Chapter CCXXXX: The Fragmented Revelations Final Part

Watching on, Maleficent smiled with clear delight as she saw that Nozomi's unlocking was finally going to take place! As the heartbroken female keyblader stared up to Hari with fear wide eyes, the witch of darkness heard her weapon then say, "Now you end!" With that her keyblade the 'Subtle Scythe,' began to glow vibrantly and just when it had reached it's peak of power-!

SHINE!

"Hari!?"

Calling out to her servant who was quickly thrown back by a sudden unexpected blast, she along with Hari turned to see who had arrived onto the scene.

There with his keyblade poised out before him, Riku emerged from the smoke of his attack which blasted the door open. Looking on with bitter hatred he then informed the cold servant and her mistress, "Not today!"

Hearing his voice, Nozomi turning in his direction uttered out in surprise, "Ri...ku?"

Then as she uttered that one name, suddenly from behind him Mickey along with Sora, Kairi, Donald, Goofy and finally Zidane arrived from the remnants of the door. As they all appeared it was clear that they were all ready for battle as they positioned themselves with their weapons in hand!

As she heard their footsteps herself, Oralee still lying upon the floor slowly turned her head up and seeing them all. A relieved smile came upon her face, despite her aching pain, she uttered, "They're all alive...thank goodness!"

Annoyed by this fact herself, Maleficent then uttered with pure irritation, "You vermin!"

"HAAA!"

It was then finally appearing on the scene that Cait sith emerged! As he did so, he landed upon Riku's head and pointing to the evil witch along with Hari who had her own weapon poised. He proclaimed, "Don't be callin' us vermin ya green leach! You ain't gonna be stealin' no one's else's power to-!"

However stopping in his rant, it was then that the crowned cat saw that down on the floor near to his shocked comrade, Nozomi. He saw his most precious, "Yer highness!?"

Seeing Oralee was hurt, along with Nozomi's shaken form as well. Mickey knew that they had to act fast! So immediately he proclaimed, "We gotta go help 'em fella's!"

There was no disagreement amongst anyone hearing this, however Zidane turning in one direction saw his sought after pal, "Timbre!?" For there he was still held against one of the pillars in the room and before his feet still sleeping away unknowingly, was Kagi. Seeing this he knew instantly what he needed to do, "Guys I need cover for a rescue!"

Only too happy to oblige, Donald then told him, "You got it buddy!" Then turning to his other pal he told him, "Goofy! We gotta head on over!"

"Okay Donald!" Came the chipper response from the doggy knight.

With that agreed upon Sora then declared, "Alright everyone let's go!" With that he Riku, Mickey and Kairi with Cait sith following all went to save Oralee and Nozomi while the remaining three rushed forward to rescue the unconscious captives!

Seeing them trying to initiate this rescue effort, Maleficent was outraged by this pathetic heroism and demanded, "Hari stop them now!"

With that order decreed, the cold girl unfurled her large metallic wings and responded, "Yes my lady..."

SWOOSH!

In seconds, the weapon controlled by the witch of darkness launched itself forwards to attack her prey! Seeing her coming, it was then that Mickey cried out, "Sora! Riku!"

"Yes your majesty!"

"Yes your majesty!"

With that call given simultaneously, both keybladers launched themselves at her and in another moment-!

CLASH!

They both came into collision with Hari's blade, as they did so grating their powers against her own making sparks fly about. It was then Sora told her, "I'm not gonna let you cut me down again this time!"

Hari only narrowed her eyes at this proclamation and as she did so... she began her secret preparations to unleash her deadly power.

Maleficent herself seeing that Hari had been stilled, immediately moved her staff and-!

CLACK!

With that stabbing her staff into the cold floor, sensing her silent calling. Hordes of Heartless began to appear from swirling portals of darkness that began to litter the floor, she was going to put an end to these meddling keybladers herself!
Running to the floor where their friends were, finally Mickey, Kairi and Cait sith made it to Nozomi and Oralee. Immediately the princess of Heart cradled the princess of Alexandra as Cait sith ran over and asked her, "Yer highness! Are you alright? Yer highness!?"

Hearing his call the blonde haired princess made a little nod, a small smile still on her face. As she did so, she then told him, "I will be...I'm glad you've made it all here."
Nodding herself pleased, Kairi then responded, "As we are!" Then with those words said. She moved herself and said, "Hang on! I'll get a potion for you right now!" With that she went to heal her friend.

"Nozomi!" Finally getting to his comrade himself, the mouse king then asked his friend, "Nozomi you doin' okay?"

