Chapter XIV: To Err is to be Human

"He's just so frustrating." Ushio vented. "I'm as forgiving as the next person, but he's-"

"This is more than just Kuzco, isn't it?" Pacha asked. Seated on a rock, he patted nearby, indicating for her to take a seat.

"Huh?" she sat next to him.

"Back at the restaurant, as we were leaving, I could tell that whoever that guy was that you were talking to was upsetting you. If you don't mind, you can vent to me."

"Okay." Ushio sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "He's part of some group that I've met during my journey. Wherever they are, trouble always springs up. My parents told me about some threat out there and I'm certain they're it. Then this guy comes around again and starts messing with me. There's just-"

"Whoa now, take a deep breath." Pacha interrupted. "Why is it that this one seems to irritate you more than anyone else?"

"I…I don't know." Ushio calmed herself. "There's just something deep down that bring back some…feeling." The girl placed her hand over her heart. "Like, maybe…maybe…I don't know."

"That's okay." Pacha assured her. "It'll come in time. Let me tell you. Dealing with His Highness has been grating before you and I even met. Yet, I know deep down, there's good in him. No doubt you've seen it too."

"Yeah, but your his companion, a friend to him, even if he won't acknowledge it." she replied. "My father always taught me to never abandon your friends. That they're part of your heart and a source of strength deep down."

"Your father sounds like a smart man." Pacha replied. "However, not everyone gets the message at first. Like you said, a true friend will never abandon you, even in your darkest moments. They may say they don't want your help, but that's not true. It's best to get back off and support them as they realize what truly matters. That's what a true friend will do."

Ushio realized the words he'd spoken. Sure, her problems involving the Neo Seekers couldn't be resolved like that, but this began to put things in perspective. Just like Kuzco, she too was going through a rough time. Not long ago, she was back home, living life like she always did. Now she was hopping from world to world, meeting a kinds of people and experiencing all new experiences. The emperor was doing the same too. His way of life was changing. He was learning to be more humble and growing to bond with others. When she put it that way, parts of her anger subsided. And even then, there were others she could depend on when it came to the Neo Seekers.

"Thanks." she uttered as she looked at the man beside her. "I really needed that."

"I suppose I should be thanking you too." he replied. "You know, saying this out loud also helped me take note of our whole situation. I guess I knew it deep down, but finally found the way to say it. Say, it's getting late. Let's turn in for the night. When the sun rises, we'll go look for Kuzco, okay?"

"Sure." Ushio answered. "Sounds like a plan."

—

The sun rose as the pair started off on their journey once again. Heading towards an wide open field, Ushio spotted the llama they were looking for.

"Isn't that…" she started before realizing something. "Wait, did you-"

"Just keep it quiet for now. Let's go." Pacha interrupted.

Heading down to the field, the two snuck into the pack of llamas that occupied the valley. Ushio watched as Kuzco trotted in.

"Alright, now just play along." Pacha whispered. Sitting near a couple llamas, he began to speak louder. "So, there we were standing on the cliff, and the ground started to rumble. And just as it started to go, he grabbed me before I fell. Do you believe that?"

Kuzco started to realize the owner of the voice as he walked through the llamas looking for it.

"You know, call me crazy for following this guy all the way out here, but as much as he tries to deny it, I know there's some good in him." Pacha continued. "Besides, I couldn't just leave him out here all alone. He's a lousy llama. I mean, a really lousy llama."

"I totally get what you're saying." Ushio joined in. The pair spotted Kuzco in front of them as they both smiled. Getting up, they approached him.

"Hey, listen, Pacha, Ushio, you know, what I said to you back at the diner, that-that I-I didn't really-" he tried to say.

"So, you tired of being a llama?" Pacha interrupted.

"Yes." Kuzco cried.

With the reconnecting out of the way, the trio started back on their journey. Running through the jungle, the three came upon a village on a hill.

"Ok, we're just gonna stop at the house and get some supplies." Pacha stated as they ran.

Reaching the bottom of the village, Ushio took notice of shifting shadows. Bring out her weapon as the Shadows appeared, she positioned herself between them and her comrades.

"You two go ahead. I'll prevent these from entering the village."

The two ran onward as the girl charged the enemies. The Shadows proved no match for her as she quickly dispatched the group. However, more shadows began to move across the ground, approaching her. Lurching at her, the Heartless looked like a Shadow, but was taller and more humanoid. Ushio barely dodged, though it was still able to graze her shoulder.

With the one foe targeting her, she comboed a few hits together and sent it flying a short distance. As she rushed towards it, four Shadows popped up to assist it. Forced to take care of them, the Neoshadow took the opportunity to slash Ushio. Feeling the pain, her resolve strengthened as swung through it.

Now that the Heartless that had appeared had vanished, she started up the hill when Pacha and Kuzco passed her. Turning one-eighty, she dashed to their side.

"Why are we running away? I thought you were getting some supplies." she asked.

"Those two you saw at the diner were there." Pacha explained.

"Was it a good idea to leave your family with those two?" asked Kuzco.

"Oh, don't worry. They can handle themselves." Pacha assured.

—

Yzma and Kronk chased the trio as they headed back towards the palace. Ushio found the occasional group of Heartless impeding their journey, but they proved little match for her. Over hills and across cliffs, the pair didn't give up as Ushio and her group pushed on. Eventually, the three were able to lose them as they found themselves in front of the palace.

"So, where did we go in?" Ushio questioned.