In which Sora is reunited with several of his friends...
The resounding rush of the rollercoaster just a way above Sora's head accompanied the conclusion of this most recent battle. Allowing himself to take a breath, the boy's Keyblade vanished in a small cloud of light after one definitive swing, one definitive final explosion of darkness from the Nightmares as he put an end to them, his two Spirit companions landing on the ground next to them after their own finishing attacks. A sea of cheers burst across the surface of his eardrums as the cart raced past his head, Sora grinning as he offered a short, yet hearty wave in their direction, earning him several more of them along with crowing cheers in return. Morgana huffed proudly to herself as she sauntered to Sora's side, Sheppy's steps more nervous, yet still happy to be of service.
"Good job, guys," Sora congratulated, his hands resting casually behind his head. "That's the last of those ones, anyway," he confirmed amongst the small group; a group that, despite him technically having one more Spirit than before compared to when he started...still felt somewhat empty.
Maybe it was because he'd started out this journey with Riku, and then once separated from him had been found by Nemurin. Maybe it was just the not knowing. Maybe it wasn't anything, and maybe his insides just wanted to feel off, but that didn't change the fact that's how it felt. With a small sigh, the boy looked up, a hand having rested over his heart as his friends filled his thought; a common event for him, as you'd probably imagine. Still, he knew that, try as he might, thinking of it now wasn't going to be of much help here; he had to focus on keeping the Nightmares away from these kids (even if he technically wasn't probably that much older than them), away from this place.
Still, something couldn't help but remain...pressing on his mind. You could suppose that it was a...trend, he'd noticed thus far. Or rather, one Nemurin had previously made him notice — the pattern of him going to most worlds went the same way a good majority of the time. He arrived, there was some sort of problem along with the Heartless (or Nightmares, in this instance), he (and whoever accompanied him, usually Donald and Goofy) helped fix the problem, the Keyhole revealed itself, and it was onto the next world he went. But that was the thing; a 'problem', one that usually seemed to have been sticking around before he got there. And even if the Waking World didn't always have that happen, and it did a lot now that he thought about it, the Sleeping Worlds had that happen almost every single time, one way or another.
Joshua and the others had the Reapers' Game and the matter of their partners, and Rhyme had her missing memories. Come to think of it...he sensed that he might be due a return there. Something in his heart...told him they might still need more help, even with the Keyhole he'd unlocked.
Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, that whole city honestly, had the problem of Frollo and his tyranny over the city, not to mention his treatment of Esmeralda and her people.
The Grid had CLU, and that explained itself. Not to mention Tron, and what they did to him...
Just the mention of him made a pang shudder its way into his chest, a heavy weight that clung tight to his heart and didn't let go. Despite his best efforts to smile, to put the image to the back of his mind, to think about what else he could have done in the moment and coming up with little, an unbearable ache rang true inside of him again as he considered it. His fist clenched a little now, as those events played back in rapid succession.
The battle, the struggle, the moment he knew he'd brought his friend back...being sent backwards, seeing him fall, being inches away from pulling him to safety and failing. And then Nemurin disappearing right after...
Sora had failed to notice the crestfallen look that had struck his usually soft and cheerful face, for he soon felt two comforting nudges to both his hands, a Spirit at each one, and it didn't seem like their eyes could get any bigger. Allowing a weak smile to return to his face, he shook off the feeling that had held him to this spot, at least for now.
"S-sorry. I was lost in thought, guys," Sora apologised, almost bashfully. "C'mon. We should probably get back to checking this place out, huh...?" he added.