As this was asked of her, Nozomi looked at him silently. Still in a state of shock... she couldn't think of anything to say but before she could think to say one audible word.
"That mark!" It was then that Mickey saw the keyhole that had been revealed upon her body, as he did so and he saw the interchanging colours of dark and light blue he asked, "Are you now-?"

It was then though that Nozomi was shaken inside and getting herself up hurriedly, she tried to hide away the horrible keyhole that was upon her being, turning away from him with one of her hands still clasping onto the remain's of her Sakura blossom. Seeing her do this, it was then that Mickey realised he'd acted without thinking. He'd hurt her. He opened his mouth to offer words of apology but-!

BLAST!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Suddenly thrown back near to their position, struck by a blast of viscous red light it was, "Riku!?" "Sora!?"

Hearing their names being called by both Kairi and Mickey, the two keybladers moved to get their aching selves back up, they had to hurry for again Hari was approaching them. Seeing her again, flowing with that horrible scarlet power that seemed to radiate off her Nozomi shivered... she was terrified of!

"Wake up!"

"Urgh...!"

Feeling awful, a single green eye opened itself and as it did so a voice also asked, "Man...! Who said that? And what the heck ran over me? Just what's-!"

"Timbre!"

Awakened quickly by this voice, it was then the pink haired male Sphynx saw that there by his side was, "Zidane?!"

Hearing his pal call his name as he continued to cut away at the ropes that were binding him down, Zidane looking to him for a moment then smiled with slight relief as he told him, "Finally you're back in the game!"

Confused by this statement, it was then that Timbre himself noticed the state he was in! Still stuck to the pillar, he turned and saw that Kagi who'd been down by his feet was now being carried by Goofy while Donald was on standby with his wand knocking away various pesky Heartless that was trying to interfere with their current rescue mission.

Seeing all this he then began to ask, "Just what's going on now? How did you all get here!? Just what's-!"

"Dark Firaga!"

In seconds as this call of power rang forth, it was then Timbre saw in the distance the battle that was still raging forth between Hari, Riku and Sora who had now taken off into the air above! As he spied this, he then saw Mickey who was furiously trying to keep away the Heartless with his keyblade along with Kairi who was doing her best to assist while Oralee stood near to Nozomi, holding her by her shoulders while Cait sith sat upon his princess's shoulder.

As he saw the battle that was unfolding, Zidane then told him, "We've got a lot of trouble on our hands! We need everyone we can to fend these Heartless off!" With those words-!

SLASH!

At last the last remaining ropes that had bound the pink Sphynx were cut away, Timbre taking a step forwards almost tumbled in surprise at being able to move again!

Zidane though told him, "Now c'mon let's get going!" With that he slid his handy knife back into it's scabbard.

Timbre then responded, "Right!" With that he began to run forwards! However as he did-!

"Mmm...!"

Surprised as his cat ears caught this sound he turned to his right and there still lying on the floor unconscious with Pete lying over her. Timbre saw, "Sis!?" With that he ran to her side.

Shocked to hear this, Zidane looked in the same direction himself and as he did he saw his pal's older sister! He then asked, "Jona!? What's she doing here! What-!"

"AAAGGGHHH!"

"Fella's!?"

Suddenly as this scream rang forth and Goofy called out, the monkey tailed young man and male Sphynx could see that their allies in the distance were suffering badly. They needed help fast!

"We have to get goin' now!" With that waving his wand in the air madly, he called again, "We need to hurry!"

Timbre though with his clawed hand upon Jona's own was conflicted. He had to get her out of there! To take her with him! But-!"

GRAB!

"We gotta go!" Zidane told him, then looking down to Jona he felt conflicted himself. For she was their shipmate and an old friend to him too... but there was no time to pull her out from under Pete and they had their hands full with just Kagi being held by Goofy. So he had to settle for a compromise, "We'll save her after this is over!" With that he pulled again and began to drag a reluctant Timbre quickly behind him, as he began to follow Donald along with Goofy who continued to carry Kagi with him, back towards the terrible conflict that was unfolding.

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SLICE!

Looking at the horrible fight that was unfolding above and around them, Cait sith couldn't help but complain, "Darn it! There's just no end to any of these nasties!" For still Riku, Sora and Mickey along with Kairi were doing their utmost to protect him, Oralee and Nozomi.

He was maintaining a protective yellow shield around the three of them, however he'd used so much power that one night... he was reaching his limits. He could feel it, this fight had to end with them being victorious or else-!

He didn't even want to begin to think about the terrifying consequences of that possibility, but he knew one way that the tides could change for them. So he turned and said, "Nozomi c'mon! Get yerself together and wing yer way up there!"

