《The Untrusting Hero From Another World》


 Why Am I Alive?!

    2010, Ryan, Age 6


    I still remember it like it was yesterday. How could I forget? I sat in the house, already being cleaned up as police tried to investigate. I just sat in front of the TV, watching some show from Japan about kids fighting monsters. It gave me some semblance of escape. The cops mostly left me alone but I could hear their whispers


    "Did you hear the kid''s testimony?"


    "Yeah. Poor little guy seems convinced it was some sort of monster. Almost too descriptive to be fake"


    "Really? It''s obvious, the dad did it. I mean, he didn''t show up to work and the place was locked up tighter than a nun. He''s the only one who could''ve gotten in from the outside"


    It hurt, hearing them accuse him like that, but I was sure they''d find the monster. After all, cops are supposed to help people, right? Such a nice little lie, one that was quickly shattered when I heard the sound of a car. It''s sad, I can barely remember dad''s face. I just remember the distress in his tone as he called out to me, only to be immediately put in handcuffs "What the hell..? What''s going?! Where''s my son?!"


    "He''s safe over there, sir. Now you''re under arrest. Please be quiet until we get outside. The less he sees the better" One of the officers plead, a man much younger than my dad with emerald green eyes. He may have acted kind but he''s a cop. Even though he didn''t know it, I was already listening and had snuck to the kitchen. When I came back, I held up the knife and demanded them to


    "Let him go!! He didn''t do it!! I saw it all!!"


    The police began to panic as they began to take my dad out of the house. They tried to grab me but I ducked under and around them before charging at the cop, stabbing him in the stomach. I felt the blood on my hands but I was in too much of a rage to notice. Finally they grabbed me and managed to pin me down


    I don''t even remember where they kept me. I had cried until I passed out and when I woke up, I was in some place with other kids. I''d stay there for days and nights without ever hearing from anyone, until one day, A lady came along and dragged me to the exit, me fighting her all the way. When we stopped, I froze as I saw the emerald eyed man standing outside his police car and holding out his hand "Hello Ryan. My name''s Alex. As of today, I''ll be taking care of you"


    2025, Age 15


    I groan as I wake up in my bed, bumping my head on the roof when I sat up. God I hate being on the top bunk. I have that same memory replaying in my head damn near every night and it never improves my mood. Seems like Hailey had already gotten up for work. Since Alex only had two rooms, me and her had to share one. We divided it in half. Everything on the bottom except the TV and games attached were hers and everything on top, through the power of child ingenuity, cupboards and nails, was mine. Privacy was an issue at first but we made it work. After getting dressed in my usual outfit, a red shirt, torn up pants and leather jacket, I went downstairs where there was already a plate waiting for me and Alex eating at the table, "Morning, Ryan. Ready for school?"


    I didn''t answer and just sat down to eat. I made no secret that I hated him. Him and his cop friends took away my dad. Why would I want anything to do with him? He''d continue to try and start a conversation, asking if I was doing well in school despite already knowing I was, or if I was ever going to dye my hair back from red to black. It took about five minutes for him to give up. When I eventually did leave, I decided to take a stop by the Kool Place, pretty much a shop nearby for all my needs. Turns out that show I was watching was part of a larger genre in Japan called Tokusatsu and sometimes American companies would loosely adapt it into their own thing. It helped me escape from this world that I hated so much and sent me down a rabbit hole of anime and manga. I''d stop by this place almost every day before school. Which made it easy for....


    "Yo Ryan!"


    ...For this punk to find me. I turned around and sure enough, like something out of an eighties sitcom, I saw the greasy slicked back hair of Eric with his buddies behind them. He''s been a bully since middle school but the only person he could never really hurt was me. Guess that made me a target. To think people thought we were actually friends because I dress like one of his guys, "What? Here for another beating? Let''s take it outside. I''d hate to mess this place up again"


    "How noble. Shame we don''t feel the-!" He started to prepare a punch but I simply sidestepped and kicked the back of his knees, sending him to the ground. I then tossed him at his boys and they all fell like bowling pins. I simply left with them cursing me the whole way, nothing new. School was uneventful too. I just sat in the back, answered a question or two, rinse and repeat until the day ends. Pretty normal...which begs the question, Why did it get so weird so fast? While walking back, I hear screaming in an alley. I dunno if it''s because I was cocky from my constant fights or what but I hurried to investigate. That''s where I saw a man, robbing a woman and her child, a little boy no older than 6. I tried to slowly approach but I gave myself away when I kicked a can. The man quickly turned to me "Whaddya want, kid? Got a problem?"


    "Not exactly. But hey, someone''s gotta do it and god knows the cops won''t" I answered bluntly, keeping my eyes on his knife. I guess my answer was enough reason for him to attack me. He went for a flurry of stabs and slashes which I dodged with only a few cuts on my shirt. Once he tired himself out, I grabbed his wrist and quickly broke his arm, making him drop his knife. That was my second mistake. I thought he was done so I hurried to check on the woman and her son, "You guys okay? Run straight home, got it?" I asked and they simply nodded, probably too scared to reply. I let out a sigh of relief which turned into a gasp of pain as I fall to my knees. Looking down, I saw the knife in my leg before the punk pulled it out with his one remaining hand before stabbing me in the gut


    "Should''ve stayed clear, kid. Hopefully you at least have something worth pawning off.." were his final words before my eyes started to close. I thought I was going to die


    "So why the heck am I alive?!" I shouted as I grabbed one of the robed men by the collar. When I had woken up, I was in this stone chamber surrounded by folks in white and red robes. They had asked me to try and recollect everything from before I appeared


    "Pl-Please, young man. You''re among friends...If you would just follow us.." He insisted and I slowly put him down. This is a weird situation and I don''t fully trust him but what choice do I have? Sure enough, he lead me through the building. It looked archaic with stone walls, stained glass windows and torches with...blue flames? Yeah that''s not impossible but it''s definitely not easy to make. Eventually we stopped in a massive throne room. Men in golden armor with white scarves and winged helmets with a black visor over their eyes lined the left and right sides and in the throne was who I could only assume was meant to be their ''king''. The only normal looking folks was a chick with short dark hair in what looked like a black and red school uniform out of an anime, and a blonde dude with a ponytail in a puffy white shirt and black pants, "So, how did you guys end up in this crazy LARPing session?" I asked but the girl answered in Japanese and the guy in French. The robed man looked like a lightbulb went off over his head and grabbed my wrist, placing some weird golden bracelet with a red stone in the middle


    "Can you understand us now?" The girl asked. She still had a bit of an accent but she was distinctly speaking English


    "Yeah... But how? You were just speaking Japanese a second ago"


    "I must admit, I don''t quite understand myself. For now, it may be best to accept things as they are until we know more" The blondie responded with the most non-answer I''ve ever heard before looking to the king "You said we were awaiting the third, oi? Can you tell us what''s going on now? Because this is not how I imagined Heaven"


    The King grumbled, seeming somewhat displeased. I could have sworn I heard him say something along the lines of "Children again.." before looking directly us, "Forgive my disdain. I simply do not like relying on those with such life left in them to solve our problems" he explained, standing up. As he did so, all the guards began to kneel along with the man who led me to him. Pretty standard behavior for royalty. It was when the King himself kneeled before us that made my eyes shoot wide, "I apologize for summoning you but we need your help. Please, hear me out, heroes"


    "Heroes?" I muttered under my breath and immediately tried to leave. I had seen too many anime start like this and it never ends well but immediately, the boy stops me by standing in front of the door, "You''ve got five seconds to move out of my way before I bust that face of yours, pretty boy"


    "My name is Jaune. I would appreciate it if you referred to me as such. I would also like for you to stay and listen to what he has to say"


    "I don''t care what he has to say. I know where this is going and I want nothing to do with it"


    "And what choice do you have? We don''t know what''s going on or what will happen if we decline. It''s better to go along for now then you can stomp and pout like a child" The girl spoke up with a stern glare that I met with one of my own. Still, I hate to admit it but she is right so I calm down and just nod my head. Her glare turned into a smile as she turned to the king who rose to his feet


    "Very well, follow me," He said softly and lead us through the castle. Through some of the windows that weren''t stained like the once we went past before, I could see a vast city. Given what I was expecting from the small instances of magic like the bracelets and me being summoned, I didn''t expect to see an almost medieval town contrasted with holographic advertisements, blimps and even more semi-modern devices. Even as we left the throne room, I began to notice what looked like cameras, "Oh yes, I don''t believe I''ve introduced myself. I am Thaddeus, King of Zordonia and head of the United Nations of Light"


    "Nice to meet you. I''m Makoto Fujisaki" The girl said before looking at me, expecting me to introduce myself, to which I simply answered


    "Ryan. Now what''s with all the tech? Everything around here besides that looks pretty standard for a fantasy world"


    "We believe in the power of knowledge, regardless of form" A feminine voice said behind me, nearly making me jump out of my skin as I turned to face the girl. Her gold eyes dug into me as she fixed her brown ponytail. She wore a fancy white dress, instantly giving me the idea she was somehow related to the king. My shock almost seemed to disgust her as she rolled her eyes, "I''ve been here the whole time and you just now noticed. Are you sure the spell worked, father?"


    "The spell summons those about to die protecting others. That does not assure their skill immediately" The King answered but that didn''t seem to satisfy her. Regardless, we were taken into a chamber with a magic circle with five different spots, "Before you agree, I believe you should know what aid we need"


    "Ya think?"


    The King glared at my comment but let it go and took a deep breath, "You see, our kingdom used to be quite peaceful. With the great strides made in both fields of science and magic, we eradicated poverty, crime and hunger. It is the closest one can see to a Utopia...until the Demons attacked"


    "They come from the Dark Island across the sea," The girl in white added "They appear whenever they please and attack. Human, Dwarves, Vampires, it doesn''t matter. They just kill and destroy, usually sending a powerful general with an army of shadowy monsters"


    "Shadowy monsters?" I asked, my eyes suddenly shooting a little wide. My next question was obvious, "Have you or demons ever come to our world? Something like a reverse summoning?"


    "It''s not impossible. But we know not the schemes of the Demons" Thaddeus answered


    "Well you should''ve started with that," I scoffed, stepping forward "Let me be clear. I don''t trust you. There''s no way this place is as perfect as it seems but if those things are what I think they are, I''ll wipe out as many as I can"


    "He''s driven. Better than the last one" The girl noted


    "Last one?" Jaune asked, his question making the king hang his head in shame


    "The last group of heroes were children as well, roughly the same age as you three. But they vanished and we could never find them until they returned, leading the shadow beasts" He explained, hanging his head in shame. I wasn''t surprised in the least but Jaune and Makoto looked to be in disbelief, "It''s why I was so dismayed to see more children. Are there no adults in your world selfless enough to protect others?"


    Jaune seemed particularly upset by that statement before answering "Sadly selflessness does not get one ahead in our world. Now I''ll help. What about you Makoto?"


    "Is that even a question?" She asked. Thaddeus nodded and motioned all of us into certain positions on the magic circle. The spots were already made for us, each one their own circle with drawings of what looked like a dragon, thunderstorm and mermaid respectively. After that, the girl in white began chanting


    "Oh merciful gods and goddesses who birthed this land and its people, grant these brave souls your power to protect the life you''ve made," she would repeat this over and over, each time the circles would glow brighter. Not just that, the colored gems in our bracelets would glow too. In a blinding flash of light, I felt something change. Feeling a surge of power, I almost instinctively did a backflip, leaving a crater where I landed. My clothes began to change into something similar to the guards we saw, a black bodysuit covering everything up to my neck with a bright red chest piece along with white bracers, grieves and a scarf. Lastly appeared a red winged helmet with a visor that covered my eyes


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "With the Passion of a Dragon: Hero Red!"


    "With the Power of a Storm: Hero Yellow!"


    "With the Grace of a Mermaid: Hero Blue!"


    "Heroes Unite!!" The three of us said in unison and posed as colored smoke appeared behind us. It was strange to say the least but I''d be lying if I said it wasn''t fun


    "What was that? All of that just felt so natural?" Jaune asked, looking down at his new yellow suit before looking to Makoto and I, "That speech, those poses. Have you two ever done that before?" he asked to which we simply shrugged


    "It''s just part of the ritual," the girl answered as we turned back to our normal selves, "There. Now you just need to push in the gem on your bracelets and you can transform at any time, assuming you don''t die or run away like the last one"


    "Eliza, that''s enough!" Thaddeus said sternly, forcing her her into silence. He then rubbed his eyes as if exhausted and looked to us, "Forgive my daughter. She was close to the past heroes. I''m sure it''s hard on her"


    "Oh it''s quite alright. We just need to try harder then. Nobody wishes to upset royalty" Jaune said with a small bow, making me roll my eyes. If only he knew how much I wanted to tick off anyone with any ''authority'' over me. He quickly moved on and asked, "Now if I may ask, where shall we be staying? We are strangers to this world after all and we have no money"


    "You will stay in the castle," He assured with a welcoming smile. Sure enough, the servants lead us all to our room. While we did have to share it, the place was massive. It was practically a whole house complete with a kitchen, living room and bathroom so I couldn''t complain. After everyone got settled and prepared for bed, I hopped out of mine and began to sneak out. The moment I opened the door though, sure enough there was Eliza in her nightgown as white as the dress she was wearing. I swear does she ever wear anything other than white? Change it up a little


    "And where are you going?"