With that, the boy turned his heel and headed for the path again. He had to admit now, now that he'd actually had at least a few chances to take it in properly, this place was beyond impressive. The path he, Sheppy and Morgana walked along was cobbled, and surrounded by inviting plains of grass, illuminated by the soft pale glow of lamplights that hung overhead. At each and every corner of this place, there was some form of attraction, and each attraction was flowing to the brim with attendees; a large pearly white mansion, with stained-glass windows and high columns, a Ferris wheel that turned and turned eternally, rarely stopping as people climbed inside of the ride, statues that passed out...stuff Sora suspected Nemurin would tell him he was probably too young for, and he couldn't help but suspect she'd be right about, the titan rollercoaster in constant motion just a bit behind him. This place really did seem to be a perfect fun fair...
Almost too perfect, some might say.
His blue eyes scanned the scene for the familiar palettes and visages of Nightmares, but so far, found nothing but the usual wild fun that everyone seemed to be partaking in. Sora couldn't help but wonder as he looked at it, how he'd respond if he'd come to a place like this back when he was still new, back when he'd only just gotten the Keyblade. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd be swept up by the pace of it all...well, if there weren't for the Nightmares (or Heartless, he supposed it would be in this particular train of thought), and it was a thought that...for some reason, gave him a small shiver each time he considered, along with a thick layer of guilt for his distrust. He didn't even know what it was...but he couldn't get rid of that sinking anchor that signalled something wasn't right around here. Still, he had no way of knowing what, at least not yet; so all he could do for now was stick around, and play it by what he saw and what he heard.
Speaking of what he saw and heard, amidst the chorus of boyish shouts and cheers from all corners of the fair, it was then that Sora's eyes spotted a distinctive sight. In the distance, there stood a tower of faded rustic red bricks; it stretched up high, albeit not any taller than the large walls that encased the rainbow-clad area, the top of it surrounded by a circle of battlements that guarded anyone atop it from falling off but held no roof, allowing anyone present on it to look out at the view around them. But that wasn't what sparked Sora's interest, or rather his recognition; it was the person on top of it.
Admittedly, it was hard to see them clearly right away, but the closer he drew, the more he became sure he knew the silhouette of the figure. They were small, and were almost shorter than the battlements, with him almost missing him because of it, and they wore old-fashioned clothes, a simple shirt and overalls, as well as a pointed hat, adorned with a ribbon and feather. As the boy's approach drew quicker, his eyes narrowed a little, before opening up wide again as he confirmed it to himself.
"Wait, I know who that is...!" his voice spoke up, prompting Morgana and Sheppy's heads to turn and look up at him as they continued alongside him. "That's Pinocchio!"
Sheppy and Morgana's gazes moved away from Sora and to each other, their looks almost quizzical now. Recognising this, Sora offered a quick explanation, "He's a friend of mine. From the waking world. Come on!" he said, a certain spirit coming back to him now.
So...was this where Pinocchio had been? Before he and Jiminy ended up in that giant whale...? It didn't hit him until now that he had wondered back then just how you ended up inside of one...and to be honest, he was still asking that question now...! Still...he guessed they'd find out soon...!
Before long, Sora, Morgana and Sheppy had closed the distance between their previous location and the tower, and the trio now stood just a small ways away from the foot of it. Catching his breath after quickening their paces, Sora waved up an arm towards his friend, grinning sunnily, "Hey, Pinocchio!" he called.
Yet, oddly, Pinocchio didn't seem to answer. He didn't even acknowledge him, as if he hadn't heard him at all.
Sora's head tilted, and Morgana's did in unison. Sheppy simply bleated, as if asking, 'huh?' in response. Clearing his throat, now a tad awkward, the boy tried again in earnest, "Hey, Pinocchio...! It's me!" he called again.
But again, Pinocchio just...stood there, unresponsive, like he was frozen to the spot. By now, Sora's blue-eyed gaze had narrowed with uncertainty, the boy letting out an uncertain, "Uh..." as he pondered what to do now. Folding his arms as he thought for a moment or two, Sora decided the best next move would be to see him directly. He didn't really know how Pinocchio might not have heard him, or why he wasn't moving, but chances were high that getting up a bit closer might make it a little clearer.
