“Cliff, look at this,” Mia said.

  Tracing a colorful tree, her fingers caused the colors to detach and transform into small butterflies that flew around the room before settling on a high branch, painting its in a whirl of colors.

  The tree they departed retained a moist, pearly color; gradually little vibrant leaves grew at an incredibly slow pace.

  “These trees give birth to butterfly-like plants,” Cliff read in the ‘Lulu Land’ pamphlet he’d opened. “But their life span is rather short.”

  The floor showed a colorful history of deceased butterprees, cleaned nightly.

  “Hehe!” Takara excitedly touched every tree, awestruck by the color-swapping magic.

  “Floral Fantasy Land is gorgeous, I could stay here all day,” Mia said.

  “Can we go…” Rai said.

  Gazing at the map, Cliff said, “There’s still quite a lot left to explore.”

  As Takara ran by, Rai slipped his foot out slightly, tripping her and sending her tumbling across the floor, leaving fainted blotches of color on her clothes and face.

  Tears welled in her eyes as she started to cry.

  “Rai,” Mia said, smacking him on the back of the head.

  “Ow!” Rai said.

  “Apologize,” Mia said.

  “Okay, I’m sorry…”

  Shaking his head, Cliff said, “Rai…” Placing his hands behind the children he walked them out.

  “Thanks for visiting the Butterfly House,” the park employee said.

  “Hey Dad,” Rai said, tugging at his father’s pants. “Can we go on that ride?”

  Above, the sign read, Petals plunge; a water ride where boats shaped by petals, drift through an enchanted garden.

  He looked at his wife, Mia, who subtly shook her head no. Bending over, he responded, “Perhaps later. It’s too early to be drenched in water.”

  Rai, upset, crossed his arms. Noticing another attraction, he pointed, saying, “What about that one?!”

  “A carousel?” Mia said.

  The carousel, with its many cute animals adorning a flower on their head, rotated around a garden.

  Cliff said, “I can’t refuse it all,” as he swept Rai off his feet.

  “Yes!”

  Takara’s eyes welled up with tears as she started to protest.

  “Oh, honey, what’s wrong?” Mia said. Takara indicated a shop displaying a picture of plant-shaped pancakes.

  “Pancakes made with edible flower toppings and colorful syrups,” Mia said, obesrving the sign outside. “Honey, Takara and I are going to have pancakes. Did you still want one of the smoothies next door?”

  Adjacent to Petal Pancakes was Nectar Smoothies, whose beverages were created using fruit and flower extracts.

  “You bet, but don’t forget, no peanuts,” he said.

  “If I had a dollar for everytime you reminded me,” Mia said, rolling her eyes.

  “Touching a peanut won’t kill you,” he said jokingly. “Remember the shot you got me when we went out a few weeks ago.”

  “Here we go again. It was on special, I wasn’t thinking,” Mia said.

  “It was a peanut shot!?” Cliff said.

  Mia gave Cliff a playful shove, “Don’t test me,” she said, pulling Takara away. “Your life, is in my hands.” She winked as they left. “Come on baby.”

  Rai circled repeatedly, waving his arms joyfully, making Cliff smile.

  After an hour, they arrived at a different section of the park, the Forest Enchantment Camp.

  “Rai?!” Cliff looked around in a panic.

  “Mom…” Takara said.

  “Not now, sweetheart,” she said. “Did you find him?”

  “MOM! DAD!” Rai echoed from high above.

  Among towering tree’s, as guests navigated the network of zip-lines withint he Treehouse Adventure attraction, they noticed a boy hanging periously to a branch.

  “The boy?!” a lady spoke, pulling her child in close.

  “Look at me!” he said, imitating monkey sounds.

  As Lulu Land’s staff rushed over, many whispered anxiously about the child.

  “How’d he get up there...?” they asked Mia.

  “Oh you know, he decided gravity was optional today,” Mia said. “I don’t have a clue!” she said throwing her hands up before redirecting her attention to Rai.

  “He’s to young to be let on the attraction, unless he slipped by the crew up front…” someone said.

  “Mom,” Takara said.

  “Not right now,” Mia said. “Rai! Hang on!”

  Cliff ran over to the base of the tree, but in attempt to climb it, he slipped back down, landing on his butt.

  “Mom…”

  “Takara!”

