“Cliff, look at this,” Mia said. Her fingers traced a tree in wrapped vibrant colors, but upon getting close enough, the many colors detached from the tree and a bunch of small butterflies flew around the room before landing on a branch that extended high above their heads, now decorating it in vibrant hues. The tree in turn remained a pearl-like moist color. Steadily, small leaves around the size of the butterflies started to form, but incredibly slow.

Cliff, opening pamphlet that read on the cover, ‘Lulu Land’, said, “It says here these tree’s birth plant-like butterflies. Although their life span is only a couple days.” The floor was decorated in colors from previous butterprees having passed on, marking the floor in their painted bodied before being swept up each night.

“Aha,” Takara ran around touching every tree in sight, watching in awe as the colors swapped places each time.

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

“It is nice.” Gazing at the map, “We still have a lot of park to explore,” Cliff said.

Rai, sticking his little foot out, tripped Takara.

Tears welled in her eyes. “Mom! Rai.. Rai..”

“Rai”, Mia said, tugging at his ear.

“Ow ow!” Rai said.

“Apologize,” Mia said, letting go.

“Okay, I’m sorry…”

Cliff shook his head, placing his hand behind the children. “Come on let’s go.”

“Thank you for visiting the Butterfly House,” a woman who worked at Lulu Land said at the exit.

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

Looking up, “Petals plunge…” It was a water ride featuring flower petal-shaped boats that drift through a magical garden. Gazing over at Mia, his wife, she gave a slight nod no. Leaning down he said, “Maybe later. It’s too early to be drenched in water. We still have the whole park to explore.”

“Hm…” Rai said, crossing his arms upset. Gazing around at the crowd of people, another attraction caught his attention, “What about that one?!”

“Blooming carousel?” Mia said; Takara was holding her hand, standing beside her. It was a carousel with flower-shaped seats that spin around a central garden of flowers. Gazing at Cliff, she nodded in approval.

“Sure, today’s your special day after all, can’t say no to it all,” Cliff said, sweeping Rai off his feet.

“Yes!”

“B-but…” tears welled up in Takara’s eyes.

“Ahh sweetie, what’s the matter?” Mia said. Takara pointed at a store which had a picture of pancakes shaped like flowers. Petal Pancakes. It was a store where pancakes were made with edible flower toppings and colorful syrups. “Honey,” Mia said. “I’m going to take Takara to get a pancake, did you still want one of the nectar smoothies next door?” The store attached to Petal Pancakes was called, Nectar Smoothies, and their drinks were made from fruit and flower extracts.

“You bet, but remember, no peanuts,” he said.

“Babe, we’ve been married for long enough, you don’t need to remind me…”

“Hey, I’m sorry. You’re no the one who dies if he touches a peanut,” he joked.

She shook her head with a smile. “Come one baby,” she said to Takara, pulling her along.

Circling again and again, Rai waived his arms happily in the air, bringing a smile to Cliff’s face.

An hour passed and they found themselves in another area of the park known as Forest Enchantment Camp.

“Rai?!” Cliff looked left, then right, nearly panicking.

“Mom…” Takara said.

“Not now baby,” she said, also wearing a look of panic. “Did you find him?!”

“MOM! DAD!” Rai shouted from high above. Within the Treehouse Adventure attraction, where guest explore interconnected treehouses and zip-lines through towering trees, Rai waved at them happily. He was hanging from a branch.. a branch that wasn’t a place for anyone to be hanging on, let alone children. “Look at me!” he said, imitating monkey sounds. Many people murmured, worried for the kid as Lulu Land’s staff quickly arrived.

“He’s not even old enough to do the zip lines, how did he get there…” a person spoke in the crowd.

“Mom…” Takara said.

“Not now sweetie,” Mia said with a look of concern. “Rai! Hang on!”

Cliff held his hands to his head in distraught, unable to do a thing.

“Mom…”

“Takara!”

Takara shied away, stating, “Brother climbed up there…”

“Climbed?!” Mia said in disbelief. That would be tough for any athlete, let alone a child.

“Mhm, I saw him,” Takara said.

“Boy!” a worker said, reaching his hand out from the safest place he could.

Rai gazed at the crowd, “Did I do something wrong?” Quickly he swung full circle around the branch causing many people to gasp before he leaped from one branch to another, eventually landing on the floor. Almost everyone was dumbfounded.

