"What... what the fuck just happen?" That is all I could ask as I am now staring up at the sky, wondering what just happened a few seconds ago.

  Recalling my steps: I went down the elevator. Henry was explaining to me how elves work, then we entered the woods to find some food. Henry pointed out some non-poisoning mushrooms for me to eat. I slowly push myself off my back. Then I hear some noise behind me; turning around, thinking it might be some monster that I have run away from... but instead... It was a person.

  Sitting on the ground, I look at the girl who yelled at me. 'A person, a real human being on this island, I thought I was saved. finally get the hell off of this place. no that didn't happen.'

  She had a very confused look on her.

  'She... she did something with that card in her hand, it felt like I just got flashbanged or something when she turned into pure colors.’ After thinking so long about it… ‘It's like a magical girl transformation!’ It makes this whole thing a lot more confusing.

  I saw her move her head down her right to see. A talking teddy bear in a sunflower dress?... She looked confused as well.

  'When that was done, she... hit me with magic?' I look over to my right, to see Henry on the ground, far away from me. I try to get up but I hear more yelling.

  I turn my head to look at her, she points a wand at me before... talking?... I see her mouth moving but I don't understand what she is saying. Complete gibberish. I see the teddy bear talking as well. Now I come to an obvious conclusion: they don't speak English. So I place my hands firmly on the ground while keeping an eye on them, trying not to collapse under the stress. Then, I feel the mushroom and berries spill out of my pocket. Just as I am about to recover them, I realize something: 'Wait. I saw her in normal clothes, then used that card to change... oh no.'

  The familiar feeling of fear wraps around my heart and is ready to crush it any second now.

  'Oh, oh no, no no no no, oh god no. She's a magical girl and l'm a giant rat... A monster. A monster to a magical girl’s eyes who needs to put me down.' Panic isn't the only thing running in my head.

  I try my best to keep calm but the tears are already beating me. My tears are beginning to fall out of fear. 'This- this is it. This is how you die for a second time, Shephard. Not because a monster got you, you die because you thought you were saved.' A cruel joke I can only mentally laugh at.

  I look up at the person who is going to end my second life, I wipe my tears away to see her face. Yet she wears a look of regret? No clue. I don't have time to focus on her emotions since I hear even more yelling from far away. Both of them look away from me. Dwarves, actual dwarves running to meet them.

  "Psst, Shephard!" I turn my head to Henry, hearing him whisper to me. "Grab me and run for your life while they’re distracted!" No need to tell me twice.

  I run as fast as I can, grabbing my mask, and retreat deeper into the woods. I hear a lot of yelling, magic beams fly over my head; few nearly grazing me and while some hitting the trees ahead. I keep on running until I don't hear them any more. I had to catch my breath and take in my surroundings, there was just more of the magic fog, trees, rocks, grass, and the hot weather.

  "Shephard." I lift Henry to my face to hear more of what he has to say. "This is bad, not only is there a magical girl on the island but dwarves as well. But why…? Why are they here?" I hear the fear in his voice which only puts me on edge. I look around one more time to gather a sense of where I am... and I see a tree- no. An elf looking at me.

  The way flesh and bark meld together with no seams sends a rippling chill through me. It stares at me with those empty eyes. As if I'm nothing but a moment of distraction.

  "I think the elves are the reason why those people are here." I start to run away again, hearing an annoyed sigh from Henry, who mumbling under his breath.

  "Of course, who else would it be."

  Somehow or someway, maybe by fate, but that talking bear is right ahead of me. I stop in my tracks, watching the bear point its hand or claw at me. Speaking in a language I don't understand; if I did understand what she’s saying, I won't listen since I already left. I look behind me to see the bear with a pure bewilderment on their face. 'Was it that shocking for them that I ran away than hear whatever they are saying?' I shake my head and look forward as I run.

  "It looks like a 'mascot' is here as well, not a big surprise, but a bigger surprise that you just ran away from her when she was talking." Hearing what Henry just said confuses me.