  Hesitantly, Takara said, “Brother climbed up…”

  “Climbed?!” Mia said. It would be a dangerous challenge, even for a pro, let alone a child.

  “I saw him,” Takara said.

  A lululand employe, reached from the nearest bridge he can, using the help from others, but he was still out of reach. “Careful, we’re coming to you,” he said.

  Rai observed the crowd. “Did I do something wrong?” He spun around the branch rapidly, making many gasp as he jumped between branches and landed on the ground.

  Everyone was left speechless.

  “Abminus?” a man murmured nearby.

  “But how…”

  A park employee received a phone call. “Hello sir? Yes… Okay.” Following that, the worker told the rest of the staff to break up the crowd.

  “Rai what were you thinking?!” Mia said.

  “It looked fun…” Rai said.

  Cliff gave Rai a discerning look.

  “Honey, aren’t you going to say something?” Mia said, but she noticed a glance from Cliff, and after a brief moment of understanding, she dropped the subject.

  After apologizing to the staff, they were allowed to continue their venture through the amusment park.

  Their next stop was Mossy Maze.

  Standing on top of the mazes twisting pathways, workers observed those who surrendered, leading them towards an exit.

  “This is boring, why do I have to stay here?” Rai said.

  “You lost that privilege. You’re staying right beside me,” Mia said.

  “Ugh,” Rai uttered.

  “Listen to your mom,” Cliff said.

  “Wee,” Takara said, running back and forth freely.

  A short while passed, and Rai’s stomach growled.

  With a sigh, Mia asked the workers to show them the way out.

  At Mossy Burgers, Rai munched on a sloppy stacked burger made with green herb-infused buns.

  Meanwhile, Takara sipped on a drink from Forest Fizz, a sparkling beverage with flavors extracted from fruits all over the world.

  “Thirty dollars for a burger…” Cliff said, massaging his wallet gently, as if it was personally hurt.

  “Yep, and for an extra $10, they’ll let you smell the fries. Living the dream, huh,” Mia said, giving him a light nudge.

  “Oh well…” Cliff said.

  Mia noticed Rai getting ancy, as she could tell he wanted a little more freedom than the short leash he was on.

  “Don’t run off again, Rai,” Mia said, leaning down next him. “Promise me.”

  “I promise….” Rai said, agreeing to let wander a little further off, as long as he was in view closeby.

  “Right,” said Cliff, his eyes on the map. “What’s next?” He flipped the pamphlet and asked the children, “Volcanic Pillar or Candy Land?”

  “Candy Land!” they said in unison.

  Having traversed the next area, gazing at Takara, Rai said, “You okay?”

  “I have a tummy ache…” Takara said. She had nibbled on every colorful treat she could get her hands onwithin the cotton candy musuem.

  “Do you need to use the restroom?” Mia said, noticing one nearby.

  Takara nodded her head yes.

  “I’m going to take Rai to the swings,” Cliff said.

  “Okay, where do you want to meet?” Mia said.

  “Sugar Rush Raceway?” Cliff said.

  Shaking her head, “Why do I feel like this ride’s for you?”

  Cliff chuckled nervously, “Quick, before she stops us,” he said, running away with Rai in hand.

  “I’m tired, Dad,” Rai sighed, leaning over as he looked at the line ahead of them to get on the ride.

  “You don’t want to ride it?” Cliff said.

  “No,” Rai said, picing up a rock from the floor. He tossed it at a nearby plastic cup hanging on the edge of a trash can, knocking it in.

  “You’re always so accurate with those,” Cliff said, smiling. He scanned his surroundings and spotted a sign that said, Garden Grottoes. Lifting Rai, who immediately hugged him and closed his eyes, he said, “Upsie daisy.”

  Following a brief rest, everyone gathered at Sugar Rush Raceway, a go-kart track filled with candy-themed karts and sweet landscaping.

  “Dad! Were losing!” Rai said.

  “Not yet!” he shouted back.

  Mia and Takara were in another car ahead of them. Magnetized tracks prevented lane changes, however, steering at the right moment affected speeds slightly.

  Inch by inch, they cotinued to pass one another, but as the final turn came, Rai gripped the wheel, saying, “Turn!”

  The turn however was timed incorrectly, giving the lead to the women.

  “Whoo!” Mia said as they passed the finish line.