However either not hearing his words, or ignoring them. Nozomi didn't respond to him.

Seeing this angered him and mad he told her, "Lass this is no time to be an Emo! If ya don't do somethin' soon we'll all be-!"

"Hush! Cait sith!"

Silenced at once by his beloved princess, Cait sith was surprised for he didn't expect her to remain so calm at that moment. All he could do was stare on at her as she told him, "This is no time to be harsh... she's been through too much this night."

Quiet as he heard this, all Cait sith could do was utter, "Yer Highness..."

Oralee made a single nod to him, before she turned to Nozomi herself. As she did so, she called for her gently, "Nozomi...?"

Again, the female keyblader didn't respond to her voice. Seeing this though didn't deter Oralee as she again tried, this time asking, "Are you hurting inside?"

To this question there did come a reaction, a slight chill ran through Nozomi's back. As it did so, she clung her hands together more tightly to her chest that were holding onto her pink blossom. As she did this act, she seemed to become more withdrawn.

As she reacted this way, Oralee understood her in moments... She felt alone, being a Vessel. Knowing this, she reached her hand out and gently putting it on her right shoulder she told her, "It's going to be alright, and I understand...I know that pain you're suffering all too well."

"Huh?"

As though a small beam of light was weakly peaking through the clouds of her despair she was trapped within, Nozomi turned in Oralee's direction. As she did so, she stared at her wide eyed and asked her, "You know?"

With a single nod with a small sympathetic smile upon her face, Oralee then told her, "Yes, I'm a Vessel like yourself after all." With that, she moved her other hand and put it upon both of Nozomi's shoulders. As she did so she continued on to say, "You feel fragile, alone... that you could be smashed to pieces by being with another living being."

"...Or destroy them yourself instead," Nozomi uttered, shivering now with her fear and guilt that was clearly the source of her pain.

Hearing this, Oralee was quickly taken by surprise. However quickly remembering what had been exchanged in her fight with Hari... she became saddened herself in her knowledge of what had previously transpired.

Nozomi seeing that she had caused this effect in Oralee, she couldn't lie to herself now. She didn't have any resolve anymore, just the fear... the pain. It was too much as she said, "I'm a horrible existence, I know that now, I killed Wairu, my mother... everyone who comes near me will just-!"

"That's not true!"

Suddenly feeling herself being shaken, Nozomi was stopped from speaking in seconds! As she was, she looked to Oralee with widened eyes as she heard her say, "Nothing that happened is your fault! Don't blame yourself!" Then with a determined look in her revealed single purple eye, the princess of Alexandra went on to say, "And with Wairu! You don't have to lose hope!"

"Huh?" Nozomi uttered puzzled.

It was then Oralee went on to say something more but-!

"Yer Highness!"

Shocked as Cait sith called out, neither of the girls had further time to react for-!

"Kali De Do La Maelstrom!"

SWOOSH!

BLAST!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Suddenly the small group was sent flying by a horrible crimson burning wind that cut straight through the yellow shining shield! The last of it's power not able to keep up with the strength of Hari's power!

In seconds the keybladers too fell, having received the full brunt of the terrible attack. All of them collapsed down to the floor... experiencing searing amounts of pain. Seeing this, the Heartless that Maleficent had summoned began to encroach upon the fallen heroes, all of them ready to devour their helpless hearts!

Seeing their friends now in the terrible situation they were now in, Timbre, Zidane, Donald and Goofy were horribly worried! But frustratingly they were held back by the monsters who were now flooding onto their path! Doing their best to clear a way with fierce determination! Proceeding on with this motivation, Timbre cried out for all the group, "Guys hang on we're coming for ya!" With that he stabbed another Heartless with his spear making it fade to nothingness!

But this served to be of little comfort, for Nozomi hurting horribly tried to pull herself back up again. However, as she stood up upon one knee-!

"Finally..."

Hearing that same terrible cold tone, Nozomi looked up and saw there towering over her. It was none other than her feared enemy, Hari. Shivering terribly as she saw the blade poised over her again, the female keyblader knew she had to move! She had to get away, to-!

GLOW!

However the terrible weapon again ignited with it's power! As it did so, Nozomi could feel it. This was it, it was her end! Her squeezing her eyes shut, she knew she would-!

"Nozomi!"

PULL!

Shocked, Nozomi then felt and saw Oralee pull her away and placed her behind herself! As she did this, the princess looking at Hari told her mad, "You leave her alone! Don't hurt her anymore!"

Amazed to see that she would still help her, even in the pathetic state she was in that moment. Nozomi couldn't help but try and ask, "Oralee, you-?"

