4 The Red Hood

Magic hums in the air as they reach out to finger the spine of the book, one that is the color of freshly-spilt blood and stands out amongst the dull greens and blues around it. They take a single step, intent on taking the book, but stop and retract their hand. Dark brown eyes notice a faint glimmer moments before the book flies off the shelf and opens in front of them, radiating a calming light, covering the entire room as they close their eyes.

The red-haired woman kneels in front of the fire, clasping her hands together. Words of a language lost to time spill from her lips and her bright green eyes are overtaken by white, a pentagram appearing beneath her.

White fades to green as the pentagram fades, and the woman falls on her side. She looks up as she hears a giggle, and her eyes meet another's dark brown. She sits up in shock, and takes in the teenage girl standing above her.

"I did the summoning," she whispers. She shouts, her voice laced with panic, "How did you end up here?!"

The teenager grins. "Well, you summoned a dragon, didn't you? I hope you weren't expecting a ten foot tall beast with massive wings. I prefer my human form, and you summoned me at the worst time! I was just about to go on stage."

She stares at the teenager for a moment before shaking her head. This teenager couldn't be a dragon, they only took their human form if there was danger. Then again, this girl did appear after the summoning.

She speaks, quiet yet clear. "If you really are a dragon, then please, bring me someone who can help me. My fairytale is in danger..."

The teenager taps her foot and nods, and holds out her hand. The woman hesitantly takes it, and the teenager pulls her up. A mark slowly appears on her hand, a dragon's head. She looks at it, confused, as it fades.

"That is the mark of the dragon princess," the teenager said. "It acts as a promise, that the warrior you seek shall come. The mark will reappear only when the warrior awakens, but until then, keep your eyes and ears open." She speaks with a grin.

The woman blinks, and opens her eyes to an empty room, no sign that someone besides her had been there. She sighs, and puts out the fire.

The teenager, Rosie Heart, lets her grin change into a smile as she pulls back her hair, watching in the mirror as it turns from brown to rainbow. Joy shines in now steely-grey eyes as she hears the cheers from outside her changing room, and she wastes no time in running onto the stage. The hundreds of shouts grow in volume as she appears, and her microphone barely gives her volume needed to be heard over them.

"Thank you for coming!" she shouts. "Let your hearts shine like crystals!" The music starts, and her singing drowns out the crowds.

She barely notices when the concert ends an hour later and she is herded back to her changing room. She wipes the sweat off her face and lets a relieved sigh escape, which turns into a high-pitched squeak as rough hands cover her eyes.

"Guess who," a deep, gentle and familiar voice whispers in her ear. Rosie grabs the wrists of her brother and moves his hands from her eyes, then spins to face him, hand on hip.

"Inuy, don't scare me like that!" she shouts at him, glaring.

"Inuy! Don't scare me like that!!" the man mocks. "Geez. Let me have some fun little sis." 

She glares at a man in his early twenties. His long neon orange hair covers his matching eyes before moving them out of the way. The teen girl rolls her eyes. The man smiles and holds out a hairbrush and hairpins.

The man questions, "Rosie, can you do me a favor?"

Rosie rolls her eyes and starts brushing out his hair. The man smiles. Both of them sat in silence. Rosie hums softy with each stroke of the hairbrush. Nothing was said while Rosie styled the hair into a braided ponytail.

"You need to learn how to do your own hair, Inuy. I'm not always going to be around to help with it." Rosie states.

Inuy replies, "I know... But I want you to do it until then. Most of them are rough when it comes to my hair..."

He stops mid-sentence after noticing Rosie starting to fight off sleepiness. Rosie blinks as Inuy picks her up and lays her on a nearby couch. Both of them grin at each other. Inuy quietly leaves when Rosie closes her eyes.

Silence engulfs the hallway. Inuy shakes his head as whispers echo in his ears. The whispers grow larger with each step he took. Suddenly, the whispers stop after a hand barely grazes his shoulder.

"You are more than what you appear to be, aren't you..." A smooth voice utters.

Fear shine in his eyes. Inuy glances around with his hands starting to form a pale orange glow. His right foot shifts after hearing the silence. A hand grazes both of his shoulders as Inuy becomes still.

"A half breed... You don't have a place in this world, unlike your siblings and friends." The smooth voice utters.