"You guys wait here, okay?" Sora instructed, gently. Upon seeing Morgana and Sheppy's looks falter, he added in assurance, "If there's any trouble I'll be right back down."
Sprinting over to a nearby light post, a glow of bright magenta pink surrounded Sora's frame as the magic of Flowmotion ran through him again. He took hold of the pole firmly, and his body spun around it, rising quickly upwards and upwards until it reached the globe. It stopped short of it, and then leapt high through the air, wind rushing past his ears as his body moved from the base of the tower, all the way to the top. The brown-haired boy finally landed, his feet brushing a few stray minute stones from the edges, his arms waving around slightly as he regained his balance. With a not-so-graceful drop, Sora hopped down to the floor, his feeling of uncertainty only growing stronger as Pinocchio's back remained turned away from him.
And now that he saw him up closer, he knew right away that something was off; namely about the colours. Sure, it looked just like Pinocchio physically...but the clothes he wore were all wrong! Instead of the warm and friendly yellows, reds and blues that he was usually clad in, his look was now kitted out with sickly greens and purples.
"Hey!" Sora shouted as if to gain its attention.
And gain its attention he did; 'it', because as soon as the face of his friend turned around, it no sooner dispersed to reveal the familiar morphed face of the jester Nightmares. Glaring it down, he said, "I knew something was off...! Only one way to solve this problem..."
Just as his Keyblade had reappeared in his hand however and he readied himself into his usual combative stance, another figure entered his line of sight and a new, yet familiar voice entered his earshot.
"Oh my! That's not Pinocchio at all!"
"Don't worry, Mr Cricket~ I'll deal with it,"
There and then, a girl had made her way up to the peak, and gave the Nightmare a leaping kick in the side, sending it tumbling back down the bottom, where Morgana and Sheppy acted as back-up. The two Dream Eaters quickly moved to action, Morgana smashing her stomach into it, sending it into a stagger as Sheppy bowled into its side. Yet, Sheppy seemed almost preoccupied with the top of the structure, bleating loudly, practically cheering and shouting just as the boys on the rollercoaster did. The new combatant, with Jiminy on her shoulder, leaned over the edge of the battlements and made a loud declaration, one that cemented her identity as she was surrounded by pale blue light.
"Nemurinnnn!~ Beammmmmmm!"
Sora's mouth formed a small 'o' as his eyes took in the figure, before forming a large smile, a gasp that held a blend of both relief and happiness leaving his throat. "Nemu! It's you!" he exclaimed as the Nightmare disappeared. "Oh, Nemu! I'm so glad to see you!"
Only seconds after Nemurin had returned to a standing position, she soon felt herself be pulled into a hug that nearly knocked the air out of her, but in the best way. Sora's arms had swiftly wrapped around the sides of her, pulling her towards him, his face beaming widely as they nearly stumbled from the sudden force, the boy's joyful laughter not failing in its usual ability to bring a smile to one's face, with Nemurin being no exception. The long-haired girl giggled a little to herself, hugging him back gently with one sleeved arm, the other rustling his spiked hair affectionately.
"It's good to see you too, Sora~" Nemurin greeted, her eyes closed in contentment for that moment. "I'm glad you're okay,"
"Of course I am, I was more worried about you...! Not to mention Top Speed too...but after you got hurt like that- I mean, when you and Top Speed disappeared like that back in the Grid, I didn't know what happened to you guys...!" Sora responded back, eyes widened slightly now as he pulled slowly away. "Are...are you two okay?" he asked, almost shakily.
Nemurin rubbed the back of her neck casually, her head tilting a little as her smile remained. "I'm just fine~ I rested up a bit back in the barrier. Top Speed's just fine too. She's retired back for now though," she explained. "Are...you okay? I didn't get to ask before, but..."
Sora let out a sigh of relief upon hearing her reassurance; even if it wasn't one he was entirely sure of, at least where she was concerned. He looked her up and down again, and though she didn't have that injury from before, she still looked somewhat...he didn't want to say weaker, since that probably sounded insulting, but for lack of a better word, it was the only one that was appropriate.