Staring on at them both, the emerald green eyed keyblader then decided, "Very well, I will simply take you first instead!" With that she re-aimed and her sights fixed upon the princess of Alexandra!

"Geez louise!" Cait sith shaking his head trying to get rid of the ache that was now affecting his head turned asking, "Just what did that sharp-!" There he saw with alarm that with Hari approaching his princess with the glowing light at the tip of her keyblade aimed firmly at her as she continued her best to try and protect Nozomi!

"Yer highness!"

Oralee hearing this call and before she could react. She saw her beloved friend and guardian come leaping forwards in Hari's direction to stop her! However-!

SLASH!

"AAGGHH!"

In horrible alarm, Oralee cried out, "Cait sith!"

Seeing all this happen, her friends trying so hard to help her yet fall because of her helplessness... Nozomi felt something try to re-kindle inside of herself! Biting against her fear as she gripped her right hand tightly against her overwhelming fear she impulsively stepped forwards and aiming cried out, "Blizzaga!"

"Nozomi!" Oralee cried out in surprise! But before she could ask any questions-!

"Go to him Oralee!" Turning to look at her friend, she could see the princess of Alexandra looked like she wanted to argue but stopping her before this could occur, Nozomi told her, "Go now!" With that she ran forwards to try and buy them all time against her nemesis.

Oralee seeing this knew there was no point of arguing with her, but she was glad some of hr determination had resurfaced. So with a small nod to her, she went straight over to aid Cait sith!

Seeing her pathetic of stopping her, Hari aimed and immediately unleashed another spell, "Fire Blaster!"

BLAST!

Quickly leaping out of the way of this oncoming attack, Nozomi turned and went to strike herself! However suddenly she saw that Hari was coming for her fast with her wings unfurled propelling her forwards, she had to move! To do something! So quickly aiming herself she uttered out the first spell that came to her panicked mind!

"Thundaga!"

ZZZAAAPPP!

However in seconds Hari dodged her and raced straight by, casting her a cold glare before she leaped up and took off high into the air! Confused why she didn't come straight for her, Nozomi didn't have more time to think for-!

"RROOAARR!"

The Heartless came at her! Taking her blade again, she had no choice but to fight them again! However before she could move to attack-!

"Take this!"

SLASH!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Suddenly turning the Heartless to dust, accompanied by some fast shots of magic it was none other than Timbre and Donald who'd come forth! Amazed to see them, Nozomi cried out, "Guys!"

"Hyuck! Hyuck!" Then hearing this odd chuckle, Nozomi saw behind the white wizard duck and pink male Sphynx it was none other than Goofy who'd arrived along with Zidane who was striking away other Heartless who were trying to harm them from behind. Seeing that everyone was well, the doggy knight then said with a smile still holding Kagi in his arms, "Looks like we all made it in the Mick of time!"
"Nick!" Donald cried out in correction.

Nozomi quiet for a second couldn't help but reveal a small smile, however as she did so. Her thoughts quickly centred upon Hari again, she looked for her in the darkness above them all.

Having been saved by Zidane in her attempt to help Cait sith, Oralee currently held the small crowned cat in her arms. As she did so, she was glad to see he wasn't too badly harmed and stroking his furry cheek she whispered gently, "I'm so glad you're alright!"

In that moment though, Nozomi still looking around for Hari in the air above them as Donald assisted the fallen keybladers along with Timbre who had some potions at hand. She wondered to herself nervously, 'Where did she go?' Then as that thought entered her mind-!

FLASH!

She saw something glitter high in the air! As she did so, she realised, "There!" With that she jumped and took off into the air with her wings! She had to stop her! Despite her fear she pushed herself to get her, her blade ready she moved and-!

CLASH!

She struck her blade! However looking on in shock, she saw what was there wasn't the 'Subtle Scythe' confronting her, it was one of the blades that came from Hari's wings! It was floating in the air all by itself, striking into her blade!

Shocked seeing this, Nozomi couldn't help but ask, "This is-!" Then suddenly she noticed something in the corner of her and-!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

There came another sword and swinging herself over to make it dodge her, Nozomi though was helpless against the other sword that was weightlessly strike into her keyblade with full force and as it did so, it kept Nozomi from moving and made her preoccupied with her defence and evasion as this other rogue blade was doing it's best to strike her! They were all unrelenting in their attacks making her unable to do anything! Feeling all these terrible barrages, the female winged keyblader couldn't understand. Why had Hari gone for this approach? Why would she-!

However suddenly another shape rushed past her, feeling it Nozomi turned her head down. She saw it was Hari diving down through the air and looking to where she was now targeting she was horrified and cried out, "Oralee!"

