Location: Unknown.

  Time of Day: Unknown

  The portal flared one last time before spitting Hikari and Captain out. WHUMP! They slammed into the dirt, coughing as dust rose around them. Both groaned, still sick from the ride. Behind them, the red portal hummed once... then winked out. Neither of them noticing it was gone.

  Hikari pressed a hand to her forehead. "Ow. That really hurt."

  Captain rubbed the side of his head with a grunt. "Great. Next time, remind me to pack a helmet." He shot her a glance. "You alright, Hikari?"

  She managed a small smile. "Yeah. I'll live."

  They stayed on the ground a moment longer, letting the dizziness fade as they scanned their surroundings. A narrow pathway stretched into the mist, disappearing into the unknown. Towering trees loomed on both sides, their canopy covering out the warm sun and blue sky. But something was off. The bark gave off a faint blue glow, while the leaves shimmered softly with green light, as if the forest itself was alive.

  Captain pushed himself up with rifle ready in his hands, staring at the strange trees. "Woah... where the hell are we?"

  Hikari rose beside him, eyes wide with curiosity. "Incredible. Those trees look like they'd be worth studying."

  Captain frowned, keeping his rifle steady. "C'mon, Hikari. Focus."

  She gave a sheepish smile. "Ah hehe sorry, the scientist in me gets carried away sometimes." She then slowly turned in a circle, scanning their surroundings. "Well... we're definitely not on Earth anymore." Her eyes lingered on the glowing trees before she added, half to herself, "We might even be in another timeline. But... where are the people of this world?"

  People should be the least of their worries. From the shadows of the trees, faint blue eyes blinked to life. The mist curled around them, hiding the creatures' bodies. Hikari was the first to notice. Her breath caught. "Uhh, Captain... is it me, or does it feel like the forest is staring back at us?"

  "Hm?" Captain swung his rifle toward the glow. "What the-" He stepped in front of her, voice hard. "Hikari behind me, now! Those eyes definitely scream danger."

  Another pair appeared... then another. A low growl rolled through the mist, answered by more all around them. Their eyes narrowed and the growls deepened. Then- SNARL! The beasts lunged, bursting out of the fog.

  They looked like wolves, but not normal ones. Their fur glowed in halves with one side bright blue, the other green with thin white lines of light running through their bodies like veins. They were long and lean, built to move fast. Their claws lit up the ground with every step, and their jaws opened too wide, showing rows of sharp glowing teeth.

  Hikari's breath caught. "Captain, what the heck are those things?!"

  Captain snapped his rifle up, aiming at the beasts. "I don't know what they are exactly, but that should be the least of our worries right now."

  The nearest beast crouched low, growling as its claws scraped the dirt. Another circled in the mist, glowing eyes fixed on them both.

  Hikari swallowed hard, taking a step back. "They're surrounding us..."

  "Let them try." Captain's finger tightened on the trigger, eyes sharp. "I'll drop every single one of you, c'mon bring it!"

  The ground trembled with the rhythm of pounding hooves. A heavy pressure swept through the mist that was sharp and suffocating, but only the beasts felt it. Their glowing eyes widened, ears twitching as they staggered back, growls breaking into uneasy whines. To Hikari and Captain, it was nothing more than the rumble of hooves shaking the earth. One of the beast hissed and slunk into the fog. The others followed quickly, retreating with low snarls until the last of the glowing eyes vanished. In seconds, the forest was still again.

  Hikari let out the breath. "They... left?"

  Captain kept his rifle trained on the treeline. "No. Something seemed to spook them away."

  A sharp voice rang out through the forest. "HEY! You two down there!" Two horses burst into view.

  Hikari and Captain turned toward the voice. Two brown horses closed in, hooves THUD-THUD-THUD against the dirt. The lead rider was a woman with long brown hair, adorned with delicate black-and-gold ornaments. She wore an elegant grey samurai outfit with a long katana strapped across her back. A black choker with a star-shaped insignia glinted at her throat. Just below it, a pendant glinted faintly against her chest. Beside her rode a man clad head to toe in metal armor, his face hidden behind a visor. A sword rested across his back, while a shield floated lazily behind his horse, moving as if guided by an unseen force.

  "You guys aren't deaf, are you?!" The woman shouted as they pulled to a halt, keeping a good distance between them.

  ("Interesting... it seems like they also use the English language here as well. I guess that means they'll be able to understand us.") Hikari thought, ignoring the sharp tone in the woman's voice. She pressed a hand to her mouth, steadying herself before speaking. "Uh-uhm... sorry but we're not looking for any trouble," But Captain stepped in front of her, hand raised. "Huh?" she muttered, blinking as she stumbled back a step.

  "Hikari, behind me!" Captain's voice was firm, his stance tense as he adjusted his grip on the rifle. "We don't know what intentions they might have."

  "Wait, Captain!"Hikari grabbed his arm, worry written across her face. "There's no need to be so hostile to people we just met."

  "Sorry, Hikari," he muttered, eyes still locked on the strangers. "But I'm not taking any chances. Especially not after those beasts came at us earlier."