    "Out" I answered simply, snaking past her in what little space she afforded me between her and the door


    "If you need anything, I''m sure you can find it in the castle"


    "Can''t find out about the world," I bit back, "I''m sure everything looks all sunshine and rainbows when you''re looking down from above. But when you''re on the streets at night, that''s when you see the world for what it is. Then again, what would you know about that"


    "What''s that supposed to m-Mpph!" She started to yell but I quickly covered her mouth. I didn''t want to wake the other two. Without another word, I let her go and continued to creep out past the guards and into the town. When I made it down, it was...surprisingly lively. Back home, folks were terrified to leaves their homes at night, scared of any number of things that could happen. Yeah you''d have a few who didn''t mind but not this many. These people are shopping, talking and drinking without a care in the world. Still there had to be something wrong. Slavery, racism, heck just a mugging problem, SOMETHING! There''s no such thing as a perfect world. But no matter how hard I looked, everything seemed fine. The different races, all of which I could identify mostly due to the fantasy manga I read back home, seemed to get along just fine and nobody acted above the other. Not a single crime or merchant trying to exploit needy customers. It was something that could only be described as fantasy, never something that could exist for real. I was just about to find an inn to sleep at when I felt something bump into my leg


    "O-Oh...Sorry, Mister.." A raspy voice said. Looking down I saw a little elven boy, pointy ears and all. He had scars all over his arms and legs but that paled to what I imagined was under the eyepatch


    "Hey, don''t worry about it, kiddo. What are you doing out this late?" I ask, kneeling down beside him. Even back in my own world, I had a hard time being harsh to kids. So even if if he did nearly knock me over, I couldn''t tell him that


    "Y-Yeah, sorry! I''m visiting my parents!"


    "Got ya. Well, I was about to turn in for the night. How about I walk with you?" I offered and stood up. The kid just nodded before continuing to run along. He was surprisingly quick, I struggled to keep up. As I was nearing my limit though, he slowed down in a grave yard just barely outside the walls. I don''t like where this is going. We stopped right in front of a large stone monument with names written on it, yet for some reason it still didn''t register for me, "So...are your parents meeting you here?"


    "They''re already here..." he answered, hiding his face in his long blonde hair to avoid showing tears, "They died in the most recent invasion...There wouldn''t be enough time for a proper funeral so they just buried them with everyone else and built this on top"


    "I see...Must be rough" were my only words as I looked to him, "I lost my parents too. Mom was killed by some monster and the cops arrested my dad for it. I tried to tell them but, nobody believes a little kid in my world screaming about monsters"


    "In your world? Are you one of the heroes?" he asked, his eye suddenly lighting up. I was shocked though. If there were heroes before us, of course they''d know but going as far as to know we''re from another world? I manage to get over my shock and nod, making him jump for joy, "Wow! King Thaddeus did say he''d be summoning new heroes soon but I didn''t think I''d get to meet one!!"


    "Yeah. Hey stupid question, but how much do you know about the heroes?"


    "Not much more than everyone else. The heroes are those who sacrificed their lives in another world to save others. They''re giving high-tech bracelets imbued with the strongest magic," He explained, "Our world is mostly peaceful. There hasn''t been any major wars on our island for thousands of years. As such all of our strife tends to come from outside forces. My parents told me about how they never got to see the heroes. They left the planet to fight an army of pirates and my grandparents still remember the invaders from Aquatas"


    "No major wars on your island, huh? And the king says crime and hunger are basically nonexistent"


    "When you take away desperation, crime goes down greatly"


    "Yeah? Wish it were that simple in my world," I said, starting to sulk. Though I did try to cheer up as I put the kid on my back, "It''s getting late. Let''s take you home, um..."


    "Kai," He answered, as if knowing what my next question would be and as if seeing my confusion as to why his name sounded so out of place, he sighed and gave more context, "My parents were from a nation called Dai Shi. Don''t worry. You won''t hear names like mine often"


    "Noted. Well Kai, I''m Ryan. When you''re free, how about we talk more? I''d rather learn from the Average Joe than some King," I offered and he nodded like a bobblehead before directing me to where he stays. We stopped outside I place with a sign saying ''Emalia Orphanage'' outside but it didn''t look like the orphanage I went to. It was very well maintained. Children played both inside and out, ate until their little bellies were full and were taught both academics and practical skills by the caretakers. It was hard to believe but it seemed perfect...Well as perfect as a place for kids with no parents could be. I laid Kai down in his bed and returned to the castle with no resistance and went to sleep for the night


    The next morning though, any illusion of peace was quickly shattered as the sound of marching could be heard throughout the castle. Makoto was the first to shake me and Jaune awake, "Come on, get up! Something''s going on"


    "Five more minutes, please..." Jaune requested with a yawn only to have his sheets snatched right off by...it. That thing from the night mom died, a shadowy creature made of nothing but darkness save for its crimson eyes. It tries to pounce on Jaune again who barely rolls out of bed in time, resulting in it flying into Makoto''s kick that tears it in half. Only for it to reform immediately. It slammed Makoto into the ground before tackling me. It looked like I was about to die again...


    "Ezeerf!" I heard someone exclaim and a mist came through that froze the beast solid, giving me a chance to smash it. Looking behind me, I see Eliza standing there with a disapproving look, "Shadows beings made of pure magic. Why would you just fight them?"


    "What else should I have done?" I asked and quickly got dressed before climbing into the window


    "Where are you going?" Makoto asked


    "Down to help. Even if I can''t fight, I can help evacuate"


    "Are you crazy?! We need to get you out of here! If you die then-!"


    "Then you''ll just have to replace me" I interrupted Eliza before hopping out of the window. To my shock, I saw two people follow behind me "Hey I didn''t say you have to tag along ya know!"


    "True but we won''t let you die just because you''re a stubborn fool," Jaune insisted and, refusing to waste time arguing, we hurried into the city, "Do you have any sort of plan?"


    "Don''t fight unless you have to and focus on evacuations. I''m gonna run east"


    "Then leave south and west to Jaune and I," Makoto suggested and with a nod between the three of us, we split off. I didn''t just choose east at random. Relative to the city square, that''s where the orphanage was. Kids have so much life in them. I won''t let that be snuffed out by some monsters. I ducked and dodged past the explosions and falling debris, punching through every Shadow on my way. I could still destroy them, even if they would recover damn-near instantly. When I got there, it seemed largely intact, save for the massive whole in the roof. Panicking, I rushed in and saw bodies. Inspecting them, they were all knocked out, though clearly whoever did this was much rougher on the adults. Whoever did this couldn''t be a monster right? There was thought and consideration here. Still no sign of Kai. Rushing through the building, I eventually found him, being held by the collar of his now ruined shirt by a guy roughly my age with reddish skin, green hair and a pair of horns and bat wings


    "I''ll ask one last time. Where is he? I can tell he was here" he asked. Even though I was far away, I could tell his patience was wearing thin. He gave off this feeling, similar to Alex whenever I acted out as a kid. That was probably one of the only times I was scared of that punk. Kai must be horrified. To my surprise, I saw him run right past after the demon yelped in pain. Looking around the corner, I saw he was holding his hand in pain. Little brat had bit him. Not bad but it was sure to piss him off. I stepped out from around the corner


    "Ryan! Help!" Kai called out and I quickly pushed him behind me. Hearing my name, the demon recollected himself and looked at me with a death stare, one that I quickly returned


    "Judging by your clothes and that bracelet, I take it you''re one of the three I''m looking for. I find harming children distasteful so I''ll make this quick..." He spoke but I didn''t bother listening, instead running to punch him in the face. He could spare me that ''Don''t make me do this'' crap. There''s never an excuse for hurting kids. Instead of going for another punch he could predict, I simply grabbed him by his horns and slammed him into a wall which, due to the damage he cause, he fell right through


    "Kai, run!" I ordered and sure enough, he hurried out just in time for the demon to grab me by the throat as we flew into the sky. The whole way though, I kept punching. Was I probably gonna die? Sure but who cares? I did it once already. As long as I can protect those kids, that''s fine. It was my fault they were there anyway if I heard right. Eventually he grabbed my fist tight and looked me dead in the eyes


    "You''ve got some nerve. I can see why you were plucked out of your world" He said, almost with a hint of pride, "But you''re seriously beginning to, what''s the saying you use? ''Piss me off''? So I think I may just drop you. I''m sure I can make an excuse to my father"


    "Oh yeah...guess you didn''t notice this then..." I asked before he let out a scream of pain and we began plummeting to the ground fast. When he wasn''t looking, I managed to get out my pocket knife and slashed his wings. No matter how desperately he flapped them, we would keep falling. He began to panic, ranting about how I could''ve killed us both but I didn''t care. I just shut my eyes and waited to go splat but right when I felt the ground get close, something caught me. When I opened my eyes I was in the arms of a familiar girl in blue with a white scarf. Makoto quickly turned back to normal and gently sat me down


    "You okay? Some kid came saying you were in trouble?"


    "Ow, yeah surprisingly," I groaned out before to my own shock, standing up with ease, "My back should at least be broken even if you caught me"


    "Apparently these bracelets aren''t just for show. We have limited access to our powers too" Jaune explained, appearing beside me in his yellow before reverting back as well, "You did not realize that? Yet you still chose to fight?"


    "Gosh, are you brave or suicidal?" Makoto huffed, rolling her eyes at my lack of knowledge


    "Well gee, it''s not like anyone''s told me this stuff! Which reminds me, how did you guys do that?"


    "Your friend told us how. It seems the citizens know just as much about the heroes as anyone else" Makoto answered, grabbing my hand and pointing to the red gem on my bracelet, "Press in the gem and say the passphrase, ''Worlds Combined, Heroes Unite"


    Ignoring how cheesy that passphrase was and how dangerous it could be for regular people to know it, I was just about to test it when suddenly, the demon got back up and it looked furious. His gaze was directed at me as his wings slowly healed, "I am aware the three of you are new here so let me introduce myself. I am Prince Xandric of the Dark Island. Most of all I am pissed off that you dared cut my wings! Rest assured I will make you pay"


    "Yeah yeah. Ya done with your speech because that''s all you''re getting," I mocked before looking to Jaune and Makoto. Seems they had the same idea. Time to test out these suits


    "Worlds Combined, Heroes Unite!" We exclaimed in unison after pressing in the gems. Sure enough the sequence was recreated as we suited up, backflips, poses and all. We even did the same call-outs that came to us before


    "With the Passion of a Dragon: Hero Red!"


    "With the Power of a Storm: Hero Yellow!"


    "With the Grace of a Mermaid: Hero Blue!"


    Xandric just laughed and clapped "You kids learned faster than the last ones. Still, maybe you''ll take a liking to this world and end up like them," He responded with a grin showing off his large sharpened teeth. With a snap of his fingers, the Shadows vanished "But I would like at least one fight as retribution for my wings"


    "Well now that I know you''re a prince, how can I say no?" I asked, suddenly excited as I raised up my fists. Jaune and Makoto did the same but I could tell from their sloppy foot work and how far out they held their fists they didn''t know what they were doing. The three of us charged in at once with me going for a Superman punch immediately. He caught it of course and threw me aside. Why did I even think that was a smart idea? It turned out to be a blessing in disguise though as Makoto and Jaune came in at once, accidentally punching each other when Xandric dodged their attacks. He jumped right over me, seeming to enjoy this. I could tell he was about to take a moment to gloat so I swept his leg, knocking him on his ass. From there, I didn''t waste any time. I stomped on his head and chest repeatedly and soon the other two joined in. After at least a solid minute of stomping him out, he blasted us back but instead of monologuing or even pushing the offensive when we were knocked back, he just ran, blasting off into the sky


    "Well... I don''t quite understand what happened but I take it we''ve won?" Jaune asked, looking around as people started to come out of hiding. Looking around, we saw them all begin cheering. I have to admit, it felt kinda good. We returned to the castle that afternoon and were called into the throne room once again. Sure enough, Thaddeus and Eliza were waiting for us. We all waited. Makoto was standing up straight as if in the military while Jaune and I were hunched over from pure exhaustion. She was such a show off


    "You three showed great courage today. I will admit I was concerned when I saw more children were summoned" Thaddeus said, standing up from his throne, "But now that I have seen your character tested, running to protect others even when you could run, I believe you three are just who we need. Now I will ask again, will you continue to fight the demons? If you do, I can return you to your worlds as if you never died. If not you may either stay here and live out your life in peace or I can allow you to pass on. The choice is yours"


    It was certainly a big ask. He tried to give as many options as possible but that was hard when it was either, fight and maybe die but we could go home, or die either by demons or the way we died in our world. We looked at each other and each gave our own answers, starting with Makoto, "I can''t just live my life, knowing people are in trouble when I can help them. I''m in"


    Next was Jaune, "I suppose I would rather live so I will comply. Besides, how can I say no with such a belle dame right there?" he said, only half joking as he winked at Eliza. Weirdo. After him, they all looked to me, seeming uncertain about my response. Eventually, I let out a sigh


    "Let me get one thing straight. I don''t trust you guys but...I''ll stay" I answered simply. I don''t need to justify my reasoning to them. They want my help and they''ve got it. Thaddeus smiled with clear joy


    "Thank you all. We will officially begin tomorrow"

 Beginners Guide to Magic

    2 Days Since Summoning Day, Makoto, Age 15


    I sat quietly in my desk as Jaune and I listened to Eliza. I was not expecting to still have to study after basically becoming a superhero but I nonetheless appreciated it. After all there was much to learn. She came in, forgoing her usual white dress for an outfit that looked more like a teacher back home, "Okay, you two. I hope you''re ready for Magic 101!"


    "You seem quite energetic today, lovely dove. You are normally so professional," Jaune noted, smiling. I could totally see hearts in his eyes but I tried to ignore it


    "Well, it does seem like it''s just you two and not the Red Hero so I''m sure we''ll actually get something done. Who wouldn''t be excited?" She asked and frankly, I understood the sentiment. He''s been trouble ever since we arrived. Eliza told us about her late night encounter with him and since we got here, I''ve barely seen him. Any time someone with the slightest bit of authority talks to him, he seems to get more aggressive. I can''t imagine someone like that giving their life to save someone...but that kid did seem to light a fire under him so he can''t be all bad, right? Regardless, we continued with class and it seemed to just be the basics. Apparently Magic was first recorded when Zordonia made contact with the eastern nation of Dai Shi thousands of years ago. The elves there then taught it to humans as a sign of good will and trust. I personally wouldn''t trust total strangers with something so powerful but I can''t deny the results. Come to think of it, this whole history sounds squeaky clean. After explaining how humans first learned Magic, it was then explained that Magic comes from harnessing the energy of something called "The Space Between Worlds". Wait...


