The Untrusting Hero From Another World

Six Months Since Summoning Day, Jarred, Age 17

I stumbled through the Jungles of Animaria, feeling totally drained. My monster form faded as soon as I shifted back. I fell down to my hands and knees, unable to keep my balance, as I pondered how I got back. That pondering came to an end the moment I saw....him.

"Hm? Did you not enjoy your week in the past?" Ritto mocked, a sly grin on his face, quite different from the meek Arch Mage that I was used to. How did he even know where I was? He looked down at me as I rolled to my back, too busy catching my breath, taunt back, "Now, just so we're clear, I didn't save you out of the goodness of my heart. I expect repayment."

"R-Repayment...? I don't like where this is going..."

"It's quite simple, really. Do as you have been, but never complete the task you are given. Feign defeat. Say you got lost. It doesn't matter to me how so long as you fail in the most destructive way possible."

"And if I...?"

"If you don't? Do you ever wonder how that girl back home is doing? Oh, what was her name? Sabrina?" The mention of that name made my blood run hot. My eyes narrowed into a glare, daring him to make some sort of threat, "No need to be so angry. I won't do anything to harm her. However, I have been looking into an accident that happened a decade or so back whenever I was trying to find a way to transport Shadows. I believe I may have accidentally sent one to your world. Wouldn't it be so wonderful if I could reverse it and transport your old flame to this world?"

"Leave her out of this..." I growled with what little energy I had. Sabrina likely hated me for what I did, and I don't blame her, but I won't have her be used again.

"Then do as I say like a good little hero."

Three Days Later, Ryan, Age 15

I yawned as I finally finished packing up. After the nonsense with Jarred and us getting our new Goliaths, it was time to move on to the next major nation. From what Kai told me, Dai Shi is the magical superpower of this world. While Animaria had their spirit magic, Dai Shi was focused more on magic formulas and such, as well as the conservation and restoration of old magic. Luckily, we fought humans mostly during our time in the past, but if what they could do to the Heroic Titan was anything to go by, I don't like the idea of one nation having that power. I thought to myself about how this could go as their queen didn't seem too fond of us until I felt a slight bump on my ankle. Looking down, I saw Hellas trying to get my attention, "Hey bud. You getting used to your Goliath body?"

"I-I'm trying, but... It's all so sudden."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. But you did well."

"Th-Thank you..." He said softly, nuzzling me like a miniature kitten. Hard to believe he was so capable when he struggles to even talk without stuttering. I guess I got the strongest one, after all. After that, we all met up outside the Pyramid and walked out. Despite celebrating our return just last night, they were already shooting off confetti and fireworks to see us off. These guys are just brimming with energy. It actually brought a slight grin to my face, something Jaune would proceed to tease me about the whole way to the Royal Cloud Cutter that was here to pick us up. Outside, Eliza and Kai were waiting, though Kai seemed uneasy.

"You know, you didn't have to come if you didn't want to. I just thought you'd like to see more of the world," I noted, kneeling down to his level. He smiled at me and nodded his head.

"It's okay. I'm sure everything will be okay with you there." He was practically beaming despite his previous unease. I thought Kai would like to see more of the world, specifically where his parents were from. Maybe it's just me, but I'd love nothing more than to know more about my parents. Apparently, Jaune also offered for his friend to come, but he insisted on staying and helping the Student Council while we did our Hero thing, "So, Ms. Eliza, you've been to Dai Shi before? What's it like?"

"You can just call me Eliza. I hate formalities," She started, though I heard a giggle escape her throat, "Anyway, it's not exactly something I can easily explain. Their architecture is so unique from that of other nations on the Island. Its people dress in beautiful silks, and their magic capabilities blow all others out of the water." Her description didn't disappoint. In less than a few hours, we were told that we had arrived. We looked out the window towards the ground, hoping to see something, only to see a massive

"Oh, it's not down there," Xandric noted, pointing upwards. Our disappointment changed to awe. A small cluster of floating islands stood steady in the sky, each containing several buildings. From what little of a birds-eye view we could get, it seemed the islands were split by their function, two massive islands for housing and the Magic Academy, a medium-sized one for trade and entertainment, a small area for exporting and importing goods, and in the middle of all four, an island with a large singular palace-like building.