  "Okay, one: that bear is a she?! Two: what do you mean mascot? And three: why are you surprised that I just ran away from her?" As I finish my list of questions, a dwarf jumps out of a tree and tries to grab me! But somehow he over shoots it, misses me and hits the ground hard. It takes me a second to realize what just happened. I take a hard right into tall grass to avoid being ambushed anymore. I slow down and try my best to stay quiet as I blend amongst the foliage.

  “You must have wool over your eyes if you couldn't tell.” Henry chuckled creepily. “A mascot or partner acts as a familiar to a magical girl. Their roles are simply to be of aid and keep the magical girls grounded. Guiding them. Though it seems they act like sidekicks, they play a vital role. These mascots also work as some form of PR manager when the public gets too nosey with official BSD operations. Because by the end of the day, these magical girls are still destructive brats with far too much power in their hands. None of these children knows a single thing about charisma, and it shows countless times. Which is why they need a ‘mascot’.”

  I'm getting so much information I would have believed useless before.

  “Also, running away from that mascot was honestly rude. She was putting all her heart into that speech.” Henry is truly disappointed by my actions. I'm starting to feel the same about myself.

  "Well sorry, so far every person I met tried to kill or hurt me. You are the only one who has not done both." I keep my ears open as I slowly move through the tall grass. "And besides, I don't even understand what she was saying."

  "...What…? What do you mean by that?" Somehow I can tell that he is turning his head in my arms. As if he is confused about the whole exchange. "You can't understand-"

  Henry isn't able to finish his sentence because I feel something touch my back. my head snaps around to see. her. the magical girl. 'Oh no. How did she find me!?' She's trying to speak to me, but like the bear, I don't understand a single word. I unsheath my dagger and point it defensively at her. I see her moving her hands as if gesturing to me to calm down. But due to the fact that she did try to kill me... No way in hell I will.

  I take a step back as I keep my eyes on here, making my slow escape from this threat. It doesn't last long before I bump into something heavy. Moments after, I feel the wind knock out of me, and the last thing I see before passing out is the dwarves closing in.

  ---

  "I hope he's ok. Did you at least hold back with that punch?" Marie asks one of the dwarves who just hit the ratfolk with his shoulder. He simply just shrugs his shoulders at her.

  "He will be fine, I think. If not, then we can just easily heal him with some potion." The other dwarves bring out some rope and start to tie him up, it isn't long before they get done with it and pick him up.

  "MARIE! MARIE!" Marie turns her head to see Daisy calling out for her with Stonebreaker just behind the small bear. They stop in their tracks when they see the captive ratfolk.

  "By my beard, you got him!" Stonebreaker laughs as he moves up to the ratman; he notices the dagger on the ground and picks it up. "I thought it would take much longer with how slippery this rat was. How did you find him?" Stonebreaker ask curiously

  Marie just stares down at her feet with a bit of guilt. "I just... found him in the tall grass, mumbling to himself."

  Daisy gives Marie a confused look and turns her head to look at Stonebreaker "... Wait, didn't someone in the team report about someone living in the mountain for four days?"

  He nods his head. "Aye. But I didn't expect something like... this?" Stonebreaker starts to lead his team to move back to the mountain.

  Marie just examines at the unconscious ratfolk as the dwarves carry him away... She... doesn't know how to feel about this. She first believes that she is about to meet some evil-doer and Marie is ready to bring out justice. But instead she almost...

  Daisy notices the guilt on Marie's face and tries her best to comfort her by hugging the girl’s leg. "It's ok, we didn't know better, but if we ask him why he is living here and other things, then we can have a clue on what happened. I'm starting to believe he isn't much of a threat. Maybe he can forgive us? Also, I do want to ask him about why he ran away when I was giving my speech, which was a bit rude for him." Marie nods her head. But she still recalls the shadow looming over the ratfolk. How much hate and resentment the shadow holds in its eyes as it stares back at her. The memory is still fresh in Marie's mind.

  As they follow the dwarves with the ratman in hand, unknown to them... A pair of shadows are trailing behind the group. And one of them picks up the skull mask.