“Abminus?” someone murmured.

“How in the—” another said.

One of the workers got a call. “Hello sir? Yes… Okay.” The worker than instructed the rest of the staff to disperse the crowd.

“Okay guy’s, lets move on,” the workers said.

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

“I just thought it looked fun…” Rai said.

Cliff looked at Rai with discerning eyes… “Well, it’s over now. Let’s go to the next place.”

“Babe?” Mia said, but after getting a look from Cliff, she understood something and stopped.

After a short talk with the staff, they continued their day.

Next they found themselves in the attraction, Mossy Maze.

“But Mom…” Rai complained. “I want to explore.”

“No, you lost that privilege, you’re staying next to me from now on,” Mia responded.

Mossy Maze was a labyrinth made of living moss and ivy, but it had many hidden surprises along the way. Workers were placed at the top of the maze, peering down at those who gave up and wanted out.

“Uh,” Rai uttered.

“Listen to your mom; or do you want to miss Glowing Grove attraction?” Cliff said.

“Weee,” Takara called out, running back and forth freely.

“Fine…” Rai said stubbornly. Suddenly, his stomach growled.

Sighing, Mia looked up at the workers and said, “Can you show us the way out please?”

And so they helped them out.

Rai chomped on a mossy burger, from Mossy Burgers. They were made with green herb-infused buns.

Beside him, Takara had a drink from Forest Fruit Fizz, a fizzy drink with flavors inspired by forest fruits.

“Rai, promise you won’t run off like that again,” Mia said.

“I promise….” Rai said, taking a large bite of the burger.

“Alright,” Cliff said, gazing at the map. “Floral Fantasy, the Forest Camp… What’s next?” Flipping the pamphlet around, he asked, “Kids, what’s next? Volcanic Pillar or Candy Land?”

“Candy Land!” the kids shouted.

“You okay?” Rai said, gazing at Takara.

“I think I have a tummy ache…” Takara responded. They had just finished walking through the Cotton Candy Forest attraction. She nibbled on everything in sight.

“Guess that means no candy popcorn for you,” Mia said, picking up Takara and holding her in her arms. Kissing her forehead. “Do you want to use the restroom?”

Takara nodded her head yes.

“I’m going to take Rai to the Candy Cloud Swing ride,” 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…”

Laughing, “See you soon babe,” and he kiss his wife.

Rai gazing at a ride known as the Candy Cloud Swing, sighed and leaned over, saying “I’m tired Dad.”

“You don’t want to go on it?”

Rai shook his head no. He held a rock in his hand which he tossed at a cup leaning halfway in a garbage can, perfectly smacking it in.

“You always had great aim with things like that,” Cliff said with a smile. Looking around he read, “Garden Grottoes.” These were rest areas designed as cozy places with comfortable seating with greenery and small waterfalls nearby. “Let’s take a second before we head out. Upsie daisy,” he said, lifting Rai up who wrapped his arms around him, closing his eyes.

After a short nap, they all met at Sugar Rush Raceway. A go-kart track where the cars are designed like giant candies with cotton candy plants all around.

“Dad! Were losing!” Rai shouted.

“Not yet!” he shouted back.

In front of them was Mia and Takara in another car. The track was magnetized so they couldn’t cross lanes but the timing of turning the wheel did somewhat alter the speeds.

“Whoo!” Mia shouted out loud as she passed first.

“Daaad!” Rai said angrily.

“We won!” Takara shouted, poking fun at Takara.

Rai was upset for a bit, but he ended up getting over it as they headed to the next area known as Waterfall Woods.

As Mia left for the restroom, Cliff walked aroundd one of the many stores with the children. This shop offered many plant- shaped souvenirs, such as flower shaped jewelry, seed pots, and decorative plant pots.

“Kids, what do you think I should get mom?”

Rai, noticing something in a box with other merchandise that hadn’t been put away, said, “How ‘bout this?”

“Pretty,” Takara said.

“Good find son,” Cliff said. It was a small pink flower necklace that resembled Lumi’s; at the center was a pink stone. Cliff examined the necklace… Was this a souvenir? Even the pink stone at the center felt like it was real; something that should be in a museum, not in a store at an amusement park. Walking up to the front desk with his kids, he placed the necklace down. “I’d like to get this please, but I couldn’t find a price tag…”

“It’s fine,” the cashier said, sniffing from a cold he had been getting over. “I’ll price it as the rest,” he said, marking it as he would any other necklace. “That’ll be $22.95.”

