Silence echoed in the town of Rye. Down by the pier, the Porta Hub stood undisturbed. A moment later, a group comprising of Javo, Ivy, Aero, and Aqua phased in from the Hub. The burly man scowled as his gaze swept over the pier.

"A town this serene makes me more agitated, with my very blood commanding me to slay the beasts lurking in the shadows."

The green warrior's eyes twinkled, curiosity brimming in her body. "Mirror entities will be a fascinating species to look at. Are you sure we couldn't bring Amy? Seeing her power reflecting from them could be captivating."

"That's why we did not bring her. Sorry bestie." A sad smile graced the blue warrior's lips.

"Just find Jake and the others!" said the worried light warrior. "I can't tell Tina yet; she and her friends are traversing at a warehouse."

"Larping." The electric warrior sounded bitter. "Tell Kite what you said, and he will give you the meanest look. Worst than bothering someone watching TV with this question, 'What's that?'."

"Brother, are you still bitter you lost at Rock Paper Scissors?" smirked the wind warrior. "That was fair and square, my guy."

"I'm peachy, dude."

"He's pouting." The ice warrior tone held humor. "If this stealth mission converts to an overt quest, you will be the first to propel lightning and quips."

"Front and center."

"Focus, young knights," said Jin. "Our allies are in danger."

"Aye." The green-clad warrior nodded, her expression more stern. "Javo, what is the plan?"

"First, we keep an eye on the demons while verifying their threat level. Then, we find that mirror and see what we can do with it." He groaned, feeling annoyed. "It's irritating that breaking it won't solve it. Half the time, it does."

"They might be trapped if we break it." The water warrior reminded the large man. "Can we suspect replicas since they were pulled in?"

A frown marred Javo's face. "According to what we have heard, hopefully not. They are strong, but we should expect duplicates. There is a possibility they might battle for control. For now, we move."

The party swiftly departed from the pier, silently navigating through what was a bustling town. Whenever they spotted approaching replicas, they altered their path to avoid detection. They scaled buildings and leaped from rooftop to rooftop, gaining advantageous viewpoints while maintaining their cover. Despite traversing with caution, an unsettling feeling lingered within them. It was not fearing for the safety of their friends but rather the unnaturally tranquil state of the town. They felt the same aggression from the replicas that their friends felt minutes ago. Finally, they landed on a building near Ypres Tower. The Guardian member surveyed the nearly deserted streets before shifting his attention to the tower while maintaining contact with the Hub.

"We're here at the tower. So far, the creatures have not noticed us. What about you?"

"Nothing unusual from your position." said Jin. "The mana spike ceased the moment everyone was taken. This mana tech can barely sense the creatures."

"Unless we focus on them." Aqua narrowed her eyes, looking at two 'humans' walking by below them. "We can barely sense their aggressive mana."

"Freaky things." Aero spotted a dog moving by. "Is it just people? Could animals turn into these freaks?"

"Possible." Ivy crossed her arms. "We can't rule it out. Animals, insects...oooo possibly the tiniest microorganism." She giggled like an excited toddler while rubbing her hands together. She eyed the wind warrior. "Mitochondria could be corrupted."

"Sis, stop being freaky." The gray-clad warrior appeared unamused.

"Ivy, please stop teasing Aero." sighed the blue-clad warrior. "That's terrifying to fight against something so small.

Javo chuckled while looking around. However, something caught his eye. Swiftly, his attention was on the edge of the roof where the face of a woman was staring with a vacant countenance. How did he not sense this? "Children, We have been spotted."

The gray-clad warrior calmly looked in the direction of the man's gaze. Widening his eyes at what he saw, he grumbled. "Did not sense that. Why is it staring at us like a crazy puppet?"

The canokian growled. "At times, we have to rely on our five senses and instincts instead of our senses to bail us out of trouble."

"That's good advice." agreed the blue-clothed warrior, who sounded tensed. "Because there is another creep in front of me."

The green-clothed warrior followed the gaze of her teammate. A 'child' with a vacant countenance was also watching them. "Fascinating."

As if hitting them like a rock, their senses picked up the increasingly aggressive mana from creatures. The creatures were joined by two more of their kind as they immediately climbed onto the roof. As they advanced, the quintet of creatures transitioned into their genuine form, a faceless silver mirror-like entity resembling human form. Swiftly, the creatures attacked them. Aqua quickly backed away while the creature threw punches. The creature dropped to perform a leg sweep, but the water warrior jumped and performed a spinning backing kick, destroying the head, which surprised her how easily it broke.

"Huh, same as the rabbits and the rats. Woah." She jumped away as the creature continued to attack her. "Okay, they can fight without heads."