  The sounds of many dwarven footsteps echo inside what is once the dining hall of the Snowfall Mountain. Some of them are asking the others if they miss anything important or unusual. While some are just talking about the history of these old halls when it was still in use. But all can't ignore their latest catch. It's going to be a mess.

  “You! Clear those stairs!” Stonebreaker orders a burly dwarf. The spiral stairs are blocked for some reason. So the dwarf smashes through the barricades as if it is paper. “If I had to guess, the elves spooked the rat real badly. Which explains the furniture clogging up the steps.” Stonebreaker deduces as he leads the group up the stairs.

  “Right, a sound explanation.” Daisy comments.

  Soon enough, the group find themselves back at the docks. One dwarf brings a chair and the one holding the ratfolk plops their catch on it. The ratfolk is still out cold despite the rough treatment.

  “What now?” One dwarf asks.

  “We need to get some answers!” Daisy informs them. “For so long, this island had been uninhabited by neither two factions. But now we have this guy running around. We need to find out if he's an Iron Spears agent.”

  Stonebreaker grunts in agreement. “Aye! He could be scouting out the island for strategic points of entry!”

  “Or maybe he's just lost?” Marie suggests to them.

  “That’s possible!” Daisy takes in Marie's theory. “Still curious why he ran away though.”

  “To be fair, I did try to kill him.” The girl mutters to herself.

  Stonebreaker walks up to the ratfolk with his flask and pours its content on their captive. Moments after, they stir awake in a panic. The rat’s eyes dart around as they begin to breathe heavily.

  “Better behave, rodent. Or I'll have to break more than stone.” Stonebreaker threatens on deaf ears.

  Though the rat is in distress, it seems that the dwarf’s words don't reach him.

  Daisy marches up and points an accusing finger at their prisoner. “Who do you work for and why are you here on this island!?”

  The rat simply stares at her, his expression the same as before. Then he begins to speak, but much to their surprise, it is a language they haven't heard of before. Though, Stonebreaker feels as if he has heard it before. As the mascot tries to decipher the language, Stonebreaker delves deep in his memories to find out why the language sounds so familiar. It isn't one that's common for sure, it isn't even a language spoken by their captive’s kin.

  The rat continues to speak, sounding as if he is begging. Then suddenly, Daisy gets an idea.

  “Oh, right!” Daisy slaps her forehead. “I can speak ratfolk! I'm sure he will understand his own language!”

  But before she can continue on with their interrogation, the entrance to the docks explodes, sending the old massive doors out of the mountain. Deep and menacing music fills the air as two figures stand within the smoke. The music echoes through their bones with its harrowing bass guitar riffs. A cackle erupts as one figure steps forward, revealing themselves to the group.

  “Typical Starlight Defenders! Can't even break open a rat!”

  A knight of black steel stands before them. The dark blade absorbs all light as he rests it upon his shoulder. His shield bears the symbol of the Iron Spears: a burning crowned skull with crossed spears behind it. The horns of his helm curve like a ram’s. And despite the lack of wind, his crimson cape is flowing in the questionable breeze. Accompanying this black knight is a massive orc.

  A perfect specimen with a great muscular build. Shirtless just to show off his years of training. His hands are covered in wraps, which makes his choice of combat evident to all. A stoic expression beneath his orc warmask as he gazes upon the group. This brawler oozes with power, yet they feel a calm tide as if he brings wisdom with his brawn. And just to remind everyone that there's no wind going through the docks as of now, the orc’s ponytail upon his balding head stays static.

  The music intensifies as the nameless black knight rests his shield on the ground. “Pathetic! To think we'd find these fools here sneaking around on this supposed forbidden ground!”

  “It appears so.” The orc speaks as he eyes the bound ratfolk. It seems the prisoner is confused by their sudden appearance after being caught by Marie's group.

  “Rejoice! For today, you weaklings stand against my companion and I! Let my name burn upon the code of your minds! Remember me when I send you to the depths of hell for one day I shall join you down below and slaughter you once more! I am Grim! Magical Knight of the Iron Spears!” As he goes on with his monologue, the intense music hits the climax. “And this is my partner! Grork Rock! Cower before us and wait for your utter demise!”

