Chapter XXVIII: A Super Start

The sand shifted as Ushio walked up the beach. She'd finally arrived at another world after her journey. By chance, she'd landed on a huge island.

A loud sound came from above as she glanced to see an aircraft fly above. It continued towards the jungle in front of her as it lowered and became lost in the trees and its surroundings. By her estimations, it was about a quarter of the island away.

Having just arrived, this object was her first indication of others. She ran up the beach and reached the jungle. Wherever the aircraft landed, she'd find it.

•[World of Supers]•

Working her way through the trees, Ushio searched for any signs of other inhabitants. All around her, nature seemed to take priority. Journeying through the jungle for a few minutes, she came across a small clearing.

"Where did that thing get off to?" Ushio questioned out loud.

Walking through the clearing, she heard noises. Eight purple, winged creatures surrounded her. The Gargoyles floated in air as they seemed fixed on the girl.

"At least it seems I found the welcome wagon." Ushio muttered.

Taking the initiative, she immediately attacked one of the Heartless. Taking it down, she found a claw jabbing straight at her. Dodging, she returned the favor and disposed of it. After hopping to another and defeating it, the fourth Gargoyle thrusted towards the girl. Ushio quickly raised her guard and blocked the attack. While it pushed her back, she was unharmed as she swung at the foe. The fifth and six Heartless seemed to have a similar goal in mind as they charged a ball of energy. She rushed the two, defeating one as the other launched its energy. Ushio ducked out of the way, only to find the ball still heading towards her. With dodging out of the way, she blocked the attack. Now that less than half their original number were left, she proceeded to deal with the remaining three. Taking several blows from her Keyblade, the last of the Gargoyles soon dissipated.

Continuing onward for a while, Ushio found herself out of the jungle. A running stream split the jungle in two as she followed it. The sounds of rushing water was all she could hear. The trek took a while as she heard a splash further ahead. Running, she thought she could make out figures in the distance. One seemed to dive off a cliff ahead as the other flew down onto a rock nearby.

Drawing closer, Ushio fell into the shadows of the trees. She didn't know who the two were or what their allegiances was. The person standing above the waterfall wore a black and white costume with a cape. The man seemed to be muttering something.

A loud explosion rocked the air as a huge splash come from below the waterfall. Ushio grew closer to the man so as to be able to hear him, yet not give her position.

Once again, the person seemed to drop something below. After a minute, a small, white machine came back to him.

"Life reading negative. Mr. Incredible terminated." it mechanically said.

The man began to walk away as a Corridor of Darkness opened before him. A person in an all too familiar coat stepped out.

"You seem content." the person, clearly a man, spoke.

"But of course I am." the man in black and white said. "It's not everyday you get to dispose of your idol turned enemy."

"So it would seem your plan is going along smoothly." the hooded man spoke. "It is nice to have someone competent to work with. My group has had quite a troubling time finding men of your stature. That is why I chose to personally oversee your little venture, Syndrome."

"I must thank you for that." Syndrome said. "Even with everything I've developed, controlling those Heartless has allowed me a great number of added benefits."

"You do remember what I have warned you about, though."

"About people who have those Keyblades most likely arriving at some point? That'll be no problem. If even Mr. Incredible can't defeat what I've created, those guys won't stand a chance."

"Good. Keep it that way." the other man concluded. "Now, I'm going to take in the sights. I'll see you later."

With an acknowledgement of closure, Syndrome flew off. The hooded man stayed standing, looking over the waterfall. Ushio continued to hide, having overheard the entire conversation.

"You can come out now." the hooded man said as he glanced towards Ushio's location.

Knowing her jig was up, Ushio departed the foliage and stood on a rock by the stream.

"So, you knew I was there the whole time?" Ushio asked.

"But of course." the man said. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. The others have talked about all your exploits."

The man removed his hood to reveal his appearance. He had mid length, dark red hair with prominent central bangs overlapping each other. Beneath yellow eye on his right side were two black downward triangle markings.

"My name is Aster. I've been leading the group of Neo Seekers you've met."

"So, you're their leader."

"I suppose you could say so. But that is all I'm at liberty to say. Fortunately, I currently have no quarrel with you. Go about whatever business you like. Just know that I'll be watching everything here."

Having said his parting words, the man disappeared into the dark vortex he conjured. With their talk over, Ushio went back into the jungle as she continued her search. Whether she came across helpful people off that super villain, she was prepared.

—

Across the island, a lone person sat on the beach. Here in this world was the one he was searching for. At long last, the time had come. Dusting off the black cloak he wore, he started in on his search for them. The hooded man had followed their trail this far. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too long before they met up.