With the certainty he did have, Sora replied, "Y-yeah. I'll be fine...I'm just glad you two made it out okay. Oh! I gotta thank Top Speed sometime for the help back there..." he admitted.
"Don't worry about it, I'm sure you'll get the chance to," Nemurin assured with a small wave of her unseeable hand beneath her billowing sleeve, the other resting assuredly on his shoulder. She could almost hear the witchy Magical Girl watching this now, tipping her hat with a, 'Hey, no problem, kid!' Just then, a spark of remembrance seemed to hit her, and a bashful look crossed her face. "Oh...! I almost forgot...sorry, Jiminy. Mr Cricket, Sora, Sora, Mr Jiminy Cricket~" she introduced the pair.
"Hey, Jiminy! What's up?" Sora greeted, with the casual nature of someone who'd met the person before. That...was something Nemurin was not aware of.
Indeed, it seemed apparently Jiminy wasn't too aware of it either, as he blinked once in puzzlement at the boy's greeting. "You've heard of me...? Well, I'll be..." he said.
Sora's brow furrowed slightly, with it now being his turn to feel confused. "Huh...? Is something wrong, Jiminy? It's me, Sora...!"
And now it was Nemurin's turn to be confused, making that three for three. "Um...I feel like I've missed something," she confessed.
"It would seem ya might have, Nemurin..." Jiminy began, pondering for a moment in thought. "Ya know, I don't think I recognise ya...yet somethin' about ya feels awfully familiar,"
Sora thought, before turning to Nemurin, gesturing for her to lean in, allowing him to whisper. "Oh, wait...! I remember now...the real Jiminy Cricket wasn't trapped in this world...so it's kinda like the dream world's putting him back where he belongs..."
Upon hearing his whispered words, Nemurin nodded in her best attempt at understanding, even though... "I'm...going to act like I have a clue what any of that means.." she decided.
"I'll explain it to you later. Long story," Sora whispered.
"Uh-huh~" Nemurin agreed.
"What is it...?" Jiminy inquired.
"Nothing~ It's nice to meet you, Jiminy!" Sora responded, polite as you could ask for.
"Well, sure!" Jiminy continued, laughing a little to himself. "The feelin's mutual, Sora,"
"So...how did you and Nemu run into each other?" Sora wondered.
After looking at him for a moment, Jiminy chimed in, "You can't fool me, Sora. You're still thinkin' we know each other!" but a sense of good spirit remained in his voice even so. "And I have to say, you've just about got me thinkin' it too!" he remarked. "Now, where was I...oh yes, this place has left me with a terrible feeling! And poor lost Pinocchio wandered in here on my watch," he explained. "It was while tryin' to find Pinoke that I met Nemurin here! I was lookin' for Pinoke, and she said she was lookin' for you! And that led the two of us here...well, not before that awful fox and cat tried to lock us out!"
An alarm bell went off in Sora's head at that, immediate and pressing. "Lock you out?" he repeated.
Nemurin gave a nod and a small tired sigh. "Hmhm...~ They said because I was a girl and 'not the types we're looking for!'" (here, she did a jaunty impersonation of the fox) "That I wasn't welcome...so I kinda snuck in." she sighed once again, and then yawned. "Y'know, neither of us have any luck dealing with that sort of thing, have we...?"
"Not a bit," Sora agreed, vaguely, remembering the world order again. "Anyways, that's...weird. And honestly...I've had a weird feeling about this place too since I got here," he admitted, feeling a weight be lifted as he confessed his previous suspicions.
"Then you've got a good head on your shoulders, Sora...!" Jiminy said, sounding quite relieved. "...Oh, that's right!"
"What is?" Sora questioned, his head tilting a little to the side.
"That's where I musta heard your name, Sora! From my friend, Pinoke!" Jiminy decided, heartily. "Here, let's go find 'im together!"
