Chapter XLIX: Thanks for the Adventure

As she stared off with the Heartless, Ushio watched as Russell flew by with the house. Seeing that Dug has made it up there too, she was relieved that everyone could attempted to make it away safely.

The Blitzkrieger screeched out as it flapped its wings heavily. Building up gusts of wind, it launched the tempests at Ushio. Rather than hurting her, she exploited them, using the winds to send her up to the creature's head. Whacking it with her weapon, the Heartless shot lasers from its eyes. Catching her off guard, she fell to a cushioned ground. Rearing back, it flew forward as its talons scraped against her Keyblade. With its back to her now, she jumped on it as she ran for it head.

Arriving at her destination, she attacked the foe. Hit after hit was dealt as it seemed to suck them up with much problem. Yet, it seemed to have enough as it spun around, causing Ushio to drop once again.

Hitting the ground, she heard a loud noise. Spotting Charles Muntz sporting a rifle, she noted a plethora of balloons break away from the house.

"Looks like this creature is proving useful after all." Muntz said, glancing at Ushio and the Heartless. "Now then." He began to march towards the house.

The momentary distraction proved enough as Ushio found herself flying across the blimp as the Heartless's talons struck. The wind flew out of her as she landed. Coughing slightly, she staggered to her feet.

The Blitzkrieger turned up the gusts as the sheer wind ferocity caused more balloons on the house to burst. Ushio turned one eye to the situation the others were in. Charles approached as the house started to slide away, it's lift failing. Carl raced after it as it threatened to plummet off the blimp.

Seeing that the situation was growing dire, she knew she had to step up her game. Facing the Heartless, she charged at it as she launched off balls of fire. The Blitzkrieger narrowed its sight as it dove at her, beak ready to pierce. Using the opportunity, she once more jumped onto its head as she wailed away. It tried spinning to relieve its unwelcome passenger, but Ushio knew better this time. Finding a handhold, she hung on tightly until it straightened out.

From her vantage point, she could see as Charles burst into the house, looking for Russell and Kevin. Wanting to aid them, she struck harder and faster. The Heartless seemed to have enough as tossed her off. As she fell, she could tell it was almost done. Using her momentum, she threw forth one last combo of hits.

It proved successful as the Blitzkrieger flew back in defeat. Falling back as it faded, it hit the house, causing it to fall some more. Ushio saw as Russell, Kevin, and Dug jumped out the window onto the blimp. Muntz continued his hunt as he attempted to go after them. However, his leg was caught on the balloons as they snapped. Together, Muntz and the Heartless plummeted down with the home.

Still hurt from her scuffle, Ushio walked over to where the others were. Carl looked over the edge as his house descended out of sight. Ushio and Russell joined him at his side as he watched on.

"Sorry about your house, Mr. Fredricksen." Russell said.

"You know, it's just a house." he commented.

—

A bit later, the group gathered together as they saw Kevin off. The bird met up with her chicks, going back into their home. The three waved goodbye as Kevin walked off.

"So, what now?" Ushio asked.

"I believe it's time we go back." Carl said. "Beside, our adventure is over here. It's about time to go on another one."

"And I shall go with my Master wherever he goes." Dug added.

"What about you?" Russell asked.

"I should do the same." Ushio said. "Truth is, I've been on a journey myself looking for something."

"Did you find it?" asked Russell.

"Yeah." Ushio said, putting her hand on her heart. "I think I did. I've had troubles along the way and moments of doubt and anger, but I found what's really important. You know, I'll never forget you guys. No matter where we may go, no matter how separated we are, our hearts are always connected to each other."

"Yeah." Russell nodded.

"Who knows, maybe we'll see each other again." Ushio said.

"Maybe we will." Carl said, smiling.

Leaving her new friends behind, Ushio took off. After all this time, after all she had been through, she finally knew what the journey she'd been sent on was about. It's wasn't about getting stronger through training or new skills, it's was about connecting with others. Through the worlds she traveled, she met new people, grew close to them, and forged unbreakable bonds. While they might be separated by the many world, as she remembered her mother once putting, they still shared the same sky, the same destiny.

Setting out for the next step on her journey, she could feel it coming to a close.

—

Portals opened around the dimly lit flower field. Five figures stepped out as they gathered around.

"It appears everyone is here." Genex stated.

"So, it's time." Kizuna spoke.

"Indeed." Aster said. "We and the others will converge at designated point. The endgame is approaching."

"Finally." Kyra said. "The fun will truly begin."

Iwa stood silently, his mind on Ushio. The time was almost nigh.

Aster spoke once more.

"At long last, everything we worked for will bear fruit."