Chapter XXVII: Matters of the Heart

Having defeated Turbo and stopped his evil plan, Ushio and Ralph made their way towards Vanellope and the others. Climbing upward, they reached the balcony and proceeded down the halls. Reaching the entrance, the pair left the castle and descended the path away from it.

At last, they reached where the others had gathered. Approaching them, Vanellope made her way to the two.

"So, we ready to go defeat the bad guy. Give him a good roughing up." said Vanellope.

"Sorry. Truth is, everything's over." Ushio rubbed the back of her head.

"Ah man, I missed everything." Vanellope pouted.

"So what happens now?" Ralph asked.

"Everything should return to normal." Ushio explained. "All those Blox things should be gone. Looks like he used them all up for that creature. And with everything that happened, I don't think he'll be a problem anymore."

"That's good news." Ralph sighed in relief.

"Well, I guess this also means it's time for me to head off. It was great meeting you two." Ushio said.

"Do you have to?" Vanellope spoke. "We could make a mean team."

"Heh, maybe." Ushio laughed. "But there's other things out there I need to do. Besides, this big man over here might get lonely if I stay and hang out with you all the time."

"Would not." Ralph responded.

"Sure. Says the guy who reacted to the danger by immediately searching for his friend." Ushio said as she looked at Vanellope. "You've got a good friend here."

"I'd wager I do too." Ralph interjected.

—

Having finished her goodbyes, Ushio took off down the road. Traveling through the candy forest, she neared the tram out of the game to bring her back to the station.

"I thank you for everything you've done." the familiar voice of Genex spoke. "You've really helped me out."

"So you're still here." Ushio faced the man.

"It is only proper I give my thanks. Our two encounters have proved substantial data to further my goal."

"And what exactly is that?"

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to explain it. As you know, every member of the Neo Seekers is, as the name suggests, searching for something. I seek to better understand the matters of the Heart. It's such a mysterious thing. Beings like you and I possess it and it drives us. However, other things lack hearts. Things like those Nobodies you've encountered lack them. Yet, as I traveled the worlds, I am constantly surprised by beings that have them. Those robots from where we first meet possessed them. The computer programs inhabitants of this world possess them. What is it that causes the Heart to develop in oneself. Scholars have sought these answers and more, yet even the great Ansem the Wise could not fully comprehend the Heart. This is why I act as I do. Through these trials and hardships the Heart shines and shows itself. The light and dark emotions and thoughts swirl through the flames of conflict. And through it all I've acted as the observer. Tragically, however, despite my best efforts and your role, the Heart still holds its mysteries."

"Then I guess it'll remain that way for you. I'm done fitting into your schemes. From now on, I won't let you manipulate everyone you come across." Ushio spat back.

"Oh, but that is where your incorrect. It is far too late for you to withdraw from my research." Genex added.

"Guess I'll make you accept my resignation." Ushio summoned her Keyblade before pointing it at the grey hair gentleman.

"Shame." he shook his head. "Forcing your morals on others is such a barbaric act. Though I am not one to take this lying down."

Genex faced Ushio as his face grew more serious. In the air around him, bo shuriken, large needle like spikes, appeared and floated about.

Ushio charged the man as the bo shuriken whizzed towards her. Initially she was able to duck out the way as she pressed forward, but soon the number increased. Sharp pricks wracked her body as she pushed onward. Finally reaching her target, she attacked.

Genex took the blows as he grunted in pain. The girl focused on her offense as a swarm of the needle like spikes flew towards her. They collided with her side as they pushed her away from their user. Ushio fell to the ground as the older, mustachioed man looked down on her.

"Your blows pack a punch." he said. "However, your skills are still lacking."

Genex motioned his fingers downward as the bo shuriken surrounded the pink clad girl from above. They rushed forward before stopping just short of her.

"I still need you for my research. Consider this your lucky day."

The spikes around the girl disappeared as Genex turned away from her. A Corridor of Darkness sprung up and took in the man. It soon vanished, leaving the defeated girl alone.

"Darn it!" Ushio punched the ground.

—

Arriving back in the moonlit field, Genex looked to the pair that sat among the flowers.

"Welcome back." Kyra stated.

"It is nice to be back." Genex said. "So, the two of you currently do not have plans?"

"I don't, but the boss is about to head out." Kyra responded.

"That's rare." Genex stated.

"Even I have goals of my own I need to strive towards." spoke the hooded man. "So, how was your venture?"

"Excellent. That world proved more answers I've been searching for." Genex answered. "However, the child is growing hostile to our interactions. She no longer confronts us with words alone."

"That's good." the hooded man said. "While the other bearers of the Key have been quite in line with our goals, she has needed more pushing. If she is more confrontational, it'll be easier to have her light clash with our dark."

"Man, I wanna see that spitfire now." Kyra chimed in.

"Patience." the hooded man spoke. "We are all to act now. Iwa is already out there and Kizuna is almost done with her job, so she will join soon. Genex, take a breather. As I said, I've got my own matters to attend to."

—

Ushio sat in her Gummi Ship as she thought of her confrontation with Genex. She tried her best to calm herself. Taking a deep breath, she blew outward.

"Just take it easy." she advised herself. "It's over for n…urgh!"

A sharp pang ran through her head. Her head felt fuzzy as something pushed its way to the forefront.

A memory of some kind. Once more, she found herself as a kid on the Destiny Islands.

"C'mon, do you think it'd be cool?" she asked.

"…"

"What's wrong with that? Why don't you want…"

"…"

"Wait!"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"You're a fool." they mumbled.

The memory stopped. Despite it resurfacing, much remained yet lost to her.

"What was that?" Ushio muttered. "Did that have to do with that other thing?"