Interlude III: Tracing
A harsh, dry wind blew in the rocky wasteland. One solitary person traversed the terrain through the dust. Iwa continued on his path as the open, brown plains started to be dotted by objects sticking out of the ground.
"Quite the sight, isn't it." said a hooded man sitting on the ground. "Remnants of a long gone era that persists even to this day."
"This is all you called me out here for?" Iwa asked. "To talk about events from the past?"
"Not entirely." the other man said. "Though you would do well remember the importance of the past, even given your…apprehensions."
"Then teach me."
—
"So, our fears are coming true." Yen Sid spoke. "The extent that the Neo Seekers have asserted their influence has far exceeded what was predicted."
"Yes, Master Yen Sid. To make it worse, several of the ones I've encountered have proven to have tremendous strength." Mickey said.
"Given the threat I fear we face, I would assist you more if I could. However, most of my power has left me. It is truly a changing of the guards."
"Worry not. With everyone tackling the problem, we're well prepared."
"That is part of what worries me. The Neo Seekers have spread us thin. With their true goal and leader still a mystery to us, I worry that when they make their final move, it will put us in check."
—
"Long ago, a man once sought knowledge. He was a wise man who knew much. Though he possess great power and wisdom, he always wanted to know more. As he went out to seek this knowledge, he vanished. Time passed and this was lost to time. Yet, it is said that he is still out there, seeking the object of his quest."
"That's an interesting story. Is there more?"
"Of course. As with everything, the story is much more elaborate and truth be told, this one has yet to end."
"Can you tell me?"
"I'm sorry, but now's not the time. Someday the day will come when you will learn the rest. Until then…"
Ushio awoke from her nap. The remnants of her dream stayed with her. Somehow that dream felt familiar. Was it her father that had told her that? No, that felt wrong. Who was it then?
The brunette girl wondered what was up. Lately, these dreams that seemed like forgotten memories kept happening. Maybe she'd be able to find the answer as she continued onward.
Facing forward, she looked ahead. Coming out of the distance, a new world came into view. Steering the Gummi Ship closer, she prepared for the next leg of her journey.