Chapter LXV: Problems of the Past

Ushio stood before the large doors to the castle. She paused, not quite sure what to do. Sure, she'd been there before, but that was when she was way younger. As she contemplated how to get in, someone in knight armor approached her.

"Do you have some business here?" they asked.

"Well, I found the answer to my problem, but I need to tell the King about something majorly important." Ushio said.

"Unfortunately, His Majesty isn't here and we're preparing for an event. Though if it's really important, I can relay the information. Might I ask who you are and what your message is?"

"Tell him that Ushio found-"

"Wait, Ushio…you're Ushio!?"

"Yeah." she said, wondering what he meant by that.

"It's me," the knight said, taking off his helmet "Max. Our fathers are friends. I didn't recognize you. It's been years."

"Oh, yeah, Max." Ushio said, remembering the boy.

"You said you had important information. Here, I'll take you to the queen."

Max led Ushio further into the castle, bringing her to the audience chamber. The door opened as the two went inside. They walked down the long hall, approaching Minnie who was working with some of the magic brooms.

"Okay, just place those over there." she directed them.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty." Max spoke. "Ushio needs to speak with you."

"Oh Ushio, welcome." Minnie greeted her.

"Hello, Queen Minnie." Ushio responded. "I was looking for the King, but since he's not here, Max thought I should tell you. While I was in Radiant Garden, I uncovered the identity of the Neo Seekers' leader."

"Oh my, that is important." Minnie said. "We'll need to alert everyone. Let us-"

"Your Majesty!" Chip shouted out as he and his brother ran into the room.

"Danger! There's someone at the gate!" Dale finished.

"Sorry Ushio, it looks like this will have to wait." Minnie said before everyone rushed to the entrance of the castle.

Carefully opening the gates, Ushio saw a swarm of Shadows surrounding the entryway. Taking up her new Keyblade, she was ready to fight. However, a plume of black smoke shot up in the middle of them. It dispersed, revealing a certain witch.

"Magica De Spell!" Minnie and Max called out.

"Hello. It's been a while." Magica replied. "I see you have a Keyblade wielder to protect you."

"That's unfortunate for you." Ushio said.

"Oh please. If you believe I'd show myself without a plan to deal with that, I feel sorry for you."

The Shadows lurched forward. Ushio swung her weapon as Max brought out a shield to protect Minnie. Being the simple Heartless they were, the Shadows proved no match for Ushio's offense and Max's defense. Before long, they'd all been defeated.

"Is that all?" Ushio questioned.

"Fool. All I needed was time to build up my spell. You see, that pathetic Maleficent had the right idea all those years ago. What better way to destroy one's enemies than before they became what they were. Yet, she was so short sighted. Why only do that when you can destroy even the foundation they built on."

Magic energy swirled around Magica's staff. She raised it before slamming it on the ground. Energy shot out as it engulfed her. It circled itself as it grew smaller until it vanished.

"What was all that?" Max asked.

The ground shook furiously as everyone tried to maintain their balance. As everyone tried to understand what was happening, a figure flew towards them. She was dressed in black witch attire.

"What was that massive magic output?" the witch said as she landed.

"Oh Hazel!" Minnie said as she approached her. "Perhaps you can tell us what's going on."

"Well, tell me exactly what happened and I'll try my best."

"Magica returned and spoke about destroying her enemies beforehand. She even mentioned that time Maleficent and Pete opened a portal to the past and tried to interfere."

"So that's what it was." Hazel said. "She used a powerful spell to travel back, using the castle as an anchor. Given how dangerous that Magica is, we'll need to stop her as soon as we can. You, Keyblade wielder."

"Yes?" Ushio spoke up.

"I'm going to need you to travel back and stop her. I'd help, but it's going to take all of my energy to send you back."

"Okay. I'll do it." Ushio affirmed.

"Alright." Hazel said as she approached Ushio. "One last thing." She conjured a small sphere of light that flowed into Ushio's necklace. "A little magic to help you blend in. Now then, let's get this started."

The same energy as before swirled around Hazel. Yet, she shot it out at Ushio. Engulfed by the energy, Ushio felt a bit faint as the world around her went black.

—

Ushio opened her eyes. Finding herself outside of a dilapidated house, she looked at herself in the window. She looked the same, except she appeared more simple in design. It took her back a bit, but she suddenly felt a cold winter breeze. Huddling up, she looked at the old, abandoned house. Inside, the familiar figure of Magica walked the hall. Knowing she had now time to waste, she headed for the entrance

•[Timeless River]•