"Okay, I see what you mean," Makoto muttered in shock as we docked on the small island as there wasn't any place suited for the Cloud Cutter. At least there weren't many people. When we stepped out, one would expect the air to be incredibly thin, but we could breathe with as much ease as if we were on the ground.

"Quite the sight, don't you think?" A familiar voice rang through our ears as we turned around. It was a spiteful voice, one that we had only heard once before. Our eyes were met with the glare of Queen Min, "Welcome to Mao Zhua, the capital city of Dai Shi."

"A pleasure to see you again, Queen Min," Makoto said, keeping up a civil facade, and she gave a slight bow.

"I wish I could say the same," She answered before turning to Kai with wide eyes, "And who is this?" Kai quickly hid behind me, and I allowed it, shooting a glare at her

"A friend. Is that a problem?" I asked, cracking my knuckles, to which she shook her head in response. Just as we were about to leave, though, a loud boom could be heard. As if it were instinct, we shifted before we even saw the threat. "Kai, stay with Eliza. We'll be back," I ordered as Xandric launched himself higher into the air, giving himself a view. On the palace island, there was a massive hole in one of the windows. Guards came flooding out onto one of the many escalators from one island to the next.

"I don't see the cause, but it must be bad if so many guards are needed!" Xandric told us via our helmet's communication system. We quickly jumped onto the buildings, allowing us to avoid the trouble of navigating around an entire army. Eventually, we found the source of the trouble. She was surrounded from all sides by a horde of guards. My eyes widened at the sight of the girl, though. I knew that athletic figure, that dirty blonde hair. Save for the dyed red streak in front of her face, she was exactly how she was when I died.

"Ryan? Are you...?" Jaune started to ask, but it was too late. I had jumped in between the girl and the guards.

"Enough! I'll take it from here!" I demanded, and the guards began to step back hesitantly. I then turned to the familiar woman, only to be met with a fist in my gut. Yup, that's definitely her.

"Who the hell are you?! Where am I?" She asked and immediately went to kick me, but I easily blocked. She was going to try again, but I backed up and removed my helmet just in time. I was hoping she would stop when she saw my face. Instead, I was pretty much knocked out faster than if I were fighting Tyson himself.

When I woke up, I saw red and jade walls all around me. From the looks of it, I was in some sort of bedroom. I'm guessing I'm in the palace, just like the last time. I didn't really have time to slowly wake up as suddenly, a heavy weight was slammed down on my gut. Instinctively, I throw it to the side only to see...Jaune, who was practically seeing stars. Looking for where he came from, I saw the door was already busted, as if he had been thrown through it.

"What's your problem?"

"I don't know what you're saying, but get in my way, and you'll end up like that pretty boy! I'm going to see Ryan!" Oh god, the powder keg has been lit. Here's hoping I can stop the fuse before it explodes. Quickly, I stepped out and tried to act like my face didn't feel like it was about to fall off.

"Okay, everyone calm down!" I ordered, using my Draconic Presence to add a bit of pressure. Their attention was drawn to me as I let them relax. "Okay, now let's just relax and talk it out. Hailey, what the hell are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that! Don't get me wrong, I knew you weren't dead, but this is... I don't know what this is". Every bone in my body was telling me to go and strangle Min for this, but that had to wait. Without a Shifter, Jaune and Makoto just spoke two completely different foreign languages to her. I was the only one who could explain, so I buckled down and did just that. I explained the summoning, our roles as heroes, and pretty much everything I could without touching the bad parts. I doubt she would worry, but I'm not going to admit to losing a three-on-one fight to her, of all people. She stared at me, blinking a couple of times before pointing out something I had been thinking from the start, "This sounds like one of those manga you keep stashed in your room."

"Exactly! I thought the sa-" I cut myself off, my eyes narrowing as I changed topics. "Wait, how would you know what was in my manga?" She froze like a statue, her eyes slowly drifting away as I realized just what she had done. "You have got to be kidding me! You looked through my stuff!"

"I was hoping to find out what happened to you!"

"Yeah, because you're totally going to find out what happened to me by reading through my manga collection! I swear when I get back, if there is so much as a single tear on those pages... They were in perfect condition, you know! Priceless!" I tore into her until I heard someone clear their throat. When I turned to look, I immediately caught a green revolver-shaped object with a red dragon design on both sides, "What's this?"