    "So Magic comes from space?" I asked raising my hand for clarification. Eliza shook her head though


    "No, it comes from the Space Between Worlds," She answered before drawing a circle on the board, "Imagine this as your planet," she started then drew another, slightly smaller circle inside it, "And this is our planet, occupying the same space but is somehow separate. That''s the Space Between Worlds, a wall of energy that keeps our worlds from colliding"


    "Interesting, though that still does not explain why such a phenomenon exists, does it? Do you know?" Jaune asked, hanging in on every word she said but again, she shook her head


    "Sadly not but that''s okay. There will always be things we just never understand I suppose" She admitted, with a shrug. That didn''t exactly sit right with me but oh well. She then explained that by accessing the energy of the Space Between Worlds, we gain limited control over the world around us, whether it be simply creating things from the elements around us or even more advanced stuff like our bracelets which lock in a point they can send us back to. I''m assuming this ''chrono-lock'' is how they intend to send us back when we''ve saved the world. The lectured continued calmly until guess who came in?


    A quiet, uncaring "Yo.." was all Ryan said after casually kicking the door open and sitting down


    "So you''re actually gonna show up?" Eliza asked, not even bothering to hide her disappointment


    "Yeah well I let it slip to Kai that I had this and he wouldn''t quit shoving me until I went"


    "Oh my, you and that boy are so close already. Is this what they call kindred spirits?" Jaune asked, seeming intrigued. I was actually quite shocked how genuinely social he was. At first, I just thought he was chatting with me and Eliza to get with one of us but it turned out he just loved hearing about people''s lives


    "Call it that if you want. I don''t really care"


    "Ignore him, Jaune. He''s too busy brooding to answer," I said, partially joking but not without basis in my own thought. He''s treated everything with so much skepticism, like he''s expecting some sort of betrayal at any moment. I get this world isn''t exactly normal but that''s far from a healthy way to live your life. Still that seemed to get his attention as he turned to me with a glare


    "You''re right. I won''t answer but not because I''m ''brooding''. It''s because I don''t know you. I can''t trust you"


    "Yeah? And how are we supposed to work together if you''re gonna be like that?!" I exclaimed, shooting out of my seat. I could be nice but if he wanted to get aggressive, he''d get the same thing from me


    "She has a point. To be a team, you need to trust each other," Eliza spoke up but that only seemed to anger him. He stood up as well, slamming his hand onto the desk with a loud boom. She seemed spooked but instead of showing it, she recovered and got defensive, something I wouldn''t have noticed if not for the frosty mist surrounding her hands


    "Then you should''ve picked someone actually interested in that crap. I never asked for this and you expect me to trust you!?" He argued, his rage rising with each word that left his mouth but then he suddenly took as deep breath, seemingly composing himself before asking, "Tell me this, why did you bring us? Why not use your own people or better yet, do it yourself?" he asked and that seemed to greatly anger her but instead of lashing out she marched out of the room. I could barely make it out but she muttered something along the lines of ''If I could, I would''


    "Real suave, my friend" Jaune mocked before running out, leaving the two of us alone. Maybe we should''ve left too but he didn''t seem too interested and I didn''t want to leave in case they came back. After a moment of silence between us, I was about to chew him out when I saw something, a flame in his hand. He didn''t have anything for kindling or even a lighter


    "How did you do that?" I asked, a little concerned that he already knew how to use magic so soon while neither me or Jaune did. He wasn''t exactly the most trustworthy member at the time, ya know?


    He looked to me, nonchalant as ever and simply asked, "She hasn''t taught you magic yet? You sorta need it"


    "Well we were about to. We were going over the history of magic before learning it" I huffed, admittedly a bit embarrassed before slowly inching closer to the flame, "Still, I didn''t think when they said magic that meant you could just make something from nothing"


    "According to Kai, every hero starts with one element and the suits help to teach them early," he explained before clutching his hand into a fist to put out the fire, "It''s in those ridiculous phrase we say when we transform. Passion of a Dragon, Power of a Storm, Grace of a Mermaid"


    "Fire, Lightning, Water," I pieced together, visibly excited. Most people think water is boring but you''d be shocked how much you can do with it, "You think you can show me real fast?! It''d be nice to get a head start?"


    "Wow, your attitude changed quick. You alright?"


    "Well the sooner I learn magic, the sooner we can beat the demons and sooner we can go home," I answered, smiling like a little kid before noticing his black expression that dragged me down a bit, "Don''t you want to go home?"


    "What home?" he asked before standing up, "Anyway, let''s head outside. Don''t wanna get yelled at if I burn the place down."


    He stepped out and I followed, think about his words. What home? What sort of question is that? He''s got friends right? A family? Someone who wants him back no matter how rude he is? I couldn''t help but think on it as I walked, my head going back to my life on Earth


    2013, Makoto, Age 10


    We had just come back from the hospital. I was carrying my newly born twin brothers, both sobbing in my arms. I tried my best to calm them but even so young, I knew only a mother would be able to comfort two newborns and well...we didn''t have that anymore. Dad and I sat down in the living room and eventually Ryuji and Kuroko fell asleep. We didn''t talk for the longest time. Dad would just sit there crying before finally speaking,


    "I''m sorry to ask this of you, Makoto. But with mom gone... I''m going to need your help with the house and raising your siblings..."


    And I did. It wasn''t exactly a fun life. I studied harder than any other student, worked multiple jobs to pay for what dad couldn''t and honestly....Honestly...


    Present Day, Makoto, Age 16


    "Hey! Earth to Queen! You still there?"


    I blinked as I saw Ryan''s finger snap in front of my face. When I looked around, we were apparently already in the courtyard. Wait a moment, "Did you just call me...Queen?"


    "Yeah. It caught your attention didn''t it?" He asked, not seeming too concerned about it. We stood in a grassy area. Fingers crossed that he''d keep a fire to a minimum, we got started, "I dunno how magic works for everyone else so this may be different for you. For me though, it''s like a voice"


    "A voice? Are you sure you''re not just a little..." I nervously started to ask, twirling my pointer finger towards my head


    "Ha ha. I''m serious. Transform and listen closely. Mine specifically told me to feel something, anything at all and keep feeling it. So I thought of everything made me angry. I got angrier and angrier until before I knew it, my fist was on fire"


    Deciding to heed his advice, I transformed right there and tried to listen...


    2 Days Since Summoning Day, Xandric, Age 115


    I wandered around the castle with my head hung low. My embarrassing defeat in the Capital of Zordonia was the talk of all the guards. Had they just been normal humans, or fought me fairly, I would have one! But I doubt father will care. He had summoned us all, saying he wanted to show us something. So, I wandered down the black stone halls lit by purple flames. After getting my first taste of the human world, I cannot fathom why the older demons wish to be there. It''s so bright, the Darkness in the sky and around the earth is replace with this bright ball in the sky and a clear blue liquid. Its unnatural and yet they desire to be there. I couldn''t help but ponder why as I entered. Father was there, adorned in his purple robe and jagged crown along with a few others. It seems the older heroes'' armors have adapted to our land quite well, morphed into black chitin-like armor laced with their respective colors, the wings on their helmets growing more bat-like and their mouths covered to shield them from the intense weather conditions outside. Besides them, General Leon stood at attention, his armor shiny as ever and now with a golden mane around his helmet. As if the lion head on his chest didn''t give away the motif enough. Lastly Arch Mage Ritto stayed in the back, sifting through his notes, the pitch black robe making him borderline unnoticeable if not for the glowing horns on the sides of his head, "You called for me, Father?"


    "Yes, Xandric. How are you holding up?"


    "Probably still licking his wounds after getting jumped," The Red Hero mocked, causing me to glare, ready to attack him


    "The fight wasn''t honorable. I specifically wanted to fight your replacement. Had they just stayed back, I would have..."


    "Fun fact, kid. In our world, the goal of a fight is to win. So you can forget that ''honor'' shit," The Blue Hero said, vulgar as ever. Eventually, Father raised his hand and we all went silent. He did not seem angry though as he turned around with soft look in his scarlet eyes


    "They are right, rules of a duel do not apply in war and I failed to prepare you for that," He admitted "Which is why you will not be in battle for quite some time. Instead, you will train with the Hell Heroes"


    "Hell Heroes...?"


    "Like it?" Hero Yellow asked, wrapping her arm around my shoulders "We figured it''d be confusing if we fought the rookies so when we fight, call us that from now on, pretty boy" she insisted as I pulled away. She had been flirting with me since she joined us and while not unpleasant, I''d rather die than think of...procreating with the enemy, even if it were a traitor


    "Call me that again and I''ll feed you to the Shadows. Speaking of which," I muttered, turning back to Father, "If I won''t be leading the charge, what is our plan of attack? Surely Leon is in no condition to fight"


    "You want to test that, boy? Remember who trained you," Leon spoke with a raspy voice, his attempt at a boisterous laugh devolving into coughing, "Regardless, I will lead future assaults"


    "It matters not right now. Our Arch Mage has something he would like to show us" He explained and with a sinister cackling Ritto pulled down the curtain revealing...a massive shadow, larger than any monster we''ve ever created, a glowing red orb in its chest along with its eyes


    "Behold, my newest masterpiece, my lord! The Super Shadow! This massive beast is just as malleable as our basic shadows but bigger, stronger and with a special surprise in its chest!"


    "I see. How many do you have exactly?"


    "Just the one. I wanted to take it on a test run before furthering production," He answered, playing with his glasses as a toothy grin crossed his lips, "You were planning one last attack on the Capitol before returning to our smaller operations, correct? Might I suggest sending the Super Shadow as a test run?"


    "A test run would do nicely," Father admitted, as he looked at the monster. Not one to hide his emotions, I could tell he was proud, "Prepare it for deployment" he commanded before motioning me and the ''Hell Heroes'' to follow him


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Later That Night, Makoto, Age 16


    I groan and flop down onto my bed, rolling onto my side. Jaune was already there, playing some sort of handheld game, "I didn''t know they had games here. Maybe I should get some with our next allowance" Ryan thought aloud, making me turn to him in disbelief


    "Are you always so careless with your money?"


    "Oh spare me, Queen. If we''re gonna be saving the world, we should at least have some fun"


    "Stop calling me that.." I growled, growing very annoyed by that nickname


    "And we don''t know how long we''ll be here so you should be investing in your future, don''t you think? You know, saving for a house because you clearly don''t like living in the castle for example?"


    "What are you, my mom?" he asked, dismissive of my advice and I didn''t want to push further because frankly, I hate when people call me ''mom''. What''s wrong with looking out for others? I don''t need to be a mother to want to help. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Jaune finally popped the question he clearly had on his mind


    "So where were you two? Princess Eliza and I returned to the classroom and you two were gone"


    "She wanted me to teach her magic. It...did not go well" He explained which made me more than a bit embarrassed


    "Really? The way it was explained to me, we have quite the advantage in that regard"


    "Correct, Young Lord Jaune!" A hearty voice exclaimed from behind me, nearly making me jump out of my seat and into the fireplace. Looking behind me, King Thaddeus was there with some bizarre device in hand. Immediately, he had to dodge as Ryan threw a fireball, across the room, "Oh my, you''re already doing quite well with your flames. Most Reds start with simple punches encased in flame"


    "Where did you come from?! I nearly toasted you!" Ryan exclaimed, both worried and annoyed. I doubt he wanted any trouble, even if these people seemed too nice for that


    Completely ignoring him, King Thaddeus took a seat, crossing his legs "My apologies for Frightening you, Young Lady Makoto. My daughter was having me test out this new device. She''s setting up a few surprises for you. But it is as Young Lord Jaune says. Since magic comes from the Space Between Worlds, something you must pass through to come to our world, you''re more magically attuned than anyone from this world"


    "Then why can''t I hear it?" I mumbled, trying to conjure some water


    "Water requires a cool mind. Is something troubling you?" He asked and I tried to think on it. Nothing''s really felt off but I''ve been told by my dad he can never get a read on me when I''m doing a task "I guess, maybe about...." I tried to answer before gripping my head in pain


    Makoto, Age 15


    It started off like any other day. Ryuji and Kuroko had grown up a lot since then. Ryuji had grown to look a lot like our dad, his hair much more brown and his eyes almost golden. Kuroko on the other hand looked more like my mom and eye with black hair and green eyes. The only real difference is the white streak he accidentally made in his hair


    Ryuji and Kuroko held onto me tightly, hiding behind me in fear as masked men with guns entered the house. They immediately hit my dad with the butt of their rifles, knocking him to the ground


    "Alright old man, give us what we want! You know why we''re here!"


    "Pl....Please... Just take my money and leave.."


    "We''re not after money, pal. The pictures you took!" Another one ordered. I knew what he was talking about. Dad had shown me it a few days before, a picture of something in the sky, a man with big leathery wings flying over our apartments. He was planning on selling it to some occult magazine for extra money. They then pulled out zip ties and tied our wrists and ankles together as they began searching the house. The whole time, dad played dumb, insisting he didn''t have a clue what they were talking about. Meanwhile, I wasn''t going to sit around. I was already doing my best to break free. During their search, one guy had knocked over a vase, shattering it. I used the broke shards to slowly cut through. Eventually though, they got tired of his act


    "Okay that''s it, tell us where it is or one of them dies!" One of the men demanded, aiming his gun directly at Ryuji. Maybe it wasn''t the smartest choice but I charged them the second my ties were cut, tackling him to the ground. I wasn''t thinking, using strength I didn''t even know I had to rip the gun from his grasp before smashing it into his face. I did it over and over and over until....


