Chapter LI: Paths Interconnected

From the rooftop of the castle, a figure in a black cloak observed as Ushio met Aqua. Once more, they observed as the girl in pink continued on her journey. While they'd met in the World of Supers, the figure had kept their distance. Now, as things began to come together, they watched once more.

Something didn't seem right. The events weren't in place yet. They knew it wasn't time to meet her. Again, the figure disappeared.

—

Ushio looked at the blue haired woman. She recalled memories of mentions of that name. Realizing it meant she was in good company, she smiled.

"Nice to meet you."

"So, you made it to Radiant Garden. I guess it's a lucky coincidence that it's now of all times." Aqua said.

"What do you mean by that?" Ushio asked.

"As we've been dealing with the Neo Seekers, everyone's been off on their own. Not that some of it's dying down, some of us decided to meet here to discuss everything we've uncovered. In fact, it's about time to get going. Why don't you come along?"

"Sure." Ushio nodded.

The brunette followed her as she led them through the town, towards the castle. Reaching the entrance, she looked at the massive structure in front of her. Ushio spotted three other figures waiting by the huge doors.

"Here we are." Aqua turned to her before facing the other three.

Ushio looked around as Aqua walked over to greet the trio.

"Mickey, Goofy, Donald, it's been too long." she said.

"Heya, Aqua. Great to see you too." Mickey replied.

"Gawrsh, is that Ushio over there?" Goofy peered over.

"Yeah, I ran into her over in town and brought her with me." Aqua responded. "Hey Ushio, come over."

Snapping out of her trance, Ushio joined in the group.

"Oh, hi." she placed her hands behind her head. "Sorry I don't notice before. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

True to her words, Ushio hadn't seen the trio in a bit. Having connections and a strong friendship with her parents, she'd been around the three throughout her life. However, sometimes their duties prevented them from joining up with her and her family for visits.

"That it has." Mickey said. "But it's nice to meet up again. You sure have grown."

"Yup." Ushio agreed. "Hey, remember when I was little and couldn't understand a thing Donald said."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Donald raised an eyebrow.

The group laughed.

"What's all this about?" a man's voice called out.

"Did we miss something?" a woman's added.

Turning around, the group saw as Riku and Naminé grew closer to them.

"Hello everyone." Naminé said.

"Looks like almost everyone's here." Riku said. "And it's great to see you here, Ushio. How's your training been going?"

"Great." Ushio replied. "I understand now the true meaning of why you sent me out there."

"That's good." he smiled.

"Sorry we're late!" a voice called out.

Looking down the steps, Sora and Kairi made their way up. Seeing her parents there, Ushio rushed over and hugged them.

"Hey there." Sora said as the three hugged.

"It's good to be together like this with everyone." Ushio smiled.

"This looks like everyone that can make it." Aqua said, looking at those assembled. "Everyone else is still working on solving the other problems left out there."

"Alright." Mickey drew everyone's attention. "Let's-"

"It appears you've all met up." a familiar man said. Five figures appeared in front of the nine. "It's nice to formally meet all you. Some of you I've met along the way, but others don't know me. My name is Aster. With the time upon us, I would ask that you assist us in our final task."

"Why would we?" Sora spoke up. "You Neo Seekers have been causing problems all over the worlds."

"Ah, the hero of light who saved them previously. I knew that would be a question raised here. See, our goal is almost within grasp. All we need is a little push. The fact that you've all gathered here is perfect. The town below could use your help. Within minutes, our swarm of Heartless will be unleashed on them. We merely ask that you do your duty and dispose of the little creatures."

"This is what you've been doing all along. Why are you causing these problems if you just want us to solve them?" Mickey asked.

"We need the light and darkness to clash." Aster proclaimed. "When light and darkness clash, many secrets are revealed. We all want something different and through these experiments, that which we seek will present itself. So, I ask if you again, will you save the innocent town below and aid us or will you abandon them to hurt our cause."

"We'd be insane to leave them be." Ushio spat out. "We'll help them all, but you're going down when we're done with that."

"I see." Aster slightly nodded. "Then we'll meet again."

Turning around, he lead the group as they began to disappear.

"Let's have some fun next time!" Kyra shouted out.

As the group disappeared, Ushio could feel Iwa's eyes on her, Riku, and Naminé.

Dark clouds began appearing overhead as they could tell things were about to get worse.