"Huh?" Hearing this shout, the Alexandra princess looked above herself and in that moment-!

SHINE!

A beam of light shot straight from Hari's blade and everyone who was conscious looked on in shock as the attack came straight for Oralee and-!

"Agh!"

Hearing this cry, Cait sith awoke asking, "Urgh! What was-?" However he immediately stopped, for there in horror he saw that his beloved princess, had her face turned skyward. Holding her horrified face in place in that position was a single beam of white light that was piercing through her revealed pink coloured eye, there of which was a keyhole replacing her black pupil and in another moment-!

CLICK!

That horrible sound echoed all around the room! As it did so, Hari seeing her work was done said coldly, "Now you will belong to me."

"HHHAAAGGGHHH!"

Turning at the sound of this explosive upset cry, Hari then saw after feeling her two wing swords come back and rejoin the rest of her primaries. It was Nozomi who now outraged came to strike her down, however moving with cold indifference. Hari stepped aside and Nozomi missing her, was struck hard in her back and then-!

BLAST!

Sent hurtling down to the floor!

"Agh!"

Aching horribly as she impacted the floor, Nozomi shivering from the pain and frustration clenched her right fist whispering bitterly, "Damn it...damn it!" With that turning herself over, hurting everywhere she didn't know what to do! What could she-?

GLOW!

Suddenly distracting her from her thoughts, Nozomi then saw along with Timbre, Donald and Goofy that from Cait sith's chest a glowing yellow light, was spreading forth and illuminating the room! This made the Heartless all back away in moment's in surprise leaving the room still in silence!

Trying to shield her eyes against this radiance, Nozomi asked, "What is-?"

However quickly as this light manifested itself, it quickly transformed into a living being that hurriedly held Oralee in it's arms as she begun to fall forwards and as it did so, a male voice cried out, "Your Highness! Your highness!"

"Mmm...!" Oralee only mumbled painfully in response, her body was shivering against the effects of the unlocking.

"Yer highness please wake up! Please!" Cait sith cried out in unison with the newly formed figure!

Not understanding, Nozomi looking at the man asked herself, "Who is that?"

For looking at him, Nozomi could see that he was an older looking man probably just in his early to mid twenties. He was dressed in a long dark blue gold buttoned long sleeved overcoat that reached down nearly touching his feet, Nozomi could glimpse underneath that he had darkened leather trousers and black boots. He also wore golden coloured armlets and gauntlets that were strapped on both of his arms, on his right side was an old steel medieval styled sword within a red scabbard. Looking on, Nozomi couldn't but think of that man's image matching that of a-!

"My...knight?" It was then Oralee had awakened, unsure if she was dreaming or not she slowly and drowsily reached up to a masculine face she was sure she recognised. Her fingertips met the warmth of his pale cheek and the soft whiskers of the dark beard that surrounded the man's mouth. He had black coloured hair that was combed back and reached down to his neck, to her in that moment he had a fainting resemblance to that of a noble lion.

Feeling her touch, the man cupped her hand with his own gently and as he did so, he told her, "That's right your highness... it's me, your knight Reeve."

Hearing this name Nozomi repeated, "Reeve?"
Oralee gasping had a small smile on her face, she couldn't believe it. The person who'd saved her so long ago as a child was right there, in front of her misty eyes. He was-!

"Agh!"

"Oralee!?" Nozomi cried out, then as she did so... she saw the horrific effects of the unlocking upon her friend's body. She was slowly dissolving away into pink glittering shards.

Seeing what was happening to her, it was then finally overcoming his own sense of shock that arriving quickly over to Reeve, Cait sith and Oralee. It was Timbre who asked hurriedly, "What's happening here!? Who's this Reeve guy and Oralee why's she-!"

"The unlocking mate...it's begun," Cait sith answered.

Hearing these words, Timbre asked in confusion and desperation, "Unlocking? What's that mean!? Does it-!?"

However stopping him dead, he saw that Cait sith as doing something he never thought he'd see. The small crowned cat was crying, he closed eyes was leaking with tears, "...It mean's me highness is finished, she's gonna disappear forever!"

Horrified to hear this, Timbre was dumbfounded. He then said, "There's no way! That's a lie right it's-!" However looking to Nozomi he saw that her head was bowed down, she was crying too and was saying nothing, clutching her hands against the cold floor.

Looking at the female keyblader and even seeing she was in despair, Timbre could see that this was for real. Seeing this he knew then he had to get help! So quickly he tried to turn to the other keybladers and asked, "Guys you have to help us here! Oralee she's-!"