  “I think that's enough, Grim.” Grork informs him as he takes up a battle stance.

  Daisy scowls. “So this rat really is an Iron Spears operative! You two are here to rescue him!”

  Grim scoffs. “We would never ally ourselves with such a weak rodent!” Grim reveals the skull mask that belongs to the ratfolk in the chair. “In our eyes, you all are trespassing on forbidden grounds. Something both factions are against. And thanks to the pretty girl for unleashing her power, our nearest fort detected her magic which revealed your presence on this island!”

  Grork folds his arms together as he stands tall. “Whatever schemes you bunch are planning here, I advise against it. This stunt alone is enough to jump start a war.”

  “Listen! This is all a misunderstanding!” Marie steps up to try and clear things out. “We were sent here to investigate the island for a disturbance, called by the elves!”

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

  Grork’s scowl is hidden behind his mask. “You mean that rodent, who is trying to escape?”

  All eyes land on the prisoner who is snaking his way to freedom. Sadly, the orc derails his pitiful attempt. The rat looks back at them for a moment then doubles his impression of a fleeing worm. The nearest dwarf is quick to bring the rat back to his seat.

  “Woah! I didn't see him!” Grim confesses. “This rodent must be quite the rogue if he's able to hide his presence from me!”

  Stonebreaker can't help but agree. ‘I hate to admit it, but this ratfolk is so elusive despite being at our mercy. The moment I look away… it's as if he vanishes from my memory.’

  Stonebreaker has no time to think about it. There's a couple of threats in front of them that need his attention.

  “So… the reason you all are here is because the rodent made too much noise?” Grim cackles once more. “Such a pathetic mission! It's just one rat! Oh how far the Starlight Defenders have fallen from grace! I always knew it was a rotting carcass. Poorly maintained to the point it is bloating with flies.”

  “Let's not be too hasty, Grim.” Grork puts an end to Grim’s monologue. “If the rodent is enough of a reason for the BSD to break the rules, I think it is in our best interest to take them back to Fort Tortuga. All of them.”

  Marie is quick to hold her wand defensively. Even the dwarves begin to prepare for the upcoming skirmish as they sense the hostility coming from these two warriors.

  As his cape flows with the imaginary wind, Grim arms himself with his weapons. “As always, you are the brains of us both, Grork. Surrender to our might, for you all are now prisoners to our cause! But please, resist so I may show you true power!”

  Daisy begins to panic as a storm is brewing within the docks. Two factions, long time rivals, are about to continue their feud. A group of dwarves and a rookie magical girl versus a showboating black knight and a stoic orc. And caught in the middle of it all is our little hero, Shepard.

  “The BSD scum is mine, you deal with the short ones.” Grim is the first to make a move. In a blink of an eye, he covers the gap between him and Marie, sword high above his head for a deadly cleave.

  Marie raises her wand to block the attack, but she falls right into Grim's trap as he slams his shield into her side. Sending the girl flying through a series of walls and deeper into the mountain.

  “Stay out of my way.” Grim warns the dwarves as he strides after Marie with confidence.

  The dwarves hesitate for a moment, they know that they are no match for a magical knight. But they still have an opponent to face.

  Stonebreaker rallies his team as they stare down the orc. He puts his faith into Marie and hopes that she comes out triumphant. For now, they must battle this warrior who knows the way of the fist. Grork rolls his neck before taking his combat stance. Clenching his fists as he prepares to take on the dwarves alone. And like his partner, the orc is the first to strike.

  Meanwhile, Marie recovers from the attack. The girl finds herself in the tunnel hub where a series of mine shafts decorate the walls; which surprises her greatly by how far she has gotten from that shield bash. She pushes herself back up instantly as Grim approaches. “Your magic is potent. But I wonder if you have enough instinct and will to use it.”

  He thrusts his blade but Marie is ready for it; casting a barrier to protect herself. “Laser beam!” Her wand shoots out the spell, but the knight is quicker.