Inuy growls, "Who are you. How do you know that."

A voice chuckles at the same time, the glow around Inuys' hand disappears. Inuy croaks while feeling his heart being squeezed. Silent screams start to fill his throat. The squeezing stops after Inuy touch his chest. His breathing becomes even after awhile.

"I am the person that you least expect. You can not protect yourself from me. The power inside of you is still weak, just like your mothers. I wonder what would happen if I harmed one of your siblings." The voice giggles.

Inuy whispers, "You won't... dare.... I will defeat you with one of my most powerful allies..."

The voice chuckles evilly while Inuy glances around. His eyes widen after feeling a ghostly hand grab his throat tightly. A faint glow surrounds his whole body while feeling a pulse of magic course through his body. His shadow quickly forms into a figure wearing a crown and a bright red cape. Glowing red eyes shine from the shadow after Inuy growls.

"Very well. Send your ally to me. I shall be waiting in Little Red Riding Hood. If she can beat my challenge, then I shall leave your siblings alone." The voice stated.

Inuy nods. The figure chuckles before returning to normal. The sound of heavy breathing fills the hallway silence. Inuy groans as his legs crumpled underneath him. He sighs with relief before pushing his hair back in frustration.

'What have I done? I don't know who I'm going to send for the challenge... That person knows about me being a half breed. There is a strong chance that he or she knows about the twins. Rosie isn't the best choice, either. Who knows what would happen if she knew what that figure was...' Inuy thought.

His eyebrow burrows at the same time his face crutches up. A spark of realization shines his eyes. Inuy slaps his forehead. He jolts up to his feet before racing out of the hallway.

Meanwhile, somewhere in a dark forest, an elderly man walks into a clearing surrounded by dead trees. The elder clicks his tongue while staring at the trees. He shakes his head. His right hand picks up some dirt at the same time a silver glow surrounds it.

"I summon the owner of the woods. Hear my command and do as I say." the elder speaks.

He blows the dirt away. A gentle breeze twirls the earth. The wind starts to pick up as the elderly man tries to stay in place. Suddenly, the wind stops while chuckles fill the air. The elderly man grins after a man in his late twenties appears out of nowhere. His ankle-length dark forest green hair pools around him. Pink eyes glare at the elderly man before growling softly.

The man growls. "Why did you summon me. You know that you are not welcomed here, Drosselmeyer."

Drosselmeyer chuckles. He holds his right hand as it forms a transparent orb. The man's eyes expand in shock. It reveals an image of Mana walking beside Rosie and Lucien.

"I need you to get rid of them, Chanson. They will get in the way of my plans." Drosselmeyer says.

Chanson replies, "You can not be serious. They are only children. I do not see how they will ruin your plans."

Drosselmeyer grins while waving his free hand over the orb. Chanson blinks. His hands quake when it shows all three children surrounded by an eerie glow.

"These children appear more than what they seem. You must get rid of them." Drosselmeyer answers. "Do as I say or I will go after him."

Chanson clutches his fist as Drosselmeyer walks away. He turns in the opposite direction. Soft chuckles escape from his lips after making sure Drosselmeyer was gone.

Chanson whispers. "Drosselmeyer doesn't know what I got planned. Little dragon will find the small information that I have gained just by this visit."

A dim aquamarine glow surrounds his hands. Chanson grins after a swirling aquamarine portal opens behind him. The portal disappears with a pop after he steps through it.

Somewhere else, Rosie giggles while Lucien dances a jig. Her laughter quiets down a bit. A whisper coming from the wind caused her eyes to expand a bit. Mana glances at Rosie in confusion. She raises an eyebrow when Rosie stares at the sky.

Mana questions, "Rosie, are you alright?"

Rosie shakes her head. Lucien stares at Mana then at Rosie. He nods at the same time Mana does. Rosie blinks before standing up. She gives a quick nod then races toward a nearby park. A wave of excitement rushes throughout her body. Rosie looks around before walking toward a grove of trees.

A man with a pixie cut forest green hair chuckles while Rosie stares at him. A massive smile form on their faces before both of them hug each other tightly. Rosie stares at the man's pastel pink eyes after moving the bangs covering his right eye. She giggles with tears forming on the edge of her eyes.

"Don't shed tears, little dragon. I missed you, too." the man whispers.