Pulling out his wallet, Cliff paid for the necklace.

“Mom, keep your eyes closed,” Takara said.

“Okay honey, their closed,” she said, smiling.

“Open!” Rai shouted happily.

“Opening!” she said with a giggle. Standing in front of her, Cliff held the necklace. Tears felled her eyes.

“What’s wong?” Takara said.

Mia wiped away the tears from he eye, “ It’s… beautiful.” Her cheeks flushed red, as she held it in her hand. Looking at Cliff she said, “Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you,” Cliff responded.

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

Rai also joined in.

“Here, turn around,” Cliff said, placing the necklace around Mia’s neck.

“How does it look?” she asked.

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

Mia’s eyes glistened, holding eye contact with her husband before Rai said, “Where we going next?”

“Hmm, let’s see,” Mia said, pulling out a pamphlet of her own. “The only places we haven’t gone are Waterfall Woods and Volcanic Pillar.”

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

“Noooo,” Rai and Takara said together.

“Haha, okay okay. No planting plants.”

“Glowing grove?” Rai said.

“It’s still not dark enough for that,” Cliff said, ruffling Rai’s hair. “Let’s go to Waterfall Woods,” Cliff said.

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

“Perfect,” Cliff said. “Come on kids.”

Withing high tree’s dancers twisted in flower costumes, swinging off ropes and more, just barely catching each other’s hands as they were tossed to the next. Takara was on the shoulders of Cliff, while Rai sat on the shoulders of Mia. By the end of the performance, the performers stood on a large elevator-like plant that rose high into the sky as water from the river below shot up, creating a decorative scene.

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“That was amazing!” Rai shouted. Meanwhile, Takara was sleeping in Mia’s arms. In the distance Rai spotted another water ride; at this time the sun was beginning its descent. “Dad,” he said, nudging at his pants.

Mia, holding the sleeping Takara, nodded.

Sighing, Cliff said, “Sure son.” Walking by his wife, he gave her a kiss on the cheek saying, “See you in a bit.”

The ride was known as Cascade Rapids, a thrilling white0water raft ride that traveled through a serires of cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation. As they waited in line, the path revealed many waterfalls which Rai would stick his hands into.

“Hey, do you want to go to the Hydro Garden show?” a bystander said.

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

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

Rai puffed his cheeks up, “Okay… But if Takara wanted to go we would…”

Sighing, Cliff leaned down, “Rai, she’s your little sister. Why’re you so mean to her?”

“Because! She get’s whatever she wants.”

“Rai, do you love mom?”

“Of course! I love her so much!”

“Why do you love her?” Cliff said.

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

“Did you know that mommy is someone else’s little sister?”

“Mom?”

“Mhm. And they loved your mom. They treated her with care and made sure she grew up happy,” Cliff said. “Without them, maybe mommy wouldn’t have been so nice and loving. You have to learn to love and take care of your little sister, so she can be a good mommy as well in the future too.”

Rai, throwing his eyes down, thought about it, “But Taka’s annoying,” he said.

Shaking his head, “You must protect your sister, always,” Cliff said, placing his hands on Rai’s shoulders. “Men don’t abandon the people we must protect. Do you hear me Rai?”

“Yes…”

Once on the ride, Rai gazed around at the many plants within the ride, eyes full of wonder.

“Check that out!” Cliff said. The ride swerved to the right, floating above the water beneath them. In the distance, a twirling plant came to halt; its center forming a blue color.

“Whoa—” water blasted Rai in the face from the plant.

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

“Dad!” Rai shouted.

Not long after, they were treading upwards towards the inevitable drop.

“Here it comes son!” Cliff said, holding onto his son who was sitting in front of him. Rai closed his eyes, sinking into his dad. Cliff looked at Rai with a light smile. For someone who climbed so high and jumped down so casually, now you’re afraid of heights? You really are just a kid, aren’t you…

“Wahhhh!” Rai screamed as they plummeted down, their boat crashing into the water and soaking them both.