  Dodging to the side, he swings his blade at Marie. Striking her across the shoulder. He takes pride in her pain and pushes forward. His attacks are precise. He isn't aiming to kill, but to simply weaken her. His abilities surpass hers. She was still a rookie compared to him, and it shows. But Marie is determined to win. She knows her life along with the others are on the line.

  “Mage armor!” With a single spell, Grim’s blade bounces off an ethereal armor that now protects Marie. He is nearly blinded by the neon pink light that she now wears.

  Taking advantage of this, Marie casts a series of firebolts that strike Grim on his chest plate. Every hit forces him back a step. This barrage of magic is enough to make the knight stagger.

  Using this moment of weakness, Marie uses a powerful lighting spell in an attempt to vanquish him in one decisive blow. But Grim raises his hand in time and absorbs the thunderous current which travels through his armor and into the ground. Seeing her plan failed, Marie returns to her previous idea with the barrage of firebolts. But Grim uses his shield to block every single spell as he dashes toward her.

  Unlike before, Marie is able to withstand his blade thanks to the mage armor spell. With levitation, she retreats away into the air where he surely cannot follow. But much to Marie's surprise, Grim sprouts a pair of bat-like wings and chases after her.

  As the two battle it out, Stonebreaker is having trouble with a single orc. Daisy can only watch behind the ratfolk as Grork makes short work with half of the dwarves within seconds. His Flurry of Blows are powerful. Breaking light armor with only two strikes. It is even a greater feat when he's destroying dwarven forged armor.

  Stonebreaker doesn't shy away from the challenge. He holds his hammer tightly as he joins his men to fight the brawler. With his leadership, the dwarves all pounce on the orc with all they have.

  When Grork realizes that he cannot block all, he reaches within his soul and takes on a stance. When their weapons finally touch his skin, it all bounces away as if they are fighting a mountain. Stonebreaker scowls at the failure of their combined attack. While they are still distracted, Grork raises his foot and brings it down with all his strength. The stomp shakes the mountain around him, forcing the dwarves to their knees. With this, Grork slams his fist into the closest one, sending the poor dwarf flying.

  Daisy screams out her lungs as the dwarf crashes into the two. Though she only suffers a minor damage, she notices that the orc accidentally frees the ratfolk. Seeing that he has control of his legs, the rat makes a run for it.

  “Hey, wait!” Daisy runs after him, leaving the dwarves behind.

  Grork stares at the two for a moment, but returns his gaze upon Stonebreaker. The only dwarf that stands his ground. “You are a skillful warrior. It's an honor to face you.”

  The dwarf merely laughs.

  With that, the two lunge at each other. Stonebreaker blocks a punch, but Grork still lands a hit with his other fist. Stonebreaker feels the wind leaving his lungs from the strike. The dwarf lands his own attack, but Grork recovers quickly. It's as if the massive hammer he holds I'd merely a toy to the dwarf. No, that's not it. Grork is merely strong enough to fight through the pain. Stonebreaker can see the pain his hammer causes through Grork's eyes.

  Daisy chases the rat, right into the room where Marie and Grim are fighting. The magical girl is casting spells wildly as Grim flies around, dodging everything Marie throws at him. Every now and then, he flies straight at her to deliver one blow. Using a hit and run tactic in order to whittle down her defense. But Marie isn't letting up. She is as determined to win this fight as much as he is. With Daisy off his back, the rat begins to gather his belongings while avoiding the active battle. Like a slippery eel, this rodent is able to dodge any danger and come out of it flawlessly. He makes sure he isn't missing anything as he throws all of his belongings in his bag. But realizes one crucial item that's beyond his grasp. The mask. Currently, it is on Grim's belt which makes retrieving it impossible.

  “Freeze!” A beam of cold touch strikes Grim square in the chest, encasing him in ice. But the ice shatters from his strength. No one is able to break free from this spell so easily, there must be a way to keep him still, just enough to expose his weakness to a powerful blow.

  “Marie!” Daisy calls out as she pulls something out of her Spacious Pouch. Grim flinches when Daisy joins in all too suddenly. Giving Daisy the opening she needs. Wrenching her arm back, she throws a bottle right at Grim's helmet. The moment the bottle shatters a thick black cloud blinds him.