Rosie replies. "I know... I just missed you a lot, Chanson... Wait. Why are you here?"

Chanson bites his bottom lip. Rosie tips her head at the same time she wipes away her tears. Chanson exhales before pushing back his bangs. He glances to his right. A spark of mixed emotions shines in his eyes at the same time, Rosie pouts. Her right foot starts tapping while waiting for Chanson to answer her question.

"Drosselmeyer came to me. He wanted me to get rid of you and two other people." Chanson answers.

A sudden gentle breeze causes their hair and clothes to fly in the air. Rosie stares at him in shock. Chanson reaches out toward her. He blinks after Rosie takes a step back. Both of them stare at each other. Chanson lowers his hand and nods.

Rose questions. "Why are you telling me this? We agreed that we won't see anything until the curses are broken."

"I had to tell you because those two are new defenders... They are the ones that are going to help you gather the heart, correct?" Chanson questions.

His pupils narrow a bit after Rosie barely nods. Several fallen leaves float in the sudden breeze as they stood in silence. Rosie exhales after taking another step back. Chanson's bangs cover his eyes.

Rosie states. "The answer is yes for now. One of them will crumble under pressure... I don't know which one yet. Do you want to be bonded to one of them when it is time?"

Chanson shakes his head. Rosie's eyes widen a bit before nodding. His hands start shaking like a leaf. Chanson steps back into the shadows while Rosie walks away. Suddenly, she stops. Rosie turns her head and grins. Chanson tilts his head when Rosie slowly opens her mouth.

Rosie says. "Your twins are alright. However, they are starting to wonder who their parents are. I haven't told them anything yet since they need to find out on their own. Both of you need to prepare yourselves mentally for they find you. They will want answers after learning they are half breeds."

Her face turns away. Chanson frowns before grabbing Rosie by the wrist. Rosie stops and faces Chanson. Her pupils expand after noticing the fear in Chanson's expression. Chanson releases her wrist. Rosie faces him then frowns.

Chanson utters. "Why... Why are you telling me this while you are planning to you after the red hood?"

Rosie turns away with sad eyes. Chanson slowly releases his grip on her wrist. Time starts to slow down after Rosie slowly turns around. Chanson pupils narrowed when he noticed tears forming on the edge of her eyes.

Rosie replied. "I am not doing after her hood. Mana will go. She will need to tough up some before things get worse... Let me go. My friends are waiting for me."

Her hand slips out of his grasp. Chanson lowers his hand while Rosie slowly disappears. A single tear falls from his left eye. His hands begin to quake like a leaf as darkness completely washes over him.

Later that night, Mana tosses and turns in her sleep. Her eyebrow twitches a bit while muttering under her breath. A gentle hand grazes her forehead. Mana slowly calms down after the hand moves away.

"You will be alright... Sleep well. Let your knowledge and strength guide you during your mission." A familiar voice whispers.

Mana whimpers a bit. It stops after the familiar voice giggles. Suddenly, Mana's eyes slowly flutter open. Shock shine in her eyes after noticing she wasn't in her bed. Her whole body shakes like a leaf. The shaking stops when she realizes why she was here.

Mana growls. "Why... Why would Rosie do something like this?! She knows I hate being forced into this!!"

She growls while getting on her feet. A shadow jumps from branch to branch. A pair of glowing amber eyes scans Mana as she paces toward the west. Mana glances around. The rustling of the leaves filled her ears. The shadow stops after noticing Mana staring in its direction. Mana slowly turns around. Her pupils narrow while hearing something swish past her ear. A spark of fear as Mana slowly turns her head.

A voice laughs after Mana races away. "I always like it when they put a race! It makes the game more fun!!"

Mana breaths heavily. Her eyes only shine with fear as she jumps and ducks under tree roots from the dense forest. The sound of rustling leaves and knife swish was only heard over the sound of her breathing. Mana did not have any time to think. She only had time to get away from the person or thing that was after her. It was coming after her for a reason, but what did she do? Mana only woke up in the forest and just wanted to figure out why she was here in the first place.

A scream of fear escape from her throat as a knife barely misses her by an inch. Mana trips on a tree root. Her whole body quakes while sharp whistling cuts through the thick air. A pair of glowing amber eyes slowly comes out of the shadow. Mana blinks when a young boy around the age of seven steps into the light.