  “We won!” Takara said, sticking her tongue out at Rai.

  “Ugh…” Rai said.

  “It was a good run,” Cliff said, placing his hand on his head.

  “But Takara won…”

  “You should be happy she won,” Cliff said.

  Once again, Rai folded his arms stubbornly.

  While Mia revisted the restroom, Cliff took the children shopping.

  This shop sold a wide variety of plant-themed souvenirs, including flower jewelry, seed pots, and decorative pots.

  “Kids, what should we get mommy?”

  Noticing some unshelved merchandise in a box, Rai suggested, “How about this?”

  “Pretty,” Takara said, her eyes sparkling.

  It was a small pink flower necklace, similar to Lumi’s. Even the central pink stone felt authentic, museum-worthy, not something one would expect to find in an amusement park shop.

  Accompanied by the children, Cliff went to the front desk and left the necklace there. “I would like to buy this, but I can’t seem to find a pricetag.”

  “No problem,” the cashier mumbled, sniffing as his cold persisted. “I’ll price this like the others,” he said, marking it as usual. “That’ll be $22.95.”

  Once they regrouped, Takara eagerly said, “Close your eyes mom.”

  “They’re closed,” she said, smiling.

  “Open!” Rai said.

  “Opening!” she said with a giggle. Cliff stood before her, holding the necklace.

  “What’s wong?” Takara said.

  Mia brushed away a tear. “It’s… beautiful.” Looking at Cliff, she said, “Thank you,” giving him a kiss on the cheek.

  “I love you,” Cliff responded.

  “I love you too,” Takara said, wrapping herself around their legs.

  “Turn around,” Cliff said, putting the necklace on Mia.

  “How does it look?” she asked.

  “You look beautiful, but the necklace is a nice addition,” Cliff said.

  Mia held her husband’s gaze, her eyes glistening, before Rai asked, “What’s our next destination?””

  “Hmm, let me have a look,” Mia said, revealing a pamphlet. “There aren’t too many places left.”

  “There’s a plant workshop nearby?” Cliff said.

  Rai and Takara both shouted, “Noooo!”

  “Okay, haha. No gardening today.”

  “Glowing grove?” Rai said.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Not dark enough yet,” Cliff said, running a hand through Rai’s hair.

  “There’s a live show neaby,” Mia said, pointing at the schedule of shows on the map.

  “We haven’t seen a show yet, what do you guys say?”

  The two agreed, not sure what a show entailed.

  Twirling high in the trees, flower-costumed dancers swung from ropes, just catching each other as they were flung.

  Cliff carried Takara on his shoulders, and Mia carried Rai on hers, that way they could see the show clearly.

  The performance culminated with the performers rising on a giant elevator-like platform, while water spouted from the river below in rainbow patterns.

  “That was amazing!” Rai shouted.

  “Not too loud,” Mia said to Rai. Takara, slept soundly in her embrace.

  From afar, Rai noticed the water ride. “Dad,” he said, nudging at his pants.

  Cascade Rapids, a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure

  Mia, holding the sleeping Takara, nodded.

  “Sure, son,” Cliff sighed. He kissed his wife’s cheek, murmuring, “See you shortly,” as he walked past.

  While waiting in line, Rai enjoyed the many waterfalls along the path, sticking his hands into the cool water.

  “Do you think we’ll make it to Hydro?” someone in line behind Rai said.

  “Hopefully… That’s one of my favorite shows here.”

  “Hey dad, can we go to that?” Rai said.

  “Son, we can’t do everything,” Cliff said.

  “But we got to go on all the rides Takara wanted too…” Rai said.

  “Rai, she’s your little sister. Can’t you be happy for her?” Cliff said.

  “She always get’s whatever she wants,” Rai said.

  With a sigh, Cliff bent down. “Rai, do you love mom?”

  “Mhm.”

  “Why do you love her?” Cliff said.

  “Because she’s kind, pretty, and she cooks the best meals… and tells amazing stories!” Rai said.

  “Were you aware that your mother is also someone’s elses little sister?”

  “Really?”

  “That’s right. Your mother was well-loved by them. Mommy’s kindness and love might not have been the same without them. Your little sister needs your love and care.”

  With lowered eyes, Rai pondered the matter. “But Taka’s annoying,” he said.