"Y-yeah...!" the blue-eyed boy agreed, though there was still a question straying across his mind, and Nemurin knew it.
"Say...~ How about we go see Morgana and Sheppy, get Jiminy introduced to them?" Nemurin suggested.
Sora gave a nod as Jiminy hopped atop his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan!" he agreed. "They've missed you, you know," he added, looking at his companion. Jiminy glanced between the pair, noticing the affectionate warmth in their gazes, like that of close friends or family, flowing with relief.
Nemurin gave a sweet smile in reply. "I've missed them too~"
With a hop and a skip (quite literally thanks to Flowmotion, too), the trio had made their way down back to the ground, where Morgana and Sheppy were pacing back and forth as they waited for Sora's return. The catlike Spirit almost seemed to let out a hidden sigh of relief, seeing him in one piece, only to release some rather cheerful meows and barks as she caught sight of the pyjama-clad girl, but even that couldn't be topped by Sheppy's reaction - for the second he spotted Nemurin, he rolled and bowled his way over to her, flying into her chest before licking her face affectionately, bleating loudly in what sounded like a mix of joy and tears.
Feeling the ball of fluff find its way into her arms, Nemurin laughed fondly even as the impact of it knocked her off her feet and onto the ground, hugging Sheppy tightly as a child did their favourite companion or teddy. "I missed you, buddy~" she greeted. "
"Well, I say! Looks like you lot are already good friends," Jiminy remarked.
Nodding, Sora confirmed with a grin, "Yep! We are," he said. "We met some time ago. She's been helping me out a lot lately..." he began to explain, though he decisively left out the whole 'dream world' thing. "We got separated from her for a while, just before we got here. That's why they're so happy to see her! This here," Sora began, picking up Morgana so she could actually meet the cricket in the eyes, flailing her roundish paws a bit in protest. "This here's Morgana, and that one there is Sheppy. Morgana can be a bit...difficult, and Sheppy can be shy, but they're both great,"
"A pleasure to meet the both of you, Morgana, Sheppy!" Jiminy bowed, even tipping his hat to the two Dream Eaters. At this, Morgana puffed up in satisfaction, while Sheppy ducked behind his ears bashfully, only roused again by Nemurin petting his head.
Finally, after Sheppy had begun to slowly roll off from his place on Nemurin's chest, allowing the girl to get to her feet, she approached the group once again, Sheppy sticking so close to her legs you could have sworn he was almost glued there. "So, where do we start?"
Upon hearing her question, Sora folded his arms, his head tilting back and forth slightly, swaying in quiet thought. "Hm..." he considered. "Well...I've namely been looking around this place for any Nightmares. I know it's kinda...well, crazy around here. Chaotic, even, but...I don't want anyone getting hurt,"
It wasn't difficult for Nemurin to notice it, the traces of sadness and guilt that crept into Sora's face as he said that last part. Neither needed to say it, as both knew that the remnants of what happened with Tron were still weighing down on him, even if he wanted to put up a brave face about it at all, even if he didn't want to worry anyone by letting that brave mask slip.
Offering a look of sympathy, Nemurin rested a hand on Sora's shoulder, replying gently, "I know. And you've gone above and beyond to make sure that doesn't happen, I know it from every place we've been together...that's one thing you never sleep on,"
A weak smile crossed Sora's face at that, and a hand took hers and gave it a small, friendly squeeze. "...Thanks, Nemu," he said, gratefully. With a bit more energy now, he continued, "And now you're back, we can keep doing it together!"
Pumping her fists up a bit, Nemurin replied, "Looking forward to it already~ Let's go find Jiminy's friend. That way, we can make sure nothing happens to him, and since we'll still be looking around, we'll be able to catch any signs of trouble too!"
"Alright!" Sora said, now sufficiently pumped up in turn. "Let's go,"
"We're on our way, Pinoke!" Jiminy declared.
