1 New beginnings

Unknown castle

A large castle can be seen from a distance as the sky grows dark. Loud noises and fighting can be heard from inside.

''Hurry!'' A man said. ''Guard the entrance and make sure none of them make it through!''

''Commander!'' said a soldier. ''We lost all of squad four while squad 1 and 3 are defending the entrance, but their numbers are dwindling by the second. I don't know how long we can last!''

''Dammit!'' The man, now known as the commander, yelled. ''And to think we were so close. We can't give up! Tell squad five to head back to the gate and help defend. We can not, I repeat, not let them through.''

''What about you, sir?'' The soldier replied.

''I will do something I should have done a long time ago. Now go!''

''Yes, sir!''

As both men went their separate ways, the commander was thinking. 'I can't believe so much has happened. If only I knew this would happen, I would have…no! Thinking about it won't change anything. The only thing I can do is make it right.' As the commander runs down the long hallway. He stops at the throne room. 'Alright, time to end this!' The commander thought as he opened the door. A man was sitting on a throne.

''Hehehe, I've been waiting for you, 'commander.' the man laughed evilly.

''Give it up. We've beaten you," said the Commander.

''Hahahaha, you think so, do you? I still have a few tricks up my sleeves.'' The man said ''something like this, for instance.'' The man then pulls out a shiny object from his sleeve. ''You see this?''

''It's …just a ring,'' said the commander as he stared blankly.

''Not just any ring,'' said the man. ''It's the ring passed down from generations, The ring of Tabitha.''

''The ring of Tabitha' 'the commander repeated. ''The power that can be used to travel through different dimensions. So what does that have to do with anything?''

''You'll see,'' said the man, pointing the ring at the wall. A beam of pink-purplish light began coming out of the ring, opening a portal. Said portal then showed a town on it.

''This is Nakamura town'' the man spoke ''fine place wouldn't you say?'' The commander was silent. Undisturbed, the man continued, ''In fact, I believed this is a good place to extend my influence-

''Is there a point to this?'' the commander deadpanned.

''I was getting to that.'' Said the man ''why don't you look closer?'' The commander looked closer to the portal and spotted a black-haired girl wearing a school uniform.

''I don't see what…'' the commander stopped after looking at her face. ''No… it can't be,'' the commander stared in shock. The man chuckled evilly.

''Don't believe it? then why don't you take a closer look?'' The man then put his hand into the portal, bringing the girl out of the portal and onto the floor.

 ''Where am I…?''

 000

 Nakamura town

Nakamura town is a bright and bustling town where our story starts.

It was a nice and sunny day. A boy, about 12 years old, with green eyes and short blonde hair, wearing a school uniform, is seen walking with a light golden-colored dog.

''Ahh, this is great, huh, Tomo?'' The boy said to the dog. ''Great day for a walk, especially after last night's dream.''

''Bark,'' replied the dog.

'I still wonder what that dream was about,' thought the boy. 'maybe I should-'

''Eek!!''

''What?'' the boy's thoughts were interrupted by a scream. The boy looked over to see a gang of men harassing a girl wearing a high school uniform.

''I said let go of me!" screamed the girl.

''Oh, come on baby, don't be like that," said the man, most likely the leader, tugging on the girl's arm while his gang friends cheered him on. ''we're just going to have a little fun with you."

''No! Get away!" she screamed before slapping him across the face.

''Ow! That hurt you bitch!'' The leader growled as he raised his fist to strike her.

''Stop right there!'' someone yelled.

''What…?'' the leader said as he and his men looked over to see a little boy and his dog.

''Huh?'' the leader said, stepping forward. ''What do you want, kid?''

''I want you to leave that girl alone or else,'' said the boy as the dog growled by his side. The leader and his gang grew quiet, then bursting out with laughter.

''Listen, kid,'' the leader said. ''This is grown-up's business, so why don't you run home?'' The leader stepped forward and touched the little boy's shoulder. The boy stood silent and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and glared at the leader before grabbing the leader's arm and tossing his whole body over his shoulder. Everyone stood in stunned silence. After a few seconds, the leader angrily yelled from the floor ''Don't just stand there, you idiots! Get him!''

The gang looked at each other before charging at the boy. One gang member swung at the boy with a fist. The boy dodged the fist and punched the gang member with a right hook, knocking out said member. Another member came from the boy's left side and swung with his left hand. The boy sidestepped the attack and landed with a roundhouse kick to the gang member's jaw. A rather plump member came charging at the boy. The boy jumps over the member and delivers a dropkick to the member in the back of his head, knocking him out. The boy dusts himself off as all the members are laid out.

''Well, that takes care of--''

''Kyah''

The boy began to say until the girl screamed, and the boy turned to see the leader of the gang holding the girl at knifepoint. ''All right, 'hero,' the leader began saying, ''If you don't want the girl to get hurt, just back off!''

''Tch!'' the boy lowered his hands and, unbeknownst to the leader, began snapping his fingers three times.

''Ok, good,'' the leader said, still holding the woman with the knife at her throat. ''Now I'm just gonna''-- before the leader got to do anything, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg. It was the boy's dog biting the leader's ankle.

''Arghhhh!'' the leader screamed, letting the girl go and clutching his injured ankle. ''Why you little…!'' the leader yelled, turning his attention to the dog, which was a big mistake on his part because as soon as he turned, the boy was quickly on his back.

''What?'' The leader said, stunned. The boy then grabbed him from behind and delivered a German Suplex.