  He uses his wings to clear out the air. Only to feel deep-seated dread as he comes face to face with Marie's wand. A series of magical circles surrounds the weapon and the caster. It's too late, there's no way he can escape. Marie grins triumphantly as she unleashes a powerful blast toward the black knight. He can't scream as the light devours him completely.

  Daisy cheers for her partner as she vanquishes her foe.

  When the spell finally ends, the knight falls to the ground but catches himself on a single knee. Now he's at Marie's mercy.

  “Nice work, Marie! Knock out that idiot so we can go after our objective!”

  A soft chuckle escapes Grim's lips. The spell leaves his helmet in ruin, shattering one side which reveals his crimson eyes. “I must confess, I did underestimate you. Believing a worm was merely such. But here I see now. You are my equal.”

  “Please, don't get up. I don't want to hurt you any further.” Marie’s words are only a threat, with no hint of compassion.

  “Hurt me? My dear!” His laugh bounces off the walls. “You've only excited me! Rarely do I have a chance to stomp on scums like you magical girls! Even rarer to find one that rivals my strength!”

  “Enough!” Marie begins to utter the spell, but a fiery wall forces her to fly away.

  And to her shock, a small dragon is poking its head from under his arm.

  Grim pushes himself back to his feet. “Ah, you've finally met my precious pet, Blaze!” He doesn't have wings, nor is it magic. No, it's the small dragon he's been hiding under his cape. “To tell you the truth! I am no swordsman. I am like you, a user of magic. But mine is far different than yours. For I am a beast tamer!”

  He returns his sword to its sheath and raises his free hand after. Blaze crawls out of hiding and perches itself on Grim’s arm.

  “You have your wand, I have my beasts!” He proudly says as he and his pet dragon prepare to fight once more with renewed vigor.

  As this is happening, the rat is scurrying about the tunnels, trying to hide from the chaos.

  Blaze straightens itself on his arm and a series of magical circles appears around it. “Behold, the wrath of Grim! Dragon’s Fire!”

  Marie is nearly engulfed in a pillar of flames. The stone ceiling behind her is now magma due to the powerful magic. Not only that, but the fire reaches far into the mountain. It is as if Grim manages to dig into a pocket of lava, which is now slowly flooding the floor.

  Daisy can only stare as her blood runs cold. Witnessing such a powerful spell. Marie's earlier spell which is strong enough to break Grim's armor is no match for Dragon Fire. And it seems the knight isn't holding back this time. But Marie isn't quitting so easily. Exhaling and inhaling, she calms her nerves. The young rookie holds onto her wand as she sets her eyes on the knight. Determination now flows through her veins as she sees what is at stake. Though she is facing a powerful foe, she knows she has it in her to come out victorious. Interestingly enough, the moment the dragon comes out of hiding, Grim's cape is no longer flowing with the imaginary wind.

  “You idiot!” Grork scolds as he drops Stonebreaker onto the floor. Walking into the room after defeating the dwarves, solidifying his superior prowess. “You have any idea what you've just done!? The Autumn Trees will sense your magic just like how we sensed theirs!”

  “If they dare to send more pathetic magical girls, so be it!” Grim answers confidently. “Let them come! I will show them why fear exists!”

  Without warning, Grim casts a fireball. Blaze eagerly spits the spell out, directing it at the magical girl. Marie dodges it but not the shockwave of the high tier spell. The explosion is massive, almost enough to bring down the room.

  The two battle once more. This time, Marie knows she's fighting someone out of her league. Grork instinctively picks up both Stonebreaker and Daisy, bringing them to one of the tunnels. “That fucking idiot! If he faces her all out like that, then this mountain is going to be flattened thanks to them!”

  “What do we do then!?” Daisy asks as she tends to Stonebreaker. Despite the threat of destruction, she still has a duty to fulfill. Even if an enemy is standing next to her.

  “There's no point of return! Once Grim uses his full strength, we can't hold him back!”