"Her Shifter. I believe that's what you and the traitors call them now," She answered, and I passed it over. Hailey winced in pain for a moment. "Can you understand us now? It has the same spell on it as the bracelet variation but doubles as a weapon." She looked confused and looked towards the others as if to test it out

"I'll take that as a yes. Now who are you?"

I sighed and shook my head, "I told you about her, Makoto. My sister, remember?" those words began to sink in as I turned to glare at Min, "Which begs the question. Why is she here? I specifically told Thaddeus no more summoning!"

"That was before you four disappeared for a week straight without telling anyone. What? Would you have us be totally defenseless?" She asked, and I was left speechless. I couldn't tell her. Shay went behind everyone's back. Even if it wouldn't have worked, he was trying to do good, and I can't put him in hot water for that. I glare at her and start to leave, being sure to bump her hard enough that she's pushed into a nearby wall on the way out.

Hailey, Age 18

I stared at the group in stunned silence as I looked at the gun. All this talk of 'Heroes' and 'Demons'. What have I been thrown into? I look to the others, these total strangers that Ryan seemed so close with. What has happened since he was gone. The girl, Makoto, I think he said her name was, sat down beside me, "Are you okay?" she asked, holding a sleeping kid with pointed ears and one eye.

"Not exactly. I just died, found my brother, and got told he's been fighting demons for six months straight. How am I even supposed to take that?" I asked, looking away from her

"I think I get it," Makoto answered, gently patting the boy on the back. He must have fallen asleep from all the crying, "I had two brothers back home. If they were summoned instead of me, I'd hate myself for being unable to protect them. But Ryan, he's special, you know? When we first came here, the city we were staying in was attacked by someone." She leaned over, raising an eyebrow at the pink-skinned boy who huffed in response, "We were told to evacuate, but do you know what Ryan did? He jumped right out the window without a second thought to go help."

"He didn't trust a single thing about this world, and yet he was the first of us to spring into action. Do you really think you can stop someone like that?" The girl in white asked. She had a point. No matter how hard I tried, Ryan would probably always jump to help. Like he said, never again. Pushing it aside, I decide to move on for now.

"I guess so. But it does leave me with one question." I turned to Makoto with the biggest grin on my face, "So Ryan's 'special,' huh? What's the story there?" Obviously, I knew what she meant and didn't actually think anything of it, but it seemed to get a pretty big response as her face lit up, and she began stuttering over her words

"W-We are...Well, you see, I-! And he-!"

"My my, you two have only been dating a week, and you're meeting his family," The French boy spoke up, and if I had a drink, it would have been quickly spat right out. Ryan? Dating? He's never done that before! He treated almost everyone with annoyance, let alone showed any romantic interest in anyone.

"B-Be quiet, Jaune or I'll whip you into next week!" she tried to threaten, but she was impossible to take seriously at this point.

Ryan, Age 15

Damn it, of course, she would be the one who was summoned! Why wouldn't she be? The universe just seems to love making my life harder! She probably still hates me, and can I blame her? I was a jerk, all because I was mad at her dad. I walk around the palace, grumbling to myself before grabbing whoever was behind me by the throat.... or at least I tried, but my hand burned the moment I touched her, "Enjoying the sights? Mao Zhua is quite beautiful," Min asked, her gaze being like two daggers jammed into my eyes before softening. "I just wished to give my condolences. I did not know you knew her when she was summoned."

"Of course, you didn't," I scoffed, clearly not believing her. All this magic, and you expect me to believe she couldn't peek over into our world and see who she's snatching up? Yeah, right. "What do you want anyway? Here to bug me about how we're not doing good enough?"

"I could, but that's far from productive," She admitted, a sly smile crossing her lips at the thought of how many screw-ups she could list off. She had made her disdain for us very clear during the meeting, so I knew this would be fun, "Instead, I'll simply wait for you to screw up and berate you then. For now, I'm just here to tell you that you four will begin your magic classes in a week. Take that grace period to get used to our fine city." Without a word, I did just that. It was pretty much my routine anyway, and it got me away from her.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Meanwhile, Sonya, Age 55

I grumbled in exhaustion as I slowly got up and wandered around the castle, helping out with cleaning before it was time for the next big experiment, "Thank you, Miss. But you know, researchers shouldn't have to burden themselves further. We can clean the castle."

