Chapter XXXVI: Double Dragon

The night was quiet as Ushio walked the lamp lit streets. While she'd met back up with her parents, it wasn't long before they had to split up. It had been a bit bittersweet, but somewhere in her heart she knew it wouldn't be long until they could be together longer. As such, they went their separate ways with Ushio wandering the streets of a familiar place

•[Traverse Town]•

She'd stopped here, having a feeling inside her. Finding herself in an alleyway, the brunette was surprised to find a lack of Heartless. However, as if to challenge her notion, Shadows began to appear from the ground.

Taking up her Keyblade, the girl in pink and white charged the foes. Swiping away the weak enemies, she took a step back.

Normally, the Heartless were more active and stronger in number. While the current situation might seem beneficial, she worried that they were being drawn elsewhere.

Finding a few Shadows lurking near the drainage pipes, she decided to follow at a distance. Stepping into the stream of water, she entered into the sewers. By her luck, Ushio was soon able to find dry passageways lining the side. Walking in the shadows, she lost sight of the Heartless she was tailing. Yet, she carried on.

Ushio continued on in the sewers until she came across a destroyed wall. Light seeped in, alerting her to a way outside. Taking the path through the hole, she found herself in an area she hadn't been to before. A row of houses dotted on side that lead to a large doorway. The middle was adorned with a large fountain, the water spraying high into the air. However, the most prominent feature appeared to be a large hotel. The orange brick and wide windows gave an aura that felt out of place with its surroundings. Having walked about the town, Ushio had spotted a district or two that felt a bit different and this one was no different.

Proceeding further into this Sixth District, she spotted an unfortunate sight. Much like she regretted, it seemed the Heartless had gathered here. Several varieties filled the crowd as they attempted to climb the hotel's walls. To her surprise, she noted as they seemed to stop.

"Well, it's been a while, huh?" a voice called from behind her.

Turning around, she spotted the pink haired Neo Seeker she'd encountered before.

"I didn't introduce myself last time, because the time wasn't right. My name is Kizuna. Honestly, I hope my companions didn't ruin this for me." she said.

"So, you're the one behind this." Ushio commented.

"In a way." Kizuna shrugged. "However, my new friend is the one bringing them all here. I believe you should meet him. Ah, there he is."

Ushio felt a gust of wind kick up from above. Glancing towards the sky, she made out a large silhouette descending.

"So, this is the one you fear." came a commanding voice.

"Now, now, you should know that even people who look weaker than you can still possess great power." Kizuna responded.

The figure landed in front of the two girls. The large, black and blue dragon glared at Ushio.

"This Keyblade Bearer is no match for my powers. Shall I demonstrate?" he grinned.

"That's up to you. I freed you to provide us with a strong ally. If you want to reawaken your power by fighting her, go ahead."

Kizuna portaled away as the Dark Dragon loomed over Ushio. Knowing the threat he posed, she positioned herself at the ready.

"Bring it." Ushio proclaimed.

The Dark Dragon quickly slashed his claws at the girl. Bringing her key up, Ushio was able to block the attack. She brought the blade towards the dragon as she readied a Fire attack. Seeing the girl do so, the Dark Dragon launches his fire breath at her attack, consuming it and causing her to roll out of its range.

"Foolish girl, you should resign to your fate now." he gloated.

Ushio noticed as he charged an energy blast in his hand. Sensing now could be a chance, she swung away at his exposed stomach. It pushed him back a little, but he seemed to resist. With his energy blast readied, he brought it down on her before she could get out of the way.

Getting to her feet, she found the attack hurt more than she anticipated. Pain wracked her body as faced him. Preparing to cast Cure on herself, she instead found his tail crashing into her.

Flying a bit away, Ushio could understand why he seemed confident in his abilities. He stomped his way towards her as she thought up plans to bring him down.

"I must thank you." the Dragon stated. "You've given me the opportunity to realize my powers have not dulled. As thanks, I'll allow your demise to be swift."

Ushio looked around. The Heartless he'd brought together had her surrounded. Only his mastery of the darkness kept them at bay. She knew that if she managed to get away, he's send them after her. With his attacks pressing her in front, she had to admit it seemed like the better option.

Getting ready to make a break for it, Ushio felt heat beside her as a burst of fire landed beside her.

"Hey, you looked like you needed some help." a teenage boy's voice called out. "Over here!"

As she ran to her now cleared right, she spotted a smaller, red dragon with spikes black and green hair flying above. He motioned for her as the pair went about escaping.

"So, the American Dragon has found his way to this world." the Dark Dragon commented. "Good. Now my revenge won't have to wait.

—

Finding herself away from the fight, Ushio watched as the dragon landed in front of her. To her surprise, it transformed into a human boy.

"Who…who are you?" she asked.

"I'm Jake Long." he said. "Looks like you've found the problem I've been looking for."