However looking on, he saw that all of them were caught in a trance of some kind. Their eyes lifeless, they didn't respond to his words. Seeing this, he then demanded, "What is this!?" Then turning to his pal, he tried to shake him asking, "Zidane! Why're you acting like this!? What's going on! What's wrong with all of you?!" But there came no answers to his query or movement either... it was as though he'd turned into a hapless doll and in another moment-!

"RROOAARR!"

The Heartless came back into motion and were trying again to attack! Seeing this wide eyed, Timbre then saw he was the only one who could now battle. He immediately moved to intercept the monsters! Quickly using his power, with his right hand his spear came to his hand from the floor and in another moment-!

SLASH!

He cut into a line of the monsters! Stopping them from attacking his friends, however as he proceeded to continue his attacks against the terrible beasts. He looked ahead and saw even Maleficent was caught in the trance as well, she wasn't in control of the Heartless anymore! They were running amok! Frustrated Timbre couldn't help but cry out mad, "Dammit! Why does this have to happen now!?" With that he proceeded to battle on, hating himself for not being there with Oralee in her final moments.

Still holding his precious princess in his hands, with Cait sith beside him. Reeve then told her, "Your highness I'm so sorry! I failed you when you needed us, I-!"

Stopping his words, Oralee placed her right finger on lips and told him, "I'm so glad I found you now and that I finally realised the truth... that you and Cait sith were connected."

With those words given, the crowned cat then uttered, "Your highness?"

Smiling sadly Oralee looking to them both, then said, "I always had a feeling inside that was the case... since the day you came to be with me Cait sith, after he saved me." Then moving her left hand to the crowned cat, he took it gently in both of his gloved paws, trembling terribly.

Feeling him do this, Oralee then went on to say as she turned back to Reeve, "And that's why I always tried my best while growing up in all my learning, so that one day I could be a match who would be worthy for you that you'd be proud of me, I-!"

As she stopped in her words, Reeve saw that the progress of the Unlocking had taken away practically nearly all of Oralee's lower body it was accelerating! Seeing this, Reeve then cried out, "Your highness!?"

"Yer highness!?" Cait sith cried out in horrible distress.

Hearing those words, Nozomi looked up and as she did so she watched the conclusion to the tragic scene that was unfolding, as the pink shards that had maintained Oralee's body floated high up into the air, where they were being gathered together in Hari's right hand.

Feeling her end had come, Oralee looking to her most precious two then uttered gently as tears overflowed from her slowly closing eyes, "I love you both, my knight...and Cait sith, I'm just sorry, I can't..."

GLOW!

Turning as he felt this glowing pink radiance as he continued his battle against the Heartless, Timbre turned and there he saw in horror, Oralee's body had disintegrated entirely away into pink shards and all that was left was a single pink shining Fragment that came to float within Hari's right hand.

Seeing Oralee's life end this way, with Hari looking down at her coldly as the Fragment that had once sustained her friend's life. All Nozomi could do was watch on as the precious treasure was absorbed into the chest of her hated enemy and as it was... quickly in moment's her right green eye, turned pink showing that the princess of Alexandra's power was now hers. Hari could see all, everything that made Nozomi who she was and into the core of her weak being... she could see her very core and fear itself!

Staring on up at her, realising what she had lost then...Nozomi had only one desire, "Take me away...!"

SHINE!

Gazing down, Hari then saw in moments before her mistress could even regain her consciousness and her fellow culprits. A ring of light appeared underneath all the heroes and in another moment as the insignia of 'VII' came in it's centre, all the heroes were spirited away from the castle that was Maleficent's...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Urgh...!"

Feeling cold all over, Riku felt horribly uncomfortable. Aching as he slowly sat himself up, he held his head in hands. As he did so, he couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Why am I so-?"

DRIP! DROP! DRIP! DROP! DRIP!

As this cold wet sensation dripped all over his body, Riku then realised what was happening, "Rain?" Then as he did so, he quickly became startled and looked up and around himself. He saw that he was no longer in Maleficent's castle. Instead he was now on lush green grassy grounds with tall trees standing around him and looking behind himself he saw in the distance a tall odd twisted green coloured roofed tower.

Seeing it Riku had to ask, "This place is-?"

"We've arrived at Yen Sid's Castle."

Those words heard, Riku turned and there he saw that there with a saddened look on his face it was none other than, "Your majesty?"

The king looked sombre as he stared at Mickey, seeing him do this Riku didn't understand why was he staring at him that way? Then as those thoughts occurred to him, he realised, "The others!? What's happened to Nozomi and-!"

