Chapter LV: Closer

The flat fields of flowers gave way to hills as Ushio continued onward. While the flowers continued to dot the landscape, raised formations became more common. A figure spied on the girl from nearby, locking onto their position.

Ushio pushed on. Moving up the slight incline, something flashed into her line of vision. Stopping quickly, an energy arrow landed right in front of her. With the first attack raised, she summoned her Keyblade and readied herself.

"Who is it!?" she shouted out.

"So you made it here." Kizuna said as she teleported into sight. The pink haired woman shrugged. "I guess it'd be you of everyone. Truth be told, I'd prefer if it was one of the other parties, but you'll have to do."

"You didn't seem to mind our last meetings." Ushio said back.

"Indeed. Though you had possible answers to what I'm seeking back then. Now…now you're all alone. You don't seem to have my goal."

"Just what is it you want?" Ushio asked.

"Since you asked, I'll enlighten you." Kizuna spoke. "In a way, Genex and I overlapped. While he researched the heart, I sought out the truth behind bonds. What is it that causes people to seek them out. Why do people forge them? They claim that bonds make you stronger, but is that really the case? These questions have always haunted me. That's why I followed your journey as you moved about the worlds. Each time I saw you, you'd found new companions. You furthered your bonds. Now however, you're alone. That's why I would've preferred the others. Unlike you, not everyone was separated here. Yet, here I am, face to face with the girl separated from everyone."

"So you think just because I'm alone now that my bonds mean nothing? Even when we're by ourselves, our bonds still hold us together and strengthen us. It's precisely because I forged those bonds that I'm where I am now. They've made me who I am."

"If that is what you claim, show me." Speaking those words, Kizuna summoner forth an intricate bow. She pointed it directly at Ushio. "Show me how they've changed you."

Kizuna moved her right arm as if pulling back the bow. As an energy arrow appeared, she let go, sending it flying towards Ushio. The girl dodged as the arrow whizzed past her head. Racing towards her, Ushio unleashed a series of blows as Kizuna attempted to strike again. Having taken the blows, the pink haired woman quickly stepped around the other girl as she let loose two more arrows. Ushio swing around and put up her guard just in time to prevent them from landing.

"Grand rainfall." Kizuna muttered as she pointed her bow upward.

As she pulled back on the imaginary string, energy converted as a giant arrow formed. Once more letting go, it shot up into the sky. The arrow reconfigured itself into a sphere as numerous smaller arrows fell down. Ushio tried her best to block and dodge the attack, yet the numbers prevailed as she felt the energy arrows pierce her.

The sharp pain pushed her forth as she aimed her Keyblade at the Neo Seeker. Fire swelled as a Firaga launched towards the woman. Kizuna felt the flames as the magic took its toll on her.

"You're not the only one who can stand back and attack her enemy." Ushio yelled at her.

"Hmph. Getting cocky from what little you've done." Kizuna replied back.

As if taking her up on the challenge, Ushio rushed her. Her Keyblade made it mark as she comboed a string of attacks on Kizuna. The woman staged a counterattack, firing off several arrows from her bow. Ushio dodged most, a few hitting, as she continued her assault.

Kizuna jumped back. Preparing a strong attack, she directed her aim at the brunette. The energy gathered in a huge line. She let it lose, the arrow acting more as a blast than a projectile. Ushio tried her best to get out of its way, yet finding her right side in pain as it sideswiped her. She quickly fell to her knees.

"It's over." Kizuna said, approaching the girl.

Getting closer, Ushio locked onto the woman. Gripping her Keyblade tighter, she sprung to her feet. With a solid strike, the situation was reversed as Kizuna fell.

"I suppose you were right." Ushio said as she walked over.

"Not quite." Kizuna said as shadows began to swirl around her. "I was wrong. The end isn't here yet. We will meet again. And when we do, why don't you show me more about how your bonds have helped you."

Kizuna disappeared, the darkness fading away. Once more Ushio was left in the flower filled land as she sought out the others and a way to end their conflict with the Neo Seekers.

—

Iwa sat on a rocky outcropping, the wind blowing slightly. Petals flew through the air as the breeze carried them. Deep down, he knew soon enough those he sought to leave behind would arrive. His father, his mother, even Ushio couldn't stop his path. The time he would fix it was almost here.