''Ugrh,'' the leader said, semi-conscious, but the boy was not done yet. He then picked the leader up and put him in a fireman carry position. He tosses the leader off his shoulders as he drops to his knees, causing the leader to land on his back.

''Ohh...'' the leader groans, then goes unconscious. The boy got up and said ''humph, let that be a lesson to all evil doers that as long as Linn Tsukiyomi is around, good and justice will always triumph!'' Linn then did a hero pose while his dog barked cheerfully around him. The girl just sweatdropped at the scene. Linn noticed the girl and asked ''Are you alright, miss?''

the girl blinked a few times, then answered ''o-oh, yes, I'm fine, thanks to you.''

''Hehe, a hero must help a girl in trouble,'' Linn said. ''If you're ever in danger, just know that I, Linn, the hero, will be there to save you.''.

Linn does another hero pose as his dog circles around him, barking excitedly. The girl giggles and says ''yes yes, my hero.''

She walks up to Linn and gives him a peck on the cheek. ''Seriously though'' the girl said ''Thanks for saving me.''

''S-sure… no problem,'' Linn said, blushing madly. The girl smiles and walks away, waving goodbye. Linn waves back and thinks.

'That's another good deed done; I'm one step closer to becoming a hero.' For as long as Linn can remember, he has always dreamed of being a legendary hero like the ones in his manga and TV shows or his favorite wrestler, Jim Chena. John china? Whatever. The point is that Linn wants to be a hero and has taken steps toward that dream by helping out, saving people in trouble, and beating up bad guys. As long as Linn follows that mindset, he believes he will achieve his dream.

''OK, let's go, Tomo!'' Linn said.

''Bark.'' replied the dog.

After doing various good deeds, Linn finally decides to head home. Linn opened the door to his house and walked into the dining room.

''Hey, I'm ho--'' Linn was then interrupted by a kick to the face. Linn was sent flying across the dining room, hitting his head on the front door and landing awkwardly in front of it. ''You're late, Linn Tsukiyomi!'' The kicking offender scolded.

Linn sat up and glared at the offender. It was a girl, about an inch taller than him, with blue eyes and blond hair tied in pigtails, wearing a school uniform.

''What the heck, Kaila?!'' Linn shouted at the girl.

The girl, Kaila, scoffed and said, ''Do you know what time it is?! You're lucky your parents aren't here. They would have been worried sick.''

''What does that have to do with you kicking me in my face?!'' Linn yelled as he got up and got in Kaila's face.

''Maybe I just felt like it ever thought of that?!'' Kaila yelled back, clashing her forehead with his. The two growl and glare at each other while Linn's dog barks loudly at Kaila.

''That's enough, you two!'' said a voice in a stern tone. The two stopped bickering and looked at the sound of the voice. It was a girl with purple eyes and black hair wearing a school uniform and sitting on a chair.

''Linn started it, Erica,'' said Kaila.

''Nuh-uh, it was all your fault,'' Linn said.

''I don't care who started it'' the girl named Erica said ''I'm ending it!''

Linn and Kaila quickly shut up and stood at attention. Erica sighed and began her lecture. ''now look, Linn, Kaila's sorry for kicking you. She was just worried about you being out for so long.''

''Was not,'' Kaila muttered. Erica continued.

''And Kaila, you don't need to worry about Linn. He can take care of himself. He is a hero, after all.'' Linn blushed sheepishly at the compliment while Kaila still muttered about it not being the case.

''So, can you two just apologize and move on?'' Erica said sweetly. Linn and Kaila both stopped what they were doing, turned to each other, and sighed.

''I'm sorry,'' Linn said.

''I'm sorry too,'' Kaila said.

''There, now don't you two feel better?'' Erica asked.

''I guess.'' They both said. At that moment, Linn's dog began running toward Erica, jumping and licking her.

''Hahaha, stop Tomodachi, that tickles!'' Erica giggled.

''Hey! You stupid dog, get off her!'' Kaila yelled, and Tomodachi ignored her and continued his licking.

''Tomodachi's not stupid!'' Linn said ''He just really likes Erica for some reason.''

''He likes her too much if you ask me,'' Kaila said.

''Hey guys, ha ha ha, a little help here, hahaha.'' Erica laughed as her face began to fill with saliva.

''That's enough, Tomo, come here, boy,'' Linn said as he snapped his fingers twice. Tomodachi stopped licking Erica and ran toward Linn, wagging his tail.

''That's still a nice trick for a dumb dog,'' Kaila said as she tried to pet him…before pulling her hand away as Tomodachi tried to bite it and growled at her.

''Hey, Tomo, be nice!'' Linn scolded.

''I don't know why you even tried,'' said Erica as she was wiping saliva off her face. ''you know he doesn't like you, Kaila.''

''I'm more of a cat person anyway,'' Kaila pouted.

'Anyway, Linn, why were you so late?'' Asked Erica.

''Oh, I ran into a couple of bad guys bothering a girl, so I beat them up,'' Linn said. ''Afterward, I picked up some garbage and walked an old lady across the street.''

''So once again, the world is saved thanks to Linn, the almighty hero... yay,'' Kaila said sarcastically.

''Shut up!'' Linn snapped back.

''No, you shut up!''

''No, you!''

''No, you!''

''Ahem''

Linn and Kaila stopped bickering, shuddering, and glanced at Erica, whose eyes were closed and smiling sweetly... while giving off a dark aura that said 'stop fighting or else.'

''We're sorry!!'' they both bowed, apologizing. Erica just sighed.

''Honesty, you two, what am I going to do with you?''