  Cliff, hands on Rai’s shoulders, shook his head and said, “Always protect and care for your sister. We don’t abandon the people we must protect. Do you understand, Rai?”

  “Yes…”

  Rai, once on the ride, looked around in amazement at the many plants.

  “Check that out!” Cliff said. From afar, a twirling plant came to a standstill, pointed directly at the two of them as the center glowed blue.

  “Whoa—” water burst out, smacking Rai in the face and drenching him.

  “Hahaha,” Cliff laughed, poking fun at Rai.

  Frustrated, Rai leaned over and splashed handfuls of water, soaking Cliff. “Not so funny now, is it!”

  “R-Rai,” Cliff said, before gripping him and dunking his head in the water.

  “Please keep your hands and legs within the boat,” a voice echoed from hidden speakers.

  The two glanced at one another, leaning back, before they broke out in laughter.

  Soon, they ascended toward their unavoidable downfall.

  “Here it comes, son!” Cliff said, holding onto his son, who was sitting in front of him.

  Rai closed his eyes, leaning into his dad.

  Cliff smiled lightly at Rai, thinking, having climbed so high and jumped down so casually, why are you afraid of heights now? You really are just a kid, aren’t you?

  A playful scream escaped both their lips as the boat zoomed down, sending them both into a soaking, watery plunge.

  “Look at your face,” Cliff laughed, dangling a photo they were given as they left the ride.

  “Yeah, yeah…” Rai said.

  Outside of a tree nearby, a cat lunged out, startling Rai who jumped into his dad.

  “Rai,” Cliff, fell on his butt, holding his forehead laughing.

  “I wasn’t scared!” Rai said.

  “You jumped so high, I thought you were trying to dunk on a ghost,” Mia said with a chuckle, appearing beside them with warm mathing sweaters for them both.

  “Err…” Rai snatched his sweater, turning away embarrased.

  Night was approaching as the parade was getting ready to start. Its characters wore costumes representing diverse plants and aspects of nature.

  “Look at all the banners,” Mia said, gazing at the many flags being carried during the parade.

  “With much of the world threatened by the Minus, the Axien Church and Illuminus Empire created entertainment zones to offer respite to their people.”

  “I supposed its a good thing we’ve got so many groups out there fighting for us,” Mia said.

  “This peace came about thanks to the surprisingly rapid and significant joint action of the Nephilim and Abminus,” a man beside them said.

  “I can’t say the situations much better than the Jade Wars, but at least we’re no longer at each other’s necks,” Cliff said, and the other man nodded.

  “Jade Wars?” Takara said.

  “It’s nothing,” Mia said. “Look,” Mia said pointing in the distance.

  “There he is!” Rai said, pointing at a large eight-foot clown, Lulu Land’s mascot.

  Toward the parade’s end, the music blared, “Lulu, look at me! A Lulu world is free. Hoopah around the block, and Lulu you will see!”

  The clown caught Rai’s eye, then opened a gift revealing a Hoopah Doll. These were to be released soon, but their availability was severely restricted.

  “Take a Lulu look at me, and joy and peace you’ll see. A Lulu sypmphony, where we can all be free!” the clown shouted, tossing it towards Rai.

  Rai jumped up and down. “Dad! Look!”

  “Wow, look at that!” Cliff said, lifting his son up, tossing him into the air before catching and setting him down gently.

  Not getting a toy of her own, Takara frowned.

  After some thought, Rai reluctantly gave it to his sister. “Here…”

  “I don’t want it, it’s ugly,” Takara said.

  “Take it back!” Rai said, yanking the toy back into his embrace.

  Mean leaned over and kissed Rai’s forehead, saying, “That was nice of you. In fact,” she stood up, “I think you earned some Fiery Nachos.”

  “Really!? Um,” Rai’s fingers twiddled together, “can we also get some volcanic cake.”

  “We’ll have dessert once we get back,” Cliff said.

  “Okay,” Rai said.

  Once they’ve ate their fill, Cliff said, “Alright guy’s, we’ve got one more ride left, what’s it gonna be?”

  “I want to go on the Hoopah Rollercoaster,” Rai said. Cheese was smeared across his face.

  “They’re closed,” Mia said.

  “Really…” Rai said in disappointment.

  “Eco education!” someone hollered behind a stand. “Discover the various plants and ecosystems found in Lulu Land.”