"They're all alright Riku, we all made out alive but..." With that looking to the grass, Mickey then said, "But we have had a terrible loss."

"Loss?" Riku repeated, for what he said didn't make any sense. If they were all alive and well, what had been lost? So getting himself he had to ask, "Your majesty? What do you mean by that?"

Mickey was silent for a moment as this was asked of him...however he sighed and then told him, "It would be best if we meet up with the others," with that he began to walk on his way and added turning to look at his comrade for a moment, "Follow me."

Hearing those words, Riku was silent but worried. Quietly he followed after the King to see where the others were all waiting for them...

Walking slowly down a winding path, Riku saw that himself along with the king, the others were waiting in the distance. All of them seemingly as soaked as they both were, however as he approached he noticed one person amongst the group that he'd never seen before, "Who's that?"

The person in question was an older man in a long dark blue overcoat with Cait sith on his right shoulder. Seeing him there, he was about to ask his name when-?

"Do you remember her?"

Distracted from his own thoughts, Riku then saw that Timbre had approached and with a serious expression on his face. Not quite understanding the question that was put to him he asked, "What?"

Again, Timbre repeated his question, "I said do you remember her? Do you a remember our girl, the princess Oralee?"

"Oralee?" Riku repeated... as he thought to himself, this name didn't mean anything to him. Looking at Timbre he had to ask, "Whenever have we had a princess by that name?"
It was clear Timbre was annoyed bitterly by this in seconds, as he was he then asked, "So you too?" With that looking to the rest of everyone else, who looked back at him just as cluelessly and with some clear discomfort he said, "So it's gone full circle... she really has disappeared from everyone's memories."

Quiet as he heard this, Riku didn't know what to say. But before he could say anything-!

"Timbre it's no use."

Riku turned and saw that it was the bearded overcoat man speaking, looking on with serious saddened eyes, he then concluded saying, "Normal beings won't remember... since they are within the thread's of fate, only those outside of it like us will be able to remember those who've fallen."

"Fallen?" Riku asked, still confused.

Mickey who'd been asked the question too had no memory of Oralee either, however he knew from the question's that Timbre had asked. They'd lost an ally, then with Nozomi's reactions... it was clear two Vessels had been lost. The evidence was clear and looking to everyone who was gathered, he had to reveal what what it was that had happened, "Everyone," with that as all their attention was centred on him, the King then said, "Please you must all listen... these are the event that I think have happened," with that he informed everyone about the tragic events that had unfolded and were lost to their memories...

Everyone hearing this information at the truth at what Nozomi was along with Timbre, Reeve, Cait sith and Kagi who was still in Goofy's arms and who'd been lost... everyone was devastated.

Sora couldn't believe it as he asked, "They've really gone? Two people have just... vanished from existence entirely, with no trace left of them whatsoever!"

Nodding all Mickey do was answer, "Yeah, that's right Sora."

Kairi hearing this, not remembering but feeling terrible replied, "That's horrible!" With that holding herself she couldn't help but go on to say, "To just vanish away like that... its too heartbreaking!"

"More so if you know and remember," Timbre uttered.

Turning as he said this, it was clear Timbre was upset as any of them, but it was clear it was affecting him a little more as it was Reeve and Cait sith. With them looking at him, the pink haired Sphynx went on to say, "Seriously, I hate this... how can our existence just rely on these things!" With that gripping his chest he said, "How can someone so beautiful and sweet! How can anyone just forget her! Or anyone for that matter! I hate this! It hurts just to...!" Then reaching his hand to his right side, he smashed it into a trunk that was near to him saying, "Damnnit!"

Seeing him react this way, no-one could imagine how it must feel for him or Reeve and Cait sith. They had no idea what they'd gone through or-!

"Nozomi!" It was then that Riku realised she wasn't there in the circle with them! Looking around himself he asked, "Where is she!? Where's Nozomi!"

It was clear no-one knew, as they looked about themselves. However wasn't certain it would be a good idea to see her there and then, so he began to say, "Riku I think that-!"

"There she is!"

It was then that Sora spoke up and pointing amongst the trees, there to the further point in that world that could be reached, Nozomi was stood with her back to them, over looking the sea of dark blue dismal clouds that lay underneath them. As the clouds above continued to leak with their light drops of rain.

Seeing her there, Riku reacted before he could think and ran straight in her direction crying out, "Nozomi!"

As he went Mickey cried out, "Riku wait!" With that he followed after him! Then in unison the rest of the heroes did the same!

Approaching her quickly, Riku was relieved to see that she was alright. She didn't look harmed, however as he got closer. He could sense something was wrong and as he did, his fast steps slowed until finally, he came to a stand still. At a distance from her being that was eight or so meter's away from her.