''I'm sorry Erica'' Linn said ''Kaila maybe we should...what?'' Linn stopped as he saw Kaila just staring at him.

''Linn,'' Kaila said. ''Let's fight.'' The room got quiet for a few seconds.

''Eh?'' "huh?" "aroo?" everybody questioned while staring at the twin-tailed girl.

''I said let's fight,'' Kaila repeated.

''Why?'' Linn questioned back.

''I want to see what you can do,'' Kaila said as she got into a fighting stance.

''Again why?!'' Linn shouted.

''No questions allowed!'' Kaila shouted as she ran and jumped on Linn, starting a dust-cloud fight between the two. Erica sweatdropped and then sighed.

''Honestly.''

As she considered breaking up the fight, her phone began to ring.

''Ah,'' she said, and then she answered. ''Hello… oh father...yes...well no....but I...yes father.'' she then hung up the phone with a sad look. Just then, Kaila flew out of the dust cloud, over the table, and landed awkwardly on the floor.

''Ow! That hurt, Linn!'' Kaila complained.

''You started it!'' Linn exclaimed.

''You didn't have to be so rough. I'm a delicate girl.''

''Delicate girl, my butt! You're a''

''I wish I could disappear somewhere…'' Erica suddenly muttered out loud. Linn and Kaila stopped bickering and turned to Erica in surprise.

''What do you mean?!'' they both said, running up to her.

''Huh?'' Erica blinked, not noticing the two standing before her.

''Why would you say such a thing?'' Kaila said, worried.

''Yea, why,'' Linn echoed, equally worried.

Even Tomodachi looked at Erica with sad puppy eyes at her statement. Erica blinked a few times before saying ''Oh, sorry guys, I was just talking to myself, no need to worry'' the two stood silently, worried, still etched on their faces. ''Anyway'' Erica said changing the subject ''I have to go home now.''

''Already?'' Kaila said.

''Yes,'' Erica said.

''Ok,'' Linn said. ''In that case, I'm going to go to bed before my parents get home,'' Linn began heading to his room with Tomodachi following him.

''Good night, Linn'' Erica said. ''You should probably go home too, Kaila.''

''Oh, man, I don't want to return to the old hag,'' Kaila Groaned. She then looked at Linn and said ''Hey, Linn! Can I stay here tonight? Pretty please?''

''Go home!'' Was Linn's response as he shut the door to his room.

''Jerk,'' Kaila pouted.

Erica giggled ''oh well, come on, I'll walk with you home.''

''Fine,'' Kaila sighed. The two girls headed towards the door. ''oh, and Erica?'' Kaila said, stopping Erica.

''Yes?'' Erica responded. Kaila then gave Erica a stern glare that sent shivers down her spine.

''Don't you ever say you want to disappear, got it?!''

Erica nodded. ''Yes, I'm sorry.'' Kaila smiled.

''As long as you understand, come on, let's go,'' the two girls headed to their houses.

000

Linn is in a dark place. ''Where am I…?'' Linn began walking, hoping to find some exit.

''Hello? Anybody there?'' Linn asked but has yet to receive a response. ''Man, it's dark in here. I can't even see where I'm going.'' Linn continued walking for what seemed like hours.

'Where am I even going?'' Linn said ''I don't know-'' Linn stopped walking as he spotted a door. ''Ah-ha! an exit!'' Linn ran to the door and opened it only to immediately recoil from the smell. ''ugh, what is that smell?'' Linn closed his eyes and held his nose. Linn opened his eyes and peeked through the door. Linn paled as he stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

''W-what…?'' nothing but corpses filled the entire room. Linn absentmindedly walked into the room. As soon as he entered, the door shut behind him.

''Hey, wait!'' Linn tried to open the door, but it was locked tight.

''Darn it'' Linn said ''what is going on…?'' He scanned the room and saw nothing but bodies and more bodies. As he kept looking around, he spotted three familiar bodies.

''No, no way'' Linn said, shocked. They were the dead bodies of his two friends and his dog.

''Tomo! Kaila! Erica!'' Linn said as he ran to the bodies.

''Come on, wake up'' Linn said crying. There was no response from the bodies.

Linn was kneeling, crying, and a dark hole began swirling in the sky. A giant black and blue dragon-like creature came out of it and landed in front of Linn. Linn stopped sobbing and looked up at the beast.

''You again…'' Linn said. This was not the first time Linn had seen this creature. This same creature has appeared in Linn's dreams for a year now. The dreams change occasionally, but the creature always remains the same.

''What do you want now?'' Linn asked, not in the mood to deal with the creature. The creature stared at Linn for a while and finally spoke.

''Save them,'' it said in a deep, echolike voice.

''What? ''Linn said, confused.

''You....must...save them...they...need…your...aid,'' the creature said slowly.

''Huh? Who? What are you talking about?'' Linn asked the creature. The creature repeated his words and flew up and back into the dark hole.

''What was that about?'' Linn said, confused.

All of a sudden, the corpses began to rise and ran straight to Linn ''ahh! No! Get off me!'' Linn screamed as he was being buried under a mountain of bodies.

''Ahhh!'' Linn shot straight up from his bed.

Linn looked around to find that he was in his room. 'Another bad dream,' Linn thought.

Linn recalled the creature's words. 'What did he mean by 'save them'? Linn pondered this for a few minutes before giving up. ''Oh well, I'll go back to sleep. It's not like anything bad will happen.'' Linn laid down on his bed and went back to sleep. How soon Linn would regret his words.

After School

It was another dull day of school. Linn was outside the school waiting for his friends.