    BANG!!


    Modern Day, Makoto Age 15


    I gasped as I covered me forehead where the stinging pain was. Jaune and Ryan looked at me with clear worry while King Thaddeus stared on with pity. Eventually, I managed to calm down and steady my breathing enough to say, "I''m fine... Just remembered how I got here.."


    "You mean how you died?" Ryan asked bluntly. Does this guy not know what a filter is? Regardless, I simply nodded before looking to the king


    "My dad and my brothers are in trouble...I get we''re chrono-locked so I''ll be able to protect them when this is done but..."


    The King already seemed to understand, all joy leaving his face as he stood up and walked to the door. With a deep breath, he turned back to us and forced the smile back onto his face "Well fear not! We are hard at work on new spells and technology to help you in your fight! We will send you home immediately afterwards!" he assured with a cheesy thumbs up before vanishing in the blink of an eye. We all stayed silent for quite some time before Ryan suddenly grabbed Jaune and I by the wrists, pulling us up and out the door


    "H-Hey! Where are we going!?" I exclaimed, a bit shocked by how strong he was even without transforming. He didn''t answer, instead just dragging us into town as Jaune and I stared, dumbstruck. He dragged us into a destroyed building. Despite its state, it was still loaded with people, dancing and drinking. I wouldn''t imagine such an already joyful place to need a bar. Dad always said it was a place for those weak of heart to escape reality


    "Get me three of the strongest drinks ya got! My teammate here needs to take her mind off some things!" Ryan boldly declared and immediately the woman behind the bar passed us three mugs filled with some foaming substance. Ryan sat down on a stool, propping his feet up on the bar and guzzled it all down. He let out an unusually hearty laugh as he paid the lady and sat his mug down "I didn''t think this place could have any decent beer but I guess everyone needs it from time to time"


    "Beer? But I thought you were fifteen?" Jaune asked, taking a seat but leaving a spot for me


    "Yeah, so what? I had some older friends back home and they''d toss me a can if I asked" he explained, his skepticism of everything seeming to fade as he simply enjoyed his drink. I was somewhat annoyed by it actually. How could someone be so irresponsible? Still, I sat down if only because my legs felt ready to snap after being dragged in. Jaune hesitantly tried the drink before coughing as it went down his throat


    "Why does it burn!? And you drink this!?" He asked, completely dumbstruck as Ryan laughed and drank down another mug. Clearly hesitant, he tried it again and again. After finally finishing, he said "It actually doesn''t taste too bad"


    "Okay that''s enough!" I spoke up, slamming my hands on the bar to get their attention "Need I remind you that we are teenagers? We shouldn''t be doing this!"


    "You said it yourself, babe. We''re chrono-locked...We''re gonna be teenagers until we''re done.." Ryan reminded, his words slurring "So quit worrying so damn much..."How could he say that? My brothers and father are in danger and his answer is to quit worrying? Angered by this, I stood up fast enough that it knocked over my stool


    "And what?! You of all people think you have the right to tell me that?! Ever since you''ve got here, it''s been ''I never asked for this'' or ''I can''t trust you''! That doesn''t sound like worrying to you? You''re constantly treating everyone like a bad guy, like they''ll stab you in the back at any moment, and you want to tell me not to worry? At least I have a good reason to worry! You''re just some problem child who thinks everyone is out to get him!" I exclaimed and he just sat there, the faintest smile he had faded as he got up and walked away. At first, I thought he was going to leave but instead, he approached the workers who were in the process of repairing "What is he doing?"


    "What he''s been doing since the attack," The woman behind the bar answered. She glared at me with a fury I''ve rarely seen, "He stayed all night and most of the afternoon helping people rebuild what was destroyed. I don''t know why but he''s helped us a great deal, just like he was trying to help you" she explained before leaving to tend to her customers


    "I do not understand him," Jaune admitted, already exhausted from my blow out. I had to admit, apparently I didn''t either but I wanted to now. Not right now though. I''ll apologize in the morning, give him time to calm down. I''m sure he''s furious after everything I said. Jaune and I returned to the castle for now to rest


    The next morning, I got dressed and checked to see if Ryan came home. When I saw his bed empty, I hurried into town, starting with the bar we visited. The lady from last night thankfully wasn''t there, instead an older man with a bushy beard. Thank goodness. I don''t think I could''ve taken another glare, "Um...Good Morning. Is Ryan around here?"


    "Ryan? He just left. Paid for his drinks and was dragged away by some of the runts," he explained, cleaning the bar in order to make it look nice as possible despite the damage. I ran out and it didn''t take long to hear the sound of kids laughing and playing. In the town square, by the fountain, there was Ryan, posing while transformed to entertain the kids. I could''ve pulled him aside but they all seemed to be having so much fun. So I sat on a nearby bench in the busy square and waited. Eventually, a woman came to pick up the kids, thanking him before they left


    "It''s not a problem. Say hi to Kai for me when he''s done with his chores," he said and turned back as he approached me, "Need something?"


    "Yeah but I didn''t want to interrupt your fun. You seemed happy" I explained. He sat down beside me and an awkward silence ensued. We sat there for some time, either unwilling or unable to say what we wanted to. Eventually, with a nervous gulp, I said "I just wanted to say, I''m sorry for my outburst. It was rude and I know you were trying to help but...I just don''t get it. You say you''re not interested in any of this hero stuff yet you still help people and tried to help me even if I thought it was a bit insensitive but still..."


    "Who told you that?" He interrupted "I said I wasn''t interested all of this. I''m not interested in the team work and having to trust total strangers in a world that I don''t know and can stab me in the back at any moment. What I am interested in is being a hero. Did you ever watch Tokusatsu growing up? I know it''s made in Japan but..."


    "Tokusatsu? Yeah, my dad loves that stuff. I''d watch it almost every night with him when I was a kid"


    "That stuff was the one thing that kept me going for a long time and look at us. The costumes, the poses, the unnecessary explosions and catchphrases. It''s all just like those shows I watched. It''s a dream come true to me and I don''t have to trust anyone to do it because that''s not what helping people is about" He elaborated and I was shocked to say the least. This guy who''s done nothing but complain and argue, just wants to help people? Because he saw it on TV? It was so stupid, I almost laughed but at the same time, it was kind of cute. Unfortunately before my laughter could come out, a giant hole opened in the sky, a pitch black swirling void appeared and dropped something right in front of us before vanishing as quick as it came, "Guess the interrogation has to wait" he muttered as he slowly approached. Looking at it from behind his shoulder, it was...squirming? It kept getting more and more violent, sticking out as it grew ever so slightly in size. Ryan''s eyes widened and without a word, he tackled me to the ground when the blob seemingly imploded, making a massive husk that then stood up on its own, revealing a massive Shadow? I looked up at Ryan as he let go of me and stood up


    "What is that thing?!" I asked in shock as he helped me up


    "Isn''t it obvious? It''s a Shadow" He answered


    "World''s Combine, Heroes Unite!" We exclaim in perfect sync as we transformed. Ryan then encased his hands and feat in fire, taking the shape of a set of gauntlets and grieves


    "Flaming Red Weapon: Baphomet!!" He exclaimed, almost like a little kid or anime character doing their finishing move before charging in. I started to do the same before remembering I couldn''t use my magic yet. Reluctantly, I rushed to help the people while Ryan tried to fight off the Shadow. It swung its massive arms wildly, tearing the rooftops off the buildings and toppling any towers in its way. I quickly caught a guard mid fall and ordered him to begin evacuating, "Smart move. Have you gotten in contact with Jaune or the King yet?" Ryan''s voice asked, confusing me as I looked around. Suddenly, in my visor, an image containing his face appeared


    "What the-?! How are you on my screen?"


    "You didn''t know? Our visors are like a UI in a game. That UI contains a built in communicator. Have you not checked into this stuff?"


    "You did?"


    "Had to check for tra-!!" His explanation was cut off by a sharp gasp of pain. At the same time, I felt the ground shake as the wall around the city crumbled. Did he really just get hit that hard? Before I could run to check on him, he spoke up again, "Don''t worry about me!! Get people to safety then find Jaune!"


    "I can''t just leave you!"


    "Heroes put others above themselves...So do it!" He insisted but I couldn''t. I charged towards him, trusting the guards to handle evacuation. Whether he likes it or not, he needs me. I don''t have time to panic, no time to worry about Ryuji or Kuroko, not even dad. For the first time since we arrived, I felt calm and focused. Running to the ruins of the wall, I kept searching for Ryan like a hawk. When I found him, he was repeatedly punching at the legs. It was like cutting through wood with a kitchen knife though, barely getting anywhere. The giant Shadow tried to grab him but he would slip away with ease. Still, a broken clock is right twice a day and it was about to get a lucky hit. It felt like time slowed down for me, and I heard a voice


    "Finally... I was wondering when you would calm down enough to hear me.."


    "So...I guess you''re the voice Ryan talked about?"


    "The voice? I guess I am a voice. But Not the same one that powers Hero Red"


    "Then that''s all I need to know. Give me your power"


    "Really? Are you sure you can maintain this calmness in the heat of battle. Hero Blue swore to protect and I can''t have you tainting his memory by making a typhoon or something"


    "Of course I won''t. I never knew this guy, but it seems me and him want the same thing"


    "Very well. Then follow my instructions... Go with the flow. Be mindful of your surroundings but do not fret. You will reach the sea in time..." the voice said those words, I observed my surroundings and calmed my breathing. I reached out to Ryan, dodging pieces of falling debris with ease. Time seemed to slow as I noticed water coming from my body, forming a tendril before shooting out and snatching Ryan to me before time returned to normal. Ryan looked at me, completely dumbstruck


    "Wow...Good timing..."


    "I don''t think timing will be too hard now," I answered with renewed confidence as Jaune appeared in my visor


    "How close are you?"


    "On my way now. The civilians are taking shelter in the castle and the King and Princess Eliza are safe in the lab. What''s going on down there?"


    "Ask Eliza if she has a giant robot or something. Otherwise, we''re in for a rough time," Ryan answered but I shook my head and looked and listened close. The voice said be mindful but don''t fret so that''s what I''ll do. I heard something similar to a heartbeat and saw something through the mass of darkness, a throbbing red orb


    "Maybe not. Stay and guard the castle. We''ve got this. Ryan, aim where I say," I order and I could clearly tell he was hesitant. In response, I simply smiled, "You said you''re not interested in having a team, but you want to be like your heroes right? Even the loners needed their team in the end"


    He grumbled, knowing I was right and nodded, "Fine...But only when we''re fighting got it?" he asked, pouting like a little kid which made me burst into laughter before getting back to work.


    I made the tendrils once again, "Flowing Blue Weapon: Styx Whips!" I declared, picking him up before swinging along the giant Shadow''s neck and what ruins of the taller buildings that were still barely standing. The floating hologram projectors and blimps helped with mobility as well as I navigated to the core. Once we were over his chest, I dropped him, "Right there! Dead center!" I shouted. Understanding my orders, he quickly recovered and kicked the chest hard enough to dig his fit in before punching the same spot over and over. Just as he was about to break though though, I snatched him back though whenever I saw the body morphing, creating spikes where he stood. Immediately, the orb moved again, "It''s gonna keep moving. You need to hammer faster!"


    "I''m doing as best I can!" He argued. Looking back at the blimp, I had an idea. I wrapped my the first whip around the blimp and swung us up high enough to where we were over it. Then at the peak height, I threw Ryan as hard as I could. With the added momentum, he punched straight into the Shadow''s body. I landed on the blimp as all I could do from there was watch. It took a good minute but the shadow collapsed. I jumped down, swinging on one of the ruined towers to break my fall. The Shadow then dissolved, leaving Ryan, holding the orb. I smiled before jumping into the air


    "We did it!! Did you see that, Ryan?! I mean of course you saw it but can you believe it?! We beat that thing!"


    "Yup. Good job," was all he said before walking away. He didn''t seem excited, instead looking at the orb I saw from the inside. I poked my head over his shoulder, curious about what captivated him so much


    "What is that thing anyway? I figured it was important if it was buried in that walking husk but I didn''t really think about it beyond that"


    "It looks...almost like a heart..."

 Get In The Robot

    Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    The three of us stood in the elevator in silence. You could practically cut the tension with a butter knife as Ryan and Princess Eliza glared at each other. It was the same thing every day and frankly it was getting old. She would try and talk to him and Ryan would bite back, questioning why she needs to rely on us. It was infuriating to hear him talk to in such a way but still I played nice for now. After all, my goal required me to be a hero and thus I needed to work with them. Soon enough, he will be gone and I will be king! Eventually the torturous ride came to a stop and we stepped out into the massive lab beneath the kingdom. Scientists of all races were working tirelessly on new technology, from hovercrafts to a microwave that can cook any meal in seconds. That would be quite useful for any Space Heroes out there. The king specifically was who we were looking for and it did not take long as we quickly had to take cover as bolt of light, "Ohoho! Sorry, you four!" Thaddeus called out, holding a massive yellow blaster with a massive grin on his face. How could such a man child possibly be king? Still, I smiled nervously as he approached


    "What''s royalty like you doing with a gun?"


    "Testing of course!" He answered, "I''m always so fascinated with my daughter''s inventions so I act as her tester, her guinea pig as your people put it" He explained, making the three of us look shocked at Princess Eliza who simply dusted herself off and kept walking. To have all this wealth and still pitch in when she could hide? I''m impressed. She lead us to the heart-like core that was in the Super Shadow, "Anyway, you said you made a discovery about the heart?"