  The samurai tilted her head, frowning. "Huh? What's that you're holding there, hm? Some kind of weapon?" Her eyes swept over the rifle, then their clothes. "And the way you're dressed... you're not from around here, are you?" She rested her chin on her hand, studying them both. "No... far from it. Do I stand correct?"

  "Th-That's correct..." Hikari admitted. She hesitated, then continued. "You see... I probably shouldn't be saying this, but... we come from a different world. And we happened to arrive in yours by pure chance with the help of a portal.... at least, that's what I'm inclined to believe."

  The samurai's eyes lit with intrigue. "A portal you say...?" She turned in her saddle, glancing back at the armored knight. "Hey question!"

  The knight's voice rumbled from behind his visor. "What is it?"

  "Didn't you once mention before that outsiders would come to our world? More specifically, a man and a woman crossing into our world through a portal."

  The knight chuckled under his helmet "Haha oh yeah I remember that."

  The knight reached into a small black cloth bag that seemed to appear from nowhere. From it, he drew an oval stone with a glossy obsidian sheen, a single black star engraved at its center. Small enough to fit in his palm, it glimmered faintly in the light, its surface almost alive as he held it up for them to see.

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  Hikari flinched at the sight. "That color..." she knew it. But this stone was different, it was marked with a star instead. Similar, yet not the same. She forced herself to shake it off, though unease lingered at the back of her mind.

  "This little artifact was the one who foretold that all this would happen someday," Slayer said, his grin clear even through the helmet. "And hey, looks like it didn't disappoint haha! Lucky us, running into you two before anyone else did."

  "Yeah, you're right about that one," the samurai replied with a faint smile. "But I don't think it was just some dumb luck for us to find them here. If this artifact predicted their arrival, then maybe we were destined to meet them."

  The knight chuckled. "Destiny, huh? Well, better that than seeing them end up as prisoners while we went off eating some good steak and drinking beer. Hahaha."

  "Haha, I'd second that!" The two shared a laugh.

  Captain's expression hardened. He kept his rifle trained on them, unamused. "Quit joking around and tell us who you guys are! And where the hell are we?!"

  "Whoa, easy there, buddy." The knight's tone sharpened. "Not sure what that thing in your hands is, but if you're looking for a fight," SHNK! his hand slid toward the hilt of the sword on his back, "then I'll be glad to help you with that."

  "Captain, calm down." Hikari placed a steady hand on his weapon, her gaze firm. She studied the samurai and the knight before them. "By the looks of it, these guys without a doubt can easily take us on. It would be best to approach them more peacefully. Afterall, no point in starting another war."

  Captain's jaw tightened then let out a long breath. "Fine. But the rifle stays up. If they make one wrong move, I won't hesitate to shoot." His voice softened just enough. "My mission is to protect you, Hikari. Don't forget that."

  "I know, and I appreciate that," Hikari said softly. "But let me take it from here."

  "Just be careful." He gave a short nod, rifle still trained on the strangers.

  She stepped forward, eyes flicking briefly to the artifact. ("That stone... it's almost identical to the one Dr. Naru used to open our portal. Somehow, it knew we were coming. I'll need to ask them where they found it... and why it's here at a later time.") Hikari stopped and stood before them, calm and steady.

  "Your friend's got a short temper, doesn't he?" the mysterious woman asked, her tone curious.

  "He has his reasons," Hikari replied evenly. "Please forgive him. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hikari Amane, and that over there is Captain." She motioned toward him as he lingered behind her. "You see, we're not from around this world. Our world... it's under siege by entities we call Echos, dangerous creatures beyond measure." Her eyes hardened as she spoke.

  "Echos?" the samurai asked, her brow furrowed. "I don't know what that means, but it must be important if you're mentioning it to us."

  "Yes," Hikari said, her voice soft but earnest. "That's why I need to understand, why we were brought to this exact world, and why our paths crossed so suddenly. Deep down... I feel you guys are the key to saving our world. Even though we just met, I can't shake the feeling this meeting isn't random."

  The samurai arched a brow. "Us? Being the key to saving your world?" She smirked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Haha. You must be joking. Even if the artifact foretold something like this, why should we help you of all people? What do we gain from this?"

  The knight chuckled, leaning back in his saddle. "Besides, Captain Underpants over there was already threatening us with a good time."

  Captain spoke firmly, rifle still trained on them. "Hmph. You're lucky Hikari is in the way, otherwise that mouth wouldn't be running right now."

  "Look, I understand your reasoning," Hikari continued, "and you have every right to refuse us. But I won't just stand around and let our world crumble into pieces. I promised to find help, and that's what I'm going to do!" Her hand pressed firmly to her chest, voice trembling but loud enough to echo through the glowing trees. "I won't give up that easily... and I won't give up on you guys, either! I refuse to accept a future where everything is reduced to bones and ashes! You got that?!"

  The knight raised his brows, letting out a short whistle as he crossed his arms. "Whoa... she's dead serious about this huh."

  "You bet she is," Captain said, his voice steady but fierce as his rifle stayed leveled. "I agree with her completely, and I won't give up either. I've seen firsthand what these Echos can do. Their destruction, the lives lost... I refuse to stand by and watch our people die without cause. I'll do whatever it takes to restore order too!" His eyes burned with conviction.

