his position, Vincent who was making it swiftly over! He saw it was too late for him to get to Timbre and Kagi as they vanished into the darkness! However-!

TUG!

"I have you!" He immediately managed to gain hold of one of their unwilling party. He'd clasped onto her with his still human right hand, stopping her in her tracks! As he did this another of the Heartless tried to get him from behind, but-!

SLASH!

He cut it to ribbons with his left golden claw arm! Seeing he'd dispatched the monster, he looked to the princess of Alexandra and asked of her, "Oralee, what is the meaning of this? Why're you-!"

ZING!

Avoiding quickly though, the surge of power that was fired at him from the ominous flower of lilac upon her right arm and wrist. Vincent seeing what was the cause of her zombie like state, moved and taking hold of the horrible blossom. He concentrated his own demonic power upon it with his left clawed arm...and-!

SHATTER!

"Agh!"

He crushed it! Making the spell break and fall away, leaving it's captive to regain their own will.

Oralee gasped aloud as this occurred! Her legs collapsing under her, she shook her head holding it with one free hand asking, "What was I doing? What was-?!" However looking down, she saw a still form in her arms and cried out, "Cait sith!? What's happened!? What's-!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Shocked by the sound of gunfire, she saw to her surprise that it was none other than, "Vincent!?"

The crimson warrior hearing her voice, looked to her from the side and asked, "So? You've regained the use of your mind?"
Oralee baffled had to ask, "What's going on here!? What's-!" Then looking she saw the others all upon the floor unconscious! As she did so, her eyes widened in horror.

Hearing her become silent, Vincent knew she had seen the sight of devastation and so answered her the only thing he knew it could be, "This was a trap, a deceitful underhanded one," then saying that he fired another shot finishing saying, "Clearly!"

BLAST!

With that another Heartless was erased! As it was, Oralee remained silent... as she did so, she repeated, "A trap..." then saying that-!

"You will be my greatest tool!"

Feeling a horrible headache, she had images flash into her head! As they did so... she quickly remembered her kidnapping from the realm of Notre Dame, who'd she'd been brought to and... who'd stolen her memory and placed that mind manipulation spell upon her!

"I will gain all of you and then... the ultimate form will be born and be in my hands!"

As the last of these visions became clear conscious memories in her mind... Oralee realised what had been done to her! The realisation was almost too much! Tears brimming in her eyes, she realised, "I was used to-!"

"Lads!"

Turning, Oralee then saw quickly arriving upon the scene it was none other than Merlin! As he did so and he saw himself what was happening. He quickly entered the fray to help Vincent and his fallen comrades, crying out, "Don't worry, I'll get you all out of this in a jiffy!" With that he pointed his wand out and-!

ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!

He quickly began dispatching the Heartless too! As the battle raged on, it was clear Merlin and Vincent would soon clear the way and save the fallen heroes. Oralee was silent looking on, full of remorse as she looked down to Cait sith who was still in her arms. She turned back to see again the portal of darkness, as she did so she was quiet... for her friends who'd been taken through. She could only pray then, that they were safe and unharmed within the realm that was ruled by none other than the ruler of the Heartless, Maleficent...