Seeing him suddenly come to a stand still, Sora at first didn't understand why he'd done that but as he approached, he felt the same stilling ambiance and came to a halt gradually as well. Along with the others, all he could do was stare on. As he and the others did this, the rain began to fall down harder...

SSWWIISSHH!

Feeling the hard and sharp drop falls of the ice cold rain, Nozomi could sense all the others behind herself. As she did so, her left hand still clenched around the shattered remains of her pink Sakura blossom. Feeling their points piercing into her palm, she then began to speak, "Riku...King Mickey, you knew?"

Hearing this question being put to them both, neither said a word. However just from those few words, her pain could be felt by all.

Nozomi not seeing their expressions though, continued to question, "You knew about my real existence...right from the start didn't you? You knew what I really was all along... isn't that right?" With that turning to look behind herself with a sad smile on her face she asked, "Your majesty?"

Seeing her finally speak to him, the king knew why she had directed this question to him as he looked to Riku for a moment briefly and sadly before he looked back to her and responded, "Yeah, I knew...I could tell that you weren't a normal person, that's why we tried to bring you here at the beginning to Yen Sid's castle here, cause then... you wouldn't be able to fall into the wrong hands."

Expecting this much, Nozomi turned away from him and looking up to the pouring heavens above, she went on to say, "You know... I was really happy, that time when you told me about the keyblade and all your adventures." Feeling herself shake as she remembered her emotions she had the start of her adventures she continued on to say, "I was so happy, because I thought I could finally do something... that I had gained it!"

With those words, she had flashes of all the happy moments of her adventures and some of the more tense memories as she continued on to say, "The strength that my master spoke of and with the keyblade, I could do the same things as you all did! Saving all the worlds, meeting and making so many friends as I helped each world with all its problems, even though it was supposed to be serious... but as long as I could fight and live everything would be alright! No matter what bad stuff came after us I could endure through it and live for that exciting life!"

Then bringing her hands together, they almost looked like they were in prayer with her shattered blossom between in her palms. As she held it, it almost felt like she was holding the very source of her hope in those shaking hands as she went on to say, "Then together we would open the door of light, then I could make it home and be with all my friends and my master!" However realising the futility of it all, she felt herself break as she then said shattering inside with her eyes becoming misty, "But! I know now that will never come true! Because not only am I not human... I'm just a Vessel for-!"

Riku hearing her dearest wishes and dreams, he could feel her hurt, her pain and sorrow. It was overwhelming, he wanted to be the one to tell her that that wish could still come true. That it would all be alright that she would-!

"I'm just!" Then as she said those words, his thoughts came to a standstill as Nozomi turned and there he saw with all the others, that even then that the female keyblader, who was so broken with grief, sorrow and guilt, that she was doing her best to strain her face to smile as her tears fell down her cheeks as the rain continued to pour down. As it did so, Nozomi then blinded by her tears and pain and illuminated by the interchanging small glow of the keyhole upon her body tried to remain bright as she said trying to be light hearted that moment, "You know it's funny, isn't it? Even though I don't exist, even though I'm nothing but a Vessel for a Fragment... a mere Broken Heart, the tears stops won't stop falling down... it's funny isn't it?"

Hearing this, everyone was devastated, it wasn't humorous in the slightest. Sora looking on, tried to speak, to say something to Nozomi. However in that moment-!

SHINE!

He became shocked as his own keyblade came to his right hand and started to glow! The keyhole on Nozomi's body calling out to be unlocked so it's treasure's may be revealed!
Horrified at this as everyone else gasped in shock, Riku ran to him and cried out shoving the keyblade out of it's aiming range, "Sora! What're you doing?!"

Sora responded in as much shock and grief, "I don't know! It just-!"

SPLASH!

It was then turning that the two of them saw that along with the rest, Nozomi fall to the floor. The shards of her pink sakura blossom on the grassy floor lay about her as she held her keyhole doing her best to hide it away as she hunched over crying out loudly to the world with her tears and agony overflowing from her inner most depths, "I'm not real! I'm not a real human! I don't want to be like this! I don't want this!"

With those words cried out, all that everyone could do was stare on silently. No-one could do anything for Nozomi. For nothing they could do would heal the hurt and heartache she was experiencing... none of them could bring back the friends that had been lost to her and forgotten by them.

Then in that moment Sora realised properly for the first time, the weight that the keyblade truly held and as it fell from his cold, numb fingers he knew as it vanished away into a glitter of light. That no matter how many worlds he saved and friends he had made, his legendary weapon could not save everyone...