Chapter XXXVIII: Guardian Dragon

A burst of dark blue flames spewed towards the pair. Quick to react, Ushio and Jake dodged the fire. Having made his opening move, the Dark Dragon saw as Ushio moved towards his left side. He quickly swung his already damaged tail towards the girl. However, Ushio was able to leap over its trajectory and avoid the attack. Reaching him, she swung her Keyblade only to receive a bolt of electricity.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" he questioned her.

"Heh, I didn't." she grinned. "However, unlike last time, there's two of us."

Turning to where Ushio pointed, the Dark Dragon was struck by a spinning attack from Jake. Stumbling slightly, he regained his footing.

"Ah, a feint. It matters not."

Using his wings, he built up a great gust of wind. Directing it at the pair, it proved too much for them as they were flung down to the ground below. Finding a way to brace their landing, Ushio and Jake found themselves surrounded by the horde of Heartless. A few Shadows leapt towards them and were dispatched with ease. However, an open circle began to form as the Dark Dragon descended upon the new battleground.

With their foe in front of them, Ushio charged him. Once more, he provided a wall of flames toward the girl. Rolling out of the way, Jake produced his own as he countered. Having locked the Dark Dragon into a battle of flames, Ushio rushed the foe and unleashed a flurry of blows. Seemingly having enough, the Dark Dragon powered up his attack, forcing Jake to avoid the increasing pressure of the flames. With the battle of fire done, he turned his attention to Ushio. Using his enhanced strength, he swatted her away.

Falling near the edge of the circle, the Heartless became energized around the pink clad girl. While the Dark Dragon zeroed in on Jake, Ushio regained her grounding and found some of the Heartless beginning to pour towards her. Faced with no choice, she readied herself for the approaching Neo Shadows.

Claw like hands slashed at her as she tried her best to avoid the attacks. While she dodged and parried, the occasional slash would connect. Feeling the pain from the Heartless's strikes, Ushio knew she couldn't continue the way she was. Summoning her magic, she tried her best to clear the area.

"Thundara!" she cried out.

Large bolts of lightning struck down from above, smiting the shadows around her. With a path cleared, she rushed to rejoin Jake in the fight.

"Blizzara!"

Sharp shards of ice appeared and shot towards the Dark Dragon. Distracted by Jake, the projectiles hit their intended target as it was evident it hurt him. Now having alerted him to her presence, Ushio sided up beside her ally.

"Nice to have you back." Jake said as he glanced toward Ushio.

"No problem. Now, let's get back to defeating him."

"Arrogant children." began the Dark Dragon. "You believe your blow did anything to me. Allow me to show you what real power is like."

Shooting more bolts of electricity at the pair, the two maneuvered their way to avoid the attack. Despite this, the Dark Dragon proved to be hiding his real attack as his tail wrapped around Jake, squeezing tightly. Ushio found herself in striking distance before she realized what had happened.

"I would stop there, Keyblade wielder." the Dark Dragon provoked, squeezing his tail tighter. "Trying anything and the American Dragon here will be no more."

"What is it you want!" Ushio cried out at him.

"I simply need to stand there and perish."

"Don't…do it." Jake let out as the tail tightened around him.

"Silence."

Ushio knee what had to be done. Throwing her Keyblade aside, she faced the blue and black dragon.

"Alright, go ahead." she said.

The Dark Dragon grinned as he prepared his strongest flame. As he began to spew it forth, to his shock, Ushio rushed his side. Summoning her discarded Keyblade to her hands, she brought it down as hard as she could on his tail. The strength from the attack caused his tail to open in recoil, releasing Jake. Seeing him free, she knew he was hurt. Knowing that she needed his help, Ushio tried something.

"Cure!"

A green light surrounded Jake as he got to his feet.

"Are you okay?" she asked him.

"Yeah, thanks to you." he replied. "And whatever that thing you just did seemed to help too."

Turning their attention towards the Dark Dragon once more, the pair could see the frustration building in him. Again, he built up a gust of wind to hold them at bay. Planting their feet down, the two held tight as he approached them. With him closer, Ushio nodded to Jake.

"Now!" she screamed.

Jake pressed forward as the electricity shot towards him. Skillfully dodging, Jake reached the Dragon. Grappling with him, he motioned with his head for Ushio. Jumping high into the air, she swung down at the Dark Dragon. Seeing this, he raised his head and brought forth more blue flames. Ushio, having anticipated this, quickly spun out of the way as she landed on the ground. Keyblade at the ready, she dealt a series of swings into him. Energy radiated from the flower and wave themed weapon as he began to falter.

Sensing the end was near, Jake released himself from the struggle as he flew towards Ushio. With a slight eye catch, they both charged the Dark Dragon for one last attack. Putting all their strength into it, the final combination blow reverberated through him.

"How…this isn't possible…" the Dark Dragon stuttered as he fell. "I can't be…"

Darkness swirled around him as he crumbled to the ground. A dark mist enveloped him, fading away to reveal nothing.

"This looks like the end for him." Ushio said as she stared at where her foe had been.

"To think he's finally gone." Jake muttered.

—

"So, I guess this is the end for now." Ushio said as she looked at Jake.

"Yeah. With the Dark Dragon gone, I should return to my world." replied Jake.

Standing in the First District, the pair exchanged their goodbyes as they prepared to part.

"What are you going to do now?" Jake asked.

"I suppose I'll continue my journey. Besides getting stronger, there's still the ones who released the Dark Dragon. Wherever they go, they always cause these problems. I can't just leave them out there."

"I hope you're able to do so. Well, if you ever stumble into my world, look me up."

"Will do."

With their goodbyes uttered, the pair split up to go their separate ways. Having made a new friend, Ushio boarded her Gummi Ship. Once more, she set out for her next destination.