Mana whispers. "A young boy? Why is he attacking me? It doesn't make any sense."

Suddenly, a knife thumps into the tree root behind her. Mana slowly raises her right hand to her right cheek. Her eyes expand after noticing blood on her fingers. The young boy grins. His fingers snapped, causing the knife to return to him.

"Never call me a young boy. My physical appearance is not important unless you want to lose your life." The young boy states.

His fingers snap again. All the knives he threw quickly return to his side. Mana gulps after each blade was forming a protective circle around his body. The boy chuckles while Mana shakes in fear.

Mana whispers. "Why... Why are you doing this? I didn't do anything..."

"You are wrong. I can smell the scent of the dragon princess on you. Why were you near her?" the young boy states.

His eyes widen a bit after noticing Mana's head tilting a bit to the right. Pure laughter escapes from his mouth. Mana gawps at him as his laughter slowly becomes soft chuckles. A spark of enjoyment shine in his eyes with a massive grin form on his face.

"I can't believe that she never told you! Both of you are friends and allies fighting for the same thing! Your so-called leader never has told you about her own heritage yet!!" the young boy laughs.

Mana questions. "What are you talking about? I have no idea what you are talking about."

She yelps after a knife barely misses her. The young boy snaps as a knife returns to his side. His eyes twinkle with enjoyment. Mana gulps in fear after feeling her back press against a massive tree root. She glances around to find a way to escape. Her face drains, realizing that there was no escape. The young boy grins. His fingers snap causing all of the knives to fly toward Mana. Mana quickly closes her eyes and form an 'X' with her arms.

The sound of metal clashing against metal echoes throughout the forest. Mana slowly opens her eyes and lowers her arms. Her eyes widened from shock. A woman with short red hair blocks each attack with a dragger. Sparks fly, causing the petite cape barely waves in the air. Mana's eyes sparkle after the knives stop attacking.

"Leave this young lady alone. You are not allowed here, N. Go back to your master." the woman states.

N growls at the same time the knives return to his side. The woman raises an eyebrow. Mana blinks when N disappears into thin air. She slowly stands up. The dragger swirls in the woman's hands before pointing it at Mana.

"Tell me why you are here. I never have seen you around before in this part of the woods." the woman says.

Mana yells. "I don't know! I just woke up here! My friend sent me here while I was sleeping!!!"

The woman glares at her. Her dragger lowers to her side after growling softly. Mana slowly blinks. It was clear that the woman didn't trust her at all. Then again, she couldn't trust her either. Rosie did bring her into this forest without telling her. Silence fills the air.

"You need to come with me. This forest isn't the safest place at nightfall. All sorts of creatures come out and feed on the lost souls." the woman says.

Her steel boots stomp against the ground. The woman glances behind her while walking away from Mana. Mana bites her bottom lip. Her expression showed fear, anger, and other mixed emotions all at once. The woman exhales. She could tell that Mana didn't want to come with her. It was her choice if she wanted to come. The creatures will come for her sooner or later.

The woman's ears twitched a bit. The faint sound of footsteps echoed in her head after glancing over her left shoulder. A vague grin forms on her face after noticing Mana following her. Mana glances away while the woman's giggles were barely heard.

Sometime later, sunlight pokes through several branches. Mana stares in awe after tiny lights start to surround them. The woman glares at her. Each light blink after Mana giggles. Suddenly, time starts to slow down. Mana blinks when the woman stops in front of a wall made out of vines.

"You are the one that dragon sent correctly?" the woman asked.

Mana replies. "Dragon? Why is everyone mentioning this dragon? I never heard or seen it before!"

The woman scans her. Her pupils narrow before exhaling. The light slowly drifts from side to side. Peace and quiet made everything seem almost reasonable. However, it wasn't. There was a sense of magic and danger in the air. Mana begins to take a step back. Then, she stops midway. There was a tiny tug pulling her toward the woman. Something was telling her to trust the woman and find this tug.

"You feel it don't you? A small tug pulling you toward something. It is leading you to your mission. The mission that you are the only one that finishes it." the woman answers. "Do you trust me?"