  As they hide, a rat on another tunnel entrance peaks his head out to watch the two magical warriors battle. If it isn't for the fact that this skirmish is destructive and chaotic, the whole scene might have been a beautiful light show. But everyone knows that getting hit by one single spell can kill them.

  Grim and Blaze fight with such unity that you can believe that these two act as one. Casting fire spells with such might and power. These two are a force not to be reckoned with. But Marie is proving her worth. Showing them that she can stand amongst the greats. The two warriors battle it out, destroying the room they call a warzone. It is like a dance, exchanging spells as they follow a rhythm trying to beat the other. Marie uses all the spells she remembers. While Grim and Blaze simply release flames hot enough to melt steel within minutes.

  “Let's end this!” Grim mimics Blaze’s roar as he aims the dragon toward Marie.

  “I won't lose!” Marie proudly claims as she points her wand back at them.

  The two begin chanting. Rushing to finish the spell in order to eliminate the other and come out the victor. Grork and Daisy can only watch as magical circles begin to surround both mages. With each ring showing them the amount of power their spells hold. Daisy quickly pulls Stonebreaker deeper into the tunnel but Grork stays to watch. To witness something he hasn't seen before. And that is two powerful spells crashing with each other.

  The moment both finishes chanting, the island quakes with both spells colliding with each other. Unleashing their wrath upon the world. The shockwave is strong enough to bring Grork to his knees. He nearly loses himself in the tunnels but his grip on the entrance is enough to keep him from flying away.

  Grim and Marie are stuck in a stalemate as their magic fights for dominance. The tunnel hub around them suffers greatly as walls come crumbling down. The ceiling cracking thanks to the might of two mages.

  And between it all is Shepard.

  He stares at the battle in awe. His lack of self preservation is evident as he watches from a dangerous spot.

  Suddenly, the amount of power from both spells begins to warp reality around them. Right at the center of it all, a rift rips open which the two caster doesn't notice. Shepard feels a strange pull as the rift begins to grow. He tries to escape, but it's too much for someone his size. He can't even claw his way out in time as his feet leave the ground. Grim and Marie don't realize it when the rat slips into the rift. The two are too preoccupied to even care.

  Grim and Blaze unleashes a mighty roar as Marie pushes them back with her sheer will and determination.

  Her magic slowly takes ground as it overpowers Grim’s. And before he knows it, his spell falters. Marie's magic is victorious as Grim’s slips off target and instead shoots into the ceiling. A thick smoke engulfs the whole room. Marie stands as the sole victor of the battle. Though she has some injuries of her own, she holds her head high. Taking pride in the fact she is triumphant in the face of danger.

  When the smoke clears, Grim is on both knees, hiding Blaze behind his shield. But the damage the spell has done on his armor is frightening. Some parts are glowing as if it is fresh from the forge. His helmet is no longer on his head, revealing his raven black hair. The large hole shows them the dark grey clouds in the sky. And soon enough, it begins to rain. The water cools the aftermath of the battle, and the raindrop cascades on Grim’s form. Soothing the glowing metal.

  “You're quite strong.” Grim grins wildly. A manic look is in his eyes as he glares at the one who is capable enough to bring him to his knees. “You show promise!”

  By the sound of his voice, Grim has no more fight in him. But Marie knows better than to underestimate her foe. “In the name of BSD, I demand that you surrender!”

  “You think you've won!? You and your gang of shorties have no idea what you're dealing with! When I'm through with you, that rat is as good as ours!”

  “You won't win, you evil knight!”

  “Yeah!” Daisy returns from her hiding spot with Stonebreaker’s limp form she's dragging. “You won't win against the pure heart of good!”

  “Bold claims. Sadly it won't be enough to save that stupid rodent! When I get my hands on him, he's as good as dead!” He cackles.

  “What did you say?” Marie can't believe what he just said.

  It starts low, but soon his cackle becomes an actual maniacal laughter. One that pierces their souls and sows the seeds of fear. “WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WANT THAT RAT ALIVE!? SINCE YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS EASY, I WILL-”

  “He's gone.”

  All eyes land upon Grork’s imposing form. Who then points at a spot that's right at the middle where their spell clashed.