At this point, it started to get darker and there was only one place left to visit. Volcanic Pillar, however the parade was about to begin. It featured characters dressed as different plants and elements of nature. Many carried the banners of those fighting against the Minus since the Shattering. Lulu Land was supposed to be an escape for those who needed a break from the chaos. The Axien Church and the Illuminus Empire both carved a way any threats nearing the place so people could find solace in some sort of entertainment, whereas most the world was under threat of the Minus still being driven from the lands. Thankfully, the Nephilim and Abminus together created a large push in a short amount of time, allowing for this type of peace.

“There he is!” Rai said, pointing at a large seven-foot clown. The mascot of Lulu Land.

“Lulu look at me, you you can’t you see, Lulu all for thee, joy and peace for you and me,” music blared as the clown made it’s entrance in towards the end of the parade. Catching Rai’s gaze, the clown popped open a present, pulling out a Hoopah Doll. These were set to release in the near future, though they were extremely limited. “Joy and peace for you and me!” the clown shouted tossing it towards Rai. It was one of a kind.

Rai jumped up and down. “Dad! Look!”

“That’s amazing!” Cliff said, lifting his son up and doing a full twirl before setting him down.

Takara looked said, not getting a toy of her own.

Thinking it over, Rai handed it over to his sister reluctantly. “Here…”

Takara’s eyes lit up, hugging the strange unorthodox doll.

“Rai,” Mia said, leaning over. “I’m so proud of you,” she said, kissing his forehead, causing him to smile. Blushing Rai, kicked the ground. “You know what, whatever you want to eat later, you get.”

“Really!?” Rai said. “Volcanic Nachos?!” These were spicy nachos with fiery cheese and salsa, located only within Volcanic Pillar; the last place they had yet to visit.

“Sure,” Mia said happily.

“Yes!” Rai said. “Lava cake?”

“Save your dessert appetite for later son,” Cliff said.

“Okay,” Rai said.

By now, it was getting dark.

“Okay kids, your choice, we can either go on the Lava Lamp Ride or see the Erupting Garden show?” Cliff said.

“I want to go on the Flame Flower Coaster…” Rai said, cheese still on his mouth from the nachos.

“Sorry sweetie, that rides still closed,” Mia said.

“Why?” Rai said.

“It’s under construction, but maybe next time, okay?” Mia said, catching Cliff’s gaze who looked away.

In the end they went on the Lava Lamp ride, where the gentle boat flowed through make-shift lava caverns; glowing flame plants aligned the entire place.

“Eco- Education!” Someone hollered at a stand. Learn about the different plants and ecosystems present in Lulu Land.” They reached out with a pamphlet, but Mia and Cliff denied it.

“We’re heading to the fireworks, sorry,” Mia said.

Standing outside, within a crowd of many hundred, the family sat on the asphalt. Before them was a large castle, from which they had traversed through earlier. It was actually a castle, and had many art works in it, though no rides. Soon, fireworks launched from it and the sky was lit by vibrant colors of all sorts.

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

Rai, at first wanting to pushing her off, took in what his father had said, rather putting his arm around her as she slept. This was a night he would never forget.

It just so happened that someone had hooked them up with a port pass for the day, a thing that was extremely rare seeing that the ports were merely created a year after the Shattering.

Since this was the case, the entire family was able to make it back in no time to Nitehood, a city outside the borders of the Kingdom of Keltzer. Though the place was severely damaged from the Shattering, they managed to make the best of what they had. It was because of Keltzer’s crazy raffles they held that they even won the trip to Lulu Land. It was located south of Aurahelm, almost bordering the Kalumi forest.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rai, happy birthday to you!” Mia, Cliff and Takara sang.

“Make a wish.”

Rai, thinking it over blew on the candles. His mouth drooled looking at the cake, when suddenly, his face was thrusted into the cake. “Hey!” he said, frosting all over him.

Mia laughed, her hand being the one who pushed him into the cake. “Sorry sweetie,” she said.

“Mooom!”

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

Takara laughed at Rai, but then he swiped the frosting from his face and smeared it across hers.

“Mom!” Takara complained.

Both the parents giggled.

After the night ended, Takara and Rai went to bed.

Kissing them goodnight, Mia looked back once more. “I love you both so much, don’t you ever think otherwise…”

“I love you too,” the kids replied, and the door gently shut.

***

“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 anymore 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 and tossed him into the wall where he fell hard onto the floor.

“You’re becoming a man now Rai, there’s no room for this complaining. You here me?!”

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?”

“Y-Yessir…”

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.”