  “Cliff, aren’t the fireworks starting soon?” Mia said.

  “Actually, you’re right. We’ll want to get there early if we want a good spot. Change of plans kids, we’re going to see the fireworks.”

  Yawning, Takara said, “Okay, sleepily leaning against her mother.”

  Amidst a crowd of hundreds, the family sat on the asphalt outside. Ahead of them stood a large castle, a new attraction that was still under construction.

  Fireworks soon erupted, illuminating the sky with a vibrant, multicolored display.

  Takara, falling asleep, leaned on her brother’s shoulder.

  Initially wanting to push her away, Rai reconsidered his father’s words and allowed her to sleep peacefully.

  Rai’s eyes glanced at the fireworks that made many shapes, like that of manticals and dragons; even hoopah dolls and images of elites on the front line in the war against Minus. Combined with the music, this night was a night he’d always remember.

  Normally the trip back would have taken many days, but they luckily received a port pass—a rare occurrence given the ports’ recent construction not long after the Shattering.

  It was a gift they won in a raffle held by Keltzer.

  Because of this, the entire family quickly returned to Nyhud, a city bordering the Kingdom of Keltzer.

  Returning, they were met by streets overrunned and destroyed by giant roots… Despite the Shattering’s extensive damage, they salvaged what they could.

  Back home, a single candle lit the place as they all sang.

  “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rai, happy birthday to you!”

  “Make a wish,” Mia said.

  Considering it, Rai blew out the candles. Looking over the cake with a greedy smile, suddenly, his face was shoved into it.

  “Hey!” Rai said, frosting spread across his face.

  Mia laughed; she was the one who shoved him into the cake. “Looks like you’ve got a mouth full.”

  “Mom!”

  “Oh get over it, you know this is tradition,” Mia said.

  Takara laughed, but Rai, in a playful move, said, “You know, Taka, frosting really brings out the color in your eyes!” He smeared the frosting from his face onto hers.

  Takara blinked, her green eyes vivid against the spread of white frosting, before her face flushed with anger. “Mom!” she said.

  Both the parents laughed.

  Soon Takara and Rai went to bed.

  Mia kissed them goodnight and glanced back one last time. “I love you both so much, don’t you ever think otherwise…”

  “I love you too,” the kids responded, the door softly closing behind them.

  ***

  “Get up!” Cliff’s voice echoed, banging on the door.

  “Huh…” Rai said, rubbing his closed fist against his eye.

  Abruptly shoving the door open, Rai caught a glimpse of his mother who had her head tilted down, slowly cooking some eggs in the kitchen.

  “Mmm,” Takara murmured, struggling to apprehend the rude awakening.

  “Dad?” Rai said.

  “I said get up! There won’t be any more sleeping in,” Cliff said, yanking Rai out of the bed and tossing him to the floor. “We’re going for run.”

  “O-okay,” Rai said. About an hour later, Rai was heaving, stopping to take a breath. “Dad, I-I can’t…” Rai fell to his knee’s sweat dripping from his face.

  “Shut up. I can’t is a mindset,” Cliff said, gripping Rai’s shirt and lifting him into the air.

  For the first time ever, Rai was afraid of him. “D-Dad…”

  “Don’t Dad me. Get on your feet and get moving! You’re another year older. From now on you need to start pulling your own weight,” he said, tossing Rai to the floor. “Come on, let’s go. Or no dinner for you tonight.”

  “Taka…” Rai said, hobbling to his room as he passed his little sister. Behind him, Cliff entered, also sweating.

  “Rai, diner’s ready,” Mia said undertone, but Rai went straight to his room, collapsing on the bed.

  “Brother,” Takara said, opening the door slightly in which he had partly closed.

  “Not now… Taka…” and soon snoring emitted. Perhaps this was just a bad day? But the next morning, Rai was awoken yet again.

  “What did I say about sleeping in!” Takara awoke quicker than the night before.

  “I’m so tired—” Cliff grabbed Rai by the hair, throwing him onto the floor. “Get your fucking shoes on. It’s time to go.”

  Rai quickly put his shoes on, slouching as he followed his father out of the home. There was a muffin on the table for him, but when he reached for it, Cliff smacked it away. “You can eat after.”

  Gazing at his mom, she refused to look at him, instead stirring eggs within the pan like the night before.