  “A rift opened up thanks to your combined power. Not only that, we lost our only lead as well: that skull mask belonging to the rat.” Grork explains to them.

  For a moment, the whole room is silent. But then that silence shatters thanks to Grim, Daisy, and Marie. “WHAT!?”

  ---

  I'm running. I can't stop. My heart is still beating as if it is its last. My clothes and bag are absorbing the rain, almost weighing me down with the added weight. My eyes are darting around searching for shelter. I'm lost. This isn't the forest I've come to know, which only fills me with absolute dread. Worst of all, it's too dark to even see far ahead. I'm stumbling in the night, fearing for my own safety. I don't know why I was caught in that fight. I don't even know what those people even wanted from me!

  All I know is that my life is in danger.

  When that magical girl fought that knight, a massive rift opened up and I got sucked into it. Now I'm here, running.

  This rain serves only to make me suffer even more.

  “Shepard…” Henry whispers.

  I have been holding onto Henry ever since I got him back. My arms wrapping around him as if I'm covering my own infant.

  There's no time to stress about it, I need to get out of his rain! It's a damn storm out here and I'm stuck without an umbrella. Plus, my cloak isn't enough to keep the cold away.

  Luckily, I see a cabin just ahead. Feeling that my luck is finally turning around, I rush to it as fast as my legs can carry me. An actual cabin. I haven't seen that in… weeks? Or is it a month now? How long have I been alive in this world? Doesn't matter. What does is that I can finally sleep on a proper bed.

  When I reach the cabin, the lights are out. No one is answering when I knock on the door. Assuming that there's simply not a single soul within, I test out the knob; much to my surprise, the door is unlocked.

  I shuffle inside and spot the fireplace. With haste, the fire lights up and fills the room with warmth. Sitting close to the fire hoping it'll dry my clothes, I take a moment to appreciate flames. It's just so beautiful. I have hardly had the time to even admire it thanks to all the chaos. With all things that just transpired, I'm glad I can sit here and feel the warm embrace of the fire. My stomach growls at me.

  Though I feel some guilt, I can't deny my stomach, which is why I'm raiding the kitchen. But then… “Actual food!” I almost cried. The kitchen is well stocked! The bread isn't moldy! So much canned food!

  I take my time to grab everything I can carry in my bag, then I gather some food for dinner. I have no time to feel guilty or regret, there's some food I need to eat. Cheese might be stereotypical for a rat to have, but I am about to live like a king just for tonight.

  I bring everything back to the fireplace. But my feast doesn't start yet as I notice the door is wide open. And to my horror, a looming shadow is standing outside, watching me. It's tall, and no light reaches it despite the large fire. As if it is the actual void standing there. The rain rages on behind it. Something inside me snapped. This is supposed to be the moment I get some rest. But this thing. This awful thing has to come to ruin things for me.

  With a growl, I unsheath my dagger and point it at the figure. “I had fucking enough of this! This week has been nothing but terrible for me! It's like one big prank thrown at me by Loki or something!”

  I shout at the shadow who does nothing but stare in silence. I have no idea what it is but this is the last straw.

  “Do you have any idea what I went through today? You don't! For the past weeks I've been in this damn world, all I experienced is pain after pain! So back off or I'll gut you like a fucking fish!”

  The fire suddenly falters. I drop my blade as the shadowy figure reaches into the room with an arm that seems to be two dimensional, or simply put, a shadow on the floor which contradicts reality. And slowly takes away my only solace within the fireplace. Just as it does its deed, the arm retreats in the blink of an eye with a sharp gasp as if the light harms it as well. It's then that I see dozens upon dozens of pairs of eyes watching me through the doorway and windows.

  I quickly drop down and wrap myself with my arms and tail; keeping my eyes on the figure that remains static under the door, as if it is a statue and nothing more.

  As I stay close to the dying fire, I meet the glaring eyes that are full of so much hate and malice. All watching me with an unblinking gaze. My only solace is the light, yet the darkness around me is slowly creeping in. I begin to pray for my life as I lose myself to sleep.