"Don't worry, it's no problem. I'm just here to help, after all. Nobody said I had to help Ritto all day," I assured the servant as I helped to clean the windows. Honestly, I was more at peace this way. Everyone else, even the Generals, were just living their lives here without a care until the next mission from Zeddral. But Ritto was different. He was always so... odd. He seemed fine enough, but something about him made my fangs want to shrink back into my gums in terror. I would continue to help mop the floors and clean the windows until the castle was spotless. I was exhausted, barely able to stand. I nearly fell to my knees but felt someone's arms underneath my body. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw a dark-skinned young man, "Oh, thanks, Riley..."

"You need to stop overdoing yourself."

"Another lecture?"

"Not this time. I've given up on that," He assured, leaning against the wall. I could never tell why, but Riley always seemed so protective of me. He was close to Eliza like the other Hell Heroes, but I was mostly just a tagalong. Still, I was grateful for it. After so long being hated, it was nice to have people care. That's why I can't just let them leave. Plus, I'm helping a good cause, so everyone wins, "Ritto needs you." Those words killed whatever joy I felt. I began to frown and nod my head, "Do you want me to go with you?"

"O-Oh no! It's okay. If you're too busy, I won't bother you-!" But before I could even finish my sentence, I was interrupted by a loud squeak as he picked me up and carried me toward the lab. I didn't say a word, knowing that I couldn't talk him down. When we arrived, the other three were waiting, including an unusually somber Jarred, "Um... You needed me, Ritto?" I asked, looking around the lab. Most of the researchers and mages were hard at work on the idea for the next big monster, but he was watching the testing chamber intimately.

"Hold on! Care to explain that?!" Cass asked with a smirk crossing her lips as Riley put me down, "You sly dog! I never thought you'd try that!"

"Don't be ridiculous. I know fear when I see it, so I offered to come with her. Wasn't expecting you two to be here. Anyway, what's up?"

"I simply need a volunteer. I have made a new type of Shadow. One that I wish one of you to observe in combat. Sadly, Mao Zhua is too high in the sky for me to just open a portal. Would one of you be so kind as to escort them in your new goliaths?" That's it? Then why was I here if he just needed them? While I was confused, Riley and Cass clearly weren't, as they both shot killing glares at Ritto.

"Fine. I'll do it," Cass spoke up, only to be cut off by Riley

"No, Eliza is with them. Can't have your emotions getting the better of you like last time."

"It's because she's there that I should go!"

"So you're prepared to kill her?" Riley countered, stunning her into silence, "In case you didn't notice, those rookies are catching up to us quick. We can't keep protecting her."

"Very well, Red! You may take your Phoenix Goliath and set course for Dai Shi." Riley didn't respond, instead just transforming and walking out. With the tension in the air, I hurried after him.

"Riley, wait!" I called out, and I slowly skidded to a halt as I went too fast and found myself pressed against his back, "What you were saying in there... You didn't mean it, did you?" I asked with worry in my voice. I'm doing all of this so that Cass, Eliza, and I can be together. All of this will be for nothing if she dies. Riley looked down at me, his face unreadable due to his terrifying helmet. He raised a hand, and I instinctively flinched before feeling a wave of calm as he gently scratched my head.

"Don't worry. I just needed Cass to let me take the reigns. With her power, she may kill her without even noticing." He answered before continuing on his way

The Next Day, Ryan, Age 15

"Yo, Hailey. You coming?" Hailey snapped over to look at me as we started to leave. She had been staring at the Shifter she was given for a while now. With a simple nod of my head, the group went on ahead while I sat beside her on the fine leather couch, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, not a lot. It's just a lot to take in. Not that you're alive, I mean. I'm way past that. But now I'm being told to fight a bunch of Demons just because I was told to"

"Yeah. I'm sure," I said softly, not really knowing what to say. I didn't have an issue with this hero thing at the start. This was a dream come true, save for the team bit. I sat there in silence before finally finding the right words. "Do what you want. I have no right stopping you after how I treated you. But, if you do join us, go all the way, okay?" With those words, I went for the door, only to find her beside me, "So you gonna explore the city with us?"