''Ah so tired'' Linn yawned. It took a while for Linn to go back to sleep after his nightmare. This was the third one this week, and it's starting to take its toll on him physically and mentally. He couldn't stay awake during class, forgot his homework, and decided not to help with the cleaning, which he usually enjoys.

''I wonder what that dragon meant,'' Linn said as he returned to the creature's words.

'You must save them.' What did it mean? Who are they? And why does he have to save them? As Linn pondered this, he failed to notice a certain pigtailed girl behind him calling his name.

''Linn… Linn…'' Kaila said. Linn was still in deep thought. 'What does it mean?' Linn thought. Linn was then knocked out of his thoughts, literally, by Kaila as she had just kicked him on top of his head.

''Linn! stop ignoring me!'' Kaila yelled.

''Ow! Kaila that hurt!'' Linn said, nursing a comical bump on his head.

''Well, that's what you get for ignoring me,'' Kaila said, turning her head and hmphing.

''I wasn't ignoring you!'' Linn said ''I was just...thinking'' Linn looked down, crestfallen.

Kaila looked over at Linn.''H-hey you ok? I didn't hit you that hard, did I?'' Kaila asked worriedly.

''I'm fine,'' Linn said ''I just didn't have a good night.''

''Those nightmares still bother you? Kaila asked. Linn told Kaila and Erica about his nightmares after Linn freaked out one day when they were hanging out.

''Yeah'' Linn said ''and they're getting worse''. Linn begins explaining his dream to Kaila.

''First I was in a dark place, and then I was in a room full of dead bodies, and you guys were there, but you were dead, and then the dragon thing showed up again and then...and then.'' Linn begins tearing up as he remembers those horrible experiences. Just then, Kaila walked in front of Linn and hugged him.

''Hey now, it's okay, it was just a dream. We're still alive and well,'' Kaila said in a caring tone. Sniffing, Linn hugged back.

''Thanks Kaila.''

''You're welcome, Linn.''

''Oh my,'' the two looked up to see Erica looking at them with a sly smile. ''Hope I'm not interrupting anything,'' Erica said.

Linn and Kaila stood silently. They looked at each other and realized they were still hugging each other. They both blushed heavily; Kaila then pushed Linn off of her.

'I-it's not what you think!'' Kaila said, embarrassed.

''Sure~ it's not'' Erica said, teasing.

''I-I-I was just teaching him a new move!'' Kaila said, still embarrassed.

''And what move involves doing that?'' Erica said. ''Oh, I know! The 'move' might be more effective if you involve your lips, if you know what I mean.'' '

''Erica!!'' Kaila said, shaking her, while Erica laughed.

Linn picked himself off the ground, looked at his two friends, and smiled. 'Yeah, it was just a dream.' Linn thought. 'Nothing terrible is going to happen. This is our everyday life; everything is going to stay the same. Thanks Kaila' As Linn stares at Kaila.

Kaila and Erica stopped their banter and saw Linn staring at them. ''W-what are you staring at?!''Kaila said rudely, still blushing.

''Oh nothing'' Linn said. Erica giggles. ''Well, let's go home, shall we?'' The trio starts heading home.

000

As the three walked home, Linn explained his nightmare to Erica.

''Oh my'' Erica said. ''That must have been a horrible experience.''

''Yeah,'' Kaila said. ''But I already told him it was just a dream.''

'' But it felt so real,'' Linn said.

''You'll get it over it,'' Kaila said.

''So, what are everyone's plans for today?'' Erica asked.

''I plan to hit the dojo and practice my moves some more. ''Kaila said.

''Oh? Are they the ''moves'' you were ''teaching'' Linn back there?'' Erica teased.

'S-shut up Erica!'' Kaila blushed.

Linn laughed ''well, I plan to help around the town some more.''

''Boooring'' Kaila said.

''It's not boring! Linn snapped back ''It feels good to do good deeds, and it brings me a few steps closer to being--''

''Yeah, yeah, being a hero, we get it,'' Kaila interrupted. ''Don't you have a better dream than that?''

''My dream is better than yours,'' Linn said.

''Is not'' Kaila said.

''Is too,'' Linn said back.

''To be honest,'' Erica said, ''Linn's dream is more honorable than yours, Kaila.''

''What's wrong with becoming the strongest female fighter in the world?!'' Kaila exclaimed.

''Nothing, ''Erica said before deadpanning. ''Except for the fact that you want to do it for the fame and fortune,'' Linn nodded, deadpanning.

''What do you two know anyway?!'' Kaila said angrily ''you'll see!'' Kaila said, fire in her eyes. ''I'll be stronger than everyone and become so rich and popular that everyone will respect me and bend to my every whim. I'll rule the world! hahahahaha!'' Kaila began laughing to herself, lost in her world. Linn and Erica sweatdropped.

''Jeez, there she goes again,'' Linn said.

''She'll stop eventually'' Erica said.

''By the way, Erica,'' Linn said to Erica as Erica looked towards Linn. ''What's your dream?'' Linn asked.

''My...dream?'' Erica said puzzled.

''Yea,'' Linn said, ''You know, what you want to do or be when you grow up. You already know our dreams, but we don't know yours.''

''Oh,'' Erica said quietly. 'I haven't thought about it,' Erica thought.

''Well?'' Linn asked.

Erica snapped out of her thoughts ''Oh well, I'm still searching for it. I'm not as ambitious as you two'' Erica said 'especially since my life is not my own' Erica thought 'sometimes I do wish someone would whisk me away from here.' Erica looked away sadly.