    "Well, I wouldn''t quite call it a discovery. It''s more like confirmation of what we already suspected," She answered as we walked down the white and blue halls, going past the variety of experiments being performed. At the very end was a massive room with a small viewport blocked off by a glass window. On the other side of the glass was the heart, "We contained it in case it was radioactive or capable of self destruction but so far, it''s just what we thought, an artificial heart"


    "Your normal Shadow is pretty large but nothing like that thing," Ryan commented, "I wouldn''t be surprised if all of them had this thing and just destroyed them too fast to notice"


    "Agreed but here''s the interesting part. Not only does it essentially create new life but," She started before pressing a button and dimming the purple lights of pure unfiltered magic filling the room. A small chunk of metal came from the wall, inching closer and closer to the heart. Upon touching it, it took wrapped began twisting it, contorting it into something vaguely human looking as it floated down to the floor and began to walk around, "It can give life to nonliving items" she finished before turning the lights back on, "However, just like the Shadows, they are vulnerable to magic"


    "So how does that help us? From what we''ve seen, the demons exclusively use magic" Makoto asked


    "Correct. That''s why I made a special commission to the Dwarven Capitol of Korinthar and I will be leaving to pick it up shortly"


    Thaddeus didn''t seem to like that, his normally jolly face replaced with a stern glare, "I will send guards to retrieve this commission. You are to stay here where it''s safe" he demanded


    "No way! This was my commission. I deserve to be the first to see it and besides, I''m the only one who knows how the heart works"


    "Then explain it to the guards and have them do it"


    "It''s not that simple. If Cass and the others were here the-"


    "But they''re not!" Thaddeus finally snapped, stunning her into silence and making the rest of us jump back. That wasn''t normal, was it? Seeing everyone''s fright, he took a deep breath and calm down "And that is why you cannot leave... They are our enemies now and they know you"


    "Then perhaps I can go with her," I finally spoke up, standing between the two, "After all, one hero is surely more powerful than a group of guards. If anyone dare attack her, they will feel the sting of my lightning," I explained, maybe trying a bit too hard to sound cool. I hope it impressed her. Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, looking between me and Eliza


    "Fine. Please, make sure she''s safe" he plead before turning away to leave


    "Sorry, I''d come along but I need to help rebuil-ow!" Ryan started before Makoto hit his arm "What was that for?! I wasn''t even being an asshole that time!"


    "You''re not doing anything but getting to bed and recovering. You think I can''t see your ribs?"


    Ryan scoffed and quickly covered his ribs, "Stupid Mer Eyes.... Be sure not to look any lower than that" he taunted with a smirk. Makoto just stared, her face glowing almost comedically red as we both began to snicker until suddenly Makoto hit him hard over the head "Ow!! Take a joke!"


    Makoto merely huffed in response before dragging him back to the elevator. I simply looked to Eliza who had a soft smile on her face as she packaged up the heart, "What''s so funny"


    "Oh nothing. Just glad somebody seems to be able to talk to that idiot in a way he understands" She answered. Could she at least say it in a way I understood? Because all I saw was them fighting. Regardless we both left to get packed for the long trip to Korinthar


    One Week Since Summoning Day, Leon, Age 525


    I kneeled before King Zeddral''s throne as he struggled to contain his rage. He had been most displeased with the Super Shadow''s defeat and claiming of the heart. I have not seen Ritto in days and I fear the worst, "My King, I swear I will reclaim the heart. I will lay siege to the capitol myself if need be. Just please, give me the order"


    Not a word escaped his lips, his hand just twitching. He could forgive the Prince''s failings with ease but should I dare fail once? That could mean my life. Eventually, he stood up from his throne, "No need. The Princess has it and is on the way to Korinthar" he finally replied. If not for my helmet covering all but my eyes, he could see my shock. Is that true? Even if it was, how did he know? However, I dare not question him, "Take a small battalion to intercept them and do-"


    His order was cut off by the large metal doors to the throne room being slammed open. Without skipping a single heartbeat, Prince Xandric was on one knee bowing his head, "Please father! Let me go with him!" he plead, leaving us both in stunned silence. King Zeddral''s anger quickly faded, replaced with a look of concern"Are you sure? I would hate for you to-"


    "I got arrogant, sending the Shadows away and expecting a fair duel. This is only one hero and I won''t be alone. I can handle it," the prince insisted and with a sigh, he turned back to me


    "Have you any objections, Leon?"


    "If it is your will, I will obey" I answered without a second thought. The King''s orders are absolute even if I didn''t believe it was wise. I then stood up and went to leave, "Follow me, boy and keep in mind, I tolerate no insubordination. If you disobey, you''ll never do this again. Understood?"


    He simply nodded before suddenly Cassandra pushed him aside, still in her modified ''Hell Hero'' Yellow suit, "Oh and just one thing from all three of us, Kitty Cat. Take the heart but don''t you dare hurt Eliza"


    "Or what? The traitors will betray again? Go ahead. Prove me right" I dared before taking my leave. The boy stayed behind for a moment before catching up


    Jaune, Age 9


    "A dancer?! That''s where you two have been!?" I remember father exclaiming in rage and disbelief. We knew he would disapprove but mother was always so supportive of me. Even if she didn''t entirely agree, she would push me towards my passions


    "It''s what he wants. What''s wrong with allowing it?"


    "It''s unproductive! A waste of time! He could be learning to be a businessman or something that would get us out of here! I don''t slave away every day for him to slack off and dance!" He argued, though honestly if he didn''t spend so much time drinking, perhaps we wouldn''t be in the 10th Arrondissement to begin with. Blew off our entire inheritance on his own vices and now he expects me to get us out? The nerve. Their argument raged on throughout the night as I ate what little food we had and prepared for bed....


    SMACK!


    A loud slap echoed through the house followed by a loud bang as something, no, someone hit the floor. I rushed downstairs and saw my mother on the ground, the floor cracked beneath her as the rotted wood couldn''t handle the force from which she came down on it. Father was standing there in shock. He was neglectful certainly, but he had never gone as far as to lay a hand on either of us. Not thinking, I charged in and jumped on his back. Immediately I began clawing at his eyes "Mama! Run!!" I ordered. That was the last thing I remember before everything went black


    One Week and Two Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    I was staying up that night, guarding the camp we had set up in the woods. I had offered since I wanted to impress Princess Eliza. A small group of guards came with us of course. Her father wanted nothing left to chance and honestly, fair enough. He may be a buffoon but when it comes to his daughter, he goes a little crazy it seems. It must be torture for her but I wish my father would do the same. Still, I''ll be able to rub it in his face soon if all goes well. Bored as I watched into the distance I began tapping my feet in sync with a the song I began to hum. That tapping then turned into a full-on dance as my feet began moving on its own. The moves weren''t wild, all flowing naturally into each other to match the song. I would spin and twist to my heart''s content until I hear the clearing of someone''s throat. I quickly ceased my humming as I turned around, "O-Oh...It''s just you, Princess..."


    "You know you don''t need to call me that, right? Eliza works just fine," She assured, sitting down on a log we had set up earlier. She was wearing a more rugged outfit, far removed from her usual white dress with snow patterns. Instead wearing a simply white and blue shirt, unreasonably tight pants and leather boots. The only thing that remained of her normal attired was her blue circlet that she wore around her head, "What were you doing? I thought you were standing guard"


    "My apologies. When I get bored and nobody is around, I tend to dance," I explained, looking away. I guess even with this power, the fear of my father didn''t just go away, "I see. Well your world''s idea of dancing is certainly... unique," She admitted. Clearly we have very different ideas of unique. Eventually, she asked "So what are you scheming?"


    "Excuse me? I''m sorry but I don''t..."


    "Please, don''t lie," She plead, interrupting my attempts to do exactly that, "You''re not as smooth as you think and my mother warned me that people from your world have a tendency to be nice when they desire something. So what do you want?"


    "That obvious, eh?" I asked before looking away from her. She would likely be furious with me but lying would only make it worse so I answered, "Well.... I want to be king!" I exclaimed, probably waking up some of the guards. She just stared, dumbstruck. I could''ve sworn I was about to get slapped


    "So when you went to comfort me after Ryan and I''s fight, and all those weird words you called me, it was what? You trying to seduce me so..."


    "So maybe I could marry you and become king," I groaned out, preparing my cheek for the inevitable slap. But she just sat there, tears swelling up when suddenly...


    "Ahahahahahahaha!!!" She burst out into laughter, holding her stomach. I just watched in confusion as she fell off the log, legs flailing as she acted like she had been sprayed with Laughing Gas, "I''m sorry! I''m so sorry, I just actually thought you may have liked me!"


    "And...That''s funny to you?"


    "Yeah, and actually... Somewhat relieving," She admitted, only further adding to my confusion. I know it wasn''t exactly nice to try and deceive her but I doubt relief would be the first thing she would feel, "Alright. Well how about this," she started before grabbing a stick. She then drew a table into the dirt, similar to a calendar. She then made one tally mark, "Why don''t we play a game?"


    "A game?" I repeated, growing more and more confused by the second


    "We''ll call it, the courting game. You and your teammates will defeat the Demons. That''s your main goal so I''ll make that about...fifty points" She explained, drawing for stick figures, one of which having wings. She then crossed it out and drew the numbers ''5'', ''0'' beside it, "You can get the other fifty by doing things I like. Let''s say, five points each" she suggested, drawing four more tally marks, "For your honesty, I''ll go ahead and give you the first five. That''s ninety-five more and if you can get all one hundred, I''ll marry you and you''ll be king!"


    "You''re willing to gamble on that?" I asked but she just hummed, beginning to wipe the board she made before I reluctantly responded "Okay okay, we have a deal!"


    "Good boy" she said with a devious grin, "Now the only rule is, no actually falling in love got it? You do that, we''re done. Now get some rest. Let one of the others handle the watch" she insisted and, not wishing to push my luck, I complied. That went...much better than I expected but we''ll see how it goes. The following morning, we reached a massive mountain range to the north of Zordonia. The maps we brought along said Korinthar should be around here, "Alright Prince- Eliza..." I corrected myself, remembering what she said, "Where is it?"


    "Riiiiiight, here!" She said, slowly moving her finger left to right until she found it. To me though, it just looked like a regular rock. However, when she pushed in the right spot, the rocky wall scooted to the left, opening up to a massive tunnel. It was a shock to put mildly as the long tunnel seemed to stretch forever. Still, we wandered through the darkness with only a flashlight to guide our way. The length of the tunnel was no exaggeration as it took a solid ten minutes before we ever saw the light. When we finally arrived, we were met with a sprawling rock city. Shops and housing were carved out of the stone in levels, a massive arena was formed in the center where all dwarves could reach. But the most noticeable thing was the bright blue sky over it all, despite being in a mountain. I looked in shock and disbelief, my mouth agape until Eliza pushed it back up, giggling, "Right, I never told you. The dwarves use projectors to imitate our sky. It''s actually the basis for our holograms back home""Aye and frankly I''m not too fond of it," a voice said. Looking down, it was a dwarf with grey stubbles wearing a lab coat


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Flemi!" Eliza exclaimed and kneeled down to hug him, who happily embraced her in return, "It''s good to see you again, old friend"


    "Same to you. Last time I saw you, you were the same size as me" he said with a warm smile before turning tome, "Who''s this? New boyfriend?"


    "Oh not even close! Meet Jaune, he''s the new Hero Yellow" She answered, through her laughter. Could she not make it sound like dating me is such a bad thing? Regardless, I smiled and took a quick bow


    "Pleased to meet you, sir"


    "No need for the niceties, boy. We''re not so formal here" Flemi assured me, patting my head before I recovered from my bow, "You know the rules, Eliza. Don''t upset the Goliaths and your commission is in the Sun District"


    "Think you can come with us? We can catch up" Eliza offered to which Flemi thought for a second before leading us along. In the streets, I saw dwarves fighting. I didn''t know the reason but it happened around just about every other street corner. Only when one was near death would a hulking being of metal descend from the sky on rocket boots to break it up


    "Is this...Normal?"


    "For us, yes" Flemi answered, "Unlike you humans, we can''t deal with peace. We always need an enemy to fight. We''re warriors, inventors. If we''re not finding new ways to stave off the Darkness, then we''re not true Dwarves""King Thaddeus said this world was perfect besides the demons"


    "Aye, well perfection has its own meaning wherever you go, lad" he assured "And for us, that''s fighting the Darkness. If a dwarf doesn''t like it, they can go to Zordonia, Dai Shi or even Animaria...well, if you could stand the stench"


    I couldn''t tell if that last part was a joke or not as we went up the elevator, going above the simulated clouds. I assumed judging by how quiet it was save for the sound of machinery, this was where they made new inventions, likely weapons if their love for fighting was to be believed. They had humans to test out new blasters, holographic shields presumably to lessen fatigue of carrying around such a heavy object, and overhead a massive golden bird with lightning cackling off it. One of these things certainly wasn''t like the others, "And...What is that?"


    "That lad, is your new partner. Eh, Thundaga!" He called out and the bird landed before us. He scanned Eliza and I before humming


    "So this is the new Hero Yellow. How...unimpressive"


    "We can duke it out right now if you want, you overgrown rooster"


    "I am no mere bird. I am Thundaga, last of the Thunderbirds" He corrected, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "And it is not your power that concerns me. Moreso, it is your heart" he answered, causing me to glare. Great, so monsters can see our hearts now?


    "Anyway, so what''s the plan? Why do we need a Thunderbird for this?" Eliza asked


    "Well, reading over your report, I concluded that if the heart is given a body but no soul, it''ll simply be a mindless monster" Flemi answered, "So I called in a favor from a friend in Animaria to send a volunteer"


    "Can we slow down a moment?" I asked, trying to be polite despite my annoyance at the overgrown chicken, "Does that mean you''re going to put his soul into something else and use the heart to give it life?"


    "Exactly, lad. Bigger than anything we''ve ever made," Flemi answered and with the press of a button, a giant mechanical bird, almost identical to Thundaga appeared from seemingly nowhere, though it was likely just some holographic technology or some such thing, "Behold, The Storm Goliath"


    "You have no problem with that?" I asked, looking to Thundaga. My question then shifted to what I thought was obvious, "What could they possibly be paying you to get you to agree to this?"