Her right hand slowly reaches toward her. Mana stares at it. Her left hand steadily reaches out. However, doubt and fear caused Mana to hesitate. Everything was at risk if she trusted the woman or not. She did not know why she was here or what she was supposed to do. However, there was one thing that she could do. The woman's' pupils expend after Mana takes her hand.

Mana replies. "I can not trust you at this point. However, you know the tug that I'm feeling. I want to learn more about this tug and why Rosie brought me here."

"You made the right choice. Now, follow me." The woman chuckles and grins.

They release each other hands. The woman moves a section of vines out of the way. Mana's eyes widen while staring at a massive open field surrounded by huts. Hundreds of delicate lights floated around when various magical creatures carry supplies, training, or relaxing. The womans' grin grows as she steps in front of Mana.

Mana whispers. "What... What is this place?"

"Welcome to the Hidden Village. The only place in this fairytale is peaceful..." The woman states. "All of them are fighting for their stories along with mine."

She walks toward the village. Mana quietly follows. A mixture of joy and excitement fill Mana's eyes as she watches creatures. Some of them whisper while the woman leads Mana to the center. The woman mouths something to Mana as her face starts to pale a bit.

Suddenly, time stops for Mana. Her hands begin to quake as a statue of a person midway through a transformation while holding a heart-shaped stone in their hands. It was a beautiful statue, but it was familiar to Mana for some reason. She could not place her finger on it. However, it was here for a reason. Was it the reason why Rosie sent her here?

Mana questions. "That statue... What is the story behind it?"

"The statue of the Dragon Princess and the Rainbow Heart? Well, no one knows the exact story behind it. However, there has been a rumor." The woman answers. "The rumor states that the Dragon Princess used the Rainbow Heart to save herself and the rest of the dragon race. The heart shattered itself into nine pieces. Some say that the princess is looking for the pieces to use it once again."

Mana nods while slowly making her way toward the statue. Her left hand reaches out. A pair of bright pink eyes glares at Mana. She barely touches the center of the heart. Mana jumps and pulls her hand away after feeling a familiar spark coursing through her body. Wide eyes stare at her hand in confusion and wonder. Her heart pounds against her chest as a familiar tug pulls toward the statue.

"You human! How dare you touch the statue!" A voice rings out.

The woman rolls her eyes. She gently moves Mana away from the statue. Mana's eyes widen as a skinny, bright pink dragon wraps itself around the base of the statue. Smoke poofs out of its snout at the same time Mana gulps.

"Calm down, Pink. She didn't know the rules. You know that the new ones are always curious." the woman replies.

Pink growls. "I don't care! She shouldn't..."

Mana blinks after Pink stops mid-sentence. She gulps in fear. The woman raises an eyebrow when Pink smells the air. Pink growls with her sharp teeth showing.

"What's the matter, Pink? Is it something dangerous?" the woman asks.

Pink answers. "Perhaps. All I'm smelling is a balance of vanilla, pine, and lemon."

Red nods. She draws out her dragger while whistling sharply. Every creature rushes around. Mana blinks after a thin sword was shoved into her hands. A gleam of mixed emotions forms in her eyes. A pit starts to form in her stomach. It grows while walking every creature preparing for battle.

Suddenly, Mana glances at her reflection in the sword. Everything she was feeling suddenly disappears. A breath of relief escapes from her lips. Mana holds the sword in her right hand while slowly walking away from the village. Red glances at her when Pink yells at several elves.

Pale moonlight shines down on a single patch of glowing wildflowers and Mana. She stares at her reflection in the sword. A frown forms on her face. Mana takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.

'Remember the fencing lessons that Rosie and Hibiki taught. I'm going to need them if we are going into battle.' She thought. 'I must not let them down. They are the only ones that know about my issue... The issue that I must find on my own.'

Her lips slowly open and allows a single breath to escape. Red and Pink slowly make their way toward Mana. Both of them stop. They watch in shock while Mana performs the basics of fencing. Nothing was heard except the sound of the sword swishing and pants coming from Mana.

Pink whispers. "That human... What is she thinking? Sword fighting should only be for masters and knights."

"That is not true... However, something seems off about all of this. It looks familiar somehow..." Red answers.

Mana pants a bit after her legs crumble under her weight. The sword falls from her hands. Red and Pink race toward Mana. Mana's hand start shaking. Tears form on the edge of her eyes while Red stops Pink from getting any closer to her.