With that, the group set off; Sora and Nemurin led the search at the front, with Jiminy seated comfortably atop Sora's shoulder, and their respective Dream Eater companions quickly walking at their sides as they strode off into the reaches of the fun fair. At first, their search led them to the attractions closest to their current position, beginning with the mansion...which was being actively torn to shreds by every other person inside of it.
"Why do I feel like the real Calamity Mary would like this kinda place a bit too much...?" Nemurin pondered aloud to herself, ducking underneath a painfully expensive-looking armchair as it was sent smashing through a stained glass window just some feet in front of her.
"The real Calamity Mary?" Sora questioned, only to be interrupted by the splatter of dish plates scattering out in porcelain pieces across the front lawn. "Ah!" he cried out in slight surprise, just managing to jump back in time to avoid the damage.
"Yeah...there's a one that I ma-" Nemurin began to explain, only to stop mid-sentence, remembering the 'world order' Sora mentioned a few times earlier, and the fact that Jiminy was looking at her now too. "Found. Found to help me out on the job..." she corrected herself. "Point is, the one with me's Beautiful Calamity Mary, and she's as nice as her name, but the other one..."
"Isn't, I'm guessing?" Sora concluded. "Duck!" he shouted, quickly pushing Nemurin's head down so she didn't get skewered by an array of flying knives, which scarred a nearby, once rather ornate column. "Wait, did Calamity Mary...this is gonna sound like a weird question, but did she sound like a cowgirl? Like out of one of those Westerns?"
"Hmhm...she did. Why..?" Nemurin nodded, slowly rising her head, surveying around to check if it was safe to lift her head. "We should probably look elsewhere. I don't see any sign of that kid...do you, Jiminy?"
Jiminy, who was stood on her friend's shoulder with a distinct look of distaste for the scene playing out in front of them, accompanied by folded arms and a tapping foot, answered quickly, "Not one sign at all...! Gracious, the coachman that runs this place honestly allows the boys about here to make right jackamules of themselves!"
"I gotta say, you're definitely not wrong on that one..." Nemurin agreed, slowly. "C'mon, let's try somewhere else, I feel like this place is a bit of a safety hazard..."
"More than a bit," Sora added, as the group pulled away from the building of constant destruction and graffiti, returning to the relatively safer place of the winding paths and light posts. As they continued along, Sora rested a hand on his heart, remembering the distinct, kind voice. "It's just...I think I heard her. The Mary that's with you, Nemurin,"
"You did?" Nemurin wondered.
"Yeah..." Sora said, waiting until Jiminy wasn't listening, instead hanging at the back of Sora's hoodie, using it as a lookout post, the boy working to keep his voice relatively low all the same. "It was just as I was leaving the Grid. I'd unlocked the Keyhole, but I was still...unsure about leaving things the way they were. It just didn't feel right, even if Riku's probably already dealt with some of it, you know...? But then, there, in the darkness...I heard this girl's voice. She told me...she told me to trust myself. Just the same way I trust my friends. She sounded so sure, it made me feel a bit more too,"
Nemurin felt herself smile, hearing his description of the voice. Confident, yet kind. That was Beautiful Calamity Mary for you. "That sounds like my Mary," she confirmed, gently. "I'm glad she was able to help you~ It was because of her I recovered when I did, and she's still watching out for me now~"
"Heh...looks like that's two of your friends I need to thank now, huh?" Sora commented, offering a lighthearted smile.
Nemurin giggled a bit. "When this is over with, I'll let you meet them yourself. I'm sure Beautiful Calamity Mary would like you,"
"And it sounds like I'd like her," Sora agreed.
It was just then, as they made their way to the path though, that Jiminy's eyes went as wide as saucers, his tiny finger pointing to another area of the island. "It's Pinoke! Look there, look there!"
Quickly, Sora and Nemurin turned themselves around at the mention of Pinocchio's name; one that was well-warranted, as disappearing down a long-cobbled path, surrounded by small, yet lush green hills, was the one they were looking for, running down the path and off to an unknown landmark.