  "Hmmm..." The samurai tilted her head, then broke into a small smile. "Haha. You two are some interesting individuals, aren't ya? That determination you guys have? Is something I can trust and respect. It reaally goes a long way. Especially if we decide to help you guys out." Her tone softened. "I don't know what these 'Echos' are... but I believe you're serious about your fight against them. And I can't turn my back on a call for help, even if it comes from another world." She swung down from her horse, boots hitting the ground with a thud. Closing the distance, she held out her hand. "So... since you won't just let us ride past then..."

  "Huh?" Hikari blinked, surprised, before humbly accepting the handshake. The samurai's grip was firm as she introduced herself.

  "My name is Lumina... Lumina Ashira. And it's a pleasure to meet you both." She gave a small, respectful bow.

  "And that armored guy back there-" Lumina jerked her thumb toward the knight behind her, "-goes by Slayer. My best friend and teammate."

  "Hello there, comrades!" Slayer called, giving them an enthusiastic wave.

  "I see... Lumina and Slayer. It's nice to meet you both!" Hikari said with a bright smile. "I'm looking forward to getting along with you guys on this journey."

  From behind, Captain let out a long sigh, muttering under his breath, "Guess it's settled then." He finally lowered his rifle and stepped up beside Hikari. Crossing his arms, he gave a low, stubborn "Hmph."

  Hikari chuckled softly at the sight, then glanced back toward Lumina. "Hey Lumina," she asked, tilting her head, "where... exactly are we right now?" Her eyes wandered to the glowing trees around them.

  Lumina folded her arms. "Oh, well, right now we're on the outskirts of the path that leads to the city of Xevia. That's where Slayer and I grew up. Once we get there, we'll be heading to my tavern."

  "Yes!" Slayer pumped a fist, his voice full of excitement. "Can't wait to stuff my face with some steak and wash it down with a big'ol mug of beer!"

  ("Xevia... never heard of that place before. I should write it down later in my databook, just in case.") Hikari thought to herself.

  Captain broke the moment with a sharp tone. "Hey question. What the hell were those things back there anyway? The ones that came at us in the mist?"

  Lumina blinked. "Things? What things?"

  Hikari stepped in, her expression serious. "They had blue and green fur, glowing eyes... wolf-like, but not normal. They also were watching us before they attacked and then... they just ran off."

  Recognition flashed in Lumina's eyes. "Must've been Veyluns."

  Hikari tilted her head, resting a hand on her hip. "Veyluns? What are those?"

  "They are wild beasts that live in this glowing forest." Lumina continued. "They're drawn to outsiders like moths to flame. Hmph, you're lucky they didn't tear you apart."

  Hikari jokingly shivered, hugging her arms close. "So that's what they were... yuk." She hesitated, then asked, "But... what made them leave so suddenly?"

  Slayer leaned back in his saddle, laughing. "Haha! Must've felt our presence and ran off with their tails between their legs."

  Lumina gave him a side-eye but smirked. "Yeah I don't blame them. Either way, don't worry because they won't be coming back. Neither will any other creature, as long as you stick with us."

  Relief softened Hikari's face. "That's... reassuring to hear hehe."

  Captain exhaled through his nose, arms crossed. "Good. I'm glad Hikari's protection is secured... but don't think that means I trust you yet."

  Lumina tilted her head, unbothered. "Fair enough."

  Hikari then glanced at the artifact in Slayer's hand. "I'd also like to know more about that stone. It looks a lot like the one Dr. Naru used to open the portal that brought us here."

  "Dr. Naru?" Lumina's brow lifted with interest.

  "Yes," Hikari said softly. "He stayed behind, but he's the reason we're here at all."

  "I see..." Lumina's tone grew firm, her gaze shifting back to the path. "Then we'll save that story for later. For now, we should keep moving. The city isn't far from here, so stick close and you'll be safe."

  "Sounds good to me!" Slayer said, still enthusiastic. "Besides, I'm interested in hearing everything that's happening in their world and what drove them to come here."

  "Yeah, same here." Lumina nodded. "Then it's settled. The both of you will be riding with us." She glanced at Hikari. “You’re with me.” Then toward Captain, a faint smirk. "And Captain... you're with Slayer."

  Hikari smiled, nodding once. “Thank you, Lumina.” She swung onto the horse, settling in behind her.

  Captain let out a long sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding me…” he muttered, reluctantly climbing onto Slayer’s horse.

  "Don't worry, partner!" Slayer said with a grin under his visor. "I promise I'll get you there in one piece. Maybe even two if the ride's bumpy."

  "Just shut up and ride," Captain growled, gripping the saddle tightly.

  "Haha, come on, don't be so stiff. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship!" Slayer teased, giving his horse a playful nudge.

  Captain groaned, muttering under his breath, "This is going to be a long ride..."

  Together, the four set off down the glowing forest path, bound for the city of Xevia, unaware that their arrival had already been foretold... and that the first step of destiny had just been taken.