Mana whispers. "Why... Why am I so weak? I need to be powerful like them."

Pink completely stops moving while Red joins Mana's side. She pushes the sword away. Mana blinks after noticing Red. Different emotions swirl in her eyes at the same time the moon starts to set. Red grasp Mana's right wrist tightly.

"You are trying to be strong... Mana, being strong does not mean only practicing, but it is the will to fight for your dream. Everyone is fighting for their dream. None of them are trying to copy each other and their dreams. They are working to be strong in their own way. Why are you trying to be like the Heart siblings and their friends?" Red questions.

Pink slowly opens her mouth but closes it. Her eyes show worry after Mana exhales. She stands up. Red blinks while her pupils widen. The air becomes light as Mana gently smiles at them.

Mana utters. "I want to find my dream and fight for it. All of them are fighting for something. So, I figure if I try acting like them, then maybe I could find my dream...."

She takes a single step forward before falling one knee. Pink exhales. She makes her way toward Mana. Red and Mana blink after Pink uses her snout to help Mana up. Red nods before exhaling.

"I understand your reasons. However, you need to take your time for this. It is not going to come overnight. ...Trust me when I say that I have been through something similar through what you are going through." Red utters.

Mana stares at Pink with a broad smile on her face. Pink lets a puff of smoke out her nostrils while Mana pats the center of her snout. Red giggles. Suddenly, a mixture of screams and battle cries fill the air. Pink growls at the same time Red turns around. Smoke floats from the village. Red clutches the sword tight before racing toward the village. Pink follows her in air.

'What... How did someone find the Hidden Village?' Red thought 'Something isn't right...'

She blinks after noticing a green blur racing past her. Her pupils narrow as a familiar man tackles Mana to the ground. Fear shine in Mana's eye after both of them barely dodge a fireball. Mana shoves the man off her while laughter filled with pure evil echo.

"Such a foolish mistake, Chanson. You are supposed to be on our side." A soft-spoken Latin accent utters. "Isn't that right, sister?"

Another Latino accent speaks. "Of course, sister. Chanson is a fool... However, I believe it is protecting one of the princess's new friends."

Chanson quickly gets on his feet. Mana shakes in fear while two Latin teen girls floated in midair. Their purple-blue ombre ponytail sway to the left. The teens grin when a pale green glow surrounds Chanson. Pink and Red glance at each other then nodded. Red races toward Mana and Chanson. She lets out a battle cry. The teens and Chanson draw out weapons before clashing with each other. Mana slowly backs away after each clash.

'Why... Why is all of this happening? All of them are fighting each other because they are on opposed sides...' Mana thought. 'They shouldn't be fighting like this... No one should be fighting like this. Someone is going to die.'

A sudden wave of courage courses throughout her body. Mana quickly gets on her feet. Red and Chanson inhale and exhale sharply as their backs pressed against each other. The teens grin before disappearing into thin air. Red glances around while her head pounds. Her eyes widen after noticing Mana running toward them. A frown forms on her face. Dark laughs fill the air as two gold chains come out of nowhere. Red glances at Chanson and Mana. Chanson stumbles forward while feeling something shove him away. He turns around with anger expression. Suddenly, something forces him back. Chanson reaches out when blood fills his vision. Mana stands still as something red splashes on her face. She covers her mouth with shaking hands. Time slows down when Red kneels on her right knee.

"Chanson... Protect Mana and get her back to the icy hot twins and Heart siblings. She still needs to find her dream." Red grasp both blood red chains. "Take my cape and get out of here."

Chanson starts. "But..."

"Get out of here! Both of you are too important to lose!!" Red yells.

Her legs start shaking like a leaf while standing up. The teen stared in shock after each of her hands grab the chains tightly. Chanson nods. He swiftly takes off her petite bright red cape. Mana's eyes widen as she feels someone pick her up like a princess. Her vision fills with the bright red when Chanson races away. Something forms in her eyes while time slows down.

Mana pondered. 'Why... Why are you trying to be a hero? You never made a promise to me like she said you would.'

Chason's tears break into droplets as Mana glances at him. She closes her eyes. Her mind starts to wonder while visiting a recent memory. Nothing was heard as everything became a flashback to a library with a person hidden behind a book.

