Chapter XLIV: Adventure is Out There

Once more following her heart, Ushio found herself in a new world. Walking through the forest, she moved the stray branches out of her path. Reaching the end of the stretch of jungle she was in, she noted the rocky landscape in front of her. As she viewed the scenery, something caught her attention. Off in the distance, a strange silhouette stood out. Looking at it closer, it seemed to her like a house floating in air. Moving her gaze higher, it appeared to be hoisted by countless balloons. Wanting to see just what was up with it, she ran off towards it.

•[Paradise Falls]•

Continuing her run towards the floating house, she spotted two people tethered to it walking alongside a dog and strange bird creature.

"Hey!" she called out.

The two people turned around. One seemed like a child younger than Ushio while the other was an old man.

"Finally, another person." the old man said. "Say, are you the owner of this dog?"

"No." Ushio replied. "I just got here and by myself."

"Hello there. I am Dug." the dog spoke, running up to her.

"Hi, Dug." Ushio said, bending on one knee and petting him. "I'm Ushio."

Looking over at the others, she could tell the bird was apprehensive of her. Yet, the boy simply walked over to her.

"Hello. I'm Russell." he stated as he saw her look at the bird. "Oh, that's Kevin! Don't mind him, he's just a bit shy. And that's Mr. Fredrickson. I'm helping him move his house to the falls. See, we flew down here in it with all the-"

"Now that's enough." Carl Fredricksen said. "We need to keep moving."

"Um, if you don't mind, I could help." Ushio volunteered.

Looking up at the balloons above the house, Carl looked back at Ushio.

"Sure, why not."

"Oh boy, another companion!" Dug said as he sided up to Ushio. "Let us continue escorting my prisoner."

"What?" Ushio raises an eyebrow.

"Just ignore it." Carl said as he threw her a rope. "Tie this to ours and let's move."

—

Looking out over the falls, Iwa stared off into the distance.

"This job hopefully will end soon." he spoke to himself. "Things are progressing much quicker now. The time is almost at hand."

Using a pair of binoculars, he gazed off into his surroundings. Spotting a floating house, he brought his line of sight down.

"So, she's here." he commented upon seeing Ushio. "Of course she would be."

Spawning a Corridor of Darkness, he turned to take his leave.

"I have a feeling you'll meet my partner. When you do, I might have to greet you myself."

—

"Oh please, oh please, oh please, be my prisoner." Dug said as he held onto Kevin's leg.

"Dug, stop bothering Kevin!" Russell shouted back at him.

"That man there says I can take the bird and I love man there like he is my master." Dug responded.

"I am not your master!" shouted Carl.

Ushio could do nothing but pinch her nose as she continued walking.

"I am warning you once again, bird." Dug spoke.

"Hey! Quit it!" Russell said as he turned back. The tug began to pull Ushio and Carl back.

"Russell, at this rate, we'll never get to the falls." Carl stated as he pulled on the rope. The tug sent motion up to the house, causing it to bang on a rock and break a window. "I am nobody's master, got it? I don't want you here and I don't want you here! I'm stuck with you! And Ushio, was it? At least so far you've done nothing. And if you two don't clear out of here by the time I count to three-"

"A ball!" Dug spoke up as Carl waves his cane around. "Oh boy, oh boy! A ball!"

Realizing the situation, Carl took the tennis ball off the end of his cane and tossed it into the jungle. Deciding to continue on this path, he approached Russell.

"Quick Russell, give me some chocolate."

Taking the chocolate, he broke a piece off and tossed it into an opposing side of the jungle.

"Uh, are you-" Ushio started.

"Come on Russell, Ushio!" he said as he took Russell's hand.

Dragging the two along, Ushio could only follow as Carl lead them further into the jungle. As the trio reached a rocky outcropping, Carl took a break.

"I think that did the trick." he panted. Glancing to the side, he was shocked to find Dug, ball in mouth.

"Hi Master."

Turning his head to his right, he was greeted by Kevin.

"So, I guess we're all back together." Ushio put. "Are we gonna take a break or what?"

"You know what." Carl said. "Just give me a few."

"Sure." Ushio replied, not seeing the look of defeat on his face.

—

Throughout the jungle, three shadows lurched. Small figures dashed as they made their way closer to their target. Soon, they should arrive at their destination.