  “D-Dad, can we take….” Rai fell over during the run, though he made it farther this time without a break.

  Gripping his shirt, Cliff yanked him up to eye level. “You’re becoming a man now Rai, there’s no room for this complaining,” he said, dropping him to the floor where he landed with a thud.

  Tears welled in Rai’s eyes as his fingers dragged against the dirt, curling into fist. “Yes Dad.”

  “From now on, you will call me sir, do you understand?”

  “Yes sir…”

  A couple weeks had passed, and once again Rai entered his home, ragged and dirty. From another room, he could here both his parents yelling at each other but couldn’t make out what it was about.

  “Brother…” Takara said, creeping behind the room they shared.

  “Hey… Taka,” Rai said, limping towards her.

  “Are you okay…”

  “I’m… fine,” Rai said, with a faint smile. Sitting at the table where a plate of cold food awaited, he picked up the fork, tapping away at the food.

  “I saved this for you,” Takara said, holding out an apple.

  Rai smiled, grasping the apple. “Thank you… But I’m not that hungry.”

  Suddenly bursting through the door, Cliff. “Late a little home tonight, aren’t you? That was the slowest time all week!”

  From within the room Rai caught his mom crying. She was on her knees, palms of her hands over her eyes leaning over her bed.

  “There was someone who needed help…” Rai tried to reason.

  “Bullshit!” Cliff said. Smacking the plate of food away, he gripped Rai’s hand, dragging him outside.

  “Dad,” Takara pleaded.

  “Shut it girl!” Cliff said. Kicking the door open, he pulled Rai outside and tossed him forward onto the ground. “Get up!”

  Rai, exhausted, stood all the same.

  “Have you been training?” Cliff said.

  “I don’t have time too…” Rai said.

  “You don’t have time too,” Cliff said shaking his head. Picking up a wooden stick, he tossed another towards Rai. “You’ll make time!”

  “D-Dad?! Gah!” Cliff sent his foot into the stomach of the small boy. Falling over, Rai gripped his stomach.

  “Really, one hit?!” Cliff said.

  “It… It hurts…” Rai said.

  “Learn to make it not hurt!” Cliff said. “Until then, you can expect to sleep outside.” Cliff returned to the house, closing and locking the door behind him.

  From behind him, Takara looked through the window curtains; however not long after, Cliff pulled her away.

  Outside, Rai, holding his stomach, cried himself to sleep.

  The next two weeks consisted of multiple days of physical training. Rai suffered many injuries within that time.

  “Ahhh!” Rai charged his dad, but his dad slammed the stick over Rai’s head, causing him to fall limp.

  “Really, after all this time and this is as far as you’ve gotten?!” Cliff shouted.

  “I’m… trying….” Rai said, trying his best to stand.

  “You’re not trying hard enough!” Cliff said, tossing the stick away.

  “Dad stop!” Takara said.

  “Shut it Takara, you’ll be starting your training soon enough as well. Learn from your brother while you can.” Takara, shook, took a step back. Once again, Cliff walked towards the door. “Get inside Takara.”

  “No,” Takara said.

  “Fine, you can sleep outside with your brother then,” Cliff said.

  “Brother,” Takara said, running to her big brother.

  “I’m okay…” Rai said.

  Takara, holding her arms, said, “I’m cold…”

  “Taka… Let’s get out of here.”

  “Get out?”

  “Yeah… Let’s leave.”

  “Okay. I’ll go wherever you go.”

  Rai, slightly surprised by his sister’s answer, held his pinky up, “Together, always.”

  They traversed the slums of Nitehood for a couple of hours.

  A few adults in the corner, their clothing ragged, happened to see the kids walking by.

  “Brother…” Takara said, squeezing into him.

  “Come on, let’s go this way,” Rai said. Looking behind him he saw the adults steadily following, snickering the entire time. Picking up the pace, Rai turned a corner. “Come on Taka,” he urged. Their walking quickened to a slow run, but when they noticed the three men behind them also pick up their pace, Rai shouted. “Let’s go Taka!” Snatching a rock on the floor, Rai turned around and tossed it; it bounced off the narrow alleyway, smacking one man and causing him to bump into the other as they all came tumbling down.

  “Come on!” they shouted after standing back up. Racing down the alleyway they turned a corner in hot pursuit.