"Sure. I think I've made up my mind," She answered and walked ahead with confidence. Why do I get the feeling I don't like where this is going? She made that choice way too quickly for her to have actually come up with something smart. Still, she ignored my unease and kept walking, "Well c'mon. I'd like to know more about my future sister-in-law."

"H-Hey! Who said anything about that?"

"The fact that you'll probably never get another girlfriend if she ever dumps you," She teased and kept walking ahead as if she didn't want me to see her face. Did I upset her somehow? That thought lingered in my mind as we caught up to the others.

"So the new girl is coming with us?" Jaune asked with a smile

"The more the merrier," Xandric added. Hailey simply smiled at the warm welcome as we just went around town. We started in the residential district. Large red, green, and gold-decorated houses lined the edge of the island, and while they decreased in size the further out they went, they weren't lacking in luxury, at least from the outside. Next was the Magic Academy, a massive school district similar to School City but entirely devoted to the study of magic. Students would train in a variety of spells, dueling each other with proper supervision, and take regular boring classes, too. Lastly was the Market and Entertainment District. The Market half was fairly standard, selling food and other necessities, but the Entertainment half? That was beautiful. Magic enhanced everything. Movies were now entirely interactive, allowing the viewers to use all five senses and, depending on the film, even interact with the characters. There was what I could only describe as a magic arcade. Paintball came in two forms, the traditional and one with summoned familiars that acted more like a tactical shooter. Instead of using an old arcade cabinet, players were transported into a simulated version of the game via complex illusions. There was even a petting zoo of summoned creatures, though Ric did not take too kindly to seeing a proud, mighty dragon submit to the pets of children. Still, I like to think part of him liked it. The whole time, though, I could only focus on one thing. Hailey was smiling the entire time as she played the games and watched the movies, a smile I deprived her of for so long because I couldn't control my anger. After we finally got done for the day, we all sat around at the park, eating delicious cookies.

"Wow, so this is what you did those first few days? I wish you had invited us sooner, my friend," Jaune joked.

"See? This is what happens when you stop looking like everything is bound to stab you in the back," Eliza further teased.

"Ha ha, very funny. Look, you guys could've come with me whenever you wanted."

"Not really. You weren't very approachable when you were brooding all the time," Makoto spoke up, much to everyone's laughter. To get back at her, I immediately kissed her on the cheek, making her practically die on the spot as the group burst into laughter. Still, I couldn't laugh with them as I looked at Hailey.

"Hey guys, can Hailey and I talk alone for a second?"

"Huh? Did I do something wrong...?"

"No. It's just... There's something I need to say." The group all looked at the two of us before complying. They walked to the other side of the park, still very much in eyeshots if needed, "Like I said, you didn't do anything. It's actually me. I spent years hating you for something your dad did, and that wasn't fair to you. All you tried to do was be a good sister, and I pushed you away. I'm sorry." She looked at me with wide eyes. C'mon, was the idea of me apologizing really that shocking. Once she recovered, she began to open her mouth to respond, but I couldn't make out the words as the sudden sound of panic muffled her. We both looked on in confusion before looking into the sky to see a giant, red, mechanical bird. My priorities quickly shifted, "Hailey, run!"

"But what about you?!"

"I'll be fine. This is just a Tuesday for us," I assured her before running to the others, "Ready?"

"Ready!"

"World's Combine..."

"Souls Combine..."

"Heroes Unite!!"

We all shift right in front of her before rushing off to combat. From the Phoenix, hordes of Shadows came flying down, along with a new General. Xandric immediately sent out his army to assist with evacuation and fight off any Shadows that approached. Since they were made of magic, they could easily tear them apart, allowing us to punch, claw, and whip our way towards the General. That was until I punched through one of the shadows, but this time, it didn't just poof into a puff of black mist. It just stood there, taking the punches and kicks over and over until

BOOM!!