    "Some of us don''t need payment to do the right thing"


    "If this succeeds, we can begin searching for candidates for Red and Blue''s Goliaths as well. For now, relax. Enjoy some of our finest ale in one of our many taverns" Flemi suggested and without a second though, Eliza pulled me away, likely before me and the rooster could get into a fight. We made our way back to the lower levels to relax. Let me rephrase, relax as well as we could with the constant brawls. Still, it provided some entertainment. I even started betting, my gold on them


    "Never took you as the gambling type," Eliza noted, a giggling as the alcohol made her red in the face


    "Well, I did always have an uncanny luck. Helped me make money when I was too young to have a job," I explained in between my cheers


    "Why would you need money at that age? Didn''t your parents take care of you?" She asked and I fell silent, stunning her as all joy left my body, "I''m sorry. If it''s a problem, you do-"


    "No, it''s fine. After all, I did say I was gonna marry you, right? I''ll need to tell you some day," I said, giving her a smile. It''s not like it was really a secret anyways. It''s just nobody thinks to ask, "My mother left when I was young. Father crossed a line he shouldn''t have. She tried to get me out of there but since she had no legal source of income, the courts ruled that I stay with him. He blew off any money he could get on booze and drugs. So I had to pay for myself"


    "I see...That''s horrible. You don''t want to go back, do you?"


    "If I had a choice? No, but if I can become King even for a day, I''ll have done more than he''s eve done in his rotten life. That''s enough for me," I assured, flashing her with a sly smile. She simply giggled as her drunken state got worse and worse. My mental image of a princess slowly began to crash as she slurred out words I could barely understand. Still, I found it endearing and caught her as she slipped out of the chair, "Easy there. I got you" I assured and carried her over to a bed in the back the dwarves kept for anyone too drunk or too beaten to stand properly. I could barely understand what she was grumbling about but I heard two words


    "Thanksh ...Cass..."


    She really seems to care about this Cass person. Maybe I should ask her some time. Regardless, I was about to rest when I heard a commotion followed by the ground rumbling. The dwarves immediately shot up, regardless of their beaten and drunken status. Thinking it wasn''t best to leave Eliza behind, I picked her up and ran out with her on my back. It was completely absurd, seeing everyone pull out swords and axes of all kinds. I''m certain I even saw one child, pull a claymore from the back of their plush bear before running into the militaries ranks. Ignoring that insanity, I rushed to Felmi who was just hurrying off the elevator, "What''s going on!?"


    "See for yourself," He answered and pulled out a tablet. On the screen was...that prince from before and a man in armor I had never seen before with a battalion of Shadows behind them and a massive one like the one in Zordonia beating at the door, "Quite a small force, not one big enough to siege us. I was going to tell the commander right now""I don''t understand. Doesn''t that just mean that they are underestimating you?"


    "You have a lot to learn about war," Felmi responded before continuing to the commander and for some reason, I thought it was best to follow


    "Professor, what is the meaning of this? You should be in the lab where it''s safe"


    "Oh sod off with that, runt. I may be a scientist now but I was fighting in the Unity War while you were living it up in the womb. Now listen to me. That force outside is way too small. Leon isn''t that foolish. Divert the bulk of our forces to the Black Quarter right now!"


    "The Black Quarter? Are you saying-?"


    "I don''t know but do you want to risk it?" Felmi asked, causing the commander to go silent, "That''s what I thought. Now get to it!" he ordered with shocking authority and without the commander even speaking, at least half the dwarves were already moving as quick as their stubby legs could take them. As they left Felmi sighed, "Poor folks. Can put down an ogre with one hand but no sense for basic tactics"


    "Felmi...Who is this Leon?"


    "Someone you''re not ready to face. Get to the Sun District and expedite the merging process" He insisted in a calmer tone than he gave them, almost like pleading. I wanted to argue but instead just nodded. It didn''t take long as within a flash of lightning, I zoomed to the Sun District, blasting up the wall before the elevator even got off the ground. It had used it during the attacks in Zordonia but if we''re giving our powers names like ''Mer Eyes'' now, how about Storm Step? In no time at all, I was back at the lab in front of the scientists as they were infusing the heart into the Goliath which I can only assume Thundaga was inside, judging by the screaming as black and purple sparks fired off of it


    "Felmi said to speed it up and keep an eye on Eliza!" I told them, adding on that last part before turning to leave


    "Where are you...?" Thundaga tried to ask before squawking in pain


    "Isn''t it obvious? People need help," was my only response before transforming on the spot. I said those ridiculous words, "Worlds Combine, Heroes Unite!" and in what must have been a flash of light to them, I was Hero Yellow. With a single Storm Step, I was back down to the main gate before using another to dash to the so-called ''Black Quarter''. The stone buildings were degraded, the holographic sky untouched and puddles of a dark gooey substance I dare not touch was all I could make out. I presume that was the ''Darkness'' Felmi mentioned. The army of Dwarves made it easy to find, a massive mob of men, women and children, all ready to fight even if they weren''t soldiers. It was actually somewhat admirable, seeing them come together like this. If only it was like that back home. Despite their efforts, they were being slashed, stabbed and knocked away with ease by the Shadows. Though, the weren''t as helpless as the Zordonians as their weapons actually managed to briefly halt the Shadows. I would have to look into that later. Still though, only I could finish them off with my magic weapon which after slicing through five in a row, I named "Divine Lightning: Taranis Claw!"I sliced through the Shadows with ease, even the dormant ones. The ones I missed, I had to trust the Dwarves to handle. Like a bolt of lightning, I dashed through them all before suddenly my claw was stopped. The armored man grabbed my wrist and clenched it tightly, crushing it. I screamed in pain but quickly Storm Stepped back, the shock forcing him to release me


    "So you''re the new Hero Yellow. Not impressive as impressive as the last one," he said, his gravelly voice sending chills through my body, "Still, you have potential"


    "Praising your enemy? I take it you''re one of those ''Noble Warrior'' types," I mocked before Storm Stepping behind him and going for a slash only to easily be blocked by his shield and send me flying when he flipped in and hit my jaw. I suppose I should have suspected this from a general


    "Your kind speak so strangely of ''Types''. Personally, I understand none of it," explained, slowly approaching me and tossing whatever Dwarves got in her way, "It''s even infected the Prince''s speaking somewhat. Regardless, I simply have an eye for capable fighters. Were you perhaps a soldier in your world? A recruit maybe?"


    "I''m only fifteen"


    "Ah yes. Forgive me. I suppose I am merely an old dog stuck in his ways. When I was your age, fifteen would be considered manhood. Then again, when I was your age, there was no such thing as ''Demons''"


    Interesting information, but I couldn''t care less. I continued to try to and attack from all angles, over, to the left, to the right and even burrowing underground to attack from below but he didn''t budge. He grabbed me from the air and slammed me to the ground. He then pushed me toward a pool of Darkness. Despite my efforts, he began to push me in head first. My suit did its best to protect me, creating a mouthguard to prevent it from entering my body, but it was still quickly degrading, burning away. I desperately clawed at him, trying to push him off when suddenly, I felt the weight come off me. I quickly pull myself out and look into the reflection of my visor. My face had turned a reddish pink similar to that demon prince we had fought. I then looked to Felmi, who appeared to be my savior as he held a massive gun, "I suppose I should thank you," I said as my skin reverted to normal


    "You can do that by doing what I ordered in the first place"


    "And leave you here? I doubt Eliza would forgive me for that," I joked as my suit regenerated. As if my thoughts about my skin had manifested him, the prince flew down beside Leon


    "General, may I join you?"


    "Begone, boy. I''ve got this"


    "With all do respect, he''s one of the three who jumped me. I deserve retribution" He insisted, apparently angered by our previous encounter


    "Again with your bizarre phrases. Very well. But follow my lead" Leon order, to which he agreed without question. He ran in first with the prince following suit, attacking Felmi but I quickly blocked it for him while he ducked beneath me and fired his gun, releasing what looked like a beam of light that sent him flying. Xandric flew over before diving at the ground and punching it so hard, it sent Shadows and Dwarves alike flying, some over into the magma pits below. I flipped back, catching Felmi and sitting him down before dashing at Xandric in an attempt to slash at him. He dodged, causing me to only barely cut a chunk of his right horn. In retaliation, he caught my hand before spinning around to throw me right into Leon who nearly ran me through had I not course corrected midair. I Storm Stepped back through a few Shadows to regroup with Felmi


    "Quite the deadly dance we''ve found ourselves in. Any ideas?"


    "I wish. So far all I can think to do is..." He started, pulling out a grenade of some sorts before suddenly, I heard beeping in his ear. He pressed into some sort of earpiece, "This is Felm, make it quick...What?... Slow down lad, what do you mean The Storm Goliath is-?!" He argued when suddenly a loud mechanical squawk could be heard throughout the cave city. Suddenly, the massive golden bird that contained Thundaga''s soul flew through the artificial sky, firing lightning magic from its mouth with such precision that it eviscerated the Shadows without harming a single Dwarf. It then landed before me, sending the dust flying in our face


    "Is that you, Thundaga?" I asked, worried only the soul may remain. To be stripped of personhood would be horrible. Instead of answering, he lowered his head, revealing a cockpit. Taking the hint, I hopped in. Immediately, I felt something lodge itself into the back of my helmet. It didn''t hurt, but I felt like I was now linked


    Jaune, Age 15


    It was a bustling day at the station. We never managed to escape the 10th Arrondissement. Mother left after that day and used all her money as a um...dancer, to try and get custody of me. But it didn''t work out and I was trapped with him. As such, I was forced to take up multiple part time jobs and put my luck to good use, making money through gambling. This lead to multiple busy nights which would leave me pleading for my creaky old bed. Just getting off the train, I saw a woman, no older or younger than I remember mother being when I last saw her, and the same skimpy attire she would wear to attract customers. It wasn''t anything I''d call abnormal. However, she seemed to be off the clock as she had put on a coat to hide her modesty. That didn''t stop one man from following her. Against my better judgement, I followed after them. I hid behind a nearby wall once they entered a nearby alley, listening in. If nothing bad happens, no harm no foul. However....


    "Sorry, I''m done for the day"


    "The hell you are, girl. Surely, you can take one more customer"


    "I said, I''m do-!" Her protest were cut off by a scream as his hand met her cheek. He was about to do it again when I grabbed his hand


    "I do believe the lady said she''s done for the day. Should you wish to employ her services, you can do so tomorrow"


    "Really? Buzz off kid before you get hurt" The man insisted, trying to snatch his hand away but my grip stayed firm. He pulled harder and harder but I wouldn''t let go. He even tried throwing me but not only did I hold on, but when I recovered, I dragged him with me, getting him away from the girl. The last thing I heard was the honking of a horn as me and him fell out of the alley into the road


    One Week and Three Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    I gasped as I snapped back to reality, "Thundaga...Did you see that?"


    "Indeed," He answered, his voice ringing in my head "Along with everything else. A good heart, twisted by a cruel world. You have my sympathies"


    "Well, how about we focus on the enemy for now, yeah?" I asked and using the controls, I fired lightning from Thundaga''s mouth


    "Our souls are one, Jaune Allard. From Now on, we fight together..."He assured me as were destroyed the Shadows with pure lightning. Our attention turned to Leon and Xandric, the prince specifically wanting to charge in but was held back


    "Why are you stopping me? We can still win!"


    "That may be. But can we defeat the Dwarves afterwards?" He asked before pressing some device on his wrist, "Ritto, bring us back!" he ordered and in a flash, they were gone. Safe to say, I was confused, but quickly snapped out of it by the cheering of the Dwarves


    "It would seem we''ve won. Anything you want to say?" Thundaga asked. In response, I just grinned as we both let out a triumphant roar, our victory echoing through the cavern halls


    Leon, Age 525


    We returned to King Zeddral, much to the prince''s dismay. Can''t say I fault him though. His failure at the capital bruised his ego. In my younger days, I would be much the same way. Still, he contained his rage around his father as we kneeled, "Forgive us, Father. We failed to reclaim the heart" the boy said, his voice quivering as if fighting back a well of emotions. The King then stood up and said two words


    "I knew you would"


    My head shot up in disbelief. How did he know? The King is powerful and wise, but to know that when he wasn''t even there? Still, I stayed silent as he slowly approached, "Truthfully son, I knew you were not ready, but failure is a better teacher than any man. The Dwarves are not like the humans or elves. They are warriors, even in times of peace. While other races rely on their ''heroes'' to save them while the guards do what little they can to fend off our Shadows, the Dwarves adapt and overcome. Even if you did defeat Hero Yellow and reclaim the heart, do you truly think you could have bested your foes in their own home?"


    "No...father..."


    "No because you know it? Or know because you tried and failed?" He asked, "Your pride drove you to insist on fighting the heroes despite your prior failings. It blinded you. Now that you have failed, learn. Do not let ego get in your way. Besides, your ego may be justified soon... Hero Black"

 Get In Robot

    Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    The three of us stood in the elevator in silence. You could practically cut the tension with a butter knife as Ryan and Princess Eliza glared at each other. It was the same thing every day and frankly it was getting old. She would try and talk to him and Ryan would bite back, questioning why she needs to rely on us. It was infuriating to hear him talk to in such a way but still I played nice for now. After all, my goal required me to be a hero and thus I needed to work with them. Soon enough, he will be gone and I will be king! Eventually the torturous ride came to a stop and we stepped out into the massive lab beneath the kingdom. Scientists of all races were working tirelessly on new technology, from hovercrafts to a microwave that can cook any meal in seconds. That would be quite useful for any Space Heroes out there. The king specifically was who we were looking for and it did not take long as we quickly had to take cover as bolt of light, "Ohoho! Sorry, you four!" Thaddeus called out, holding a massive yellow blaster with a massive grin on his face. How could such a man child possibly be king? Still, I smiled nervously as he approached


    "What''s royalty like you doing with a gun?"