Linn looked at Erica, worried. ''H-hey Erica? Are you ok-''before Linn could finish, he was kicked in the back of the head by a certain pig-tailed girl.

''Ow! Kaila, what are you doing?!'' Linn asked.

''That's my line!'' Kaila retorted. Linn visibly flinched. ''What did you do?! Why does it look like Erica's about to cry?!''

''I don't know! I-I-I' Linn stuttered. Kaila ignored him and went to Erica's side. ''Hey, it's ok,'' Kaila said in her caring tone. ''Whatever Linn said, he didn't mean it.''

''Kaila…'' Erica sniffed.

Kaila smiled and then turned and glared at Linn ''Linn! You apologize to her right now, or so help me… Kaila growled, shaking her fist at him.

''Alright, alright!'' Linn said, giving in ''Erica, I'm sorry for what I said; I don't know what I said, but I'm sorry?''

At that, Kaila facefaulted while Erica blinked, confused.

''What kind of half-assed apology was that?!' 'Kaila yelled, getting in Linn's face.

''I don't know!'' Linn yelled back. ''I can't sincerely apologize if I don't know what I did wrong!''

''You're such an idiot!''

''You're an idiot!''

Erica looked on as the two were arguing. All of a sudden, she started giggling, and then it turned into laughter. Linn and Kaila turned to Erica with confused looks on their faces.

''H-Hey Erica? you ok there?'' Kaila asked, worried.

''I'm fine'' Erica replied, ''I was thinking how silly you two are.''

''We're silly?'' they both said, cocking their heads to the side simultaneously.

''Don't worry about it,'' Erica waved off nonchalantly, which caused Linn and Kaila to sweatdrop. ''Anyway, it's fine, Linn; you didn't do anything wrong, and Kaila, thanks for worrying about me; that means a lot.''

''Heh. dummy. Of course, I worry about you.'' Kaila smiled. ''You're my best friend; I don't know what I'll do without you.''

''What am I, chopped liver?'' Linn muttered.

''Oh hush, you'' Kaila lightly scolded. ''You'll be fine on your own. Erica's like a delicate princess; she needs to be protected. But don't worry, I'll protect you too if that's what you want.''

''If you're the one protecting us, then we'll be in even more danger,'' Linn chuckled.

''What is that supposed to mean?'' Kaila glared.

''Oh, nothing… ''Linn smirked.

''Why you…''

Erica giggled. She then pulled Kaila and Linn into a group hug.

''Huh?'' h-hey, what gives?'' Linn and Kaila said in surprise.

''I just want to thank you both for being my best friends.'' Erica said sincerely ''I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be if it weren't for you two.'' Linn and Kaila exchanged glances and then looked at Erica and smiled.

''Hey now, no need to thank us'' Kaila said ''We'll always be there for you.''

'Yeah,'' Linn said ''if you have any problems, just leave it to us!''

Erica smiled as the three friends continued their group hug.

''Aww, isn't that sweet.''

The three friends broke their group hug and glanced at the voice. It was a group of men carrying weapons.

''Ah! It's you guys!'' Linn recognized the group of men. It was the same gang that Linn had accosted yesterday.

''Long time no see, kid.'' the leader said, his minions cheering him on as usual.

''Friends of yours, Linn?'' Kaila asked, unimpressed.

''They are the bad guys I beat up yesterday,'' Linn explained.

''After doing some 'persuading' around town, We finally found you,'' the leader said.

''What do you guys want?'' Linn asked.

''What do you think?'' the leader sneered. ''You humiliated us yesterday, and now we're itching for payback.''

''Wow, Linn. You must have beat them bad.'' Kaila said, chuckling.

''Watch your mouth, girlie! Or we'll beat you down too'' the leader threatened. Kaila stared, unfazed.

''Hey boss, she's pretty cute'' one of the members said ''maybe we should take her as a prize.''

''Yeah, she's my type of girl,'' another member said.

''I like the black-haired one. She seems shy and obedient,'' the pudgy member said, staring and moving toward Erica. Erica took a step back, frightened by the gaze.

''N-no! Please stay away!'' Erica shrieked.

''Oh, come on, don't be that way. Let's get to know each other better''. The pudgy member leaped at Erica. Then, in a flash, Kaila was at Erica's side and kicked the pudgy member in the face, sending him flying.

''DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ERICA, YOU PIG!'' Kaila yelled angrily, her eyes flashing red.

''Woah, you ok?'' a member asked the fallen member.

''I see stars,'' the pudgy member said, dizzy.

''Wooo,'' the standing member whistled. ''Like I said, she is my type of girl.''

''Eh, fatty deserved it,'' The leader shrugged.

Meanwhile, Linn sweatdropped and thought, 'Great, they angered Kaila of all people, and now they're in trouble.'

''YOU JERKS PISSED ME OFF!'' Kaila yelled angrily, getting into a fighting stance ''AND NOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET AN ASS WHOOPING COURTESY OF KAILIA SAOTOME!!''

Linn sweatdropped again. ''N-now Kaila, let's calm down a second,'' Linn said before shuddering after Kaila glared at him.

''DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! YOU SAW WHAT HAPPENED! THEY GOT IT COMING! THEY ARE THE ONES PICKING A FIGHT ANYWAY! SO I MIGHT AS WELL GIVE THEM ONE! NOW YOU CAN EITHER HELP OR STAY OUT OF MY WAY!!'' Kaila turned back to the gang, ready to tear their limbs off.

Linn sighed ''Fine, but let's try not to injure them.''