I barely had time to react before I was launched into the air. Makoto quickly caught me with her whip, pulling me back as my suit began to regenerate, "What was that?! It just..." Jaune said in total shock as he pieced it together

"Xandric, recall your men!" I quickly ordered over the comms

"What?! But what abou-"

"They're in more danger if your souls wail on them, so just send them back!" I tried to order, but it wasn't long before the sounds of explosions lined the streets, followed by the cries of the innocent. After that... a laugh

"Ahahaha! Quite the pretty fireworks! But the main act is about to-!" The general mocked a demon with flamethrowers for arms and a torch on his head. He didn't get to finish his sentence as I pushed him down with my Draconic Presence.

"Team, go help evacuate. If you see any more of those things, throw them off the build."

"And what about you?" Xandric asked

"This chump just made the mistake of pissing me off."

Riley, Age 15

I watched from above as the new Bomber Shadows went off. It wasn't exactly fun. Even back before I died, I didn't find wars with rival gangs all that fun, but this? It was disgusting. But if this is what I had to do to not go back to that hell, that's what I would do. I was only ordered to observe, and I had no reason to jump in. I noticed a flash of green light away from the battle, but my instincts quickly kicked in when I felt something over my head. I quickly jumped back, dodging... A White Hero with a staff, "That's funny. Jarred never mentioned a fifth one. They summon you too, rookie?" She didn't answer, instead flinging spikes of ice and bolts of lightning that I quickly dodged and countered with my own spells, "Xinoehp emalf!" I screamed out, creating a giant Phoenix-shaped flame and launching it at her. When the steam cleared, I could see a half-melted cone of ice slowly vanishing, "Huh... Well, damn, I guess you weren't summoned. Nobody gets the hang of magic that quick." That narrowed down the identity of this mystery woman pretty well. It didn't take a genius since few people were better than me when it came to magic, at least according to Eliza. I was capable of making constructs of fire that hadn't been seen in a thousand years, and while she wasn't capable of that scale, she was considered a talented mage without Hero Powers, "You should leave while you have the chance. I promised your friend I wouldn't kill you. That doesn't mean I won't rough you up."

My attempts at bravado were quickly cut off, though, as I sidestepped the General who was thrown onto my Goliath. Ryan flew up in the new form Jarred described, more armored with Dragon Wing and Fang ornaments as well as actual wings, "Riley! You're gonna pay for what you did!"

Hailey, Age 18

Rushing between allies, I watched as people tried to hurry to safety. Ryan's friends began throwing the monsters off the side of the islands, but the damage was done. The pristine buildings were now turning to rubble, and the happy citizens were all running in fear. This is what Ryan had been dealing with every day for the past six months? Still, at least this time, I could do something to help. With shaky hands, I pulled out the green gun that had been passed to me, fiddling with it until I accidentally spun the cylinder. It began spinning like crazy from a simple accident. Hoping for the best, I held the weapon outwards. What was it they said? "Worlds Combine, Heroes Unite?" I repeated hesitantly and fired. Suddenly, I was enveloped by a whirlwind and launched into the sky as a dark red bodysuit covered my body. Next came a green breastplate followed by grieves and gauntlets and a long red scarf. When I landed, doing a very cool pose, might I add, the bullet shot back around and formed a green helmet with long ornaments on each side similar to elf ears, and words I never knew before flooded out of my mouth, "With Elven Swiftness, Elven Hero Green!" With that transformation, I felt a well of confidence as I immediately blasted one of those monsters behind me. I quickly backed away, expecting an explosion, but it never came. Slowly approaching, I noticed a hole in a glowing core-like object before the monster dispersed into black smoke. Picking up the core, I hurried to find the others, blasting them just like the last one, "Guys!" I called out, and Xandric landed on the ground, looking defensive

"Hailey? You learned how to shift?"

"Yeah, it was more just trying to imitate you guys in a- wait, forget that! I've got something more important!" I then explained to him exactly what I did. He stood there, stroking his chin in thought, pondering the information I had just given him.

"I see. Hero Black to Yellow and Blue. Green just gave us a vital piece of information."

"Green? So Hailey's-?" I heard Jaune's voice in my ear, much to my confusion

"Yes, I did. Now listen to what Xandric has to say."

"All of the energy from our attacks is likely being absorbed from their body into the core until it cannot contain anymore. By destroying that, we can prevent further damage."