Start of Flashback

Mana takes a deep breath before taking a step forward. Mixed emotions shine her eyes. She raises her right hand and taps someone on the shoulder. Her hand shakes a bit after the person slowly turns around.

"I have a question... Can you tell me where heroes find their strength to fight?" Mana asks politely.

A familiar voice answers. "Hmm, that's pretty hard to answer... But I think it mostly comes down to what a hero is fighting for. Indeed, most of the time, they are fighting for freedom and the well being of others. However, there are times when a hero wants to make their promises become a reality."

Mana stares at the person in confusion. She blinks after the person holds out a hand toward them. Her right hand slowly reaches out toward them. Mana stops in hastion. The person smiles then nod.

"Thank you for telling me this. I know it will come in handy for my research." Mana states.

The figure blinks before lowering her head. Mana starts to turn around. Her eyes drop to the floor after the figure mouths something. Something rings in her ears as everything fades into nothing.

End of Flashback

Chanson clings onto Mana and the cape. Mana's eyes flutter open. Mixed emotions shine in her eyes. Her right hand reaches out toward a scream filled with rage. Chanson forces Mana's head into his chest while muttering under his breath. A portal made out of dirt and leaves forms a few feet away from them. Chanson exhales a sigh of relief. He barely notices Mana's fearful expression.

'No... She can't be... Red can't be...' Mana feared.

Her hand lowers after both of them entered a portal made out of dirt and leaves. Mana mouths something as the portal closes. A tiny smile forms on Red's face. She glances up when a massive roar fills the air. A pink blur flies toward her. The teens frown and nod at each other before disappearing into thin air. Red glances at her right hand. The mark from before shines brightly as a mellow smile frame her face.

Red muttered. "I see... You did bring a warrior... She just doesn't realize it yet."

Her vision becomes dim after Red falls forward. Silence fills the air as her body thumps against the ground. Blood drips from the corner of her mouth. Red grasps the grass before letting out a single breath.

In a library in the real world, a teenage girl with short wavy brown hair drops a book. Her whole body quakes after feeling something break her entire being. Single tears fall from her left eye. A portal made out of dirt and leave forms to her right. Chanson pants before sitting Mana down. He kneels one knee while Mana taps the teen on the shoulder.

"Rosie, are you alright?" Mana whispers.

Rosie faces Mana. Her pupils narrow while noticing the petite cape in Mana's hands. Mana blinks. Rosie's gentle hands grasp onto the cape. Many emotions shine in her eyes after Rosie nods.

"I will be after a while. Red knew what she was doing when she gave you her cape." Rosie replies.

A tiny smile forms on her face. Chanson exhales softly and takes the cape from the girls. Mana opens her mouth, then closes. A spark of joy form in her eyes after Chanson ties the cape around her neck.

Chanson states. "Mana, wear this cape with pride. A powerful warrior fought many battles in it and has died protecting a piece of history."

Mana questions. "What do you mean? It's just a plain old red cape."

A soft smile forms on Rosie's face as she shakes her head. She gently pulls the cape while mouthing something. Mana lets her jaw drop. The cape transforms into a cloak with a cat-ear hood. Rosie giggles after noticing Mana glancing at the cape in awe.

"Red was not a normal person. She was the only surviving member of the Red Hood family... That cape is the only thing from the original fairytale. It has been passed down to each female member of the family... Mana, she passed down the cape. Red has chosen you to carry on her legacy." Rosie mutters.

Mana's face pales. Her shoulders became heavy as she felt the weight of everything. Chanson and Rosie glance at each other. They place their hands on Mana's arms to keep her in place.

Chanson starts to say. "It's a lot to take in..."

He stops mid-sentence after noticing the mixed emotions in Mana's eyes. His grip on her arm becomes loose. Mana begins to walk away after freeing her arm from Rosie. Rosie watches in horror as Mana leaves. As everything begins to sink in, she leans against a nearby wall. Chanson stands beside her while pushing back some of his loose hair.

"...We are not going after her on this. Everything needs to calm down before we explain anything." Rosie whispers.

Chanson sarcastically states, "Really. I won't have about that."

He chuckles after Rosie glares at him. She sighs while leaning on a nearby wall. Chanson pats her back while snapping his fingers as the same portal opens. Rosie glances at it. Her right hand intertwined with Chansons' hand when they step into the portal.