    "Testing of course!" He answered, "I''m always so fascinated with my daughter''s inventions so I act as her tester, her guinea pig as your people put it" He explained, making the three of us look shocked at Princess Eliza who simply dusted herself off and kept walking. To have all this wealth and still pitch in when she could hide? I''m impressed. She lead us to the heart-like core that was in the Super Shadow, "Anyway, you said you made a discovery about the heart?"


    "Well, I wouldn''t quite call it a discovery. It''s more like confirmation of what we already suspected," She answered as we walked down the white and blue halls, going past the variety of experiments being performed. At the very end was a massive room with a small viewport blocked off by a glass window. On the other side of the glass was the heart, "We contained it in case it was radioactive or capable of self destruction but so far, it''s just what we thought, an artificial heart"


    "Your normal Shadow is pretty large but nothing like that thing," Ryan commented, "I wouldn''t be surprised if all of them had this thing and just destroyed them too fast to notice"


    "Agreed but here''s the interesting part. Not only does it essentially create new life but," She started before pressing a button and dimming the purple lights of pure unfiltered magic filling the room. A small chunk of metal came from the wall, inching closer and closer to the heart. Upon touching it, it took wrapped began twisting it, contorting it into something vaguely human looking as it floated down to the floor and began to walk around, "It can give life to nonliving items" she finished before turning the lights back on, "However, just like the Shadows, they are vulnerable to magic"


    "So how does that help us? From what we''ve seen, the demons exclusively use magic" Makoto asked


    "Correct. That''s why I made a special commission to the Dwarven Capitol of Korinthar and I will be leaving to pick it up shortly"


    Thaddeus didn''t seem to like that, his normally jolly face replaced with a stern glare, "I will send guards to retrieve this commission. You are to stay here where it''s safe" he demanded


    "No way! This was my commission. I deserve to be the first to see it and besides, I''m the only one who knows how the heart works"


    "Then explain it to the guards and have them do it"


    "It''s not that simple. If Cass and the others were here the-"


    "But they''re not!" Thaddeus finally snapped, stunning her into silence and making the rest of us jump back. That wasn''t normal, was it? Seeing everyone''s fright, he took a deep breath and calm down "And that is why you cannot leave... They are our enemies now and they know you"


    "Then perhaps I can go with her," I finally spoke up, standing between the two, "After all, one hero is surely more powerful than a group of guards. If anyone dare attack her, they will feel the sting of my lightning," I explained, maybe trying a bit too hard to sound cool. I hope it impressed her. Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, looking between me and Eliza


    "Fine. Please, make sure she''s safe" he plead before turning away to leave


    "Sorry, I''d come along but I need to help rebuil-ow!" Ryan started before Makoto hit his arm "What was that for?! I wasn''t even being an asshole that time!"


    "You''re not doing anything but getting to bed and recovering. You think I can''t see your ribs?"


    Ryan scoffed and quickly covered his ribs, "Stupid Mer Eyes.... Be sure not to look any lower than that" he taunted with a smirk. Makoto just stared, her face glowing almost comedically red as we both began to snicker until suddenly Makoto hit him hard over the head "Ow!! Take a joke!"


    Makoto merely huffed in response before dragging him back to the elevator. I simply looked to Eliza who had a soft smile on her face as she packaged up the heart, "What''s so funny"


    "Oh nothing. Just glad somebody seems to be able to talk to that idiot in a way he understands" She answered. Could she at least say it in a way I understood? Because all I saw was them fighting. Regardless we both left to get packed for the long trip to Korinthar


    One Week Since Summoning Day, Leon, Age 525


    I kneeled before King Zeddral''s throne as he struggled to contain his rage. He had been most displeased with the Super Shadow''s defeat and claiming of the heart. I have not seen Ritto in days and I fear the worst, "My King, I swear I will reclaim the heart. I will lay siege to the capitol myself if need be. Just please, give me the order"


    Not a word escaped his lips, his hand just twitching. He could forgive the Prince''s failings with ease but should I dare fail once? That could mean my life. Eventually, he stood up from his throne, "No need. The Princess has it and is on the way to Korinthar" he finally replied. If not for my helmet covering all but my eyes, he could see my shock. Is that true? Even if it was, how did he know? However, I dare not question him, "Take a small battalion to intercept them and do-"


    His order was cut off by the large metal doors to the throne room being slammed open. Without skipping a single heartbeat, Prince Xandric was on one knee bowing his head, "Please father! Let me go with him!" he plead, leaving us both in stunned silence. King Zeddral''s anger quickly faded, replaced with a look of concern"Are you sure? I would hate for you to-"


    "I got arrogant, sending the Shadows away and expecting a fair duel. This is only one hero and I won''t be alone. I can handle it," the prince insisted and with a sigh, he turned back to me


    "Have you any objections, Leon?"


    "If it is your will, I will obey" I answered without a second thought. The King''s orders are absolute even if I didn''t believe it was wise. I then stood up and went to leave, "Follow me, boy and keep in mind, I tolerate no insubordination. If you disobey, you''ll never do this again. Understood?"


    He simply nodded before suddenly Cassandra pushed him aside, still in her modified ''Hell Hero'' Yellow suit, "Oh and just one thing from all three of us, Kitty Cat. Take the heart but don''t you dare hurt Eliza"


    "Or what? The traitors will betray again? Go ahead. Prove me right" I dared before taking my leave. The boy stayed behind for a moment before catching up


    Jaune, Age 9


    "A dancer?! That''s where you two have been!?" I remember father exclaiming in rage and disbelief. We knew he would disapprove but mother was always so supportive of me. Even if she didn''t entirely agree, she would push me towards my passions


    "It''s what he wants. What''s wrong with allowing it?"


    "It''s unproductive! A waste of time! He could be learning to be a businessman or something that would get us out of here! I don''t slave away every day for him to slack off and dance!" He argued, though honestly if he didn''t spend so much time drinking, perhaps we wouldn''t be in the 10th Arrondissement to begin with. Blew off our entire inheritance on his own vices and now he expects me to get us out? The nerve. Their argument raged on throughout the night as I ate what little food we had and prepared for bed....


    SMACK!


    A loud slap echoed through the house followed by a loud bang as something, no, someone hit the floor. I rushed downstairs and saw my mother on the ground, the floor cracked beneath her as the rotted wood couldn''t handle the force from which she came down on it. Father was standing there in shock. He was neglectful certainly, but he had never gone as far as to lay a hand on either of us. Not thinking, I charged in and jumped on his back. Immediately I began clawing at his eyes "Mama! Run!!" I ordered. That was the last thing I remember before everything went black


    One Week and Two Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    I was staying up that night, guarding the camp we had set up in the woods. I had offered since I wanted to impress Princess Eliza. A small group of guards came with us of course. Her father wanted nothing left to chance and honestly, fair enough. He may be a buffoon but when it comes to his daughter, he goes a little crazy it seems. It must be torture for her but I wish my father would do the same. Still, I''ll be able to rub it in his face soon if all goes well. Bored as I watched into the distance I began tapping my feet in sync with a the song I began to hum. That tapping then turned into a full-on dance as my feet began moving on its own. The moves weren''t wild, all flowing naturally into each other to match the song. I would spin and twist to my heart''s content until I hear the clearing of someone''s throat. I quickly ceased my humming as I turned around, "O-Oh...It''s just you, Princess..."


    "You know you don''t need to call me that, right? Eliza works just fine," She assured, sitting down on a log we had set up earlier. She was wearing a more rugged outfit, far removed from her usual white dress with snow patterns. Instead wearing a simply white and blue shirt, unreasonably tight pants and leather boots. The only thing that remained of her normal attired was her blue circlet that she wore around her head, "What were you doing? I thought you were standing guard"


    "My apologies. When I get bored and nobody is around, I tend to dance," I explained, looking away. I guess even with this power, the fear of my father didn''t just go away, "I see. Well your world''s idea of dancing is certainly... unique," She admitted. Clearly we have very different ideas of unique. Eventually, she asked "So what are you scheming?"


    "Excuse me? I''m sorry but I don''t..."


    "Please, don''t lie," She plead, interrupting my attempts to do exactly that, "You''re not as smooth as you think and my mother warned me that people from your world have a tendency to be nice when they desire something. So what do you want?"


    "That obvious, eh?" I asked before looking away from her. She would likely be furious with me but lying would only make it worse so I answered, "Well.... I want to be king!" I exclaimed, probably waking up some of the guards. She just stared, dumbstruck. I could''ve sworn I was about to get slapped


    "So when you went to comfort me after Ryan and I''s fight, and all those weird words you called me, it was what? You trying to seduce me so..."


    "So maybe I could marry you and become king," I groaned out, preparing my cheek for the inevitable slap. But she just sat there, tears swelling up when suddenly...


    "Ahahahahahahaha!!!" She burst out into laughter, holding her stomach. I just watched in confusion as she fell off the log, legs flailing as she acted like she had been sprayed with Laughing Gas, "I''m sorry! I''m so sorry, I just actually thought you may have liked me!"


    "And...That''s funny to you?"


    "Yeah, and actually... Somewhat relieving," She admitted, only further adding to my confusion. I know it wasn''t exactly nice to try and deceive her but I doubt relief would be the first thing she would feel, "Alright. Well how about this," she started before grabbing a stick. She then drew a table into the dirt, similar to a calendar. She then made one tally mark, "Why don''t we play a game?"


    "A game?" I repeated, growing more and more confused by the second


    "We''ll call it, the courting game. You and your teammates will defeat the Demons. That''s your main goal so I''ll make that about...fifty points" She explained, drawing for stick figures, one of which having wings. She then crossed it out and drew the numbers ''5'', ''0'' beside it, "You can get the other fifty by doing things I like. Let''s say, five points each" she suggested, drawing four more tally marks, "For your honesty, I''ll go ahead and give you the first five. That''s ninety-five more and if you can get all one hundred, I''ll marry you and you''ll be king!"


    "You''re willing to gamble on that?" I asked but she just hummed, beginning to wipe the board she made before I reluctantly responded "Okay okay, we have a deal!"


    "Good boy" she said with a devious grin, "Now the only rule is, no actually falling in love got it? You do that, we''re done. Now get some rest. Let one of the others handle the watch" she insisted and, not wishing to push my luck, I complied. That went...much better than I expected but we''ll see how it goes. The following morning, we reached a massive mountain range to the north of Zordonia. The maps we brought along said Korinthar should be around here, "Alright Prince- Eliza..." I corrected myself, remembering what she said, "Where is it?"


    "Riiiiiight, here!" She said, slowly moving her finger left to right until she found it. To me though, it just looked like a regular rock. However, when she pushed in the right spot, the rocky wall scooted to the left, opening up to a massive tunnel. It was a shock to put mildly as the long tunnel seemed to stretch forever. Still, we wandered through the darkness with only a flashlight to guide our way. The length of the tunnel was no exaggeration as it took a solid ten minutes before we ever saw the light. When we finally arrived, we were met with a sprawling rock city. Shops and housing were carved out of the stone in levels, a massive arena was formed in the center where all dwarves could reach. But the most noticeable thing was the bright blue sky over it all, despite being in a mountain. I looked in shock and disbelief, my mouth agape until Eliza pushed it back up, giggling, "Right, I never told you. The dwarves use projectors to imitate our sky. It''s actually the basis for our holograms back home"


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Aye and frankly I''m not too fond of it," a voice said. Looking down, it was a dwarf with grey stubbles wearing a lab coat


    "Flemi!" Eliza exclaimed and kneeled down to hug him, who happily embraced her in return, "It''s good to see you again, old friend"


    "Same to you. Last time I saw you, you were the same size as me" he said with a warm smile before turning tome, "Who''s this? New boyfriend?"


    "Oh not even close! Meet Jaune, he''s the new Hero Yellow" She answered, through her laughter. Could she not make it sound like dating me is such a bad thing? Regardless, I smiled and took a quick bow


    "Pleased to meet you, sir"


    "No need for the niceties, boy. We''re not so formal here" Flemi assured me, patting my head before I recovered from my bow, "You know the rules, Eliza. Don''t upset the Goliaths and your commission is in the Sun District"


    "Think you can come with us? We can catch up" Eliza offered to which Flemi thought for a second before leading us along. In the streets, I saw dwarves fighting. I didn''t know the reason but it happened around just about every other street corner. Only when one was near death would a hulking being of metal descend from the sky on rocket boots to break it up


    "Is this...Normal?"


    "For us, yes" Flemi answered, "Unlike you humans, we can''t deal with peace. We always need an enemy to fight. We''re warriors, inventors. If we''re not finding new ways to stave off the Darkness, then we''re not true Dwarves"


    "King Thaddeus said this world was perfect besides the demons"


    "Aye, well perfection has its own meaning wherever you go, lad" he assured "And for us, that''s fighting the Darkness. If a dwarf doesn''t like it, they can go to Zordonia, Dai Shi or even Animaria...well, if you could stand the stench"


    I couldn''t tell if that last part was a joke or not as we went up the elevator, going above the simulated clouds. I assumed judging by how quiet it was save for the sound of machinery, this was where they made new inventions, likely weapons if their love for fighting was to be believed. They had humans to test out new blasters, holographic shields presumably to lessen fatigue of carrying around such a heavy object, and overhead a massive golden bird with lightning cackling off it. One of these things certainly wasn''t like the others, "And...What is that?"


    "That lad, is your new partner. Eh, Thundaga!" He called out and the bird landed before us. He scanned Eliza and I before humming


    "So this is the new Hero Yellow. How...unimpressive"


    "We can duke it out right now if you want, you overgrown rooster"


    "I am no mere bird. I am Thundaga, last of the Thunderbirds" He corrected, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "And it is not your power that concerns me. Moreso, it is your heart" he answered, causing me to glare. Great, so monsters can see our hearts now?