''No promises,'' Kaila replied as the two got into a fighting stance.

The leader just laughed. ''Oh no, we're shaking,'' the leader said sarcastically as the pudgy member got up. ''Right boys, ready your weapons, we'll give them a beating they'll never forget!'' The leader ordered as he and the other members readied their weapons.

The gang charged at the two kids. The kids prepared themselves as the gang was closing in on them. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew in the area.

''W-what the hell…?'' the leader said, startled. The gang stopped their advance and tried to protect themselves. 'Boss, what's going on?'' a member asked.

''How should I know?!'' The leader replied.

Meanwhile, Linn and Kaila just stared at the gang. ''What are they doing?'' Kaila asked.

''Beats me'' Linn replied. As it turns out, the strong gust of wind is blowing only in the gang's direction.

''Dammit! This wind is annoying!" the leader said, annoyed.

''Yeah!'' the two members agreed.

''Hey guys, is it me, or does it feel like we are floating?'' the pudgy member said. The other members looked down, and they were floating in the air!

''W-wha-'' the gang flies through the sky before the leader can finish.

''wahhh,'' the gang cried out. They flew until they were a twinkle in the sky. Just like that, the gang was gone.

The three friends just stared at the sky. ''...what just happened?'' Kaila asked.

''Beats me'' Linn replied. Meanwhile, Erica let out a sigh of relief. ''Thank goodness… they're gone.''

Linn and Kaila walked to Erica's side. ''You ok, Erica?'' Kaila asked.

''Yes thank you'' Erica replied.

The three friends smiled at each other. ''Alright then,'' Linn said, ''Let go, ho-'' Before Linn could finish, the strong gust of wind came back, aiming at them this time.

''Woah, what's going on?!'' Linn panicked. The girls were too busy trying to pull their skirts down to answer. The wind blows harder and harder.

''Eek!!'' Erica shrieked as the wind blew so hard it knocked her off her feet and sent her rolling down a hill.

''Erica!'' Linn and Kaila shouted. Thankfully, the wind stopped, and the two rushed down the hill. The two found Erica lying in the grass.

''Erica, are you ok?!'' Kaila asked, worried. Linn looked on, equally concerned.

''Yes, I'm fine,'' Erica replied and got up. She looked fine with no injuries. Linn and Kaila then breathed a sigh of relief.

''Thank god,'' Kaila said, hugging Erica ''Don't scare me like that.

''I'm sorry'' Erica apologized.

''Hey it's fine'' Linn said ''everything's ok now.''

''Everything's not ok!'' Kaila suddenly shouted. Linn and Erica were startled by her shout.

''What's wrong now?'' Linn said.

Kaila got in Linn's face, put a hand on her hip, and poked him in the chest. ''WHAT'S WRONG is that Erica almost got hurt twice because WE had to deal with some stupid gang that was looking for YOU!'' Kaila snarled.

Linn stiffened a little and replied. ''How is that my fault?! You were the one that wanted to fight them!''

''Because they were going to hurt Erica if I didn't.''

''Oh please, you just wanted to fight somebody, you violent tomboy.''

''How dare you! Take that back!'' Kaila pinched Linn's cheeks and started stretching them.

''Shee! viowent!'' Linn muffled out. Erica sweatdrops and sighs. She then felt a chill down her spine as if someone was staring at her. She turned and saw a pink-purple portal.

''Uh, guys?'' Erica called out. The two stopped fighting and looked at Erica.

''Yea?" ''What is it?" Kaila and Linn both said.

''Has this portal always been here?'' she pointed at the portal. Linn and Kaila had a shocked expression on their faces. Where did this portal come from? Has it been here this whole time?

''Wow, I never saw this before,'' Linn said in awe.

''First the gang, then the wind, and now this? This day keeps getting weirder and weirder,'' Kaila said, shaking her head. Meanwhile, Erica, who was the closest to the portal, was mesmerized by it.

''So pretty,'' Erica said, getting closer. Kaila saw this and grabbed Erica's hand.

''Wait, Erica! Don't go near it!'' Kaila shouted before Erica could respond. A hand came out of the portal and grabbed Erica's arm!

''Eh? Huh? What the..!'' All three exclaimed. The hand pulled Erica closer to the portal.

''N-no!'' Erica shrieked.

''Let go of her!'' Kaila yelled, grabbing Erica's other arm as both girls dragged along. Meanwhile, Linn was staring, too shocked by the scene to move.

''Linn!'' Kaila called out, snapping Linn out of his trance. ''Don't just stand there like an idiot! Help us!''

''R-right,'' Linn said, rushing to the girls' side. He then began to pull Erica and Kaila away from the portal.

Due to Linn's strength, he succeeded in pulling the girls away, but the hand didn't give up. The portal then produced another hand, and it opened its palm. Out of it, a strong gust of wind appeared.

''Not again!'' Linn and Kaila cried out. The wind was strong enough to loosen Linn's grip on the girls and knocked Linn and Kaila off their feet.

''Linn! Kaila!'' Erica screamed; surprisingly, she was unaffected by that gust of wind, but then another gust of wind appeared, pulling Erica toward the portal, where the hands grabbed Erica and slowly dragged her in.

''Erica!'' Kaila shouted, looking in horror from the ground.

''Erica!'' Linn shouted, getting up and running to the portal. Erica was struggling in vain and reached for a handout. Linn outstretched to grab Erica's hand, but it was too late. She was slowly dragged into the portal.

''Kaila...Linn... I'm sorry'' Erica muttered before the portal vanished and Erica was gone. Linn and Kaila stood there, unable to process what had happened.