  As they left, a metal trash can lid was lifted and from it, Rai’s head poked out.

  “It smells…” Takara said.

  “Come on, let’s go,” Rai said.

  They continued down the slums of Nitehood when Takara said, “My feet hurt…” Stopping in her place.

  Rai, seeing this, lifted her on his back, “Come on, let’s find somewhere to sleep then.”

  But then, without notice, the sky grew dark as clouds formed and a strange energy whipped through the entirety of Nitehood.

  Suddenly, homeless with radios, Tv’s and alarms sounded. “Flux storm! Alert! Flux storm!”

  People started running away, almost trampling over them.

  “It’s coming from down south!” Someone shouted.

  “Quick, we need to get away!” The flux storm was far enough away to not affect them, but this didn’t mean that Minus wouldn’t form.

  The energy seeped into the ground and soon cracks formed in the ground. Through the crust, wooden bark broke through from roots deep within the earth, and they slowly attached to one another forming all sorts of creatures.

  “MINUS!” someone shouted. Beneath Rai’s feet, a mouth broke through the earth, and small arms and legs broke through after.

  “Taka! Let’s go!” He was aware of Minus, after all, since the Shattering they were humanities current greatest threat. Along the sides, Minus emerged, and once fully formed they rushed at every living thing with a core; essentially all living things.

  “Ahh!” someone was tackled by two creatures made of bark as they clamped down on his throat, splattering blood across the floor. Others were dragged away as larger Minus pulled them into dark alleyways.

  A Minus charged them from in front, so Rai held his sister closing his eyes, but a bystander smashed it with a shovel. “Run boy!” the man said. A second later a Minus rammed into the man, crashing through a glass store window; his screams faded quickly. Minus were literally everywhere!

  Twisting around an alley way, Rai dragged Takara along. In the distance, the ground cracked and Minus emerged from the ground. Turning around he realized more Minus appeared, trapping him.

  “Brother…” Takara said in a cold sweat. The negative flux, though not primarily there, began to affect her, until she passed out.

  “Taka?!” Grabbing a broomstick, Rai laid Takara against the wall. “I won’t let you have her!” The first Minus charged while the rest were still forming. “Rai dove the stick forward, forcing it directly into the throat of the Minus, however, it wasn’t nearly enough to do anything. The Minus bit the stick, shaking its head before lunging at Rai. Jumping out of the way, Rai picked up his unconscious sister, dragging her away towards the Minus still forming behind him. He had no idea what to do as all the Minus had formed and were now rushing at him. Closing his eyes, he held his sister tight. But what he thought was about to be his end, never arrived.

  “Hey…” a voice spoke. Rai however refused to open his eyes. “Everything’s going to be okay. Don’t worry.”

  A sense of calm came over Rai, but when he opened his eyes, he was by himself. Even the feeling of the flux storm had dispersed.

  Seeing people from the main street running and pausing with a look of joy on their face, they shouted, “The number one elite!”

  Rai carried Takara on his back to where everyone was.

  “The number one elite?” Rai said.

  “He took out every Minus in a split second….” Someone said, falling to their knees.

  “The storms gone…” another spoke.

  “Thank you,” an old man said, leaning over his grandchildren who had made it through the ordeal. “Thank you, hero,…” Tears formed in his eyes.

  “Hero…” Rai said… Gazing at his sister, a slight smile appeared on his face. “Thank you….”

  As Rai returned to his home, outside, Mia was waiting with a look of panic on her face. “You’re okay!” she shouted, rushing over and hugging them both.

  From the window, Cliff watched as the embraced each other.

  The next day, Cliff pulled Rai outside for another training session.

  “Cliff!” Mia shouted. “Enough is enough! Haven’t they been through enough!”

  “Had the number one elite not showed up, they would be dead. It’s obvious, it’s not enough!” he said.

  “No! No more!” she argued as Rai rose from the floor after another beat down.

  “Your sister and you would be dead, because of your weakness. Do you understand this?! You were both going to die!” Cliff said.

  “Cliff!” Mia said, grabbing his arm but he shoved her to the floor.

  “Shut up!” Rai said, charging at him.

  Takara was at the door, slightly hiding behind it as she watched the scene unfold.

  Cliff swung the stick, but Rai deflected it, swinging at his waste and landing a direct hit.