"Crumble them!" The Wind Radiant spread his arms apart before clapping them, unleashing the Gust Buster. The adroit shattered the beast upon impact. Meanwhile, the canokian reeled his fist, coated in brown mana, before thrusting it at the mirror creature. After connecting, a burst of mana shattered the creature into pieces. The others used their adroits, 'Aqua Gun' and 'Vine Strike' to shatter the entities.

The gray-clothed teen snorted. "Stupid mirror punks."

"I don't like calling them mirror beasts. Let's call them speculums." added the green-clothed warrior. "Quality name for intriguing creatures."

"Whatever you want to call them, they're still annoying!" The blue-clothed teen said harshly as she kicked the piece. "There's more like that you can admire."

Javo glared at the fragments with a critical eye. "Hmm... I don't like this." His eyes widened at the fragments starting to vibrate. "Move back."

"Problem." Reinstar's voice echoed in their ears. "There is a mana spike coming from your location. Mana is increasing from the mirror."

"And the four creatures you are exhibiting the same mana spike."

The green-clothed girl whistled while observing the shattered pieces reformating. "Hmm, hmm."

"You still find it fascinating?" grumbled the blue-clothed girl.

"Aye!"

"Great, indestructible creatures." said the bitter gray-clothed boy.

Growling dangerously at the sight of the reforming creature, Javo glanced at the tower, then at the team. He closed his eyes, contemplating an idea. "Jin, Reinstar, is there a possibility of establishing contact within the mirror?"

"We've been trying from here." said the frustrated knight.

"Maybe we can try moving the Porta Hub close to the mirror?" pondered the shinobi.

"Then let's try." Javo clenched his fist. "Better to have our friends inside to be healthy and give greater insight. Remember, children, find alternate solutions."

The Radiant yelled out in agreement.

"Then let's go!"

The group ran off as the speculums fully reformated. As they watched the run, the entities reformated into people, their expression vacant. The night remained silent as the creatures joined their brethren in the streets.

----------------------------------------

-Mirror World, Minutes ago-

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

His eyes snapped open, and his vision swiftly regained focus. The Fire Radiant quickly covered his face, feeling dizzy. He felt he had ridden on a roller coaster faster than he could think. He picked himself up from what felt to be a grassy surface while rubbing his eyes.

"Anybody alright? Selen-ja, Kali, Geo?"

His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked once, then twice to adjust to his surroundings.

"What?"

If he did not need any more proof of his life not being so ordinary, this was it. It was the reverse of the world he knew, with green skies, a blue sun, yellow grass, and red trees. He rubbed his eyes again to make sure his vision was correct. Grimacing before the scene, he sat up with an amused and wonderous attitude.

"Gang, take a look a-." His voice died when he saw he was alone in the forest. "Um... gang? Selen-ja!? Jack!? Blair!?"

The red-clothed warrior stood up, guard at the ready while searching around for his allies. "RADIANT! SELEN-JA!" Fist clenched, he looked forward. "Damn, where am I?" He retraced his thoughts to recent events, which left him with a sense of disappointment. "Ah, we were abducted into the mirror... and this is the world of the mirror. Through the Looking Glass." He inhaled deeply, thinking about his next course of action, when a distant memory boiled to the forefront of his mind.

"Remember, you will likely find yourself lost in new territory. Stay calm and vigilant, sharpen your awareness, and survey the perimeter of the foreign territory. Establish a marker and create a discreet trail for your return to base. Staying alive is your priority. If you have a group, you must ensure the well-being of your company. Locate their whereabouts, assess the overall situation.."

Before he left, Pilot shared a crucial piece of info during their training session. Now, he found himself in an unfamiliar location embellished with a new color palette, his team missing, no way to access the real world, and an enemy with possible control of the world. Yep, this was starting to be a fun setting to be in. He felt fear overtake him before smacking himself in the face. There was no reason to panic during a panic. Trying to compose himself, he walked forward, ready to defend himself against the dangers. Trodding across strange grass and brushing past unfamiliar bushes while the ominous sun loomed above him. He wondered how everyone was doing in both worlds. The others will be worried, especially Amy, since two of them are heading to that concert in a few weeks. No, don't worry about her, she is fine. His current team? He will need to find them.

He was worried about them, especially with the Count's unsettling interest in Selen-ja. The villain's speech and demeanor reminded him of the rude nobles portrayed in the books and shows. He looked down on them because they did not share noble blood, unlike Selen-ja. Did he separate them so that he could have her? Even if he did manage to have her as a wife, what's stopping him from having a mistress or a harem or sister-wives? Would he want Blair? Amy? The others? His sister? No, he will burn him to ashes before that could happen. He shook off those disturbing thoughts as he found himself outside the forest, his expression contorted to a grimace. Half a mile away, the path led to a town that appeared to belong to the Middle Ages. However, in the middle of the town stood an imposing three-story mansion built with stone.

"Hmm."

"Hey!"

His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice. He whirled around, seeing Kali run to him. Relief filled him at seeing the black-clothed warrior.

