Chapter LXIV: First Steps Forward

Fire crackled as its flames licked the cauldron above. The dimly lit cavern was filled with smoke as various vials were poured into the cauldron.

"Looks like I've got the right place." a hooded man said as he entered the cavern. He stepped further as he came face to face with its occupant. "Quite the interesting choice of lair."

Around him, Neo Shadows sprung up. The Heartless surrounded him, but remained at bay.

"You dare to trespass here, Neo Seeker?" a woman's voice called out.

"How sweet. You know of us." the hooded man teased.

"I've noticed your presence, offering power to those you deem worthy to use." the voice continued. "You being here indicates you view me to be weak enough to be manipulated and lacking in power."

"Why, never. I know of your fame, Ms. De Spell."

At her name, Magica De Spell stepped out of the shadows. The tall, slender duck walked over to him as if confronting him personally.

"You seem different." the man in black said.

"A side effect of my last skirmish with that accursed Scrooge and that King. They thought they destroyed me all those years ago. Little did they know I had prepared a spare vessel to use. No doubt this is why you thought you'd show yourself. Unfortunately for you, I've spent these long years gathering my strength. Now, I've reached my once great heights."

"Heh."

"What is so funny?" Magica said, pointing her staff at the Neo Seeker.

"You've said it, you've reached your full strength. The same strength that failed you all those years ago. What makes you believe you can win this time?"

"It seems you're the fool. My plan this time is different. I've waited for my foes to leave before I strike. Once they arrive back, they'll find they've long since failed to stop me. The looks on their faces will be a delight."

"And what exactly is your plan?"

"Watch and you shall see."

—

Reaching the world ahead of her, Ushio departed her Gummiship. Walking down the streets of the town, she gazed straight ahead. Before her, in all its regal glory, stood the place she was head.

•[Disney Castle]•

Walking towards the castle, she spotted a figure clad in a black cloak sitting on the side of the road. She braced herself for a fight, only to remember what had happened.

"Relax." the person said.

Their voice sounded familiar to Ushio. She'd met this cloaked person before. Yes, they'd helped her out previously when she was in trouble.

"Wait, you're…"

"An ally." they said. "I had to keep myself hidden for the most part. Of the remaining Neo Seekers, only their leader knows of me. The time had to arrive when it was right to step forward. All the signs are apparently now, so I've come to reintroduce myself to you."

The person got up and threw their cloak off. Underneath was a mid twenties looking man with shoulder length brown, downward spiked hair and purple eyes. They sported a green, closed jacket adorned with silver buttons on one side and the bottom with blue stripes crossing on the sleeves, the right of which had an upper arm tear. A single black shoulder piece was attached on the left side. Under the jacket, he had on a white lined, sky blue shirt and a necklace sporting three silver coins. Below, he wore dark grey pants that had several black belt run up each leg.

"Nice to formally meet you. My name is Kaze." he held out his hand.

Ushio dropped her apprehension and shook it. As she did, something about the man seemed familiar. Suddenly, something came back to her. A story she once heard.

"Long ago, a man once sought knowledge. He was a wise man who knew much. Though he possessed great power and wisdom, he always wanted to know more. As he went out to seek this knowledge, he vanished. Time passed and this was lost to time. Yet, it is said that he is still out there, seeking the object of his quest."

That story she'd recalled not long ago echoed in her mind.

"Wait, besides those times a month ago, we met before, didn't we?" Ushio asked.

"Indeed." Kaze said. "Even with my appearance, now isn't the time to explain everything, but I will say I've been watching over everything for a long time. I've been waiting for these events to unfold so I can put a stop to what they'll bring. And you…you'll play an important part in what's to come soon."

"How?" Ushio asked. "I…" she trailed off as she summoned her broken Keyblade.

"I see." Kaze observed. "I'm going to need you to reach deep inside."

—

Your heart wavers

Torn by words of another

Still, your desire remains

The path is gone

Yet, another has begun to take its place

Seek what will soothe your heart

Head down the road

Find that which will complete you

—

Ushio heard the words inside her. She held her hand aloft as she gripped tight. The broken Keyblade swirled with energy as it glowed brilliantly. Opening her eyes, she saw it had changed. The once broken Keyblade now sported twin wave-like handle guards while the handle was the color of sand. Even the blade and it's teeth appeared like a cascading wave. Gone was the old keychain and instead it was replaced by a paopu fruit.

"This is…"

"Your new Keyblade." Kaze said. "Use it as you go on your journey of self discovery. Ushio, I must go, but we will meet again. When we do, all will be explained."

Ushio watched as Kaze took off down the road. Before he was too far off, he turned to give her his last words.

"May your heart be your guiding key."