    "Anyway, so what''s the plan? Why do we need a Thunderbird for this?" Eliza asked


    "Well, reading over your report, I concluded that if the heart is given a body but no soul, it''ll simply be a mindless monster" Flemi answered, "So I called in a favor from a friend in Animaria to send a volunteer"


    "Can we slow down a moment?" I asked, trying to be polite despite my annoyance at the overgrown chicken, "Does that mean you''re going to put his soul into something else and use the heart to give it life?"


    "Exactly, lad. Bigger than anything we''ve ever made," Flemi answered and with the press of a button, a giant mechanical bird, almost identical to Thundaga appeared from seemingly nowhere, though it was likely just some holographic technology or some such thing, "Behold, The Storm Goliath"


    "You have no problem with that?" I asked, looking to Thundaga. My question then shifted to what I thought was obvious, "What could they possibly be paying you to get you to agree to this?"


    "Some of us don''t need payment to do the right thing"


    "If this succeeds, we can begin searching for candidates for Red and Blue''s Goliaths as well. For now, relax. Enjoy some of our finest ale in one of our many taverns" Flemi suggested and without a second though, Eliza pulled me away, likely before me and the rooster could get into a fight. We made our way back to the lower levels to relax. Let me rephrase, relax as well as we could with the constant brawls. Still, it provided some entertainment. I even started betting, my gold on them


    "Never took you as the gambling type," Eliza noted, a giggling as the alcohol made her red in the face


    "Well, I did always have an uncanny luck. Helped me make money when I was too young to have a job," I explained in between my cheers


    "Why would you need money at that age? Didn''t your parents take care of you?" She asked and I fell silent, stunning her as all joy left my body, "I''m sorry. If it''s a problem, you do-"


    "No, it''s fine. After all, I did say I was gonna marry you, right? I''ll need to tell you some day," I said, giving her a smile. It''s not like it was really a secret anyways. It''s just nobody thinks to ask, "My mother left when I was young. Father crossed a line he shouldn''t have. She tried to get me out of there but since she had no legal source of income, the courts ruled that I stay with him. He blew off any money he could get on booze and drugs. So I had to pay for myself"


    "I see...That''s horrible. You don''t want to go back, do you?"


    "If I had a choice? No, but if I can become King even for a day, I''ll have done more than he''s eve done in his rotten life. That''s enough for me," I assured, flashing her with a sly smile. She simply giggled as her drunken state got worse and worse. My mental image of a princess slowly began to crash as she slurred out words I could barely understand. Still, I found it endearing and caught her as she slipped out of the chair, "Easy there. I got you" I assured and carried her over to a bed in the back the dwarves kept for anyone too drunk or too beaten to stand properly. I could barely understand what she was grumbling about but I heard two words


    "Thanksh ...Cass..."


    She really seems to care about this Cass person. Maybe I should ask her some time. Regardless, I was about to rest when I heard a commotion followed by the ground rumbling. The dwarves immediately shot up, regardless of their beaten and drunken status. Thinking it wasn''t best to leave Eliza behind, I picked her up and ran out with her on my back. It was completely absurd, seeing everyone pull out swords and axes of all kinds. I''m certain I even saw one child, pull a claymore from the back of their plush bear before running into the militaries ranks. Ignoring that insanity, I rushed to Felmi who was just hurrying off the elevator, "What''s going on!?"


    "See for yourself," He answered and pulled out a tablet. On the screen was...that prince from before and a man in armor I had never seen before with a battalion of Shadows behind them and a massive one like the one in Zordonia beating at the door, "Quite a small force, not one big enough to siege us. I was going to tell the commander right now""I don''t understand. Doesn''t that just mean that they are underestimating you?"


    "You have a lot to learn about war," Felmi responded before continuing to the commander and for some reason, I thought it was best to follow


    "Professor, what is the meaning of this? You should be in the lab where it''s safe"


    "Oh sod off with that, runt. I may be a scientist now but I was fighting in the Unity War while you were living it up in the womb. Now listen to me. That force outside is way too small. Leon isn''t that foolish. Divert the bulk of our forces to the Black Quarter right now!"


    "The Black Quarter? Are you saying-?"


    "I don''t know but do you want to risk it?" Felmi asked, causing the commander to go silent, "That''s what I thought. Now get to it!" he ordered with shocking authority and without the commander even speaking, at least half the dwarves were already moving as quick as their stubby legs could take them. As they left Felmi sighed, "Poor folks. Can put down an ogre with one hand but no sense for basic tactics"


    "Felmi...Who is this Leon?"


    "Someone you''re not ready to face. Get to the Sun District and expedite the merging process" He insisted in a calmer tone than he gave them, almost like pleading. I wanted to argue but instead just nodded. It didn''t take long as within a flash of lightning, I zoomed to the Sun District, blasting up the wall before the elevator even got off the ground. It had used it during the attacks in Zordonia but if we''re giving our powers names like ''Mer Eyes'' now, how about Storm Step? In no time at all, I was back at the lab in front of the scientists as they were infusing the heart into the Goliath which I can only assume Thundaga was inside, judging by the screaming as black and purple sparks fired off of it


    "Felmi said to speed it up and keep an eye on Eliza!" I told them, adding on that last part before turning to leave


    "Where are you...?" Thundaga tried to ask before squawking in pain


    "Isn''t it obvious? People need help," was my only response before transforming on the spot. I said those ridiculous words, "Worlds Combine, Heroes Unite!" and in what must have been a flash of light to them, I was Hero Yellow. With a single Storm Step, I was back down to the main gate before using another to dash to the so-called ''Black Quarter''. The stone buildings were degraded, the holographic sky untouched and puddles of a dark gooey substance I dare not touch was all I could make out. I presume that was the ''Darkness'' Felmi mentioned. The army of Dwarves made it easy to find, a massive mob of men, women and children, all ready to fight even if they weren''t soldiers. It was actually somewhat admirable, seeing them come together like this. If only it was like that back home. Despite their efforts, they were being slashed, stabbed and knocked away with ease by the Shadows. Though, they weren''t as helpless as the Zordonians as their weapons actually managed to briefly halt the Shadows. I would have to look into that later. Still though, only I could finish them off with my magic weapon which after slicing through five in a row, I named "Divine Lightning: Taranis Claw!"I sliced through the Shadows with ease, even the dormant ones. The ones I missed, I had to trust the Dwarves to handle. Like a bolt of lightning, I dashed through them all before suddenly my claw was stopped. The armored man grabbed my wrist and clenched it tightly, crushing it. I screamed in pain but quickly Storm Stepped back, the shock forcing him to release me


    "So you''re the new Hero Yellow. Not impressive as impressive as the last one," he said, his gravelly voice sending chills through my body, "Still, you have potential"


    "Praising your enemy? I take it you''re one of those ''Noble Warrior'' types," I mocked before Storm Stepping behind him and going for a slash only to easily be blocked by his shield and send me flying when he flipped in and hit my jaw. I suppose I should have suspected this from a general


    "Your kind speak so strangely of ''Types''. Personally, I understand none of it," explained, slowly approaching me and tossing whatever Dwarves got in her way, "It''s even infected the Prince''s speaking somewhat. Regardless, I simply have an eye for capable fighters. Were you perhaps a soldier in your world? A recruit maybe?"


    "I''m only fifteen"


    "Ah yes. Forgive me. I suppose I am merely an old dog stuck in his ways. When I was your age, fifteen would be considered manhood. Then again, when I was your age, there was no such thing as ''Demons''"


    Interesting information, but I couldn''t care less. I continued to try to and attack from all angles, over, to the left, to the right and even burrowing underground to attack from below but he didn''t budge. He grabbed me from the air and slammed me to the ground. He then pushed me toward a pool of Darkness. Despite my efforts, he began to push me in head first. My suit did its best to protect me, creating a mouthguard to prevent it from entering my body, but it was still quickly degrading, burning away. I desperately clawed at him, trying to push him off when suddenly, I felt the weight come off me. I quickly pull myself out and look into the reflection of my visor. My face had turned a reddish pink similar to that demon prince we had fought. I then looked to Felmi, who appeared to be my savior as he held a massive gun, "I suppose I should thank you," I said as my skin reverted to normal


    "You can do that by doing what I ordered in the first place"


    "And leave you here? I doubt Eliza would forgive me for that," I joked as my suit regenerated. As if my thoughts about my skin had manifested him, the prince flew down beside Leon


    "General, may I join you?"


    "Begone, boy. I''ve got this"


    "With all do respect, he''s one of the three who jumped me. I deserve retribution" He insisted, apparently angered by our previous encounter


    "Again with your bizarre phrases. Very well. But follow my lead" Leon order, to which he agreed without question. He ran in first with the prince following suit, attacking Felmi but I quickly blocked it for him while he ducked beneath me and fired his gun, releasing what looked like a beam of light that sent him flying. Xandric flew over before diving at the ground and punching it so hard, it sent Shadows and Dwarves alike flying, some over into the magma pits below. I flipped back, catching Felmi and sitting him down before dashing at Xandric in an attempt to slash at him. He dodged, causing me to only barely cut a chunk of his right horn. In retaliation, he caught my hand before spinning around to throw me right into Leon who nearly ran me through had I not course corrected midair. I Storm Stepped back through a few Shadows to regroup with Felmi


    "Quite the deadly dance we''ve found ourselves in. Any ideas?"


    "I wish. So far all I can think to do is..." He started, pulling out a grenade of some sorts before suddenly, I heard beeping in his ear. He pressed into some sort of earpiece, "This is Felm, make it quick...What?... Slow down lad, what do you mean The Storm Goliath is-?!" He argued when suddenly a loud mechanical squawk could be heard throughout the cave city. Suddenly, the massive golden bird that contained Thundaga''s soul flew through the artificial sky, firing lightning magic from its mouth with such precision that it eviscerated the Shadows without harming a single Dwarf. It then landed before me, sending the dust flying in our face


    "Is that you, Thundaga?" I asked, worried only the soul may remain. To be stripped of personhood would be horrible. Instead of answering, he lowered his head, revealing a cockpit. Taking the hint, I hopped in. Immediately, I felt something lodge itself into the back of my helmet. It didn''t hurt, but I felt like I was now linked


    Jaune, Age 15


    It was a bustling day at the station. We never managed to escape the 10th Arrondissement. Mother left after that day and used all her money as a um...dancer, to try and get custody of me. But it didn''t work out and I was trapped with him. As such, I was forced to take up multiple part time jobs and put my luck to good use, making money through gambling. This lead to multiple busy nights which would leave me pleading for my creaky old bed. Just getting off the train, I saw a woman, no older or younger than I remember mother being when I last saw her, and the same skimpy attire she would wear to attract customers. It wasn''t anything I''d call abnormal. However, she seemed to be off the clock as she had put on a coat to hide her modesty. That didn''t stop one man from following her. Against my better judgement, I followed after them. I hid behind a nearby wall once they entered a nearby alley, listening in. If nothing bad happens, no harm no foul. However....


    "Sorry, I''m done for the day"


    "The hell you are, girl. Surely, you can take one more customer"


    "I said, I''m do-!" Her protest were cut off by a scream as his hand met her cheek. He was about to do it again when I grabbed his hand


    "I do believe the lady said she''s done for the day. Should you wish to employ her services, you can do so tomorrow"


    "Really? Buzz off kid before you get hurt" The man insisted, trying to snatch his hand away but my grip stayed firm. He pulled harder and harder but I wouldn''t let go. He even tried throwing me but not only did I hold on, but when I recovered, I dragged him with me, getting him away from the girl. The last thing I heard was the honking of a horn as me and him fell out of the alley into the road


    One Week and Three Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15


    I gasped as I snapped back to reality, "Thundaga...Did you see that?"


    "Indeed," He answered, his voice ringing in my head "Along with everything else. A good heart, twisted by a cruel world. You have my sympathies"


    "Well, how about we focus on the enemy for now, yeah?" I asked and using the controls, I fired lightning from Thundaga''s mouth


    "Our souls are one, Jaune Allard. From Now on, we fight together..."He assured me as were destroyed the Shadows with pure lightning. Our attention turned to Leon and Xandric, the prince specifically wanting to charge in but was held back


    "Why are you stopping me? We can still win!"


    "That may be. But can we defeat the Dwarves afterwards?" He asked before pressing some device on his wrist, "Ritto, bring us back!" he ordered and in a flash, they were gone. Safe to say, I was confused, but quickly snapped out of it by the cheering of the Dwarves


    "It would seem we''ve won. Anything you want to say?" Thundaga asked. In response, I just grinned as we both let out a triumphant roar, our victory echoing through the cavern halls


    Leon, Age 525


    We returned to King Zeddral, much to the prince''s dismay. Can''t say I fault him though. His failure at the capital bruised his ego. In my younger days, I would be much the same way. Still, he contained his rage around his father as we kneeled, "Forgive us, Father. We failed to reclaim the heart" the boy said, his voice quivering as if fighting back a well of emotions. The King then stood up and said two words


    "I knew you would"


    My head shot up in disbelief. How did he know? The King is powerful and wise, but to know that when he wasn''t even there? Still, I stayed silent as he slowly approached, "Truthfully son, I knew you were not ready, but failure is a better teacher than any man. The Dwarves are not like the humans or elves. They are warriors, even in times of peace. While other races rely on their ''heroes'' to save them while the guards do what little they can to fend off our Shadows, the Dwarves adapt and overcome. Even if you did defeat Hero Yellow and reclaim the heart, do you truly think you could have bested your foes in their own home?"


    "No...father..."


    "No because you know it? Or know because you tried and failed?" He asked, "Your pride drove you to insist on fighting the heroes despite your prior failings. It blinded you. Now that you have failed, learn. Do not let ego get in your way. Besides, your ego may be justified soon... Hero Black"