''What...just...'' Linn said, at a loss for words; meanwhile, Kaila had gotten off the ground and walked towards Linn. Linn turned around and noticed Kaila. ''hey Kaila, are you ok-''

*SLAP*

Linn was interrupted as Kaila had just slapped him across the face.

''Wha…'' Linn said, holding a hand to his cheek. Kaila glared at him with tears in her eyes.

''WHAT THE HELL, LINN?!'' Kaila yelled out ''YOU WERE RIGHT THERE! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HER?!" Linn just looked down in shame; he did not argue about that. ''Some hero you turned out to be,'' Kaila scoffed. She turned and went to the spot where Erica was.

''Erica... Erica!'' Kaila cried out. She got on her knees and started crying. Meanwhile, Linn was still looking down in shame. 'YOU WERE RIGHT THERE! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HER?!' Kaila's words echoed in his head. Linn had nothing to say to that. It was true he was so close to her. If only he was faster and had more of a grasp of the situation. 'Some hero you turned out to be,' Kaila's other words rang out in his mind.

'Kaila's right, some hero I am,' Linn thought. 'I'm confident in beating up bad guys and doing charity work, but I freeze up when something bad happens beyond my control. I want to be a hero. I couldn't save my own best friend from being kidnapped in front of me. I'm pathetic.'

As Linn and Kaila stand there, saddened at the loss of their friend, a voice can be heard calling for Linn.

'Linn!''

Linn turned towards the voice at the top of the hill and spotted an adult man and woman. The man wore a white shirt and black pants, while the woman wore a simple blue dress. Linn ran to the top of the hill to the adults.

''How is it going, son?'' The man asked.

''Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?'' Linn said, surprised.

''Nothing much, dear,'' the woman said. ''We came home a while ago and noticed you weren't home yet, so we came to check on you.

''Oh,'' Linn said.

''We also took the liberty to take Tomodachi out for a walk,'' the man said, holding a lash, showing the golden-colored dog. Tomodachi barked happily and ran towards Linn, jumped on him, and started licking his face.

''Yes, I missed you too, boy, now get down,'' Linn ordered. The dog whimpered sadly but obeyed. Linn's parents noticed this and grew concerned.

''Hey, you ok, son?'' Linn's dad asked.

''...Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?'' Linn asked.

''Well, you seemed kind of spaced out when you came up here,'' Linn's mom began explaining, ''And you are usually more excited when Tomo plays with you.

''Oh, that? I'm just tired, that's all ''Linn lied. His parents didn't buy it.

''I don't know, son, you look kinda down.'' Linn's dad said.

''Are you sure you're alright?'' Linn's mom asked, worried.

''Yes, I'm fine,'' Linn lied again. Linn's parents still looked at him with worry but let it go.

''By the way,'' Linn's father said. ''Where are Kaila and Erica? They are usually with you,'' Linn cringed when he heard Erica's name. Fortunately, this went unnoticed by his parents but was seen by Tomodachi, who looked at Linn curiously.

''Oh, they are um,'' Linn tried to explain.

''Oh, there's Kaila,'' Linn's mother said, noticing Kaila sitting at the bottom of the hill. ''But I don't see Erica anywhere.''

''Oh, that's because…''Linn couldn't tell his parents that Erica was abducted by an unknown person into a portal, so he began trying to devise an excuse: ''We are...playing hide and seek!'' Linn said, coming up with that. ''I found Kaila, and now I'm looking for Erica.'' his parents stared at him. Linn laughed nervously and began sweating, hoping that they would buy it.

Linn's parents stared at him for a few more seconds before saying ''Well, that's ok then'' Linn sighed in relief.'' Well, we got to go, son, we can't miss our show so we'll see you at home. Could you make sure you find Erica soon? We don't want her father to worry,'' Linn's father said.

''And make sure Kaila gets home to her mother,'' Linn's mother said. ''She may not look and sound like she cares, but I know she worries about her daughter.''

''Ok, I will!'' Linn smiled. His parents smiled back and began walking home, leaving Linn alone again.

''Ok, now I need to figure out how to find Erica.'' Linn began trekking down the hill with Tomodachi following behind him.

Linn reached the bottom of the hill and found Kaila still sitting on her knees. She was no longer crying, but now she was... praying? Linn was dumbfounded at the sight.

''Um, Kaila? What are you doing?'' Linn hesitantly asked.

''What does it look like I'm doing?'' Kaila replied.'' I'm praying.''

''Why?'' Linn asked.

''If I ask god, maybe he'll bring Erica back, or I'll go to where Erica is.''

''I thought you don't believe in gods,'' Linn said.

''I don't! But what am I supposed to do?!''Kaila shouted. ''Erica just got kidnapped into some weird portal, and I don't know where she went or how to get her back and...oh, Linn!'' Kaila ran to Linn and buried herself in his chest, sobbing.

Linn was shocked. Rarely has he seen Kaila breakdown like this. Kaila has always put on a tough girl act when she was around her friends and family, so it surprised Linn to see Kaila acting so weak and vulnerable. Linn knew that Kaila was overprotective of Erica and cared deeply for her, and despite their many arguments, Linn knew that she cared about him too, which made Linn briefly wonder if she would have acted the same if he was the one who got kidnapped.

Linn shook his head. 'That's not important right now,' Linn thought. 'Right now, I need to find a way to get Erica back.' Linn hugged Kaila ''Don't worry, Kaila, I'll find Erica no matter what. Even if it takes years.'' Kaila sniffed and smiled.

