Chapter LII: Intertwining

The dark clouds settled in as Radiant Garden was besieged by Heartless. Shadows popped up frequently as the nine rushed to aid the citizens.

"There's too many spread out for all of us to deal with together." Mickey spoke. "We need to split up and help out everyone we can."

The group nodded as they went their separate ways. Ushio found herself rushing towards the outer gardens by the gate. While the Heartless were appearing inside the town's limits, they were also pouring in through the gates.

Now on the outskirts of the town, Ushio rushed the hordes of Shadows, Soldiers, and Neo Shadows that attempted their entry into the town. Slash after slash of her Keyblade dropped the foes. The floral key teeth collided with Heartless.

To Ushio's surprise, the numbers began to die down as she continued her assault. Fewer and fewer foes appeared before her as she moved about the battlefield. Yet, she knew something was off.

Shadows began to converge on the ground as a deep darkness consolidated.

"This doesn't look good." Ushio muttered to herself.

The large shadow began springing forth as a head clad in tentacles emerged. The figure rose higher and higher, its large, muscular body on display.

The Darkside stared Ushio down, it's yellow eyes locked on her. Unbeknownst to her, other Darksides began to emerge around the city as the next phase of the Neo Seekers plan came underway.

Faced with the gigantic enemy, Ushio charged the Heartless. The Darkside swept its hand low, allowing Ushio access. She jumped on its arms, running up it as the appendage raise, an orb of darkness swirling around its hand. Reaching its head, she unleashed a barrage of blows. Hit after hit landed as it seemed unfazed. From its hand, smaller orbs of darkness shot up into the sky and began to rain down. Ushio dodged and ducked, trying her best to avoid them. Admitting her attacks were done for the moment, she leapt down and evaded the orbs.

With its previous attack finished, the Darkside wastes no time attempting a second strike. Dark energy built up in its heart shaped hole in its torso before being expelled outward. The blasts chased Ushio, pelting her thrice. The girl was rocketed away as pain washed over her body.

The Heartless switched tactics, bringing its fist down into the ground. Darkness swirled about as several Shadows sprung up from the mass. They quickly latched onto Ushio and were just as quickly disposed off.

The downwards planted fist allowed Ushio to make her way back up it. Once more, a flurry of swings connected. Ushio fought with all her might as she moved from combo to combo. The Darkside reared back as it gathered more energy in its chest. Shots of darkness blasted as Ushio as she jumped back to avoid them. They kept at it, eventually colliding nearby. However, one blast snuck up on her as she felt it collide with her back.

Getting to her feet, Ushio felt weak. The blasts had not been kind to her. Gathering herself momentarily, she cast Cura, feeling the healing waves on her.

Now healed up, Ushio rushed the Darkside. It's fist crashed down as she jumped aside. Flipping over onto its arm, she made her way up to its head again. Deciding it had to end soon, she put her maximum effort as her Keyblade repeatedly made contact with its head. Swing after swing, slash after slash, Ushio pushed forward as the Darkside received her assault. With one final thrust, Ushio overwhelmed the Heartless. it fell backwards as it faded into oblivion.

"Impressive." someone clapped. Turning around, Kizuna stood in plain view.

"Here to fight me?" Ushio panted.

"Just to observe." Kizuna said. "What everyone did was spectacular. Aster was pleased by your performance."

"Then why isn't the rest of your group here congratulating us?" asked Ushio.

"We believe this should be enough to aid in our goal. With everything finishing up here, it's time we leave."

"Where are you going."

"Hopefully to where we'll be lead to our goal." Kizuna said, turning around and opening a portal. "Oh, and that fight you mentioned. Should you attempted to follow and stop us, it will happen. Otherwise, it's been great meeting you." Having said her last words, she vanished.

Ushio stood, taking her conversation in. Now left alone, she raced towards the town to meet with the others.