Chapter L: Convergence
Sun shined down as a gentle wind blew. Flowers and trees dotted the city as water could be heard flowing. People walked about the town as they went about their normal days. Past the town, a large castle was by far the biggest landmark. Ushio took in all these sights as she made her way into the new world
•[Radiant Garden]•
Making her way into a central square, she spotted something strange. Above on the rooftops, two figures seemed to clash. Ushio knew no good could come from such an event. As if to make matters worse, one bore the same cloak she recognized all too well.
Running closer, the scene became clearer. The cloaked individual swung a heavy bardiche, attempting to power through their opponent. Despite this, the other figure started to stand out more to Ushio.
It was a woman wielding a dull blue, familiar weapon. She wore a light blue, sleeveless haori, a black and navy top with long white sleeves, a white obi, and black shorts and stockings. As she fought, her shoulder length blue hair possessing a longer strand of the left blew in the wind.
The two clashed once more as they struggled in a cross of weapons. The woman and man jumped back as they proved no one would budge. Deciding to end it, they rushed one another with a final slash. As they stood, having switched places, the man in the black cloak fell to his knees.
Ushio jumped on the roof as the woman approached the man.
"It didn't have to turn out this way." the woman spoke.
"Heh, it doesn't really matter." the man said as he began to fade away. "Everything is converging. The time is almost here. Those of us left will have that what we sought."
The cloaked man faded, leaving the woman alone on the rooftop with Ushio.
"Was he one of the Neo Seekers?" Ushio asked as the woman turned around. "And is that a Keyblade?"
"Wait, aren't you…"
—
"How are things proceeding?" Genex asked, viewing the city from afar.
"It seems another arrived here to meet up with us." Kizuna spoke. "Yet, he engaged one of the key bearers and fell."
"And who among them are present?"
"Three as of now, with three on their way. They seemed to have been drawn by our increased presence."
"Good." Aster said as he appeared behind them. "The more we can gather in one place, the easier it'll be to corral them where we want."
"So, who's currently here?" said Kyra.
"The girl, the older master, and the King." Kizuna continued. "From last we spied, the three from the island are on there way."
"And what of the others?" Genex asked.
"Other Seekers of less importance to us are holding them busy on other worlds." Aster proclaimed. "Once everyone has arrived, the finale will be underway. I expect you all to ready your parts."
"Yes sir." the others said as they teleported off.
"You've been quiet." Aster said, turning to Iwa.
"Merely getting ready to end it." he replied.
—
A short step out from the castle, one small person placed his hand upon a small plaque. Looking at it, they eyed the engraved image of a man.
"It's been nice seeing you again, old friend." he said.
"Your majesty." two voices called out.
"I know." Mickey said as he turned to Goofy and Donald. "It's about time we caught up with everyone. Let's get going."
—
In the Lanes Between, two ships hurried on their way. Something seemed almost to call out to them. A familiar world laid ahead as they pressed on.
"He'll be there. I have no doubt." Riku said as they continued their journey.
"Yes." Naminé agreed. "After all this time, it's our responsibility to see this through."
"To think he'd join with them." Riku mused. "Iwa, when we arrive, I want to know why you did all the things you did."
—
As the Gummi Ship moves forward, so too did the other. Even there, the passengers had their moment to speak. Reflecting on their journey, Sora and Kairi couldn't help but think of their daughter. While they'd contacted each other at times and had run into one another before, they still didn't know how she'd changed on her journey. Yet, they knew deep down what she'd gain from it. With those thoughts in their hearts, they continued onward to their destination.
—
The caverns underneath Radiant Garden reverberated as the sounds of footsteps echo. A lone figure walked through the darkly lit cave.
"It appears that the time to aid those who need it is almost here." the person spoke.
He rose through the layers of the underground as he drew his sword. Slicing the cavern's wall, the rock tumbled out of the way as sunlight shone through. A breeze blew, his crimson jacket flapping in the wind.
"The smell of fresh air. I almost had forgotten it." he said as took in his surroundings.
Knowing that time would soon be important, he walked into the daylight. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled a weathered, white book from within and set it down as if to signal the end of something. Looking towards the sky, a single black wing emerged from his back. He took off as a solitary feather floated down to the earth.
—
"You're Ushio, correct?" the blue haired woman asked.
"Yeah." she nodded. "Who are you?"
"I suppose it makes sense that you wouldn't remember. I tend to spend most of my time traveling the worlds, helping maintain things." the woman said. "The last time I really met you was long ago. My name's Aqua. I'm an acquaintance of your parents."