  “Too weak!” Cliff said, punching Rai in the face and sending him backwards into the ground. After seeing Rai struggle to rise, Cliff said, “Maybe you need more motivation!” Gazing behind him he saw Takara. Walking back he grabbed Takara by the hair, pulling her inside.

  “OW, Dad! Please stop,” Takara begged.

  “Don’t you fucking touch her!” Rai said, lifting himself up and running inside.

  “Cliff!” Mia cried, also rising.

  Cliff held Takara by her hair, her feet barely hovering over the ground. In his hand he had a knife to her throat. “Well boy! What will you do now!”

  “Cliff, this has gone too far!” Mia said.

  “I’ll kill you!” Rai said, and suddenly, a newfound energy whipped up inside of him, flux force. In an instant he appeared before Cliff, smashing his head into his gut and sending him flying into the wall as he dropped Takara.

  Cliff’s body slammed into the wall of the home, creating a large hole from which only his legs could be seen sticking out of.

  “CLIFF?!” Mia said, running to her husband’s aid Rai hugged Takara, refusing to let her go as tears fell from her face. “Cliff are you okay?!”

  Soon, laughter emerged from the hole in which Cliff was in. Slowly, he pulled himself out, “Hahaha…” Placing a hand on his head, he stood up, blood trickling from his mouth.

  “Come on babe, let’s go…” Mia said, as Cliff barely made his way into the room with Mia’s help; the door shut behind them.

  “Brother…” Takara said.

  “Come on Taka,” Rai said looking at his hand, unsure of what just happened. They went to their room.

  Early, the next morning, before the sun had risen, Rai heard shuffling in the house. Upon waking, he crept to the door to see both his mother and father dressed in coats and a hat, exiting the home. He swore he caught his mother’s gaze; she looked sad. That was the last time either of them would ever see them…

  The following days, Rai would spend providing for Takakra. He journaled in the finitypad left behind, making sure to take notes of the expenses and food they had left each day.

  “Hey Taka!” Rai said. “Eggs sound good today?” He gazed at the empty carton… They were running out of food fast.

  Opening the door, Takara said, “No….”

  “Taka… You’ve got to eat eventually…”

  “I’m not hungry,” she said, staring at the eggshells within the eggs Rai set on the plate.

  “Listen… Mom and Dad left… It’s just you and me now,” Rai said.

  “I miss them…”

  Rai, furrowing his brows, said, “Come on, let’s get something in the market.” It was bright outside, much safer than it would be at night. He kept the stove one with a slab of meat cooking on a low fire for dinner.

  As they strolled the streets, Takara asked, “Do you think they’ll come back?”

  “I don’t know… But don’t worry. Big brother is here to help you. Together, always,” he said holding his pinky out.

  Takara, though said, wrapped her pinky with his.

  After grabbing a hotdog with the funds they were able to muster from the home, they headed back; however there seemed to be a crowd of people in the way back home.

  Smoke could be seen in the distance.

  “Back up!” many guard’s shouted.

  “Hey what’s going on?!” Rai said, squeezing through the crowd. “Uh! Our home!” Rai pushed passed everyone with Takara in hand, before rushing to the home, but a guard shoved him back.

  “Get back you filthy scum,” the guard said, shoving Rai to the ground.

  “That’s our home!” Rai shouted.

  “Hm, sure it is,” they said. “Get lost.”

  “Bastard!” Rai said, clenching his fist, but a light tug at his shirt stopped him.

  “Brother….” Takara said.

  “Taka…” in the end, Rai decided to turn away. He didn’t want to put his sister at risk.

  Knock knock knock

  The door opened and a woman who ran an orphanage looked down at two kids.

  “Can I help you?” she said.

  “My sister and I need a place to stay….” Rai held his hands out, revealing everything he owned. Some pieces of gold and the finitypad.

  After a moment, the woman said, “Keep it, and come in. We’re having dinner soon.”

  Tears welled up in Rai’s eyes… “Really?”

  “Come on, hurry in,” and Rai and Takara walked in.

  That night as they lay in bed, Rai gazed at the ceiling. “I won’t let Taka live this way forever. I promise.” Rolling over, he glanced at his sister wrapped in the covers of the bed asleep. “Don’t worry, brother’s going to take care of you. Together, always.”