Chapter XVI: Meetings

Ushio climbed out of her Gummi Ship after she reached the location she'd been given over her Gummi Phone. It was a strange place, one bathed in twilight. The small, floating landmass was decorated with trees around the outside as a tall, lone tower stood in front of her.

"Why exactly did they want me to come here?" Ushio asked herself.

Walking up to the tower, she pushed the door open.

"Um, hello?" she said, entering the place.

Ushio walked into the the circular entry hall. Stair flanked one end as a simple chair dressed the other side. The chair currently held a blonde woman in a white dress who put down the book she was reading, the faded title on the white cover reading 'LO••L•SS'.

"Ah, Aunt Naminé!" Ushio said as she approached the woman.

"It's good to see you again too, Ushio." she greeted her. "I hope us calling you out here wasn't inconvenient."

"Oh no. In fact, I've got some important things to tell everyone." Ushio said as she looked around. "So, what is this place and where is everyone?"

"This is a place that belongs to an old ally of ours. Lately, he's been helping out to the best of his abilities. You can tell us everything once we reach the top." Naminé ushered to the steps. "Unfortunately, your parents couldn't be here now. It appears that they're close to uncovering something."

"Makes sense." Ushio said. Despite her agreement, part of her wanted her to see them again. She had stories she wanted to tell, stories she wanted to hear.

Reaching the top of the spiraling staircase, Naminé knocked on the door before opening it. The room was empty of occupants save for an old, bearded man in blue that was seated at a desk.

"Ushio, this is Master Yen Sid." Naminé stated. "He was a former Keyblade Master who has helped us numerous times in addition to teaching us."

"So you are the young Ushio I've heard the others speak of." Yen Sid spoke. "As Naminé stated, I have known your parents for quite some time. I can see they've begun to train you in the ways of the Keyblade."

"Yes sir." Ushio nodded. "Though I'm still on my own journey of discover."

"Indeed. Even in these uncertain times, it is important to delve the depths of oneself."

"If you don't mind, while we're on the subject of my journey, I have things I need to share with everyone." Ushio stated.

The girl in training explained how as she journeyed across the three worlds, she'd encountered the Neo Seekers and what they had said to her. She told of all the dangers that she'd come across. When all was said and done, the wise, old man stroked his beard in thought.

"The others have conferred their knowledge of the situation at hand. It appears that these Neo Seekers are far more numerous than we envision. However, their goal remains just as clouded as ever."

"But they're looking for something, aren't they. Even their name seems to indicate that." Ushio asked.

"This is true, but yet these reports present conflicting endgames. It may seem they've united many different searches together so they may achieve as many as possible, but that alone would not suffice to hold them together."

Getting up from his desk, the old master stared out the window at the cloudy horizon.

"We've sensed their presence growing for some time. It would appear this is apart of their goal. While we wander around aimlessly, they grow ever closer to their goal. Yet, we may do nothing, but chase after them. Ushio, I know your time here has not been long, but your training must continue. Journey across the world and find within yourself your potential. When all is said, I fear we may need all the help we can muster to combat this threat."

"Easy enough." Ushio brought her hands behind her head. "And such these people reappear, I'll be sure to tell everyone should I find anything."

Saying her goodbyes, Ushio left the room to continue her journey.

"What is it that that troubles you, Naminé." Yen Sid spoke, having noticed the quietness of the woman.

"It's what Ushio said. Iwa…so, he's still out there." Naminé quietly answered.

"Iwa. He was one of the Neo Seekers she spoke of. The one she claimed triggered something within her. Do you know him?"

"Yes, I do." Naminé replied. "You see, the truth is…"

—

"I hope they're able to live a happy life." Sora said as he watched a bear travel off with a younger cub.

"After everything they went through, it's hard not to hope so." Kairi agreed.

Sitting down, the pair took the time to take in the scenery. Snow capped mountains gave way to large patches of tall trees. The serene nature and wildlife had a calming peacefulness to it.

"I bet Ushio would find this beautiful." Kairi stated.

"She would." Sora agreed. "I just wish we could have met up with her. I know Naminé said she'd handle it, but it been a while since I saw her last."

"Sora, look at you dotting on her." Kairi giggled.

"Hey, you do the same." he replied, embarrassed.

"True." she nodded. "However, she's growing up. Even if we hate having to be apart, we'll always be together."

"Yeah. No matter where we may be, our hearts are always connected."

"Though I suppose I have it bit easier. A certain somebody was always going off on journeys and leaving me behind." she playfully dug.

"Kairi, do you have to do this?" Sora asked.

"Of course." she kissed him on the cheek.

—

Waves pulled on the Destiny Islands as a man in a black cloak watched the water.

"She's starting to come into her own." he spoke. "The guardians of light may have saved everyone countless times, but as with every legend, they eventually have to pass the torch. It's up to the younger generation to move everything forward."

Hearing footsteps, the man didn't turn around as he continued watching the waves.

"So, are you just going to stand there? What are your thoughts?"