Chapter II: Starting
A groggy feeling filled Ushio as she woke, bright light filling her vision. Above her, an unfamiliar ceiling greeted her. Pushing herself up into a sitting position, she found herself in a room foreign to her. As everything was quiet, she could hear voices outside in the hallway.
"The fact that we're able to even be here in this world shows just how bad this situation is going. Everyone else is doing their best to find whoever planned this. After Ushio wakes ups, we'll have to join them."
"I understand. As dangerous as it is, she'll find and go on her own path."
"I'll wait out here while you check on her. I need to have one last aside with her before I take off."
The door creaked open as Kairi stepped into the room.
"Ushio, you're awake." she said as she walked over to her daughter. "What happened? I found you passed out on the road."
"I heard the commotion outside and I went to check what I was. Then I saw those Heartless things and fought them for a bit before some strange, white haired man in a black coat appeared and then I just passed out."
"Hmm, could that be…" Kairi muttered under her breath.
"Also, where are we? I don't recognize this place." Ushio asked.
"Right now, we're in Traverse Town." Kairi began to explain. "It's another world; one where I once spent some time before. After the attack, Riku found us and we came here to regroup before we head off."
"You're heading off?"
"Yeah. Originally, the plan was for your dad to help out at first while I assisted with you. However, given everything that happened last night, we came up with a new plan. So, just finish resting up and we can lay out the rest."
—
"It seems like there was someone leading the attack last night." Kairi stayed as she leaned against the hallway wall. "Ushio said she came across a white haired man in a black coat."
"It's not much, but at least it's something to go on. Whoever has been lurking in the shadows has been doing a good job at hiding, but with moves this big, they're sure to show themselves more." Riku replied from across the hall.
"It's just…"
"I understand. You're torn and worried. You want to go to Sora, given how much these conflicts have separated you in the past, yet you want to be there for your daughter in a time like this." Riku tried reassuring. "As I said before, go to him. Ushio's path starts here. You know she can handle herself."
"That's true." Kairi nodded. "She's always been headstrong and independent. She really takes after him, huh?"
"Yeah." Riku answered as the pair laughed. "Like father, like daughter."
—
Looking out at the alleyway through the window, Ushio finished her stretches. She felt energized. After the previous night's events, she couldn't just lay around and hold everyone back.
Leaving the room, she journeyed out into the town. The Victorian styled town was a quiet, tranquil place. As she walked through it, Ushio noted just how empty it seemed. Finally arriving in the First District, she spotted the two familiar faces she was looking for.
"Ushio, we were just finishing up our preparations. You look ready." Riku called out.
"I can't just do nothing, but sit around." Ushio said. "Though I suppose I did that enough back home."
"In that case, here." Riku said as he handed Ushio a rectangle device. "As part of our separate journeys, we've prepared two things to aid you. This Gummiphone will let us contact you through the worlds. If this new threat pops up, we'll be able to let each other know. In addition, the second, smaller Gummi Ship is yours. Take it and visit the worlds out there. You'll find what you need to complete your training out there."
"Thanks." nodded Ushio.
"I'll finish the last minute preparations and leave the two of you." Riku waved as he left.
"Ushio…" Kairi said, approaching her daughter. "I planned that I'd head off and meet up with your father while you go off, but…I don't know…I'm conflicted…"
"It's okay." Ushio laid her hand on her mother's shoulder. "I'll be fine. You should go. I need to do this to complete my training. And if I ever find myself in over my head, I'll contact you. Besides, I remember the stories you guys told me and how they'd always separate you and dad. Now's your chance to meet up and be with him. Who knows what'll happen if you wait."
"Yeah, you're right." Kairi answered. "Sora's going to be surprised to see me this soon."
"Heh, I just wish I could see the look on his face." Ushio giggled. Sensing the mood, Kairi joined in as the mother/daughter pair had a good laugh.
"Okay, everything's ready." Riku stated, walking over.
"Alright." Kairi called out before turning to Ushio one last time. "Just please, stay safe."
"I will." Ushio said, giving one last hug.
—
"Alright, where to?" Ushio muttered to herself. Floating in the Ocean Between in her Gummi Ship, she pondered where her journey would begin. "Hmmm. I guess I can't just stay here forever."
As she continued to think, words flooded back into her mind.
"Stay true to your heart."
Clenching her fist in determine, Ushio knew what her plan of action was.
"Alright, I'll follow my instincts. I'm bound to reach a new land eventually."