''Thanks, Linn.''

''You're welcome.''

The two hugged and stared at the spot where Erica was. ''Alright,'' Linn said, ''Let's think of a way to get that portal to open up.''

''Ok!'' Kaila said ''how do we do that?''

''I have no idea!'' Linn said comically. The two stared at each other and sweatdropped ''Okay, this might be harder than we thought'' Linn sighed.

''Maybe it would open up if we asked nicely,'' Kaila joked.

''Eh worth a shot'' Linn laughed ''hey portal! Can you open up pretty please?''

After a minute or two, nothing happened. ''Oh well, I tried,'' Linn said. ''Come on, let's see if we can find another way.''

''Ok,'' Kaila agreed.

The two turned around and walked away before they sensed something.

''What?'' they both turned around and saw the same pink-purple portal they saw earlier.

''Wow, I can't believe that worked,'' Linn said, surprised, before noticing a blur run past him. Without thinking or hesitating, Kaila ran towards the portal. Linn ran after her and grabbed her arm.

''Kaila, wait!'' Linn said, holding her by the arm. Kaila glared at him.

''Why are you stopping me?!'' Kaila shouted angrily ''the portal is right there!''

''We need to find out if that's the same portal that took Erica,'' Linn said. Kaila gave Linn a look.

''What are you talking about? Of course, it's the same portal! Are you stupid?'' Kaila questioned.

''I'm just saying there's no need to rush,'' Linn assured. ''Let's just think about this for a minute.''

''Fine! You can think, I'm going!'' Kaila tried to run, but Linn kept a firm grip on her arm. ''Let go of me!'' Kaila yelled.

''I said wait!'' Linn yelled back.

''Why?!'' Kaila questioned. ''This is our chance we might not get another one. It's now or never.''

''I know, but…''

''But nothing! Don't tell me you're scared. Aren't you supposed to be a hero?''

''It's not that'' Linn said.

''then what is it? Kaila replied.

''I'm saying that I'll go..''

''Then let's go-''

''Alone… Linn interrupted her. Kaila stared in shock.

''What?!''

''I'm saying that I'll go in and bring Erica back; you stay here.''

''Are you crazy?!'' Kaila asked.

''We don't know what's in that portal,'' Linn said. ''It could be dangerous if both of us go.''

''And you think I'm just going to sit here while Erica could be in danger?!''

''Kaila, please...''Linn begged.

''No way!'' Kaila said adamantly. ''Why do I have to stay while you go?''

''Because''...Linn muttered.

''Is it because you think I'm weak? Is that it?'' Kaila asked.

''No…'' Linn replied softly.

''Then is it because you think you're some big-shot hero that you must do everything yourself?'' Kaila asked.

''That's not it either!'' Linn replied a little louder.

''Then what is it?!''Kaila demanded.

''I…''Linn hesitated.

''Yes?''

''I just…''

''What?''

Linn was silent.

''Oh, for god's sake! If you're not going to say anything, then let me go--''

''I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU TOO! ''Linn pulled Kaila into a hug.

''What?!'' Kaila said shocked.

''You were right!'' Linn said, tearing up. ''It was my fault that Erica was put in danger, and it was my fault that I couldn't save her! You were right all along!'' Kaila was confused until she recalled her harsh words and looked down in guilt. Kaila sighed.

''Ok, ok, I'll stay, just stop crying already,'' Kaila said, giving in.

'Thank you'' Linn thanked, releasing the hug.

''Just make sure you bring Erica back in one piece,'' Kaila said.

''I will!'' Linn smiled

Linn was going to the portal, which surprisingly hadn't dissipated yet.

''Wait Linn'' Kaila called out. Linn stopped.

''What is it?'' Linn asked as Kaila walked towards him.

The two locked eyes. ''I just want to…'' Kaila was inches away from Linn's face and moving close.

Linn's heart was beating. 'she's so close,' Linn thought. Kaila moved closer to Linn and hugged him.

Linn, confused about the situation, hugged back.

'I just want to say…'' she whispered in his ear.

''Yeah?'' he whispered back.

''...I'm sorry,'' Kaila said before delivering a knee strike to his private area.

''Ugh...'' Linn crumbled to the ground, holding his private area. Kaila looked down at Linn apologetically and then ran towards the portal.

''Kaila, wait!'' Linn groaned from the floor. Kaila glanced back to Linn.

''I'm sorry, Linn,'' Kaila said somberly. ''But I can't stand here and wait any longer. I have to be the one to save Erica no matter what.'' With those parting words, Kaila jumped into the portal. Linn slowly got up and sighed sadly. ''First Erica and now Kaila. What am I going to do now?''

He pondered this for a second before noticing the portal was still open.

''Wait it still there?'' Linn said surprised ''maybe I can still make it.''

As Linn said, the portal slowly began closing. ''Wait, wait, don't close yet! I still need more time to prepare!'' Linn panicked. The portal didn't listen as it was still closing. Meanwhile, Linn was thinking and panicking.

'What should I do?! I don't know what beyond that portal or if I'll make it back, but Erica and now Kaila are inside, and I have to save them. Linn then slaps his cheeks. 'Argh, I don't have time to think! My two best friends could be in danger. I want to be a hero, and a hero saves people no matter the cause. It's now or never!'

Linn makes up his mind, and he rushes toward the portal while the portal is getting smaller and smaller. Linn makes it to the closing portal.

 ''Ahhh''

with little time to spare, Linn jumps into the portal….with Tomodachi jumping in from behind.