Guard Puppy

Finishing her last bites of pancake, Rose placed everything into the sink and proceeded with her preparations. Having stumbled into the first realm by accident, she had been totally unprepared and simply lucky to have her hiking gear on, which provided comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.

No one knew what awaited them in a portal beforehand. It could be a desert, a forest, or even the middle of an ocean! Though she couldn't prepare for every possible scenario, she was determined to do her best.

Rose rummaged through her closet, pulling out another pair of sturdy hiking boots, thick socks, and a rain cape. She found an old backpack and began filling it with essentials: a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a multi-tool, some energy bars, and a water bottle.

She also added a small notebook and pen to jot down any important information she might encounter. A compass joined the growing pile, though she wasn't certain it would function in another realm. Better safe than sorry.

The morning passed by in the blink of an eye and it wouldn't be much longer, before the portal would appear in the nearby park.

Rose zipped up her backpack and slung it over her shoulder, its weight reassuring. She grabbed her phone and headed towards the door when she remembered the strange device. She had completely forgotten about it.

Quickly, she entered the bathroom. Rummaging through yesterday's torn outfit, she retrieved it from the pocket. Nothing had changed. The cylindrical object lay still in her hand. Without hesitation, she slipped it into her pocket. It probably wouldn't hurt to take it along, right? After all, the alien had mentioned it would be useful.

When she turned to leave the apartment, she paused for a moment and headed towards the window leading to their backyard instead of the door. Taking this route would minimize the chances of being seen and anyone obstructing her way.

Or so she had thought. She had barely passed their backyard, climbing the fence and rounding the corner, when someone called out to her from behind.

"Where are you going?" The voice was caught between boyhood and manhood, its tone reprimanding.

Rose flinched instinctively. It sounded eerily similar to her brother catching her in the act of mischief.

As she turned around, she saw a young teenager standing before her, arms akimbo. 

It was Luke, the neighbors boy. Having had a considerable growth spurt in the last couple of months, he had now already reached Rose's height, his clothes barely containing his lanky frame. His freckled face bore an expression of suspicion mixed with curiosity.

Her initial shock morphed first into amusement, then anger. How dare this little chap talk to her like that? She had seen his mother change his diapers when he was a baby!

"None of your business," she replied curtly, turning to leave.

With surprising agility, Luke darted around her, blocking her path with outstretched arms.

Rose arched an eyebrow, irritation creeping into her voice. "What do you think you're doing?"

"You can't go!"

"I said it's not your concern, Luke," she repeated, her tone now carrying a clear warning. "Go home."

But Luke stood his ground. He inched closer, eyes fixed on her backpack. "What's in there? Where are you headed? It's dangerous out there."

At least he was aware of that much.

"Yes, it is. So go back home, right! now!" she said, emphasizing each word.

Unfortunately, it had no effect on the boy.

Though a few years her junior, he had developed the annoying habit of trying to look after her, especially when Ethan wasn't home. Whether Ethan had actually asked him to keep an eye out or he'd simply assumed the role of the neighborhood's protective little brother, Rose didn't care. Right now, she just wanted to kick his behind and send him on his way.

The portal could open any moment, and he wasn't supposed to be here! Why was he here, anyway? 

In her past life, Luke had obediently stayed at home with his family. Once the portal appeared and they heard about it, they packed their meager belongings and left town for their aunt's place in the countryside. Rose knew this because she had accompanied them on their escape. They had dragged her along, insisting she couldn't stay alone, and in her muddled state, she had been only too happy to go with them.

So why was Luke running around outside right now?

She groaned, realizing she had likely caused this situation herself. Her attempt at stealth—climbing through the back window—had backfired spectacularly. With Luke's bedroom window directly across from theirs, there was no way her suspicious behavior could have escaped this little guard puppy's watchful eye.

Luke's eyes narrowed, his jaw set in determination. "I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on. I saw you sneaking out. You never do that."

And there she had the confirmation. She had really invited this trouble for herself.

Rose sighed, exasperated. Seeing no other way, she shoved Luke to the side, marching on without a look back at him.

Caught off guard by her sudden push, Luke stumbled back a few steps. However, he quickly regained his composure and began following her. He didn't utter another word, simply shadowing her every move while maintaining a distance of a few meters. Apparently, he'd switched tactics from stopping her to tailing her instead.

Rose glanced nervously at her watch. Time was running out. There were only mere minutes left, until the portal was supposed to appear. Until then she would somehow have to shake this little tail that followed her every step.

Of course, she could use her ability to simply outrun him. Her spirit force had fully recovered. But using it this way would be wasteful. She'd need every active second of her ability when entering the realm.

She suddenly halted, making him nearly walk into her.