"Great, but how will we know where to aim? Their cores are constantly moving!" Jaune asked with heavy breath as I saw what looked like a bolt of lightning rush by

"Bring them to me! I've got a plan," Makoto answered, and I would do just that, leading the mindless drones to her, getting their attention by stepping on their massive inflated heads and using them as perch points to take out some on my own. Even if I missed, the bullets would just turn around until they got the hit. I only had two or three attempts before they exploded, though, so I still needed to make it count. Slowly, they followed me while the others had their own ways. Jaune would just grab them and zip them to one location while Xandric sent his army of souls to simply carry them for him.

"Okay, we're set. What now?" I asked, dodging their admittedly slow attacks. Not long after, though, I felt something wet beneath my feet. A dome of water appeared around us. Looking to the others, they didn't seemed phased as Makoto stepped in from the outside. I grasped at my windpipe, expecting to struggle to breathe, only to be totally fine.

"This is my Suijin Dome. Here, I decide what happens. Who gets to breathe and who drowns, who can walk and swim, and, most importantly, who sees what I see." Suddenly, I could see them. The core glowed a bright red as they moved around their body. After getting over my shock, I began opening fire while Jaune simply sped into them, ripping it out, and Xandric impaled them. In their own move, the couple dozen monsters were reduced to nothing but steam in the water.

Ryan, Age 15

"So, just abandoning your buddies to fight me, huh? I didn't think you were capable of going that low."

"Oh, shut it. If I stop you now, I don't have to worry about you in the long run," I answered with a low growl before turning to the mystery woman. I had seen that suit before, but that was a thousand years ago. What's it doing here? Still, if she's anything like the one we met before, she's on my side. With that thought out of the way, I summoned my Baphomet Set and rushed at him before he could blast that flaming bird again. He blocked with his warhammer before swinging at me. I ducked under before launching him into the air with an uppercut before kicking him back. We exchanged constant blows, with Hero White doing her best to immobilize him, manipulating the metal of the Goliath to try and grab his legs. He smashed it with ease, but it gave me time to go in for what should have been the final strike when suddenly...

BOOM!!

I didn't even register it as back-to-back explosions went off. White was nearly blasted off the side, and I was barely hanging onto the Phoenix by its head. My ears were ringing, my visor was busted, and almost half my suit was gone. Slowly, he approached me, and I could barely make out his disgusting, partially destroyed suit through my blurred vision, "Wow, you actually pressured me to use my other power. I was never big on naming them, but since you did, how about we call it Prometheus Blast. Anything I see can explode at any time. Funny huh? Us Reds are meant to be the leaders, but we get the most destructive powers. But I've had my fill of killing and blowing things up. So just do us a favor, kid. Give up. Enjoy this world instead of throwing away your second chance at life." He looked down at me, but I wasn't focused on him as I just barely saw a white staff hit the ground. The metal began to shift swiftly, going up his legs to his torso and arms. Taking this moment before he could explode again, I flipped back onto the metal bird, my feet slamming down on his skull as I did so. All that breath wasted trying to convince me when he could've finished the job. I quickly rush over to White and pull her up. That was the last of the strength I had, though. My suit completely disappeared, and we were barely outside the dome. I could feel it getting harder to breathe. My eyes slowly shut, and that's the last I remember of my fight.

Hailey, Age 18

With the monsters, which Makoto told me are called Shadows, dealt with, we hurried to the giant robot bird, only for it to vanish right as we reached the edge of the island. Worry filled my heart until a woman in all white floated down, holding Ryan's body. She didn't speak, merely laying the body down in front of us while Makoto and I looked him over. Thank god he was still breathing. I couldn't let him die a second time. "Thank you for saving our friend, but who are you?" Jaune asked, but the woman in white was silent as she seemingly vanished into thin air. I didn't even care who it was, though. I was too focused on Ryan. Seeing him like this was too much. As I sobbed, gently holding my brother's unconscious body, the last reason I needed to go through with my choice was presented to me...

The Next Day, Ryan, Age 15

My vision slowly returns to the sight of a familiar red room, the sun barely risen. How long was I out? I slowly pieced together the events leading to me being here before sitting up. By the side of my bed was a piece of folded paper with the words 'When you wake up' written across it. Unfolding the paper, I read three very simple sentences that left me shattered.

"Parents raise. Siblings protect. Just relax until I get back

-Hailey Howell"