Chapter III: A New World

"Wow, what a big city." Ushio said as she walked around the downtown metropolis. "We don't have anything like this back home."

Having journeyed in her ship, Ushio had reached a world at last. Stopping in, she was immediately taken with the sights.

"I guess I have all the time to check this out." However, just as she said those words, she spotted shadow-like creatures begin to rise up nearby. "Great, I just had to jinx it."

Summoning her Keyblade, she quickly rushed over to the creatures. Assuming her fighting stance, the Shadows began to notice her. Slinking forth, they tried to attack her only to receive her key to their body. As the first three disappeared, Ushio spotted two different Heartless take their place. The pair seemed like the Shadows only lengthier and clad in armor.

"Well, that's different." Ushio murmured as she readied herself again.

Swinging her Keyblade, she fell the other Shadows as the two Soldiers approached her. They clawed at her as she rolled away from their attacks. Taking her turn, she slashed at the two several times until they were defeated.

Taking a breather, Ushio spotted more Heartless spawning nearby. However, this new mob left her alone as they marched further into the city.

"Huh? It seems they're headed somewhere. That can't be good. Guess I better follow them and see what's draining them." Ushio said as she ran after the group.

•[Tri-State Area]•

—

Elsewhere in the city, in a tall building, two people were engaged in a conversation.

"I have to say, it's certainly interesting that the machine seems to work." spoke a woman in a black cloak.

"But, of course." said a man in a lab coat. "You're assistance certainly help though. Now, once my Heartless-inator has attracted an army's worth, I'll be able to march on city hall and TAKE OVER THE TRI-STATE AREA!"

"I can't believe I got stuck with this mission." the woman muttered as she facepalmed.

"Hmm, did you say something?" the man said.

"No, nothing." replied the woman. "Anyway, be warned that others may try to stop you."

"Oh, don't worry, I know all about that. I've got plans in case that happens."

"Well, I'm going to head out for now. Just keep using that machine for your plan." the woman stated, opening a Corridor of Darkness. "Just don't waver, or they'll turn on you like that." she muttered.

"Ah, I swear I heard something that time." he called out.

—

"So, this looks to be where they're gathering." Ushio mused as she stared at a huge building. "Doofenshmirtz Evil Inc., huh? That doesn't sound good." Looking upwards, she could spot pulsating waves of energy from a balcony.

Sighing as she noted the Heartless effortlessly ascending the side of the building, she simply entered the front door. Walking across the lobby, 'Out of Order' signs dotted the elevators.

"Whelp, guess I'm taking the stairs."

Climbing flight after flight, Ushio eventually reached the top. Opening the door, she walked into the hallway towards the main door.

"It should be behind this door." Ushio muttered to herself. She threw open the door and rushed in. Before she knew it, a small net fell over her, covering her head to torso. "What the…"

"Looks like you're trapped once ag- Wait, who are you?" spoke a man in lab coat.

"I should say the same." Ushio responded. She grabbed the net and tossed it to the side. "And what's with that?"

"Sorry about that." he said. "My usual intruder is smaller. But I guess I'll tell you, giving my up and coming ruler status. I'm Doctor Heinz Doofenshmirtz, the new ruler of the Tri-State Area."

"Dr. Doofenshmirtz." Ushio mused. "So, you're the one in charge of this building. Just how are you controlling the Heartless?"

"You know about the Heartless?" Doofenshmirtz pondered. "Strange, she mentioned that others didn't know about them, except…wait, you're here to stop me! Well then, I'll show you how by using the full extent of the Heartless-inator against you."

Pulling several levers on the machine nearby, energy waves started pulsating yet again. Before she knew it, minor Heartless began to spawn around Ushio. Jumping to it, Ushio swiftly brought out her Keyblade and went about vanquishing the enemies.

"What a weird thing she's swinging around." Doofenshmirtz muttered.

Slashing two Shadows in front of her, Ushio swung around to dispatch a Soldier lurching at her. The amount and strength of the Heartless provide little match to Ushio. Finally taking down the last one, she stared down the doctor.

"That's all?" she asked.

Suddenly, a noise on the ceiling could be heard. Both of them turned their attention to it as it crashed through. From what Ushio could tell, it seemed like a animal in a hat.

"Perry the Platypus!" Dr. Doofenshmirtz shouted out.

"Huh?" Ushio stood confused.

Perry turned to face Ushio. The greenish, bipedal platypus seemed just confused about the pink clad brunette.

"I know how this seems, Perry the Platypus, but this isn't another new nemesis situation. You see, this girl just appeared and seemed to trying to thwart my plans. She even set off one of my traps for you." Doofenshmirtz explained. With that, Perry took note of the discarded net. "Hey, the Heartless-inator took up most of the budget."

"Wait, am I reading this room right?" Ushio interrupted. "Your normal enemy is a platypus? No offense."

"Well, he's not just a normal platypus. He's a secret agent platypus." he continued to explain.

Wow, these other worlds are just as weird as dad told. Ushio thought to herself.

"Okay then, Perry, guess we're on the same page." Ushio said, still slightly weirded out by the situation. "Seems like we gotta destroy that machine of his."

Eliciting a noise from the secret agent, they turned towards the evil scientist. As they rushed him, a loud rumbling rocked the building. Stopping them in their place, the trio turned their attention to the balcony as a swarm of Shadows swelled forth. The numerous Heartless forming a Demon Tide, they seemed to swirl around outside.

"Aha! I knew the amount of Heartless seemed small from the power output. Now you'll know the full power of Doctor Heinz Doofenshmirtz. Attack!"

Following the command, the swarm flew at the pair. As Ushio blocked them from attack them, the swarm adapted and swing around from the other side as it still pushed forward. Sweeping the two up, it fell over the balcony and deposited the two into freefall.

Deciding to take the lead this time, Perry pulled out a grappling gun and launched it at a nearby building. Lodging itself into it, Perry took the line and wrapped Ushio and himself up enough for it to carry the pair to the ground safely.

Staring up at where they came from, the pair was jolted by a sudden pinging. Perry raised his arm and turned his attention to a communication device.

"Agent P…Come in…ent P." it crackled.

"Huh, you got a little talking device." Ushio leaned over, still finishing getting a grasp on everything.

Pressing a button, an image experiencing interference appeared. It seemed to be an older gentleman, though Ushio couldn't quite make it out fully.

"We need you…come back…base…under attack…strange shadow creatures."

With that message, it cut out.

"That doesn't sound good." Ushio remarked. "It seems like the Heartless are attack them and they need our help ASAP. What do you say we put this on hold and assist them."

Getting a reply from Perry, Ushio fletcher her fist in determination.

"I guess that's a yes. Okay, little guy, lead the way."