"Hey, Pinocchio, wait!" Sora cried out, but his shout was ignored or unheard, as by the time he had called out to him, he had disappeared out of sight.
"Come on! Let's catch up to him...!" Nemurin said, taking Sora's hand into hers as she led the way forward.
And then, with a determined nod, Sora answered.
"Right! Let's go!"
A/N: Guess who's back, back again! I'm back, tell your friends, hehe. Jokes aside, sorry for the delayed update again, folks! I was sick with the flu last week and my mind was full of fog, meaning trying to write or update either of my fics to my usual standard just...wasn't happening. Still, I'm back again and this chapter was a lot of fun to write, largely because I'm happy to have Sora and Nemurin working together again! Five chapters might not feel like a long time, but writing-wise it definitely can be~ I hope y'all enjoyed their little reunion, it's another part that's going down in the list of scenes I loved writing.
And now, for the mandatory plot anecdote; Sophia loses her shit for a moment because of a single line of dialogue! So, while rewatching clips of Prankster's Paradise on Sora's side, I rewatched that scene where Jiminy and Pinocchio are talking while the boy's stuck in a cage (I don't know how he got there, since Stromboli doesn't seem to exist, nor do I know why you'd just have a cage hanging about outside somewhere, but I digress), and Pinocchio mentions a 'fella in the black clothes' who told him to 'play a trick on Sora'. Now...I'd honestly forgotten this line in full at first, but upon rewatching it took my attention.
So I scoured for any further explanations or moments where it came up and...nothing. Nada. Jack diddly squat. I mean, hell, despite the KHWiki saying that Young Xehanort told Pinocchio to do this (though I have to say the idea of his monotone ass telling someone to play a prank on anyone is vaguely hilarious just for the absurdity of it), the fucker doesn't even mention it. He doesn't actually speak during the encounter later, Xemnas does all the talking and he doesn't bring anything about it up either, so we're cutting it and keeping the conflict to the coachman and the inevitable reveal of his screwy operation. I'm rambling a bit now, but I just...my hands are full enough trying to toe the line of adaptation while keeping things interesting without dealing with loose plot threads that don't seem to go anywhere, y'know?
Now then, onto reviews and shout-outs! Starting off, thanks to Theninzman111 for the favourite and follow, both to me and to my story! It means a lot to me, and I hope you enjoy this story and my other work!
Now for Tsuuji! Legit I blushed reading your review, it means a lot to me hearing that seeing the story be updated gets you excited! And thank you for your concern, I appreciate it, but don't worry about me. Sometimes I just lose track of myself or lack inspiration, though I try to keep writing/in the zone to avoid it happening too much. ^^ I don't intend on leaving this fic unfinished, as we've gotten this far and I want to see this through! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and seeing Nemurin's return. And aaa, that's fair enough that you've not seen the Black Cauldron. Compared to some of the other Disney movies, it's a lot more obscure and in my opinion, underrated. It's got problems, but I used to watch it a lot as a child so I'm quite fond of it. As for Pinocchio...I'm gonna be honest and say I'm with you, because I'm not really that into it either. I don't dislike it necessarily, it's a classic and what gave us the classic 'When You Wish Upon a Star', but...I don't know. Maybe it's because I didn't watch it as often as some other Disney movies, maybe it's just the plot itself or something else, but I've never really been able to get into it. Now, in regards to Balloon, I love those spells in-game, especially Balloonra. Like I even used it in the final stretch against Xehanort and the Armoured Ventus Nightmare, that's how good those spells are. Your profile picture is lovely too, did you draw it yourself? Regardless, it looks great! ^^ Good luck with your university classes too, make sure you're taking care of yourself (and that goes for all my readers!). And I'm sure I'll enjoy your story!
With all that said, thanks as always for reading, and I'll see you all in the next chapter!