"Kali, you alright?"

"I'm uber great." She nodded with a smile. "Looks like we got ourselves in a pickle, huh?"

"Yeah," He looked down at the town. "What do you think?"

The girl looked at the village. "A town, small, quaint. That mansion looks nice and super big." Her eyes were in awe at the mansion.

"I don't think so, but that is not important. We need to find Geo and Selen-ja, and see what we can do. Maybe we find a way to reach out to the others? Selena-ja will know what to do."

"Or Geo, he might know too."

The red-clothed warrior shook his head. "No, Geo would not know." He affirmed, his curious gaze fixed on her. "He does not have the experience like her."

"Sure, whatever you say."

The red-clothed warrior continued staring at the girl. He sensed her mana, but there was nothing wrong, yet he had a feeling something was off about her. He stared into her eyes for any trace of crazy, but there was nothing. Suddenly, a thought came to him about what Selen-ja said.

"Uh... can I check your eye color?"

"You are looking at them."

"I mean... as your normal self."

"But... I will be vulnerable." Her tone lowered, sounding irritated.

The boy felt something hostile about the tone. "Blair... where is my mole?"

Suddenly, a red blur collided with the girl, sending her and the object further away from him. His eyes widened to find it was... him that hit the girl, leaving him stunned and confused.

"What?"

"BLAZE!!"

The familiar voice snapped him out of his stupor. He turned around and saw Kali running up to him with a relieved expression.

"Kali?"

"Show me your mole!" She stopped in front of him while shadow mana enveloped her hand.

The red-clothed teen blinked before showing his right earlobe, revealing the mole. "So that was not you?"

"Correct." Her eyes shot ahead of him. "You were bored and subdued like it was a different you. I don't know you that long, but I think in a situation like this, you would at least be alert."

Blaze glared at the two replicas picking themselves up. "You were chipper, said things like 'in a pickle'."

"I don't say, 'in a pickle'."

"Thought so, let's deal with them."

Facing them directly, the two replicas bore emotionless gazes before swiftly sprinting toward them. Among them, the shadow replicant struck first with a kick. Kali moved away from the kick, then continued to evade as the creature unleashed a flurry of right jabs. She blocked the remaining fists and delivered a front kick to the chest, pushing the creature away. Kali raised her hand, palm open as the element of shadow shrouded her hand.

"Dark Palm!"

A speed-infused thrust struck the creature, sending it sliding across the ground on its feet. Momentarily halted, the creature lunged at her with a glowing silver-infused palm while the Shadow Radiant returned with another 'Dark Palm'. Their clash resulted in both being forcefully pushed back. Kali landed on her back with a thud, grunting in pain before picking herself up. Quickly, she noticed the creature trying to hit her, prompting her to raise her arms to block a flying kick. Unfortunately, she received a jab to the gut, making her gag. The girl barely evaded a fist to face, then she grabbed the arm and kicked the creature in the head. While the creature staggered, the dark-clothed warrior aimed her open palm and unleashed a dark energy ball, 'Umbra Ball', at the creature, sending it flying away.

Meanwhile, Blaze and the replicant exchanged fists, with the replicant landing a quick kick to the face, followed by a spinning sidekick. Blaze staggered back but managed to duck under a fist before slamming a fist of his own into the replicant's stomach. The adversary clasped its hands, attempting a hammer blow, but the red-clothed warrior evaded and delivered a kick to the replicant's side, causing it to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Blaze leaped forward with his adroit, Blazing Fist. The attack knocked the replicant to its fallen companion.

As the replicants quickly regained footing, they shared a knowing glance. The Radiant held their guard, waiting for the replicants to retaliate. Then, they took off running to the town, surprising the Radiant.

"What? Why?" He appeared confused

Kali grimaced. "I don't know, but we have time to breathe."

"Yeah, but that leaves us with more questions." He glared at the town, specifically the mansion. "What do you think of the mansion?"

"It's too large for my liking. One person does not need that much room."

"Your replica liked it too much; said it was super big." He frowned while closing his eyes. "I should've picked up on your manners, sorry."

"It's fine." She smiled at him. "We don't know each other that well."

"Still." He clenched his fist, feeling frustrated. "I should've picked up on it. Pilot kept ramming lessons in my head to prepare for stuff like this. Now that I am, I should have known the signs."

The concerned black-clothed lass gazed up at him. There was no need for him to doubt when they were in dangerous territory. Otherwise, she would be in trouble and would feel bad for causing him strife. The teen reached up and patted him on the shoulder. "Let's search for Jack and Selen-ja. Worry later, team now."

He sighed before smiling at her. "Right. Let's go."

They made their way to town, staying on guard as they trekked. Upon arriving, they were surprised at the bustling crowd, seemingly oblivious to the fact they were held hostage in a different dimension. What made the scene more peculiar was the attire of the civilians, resembling that of 13th-century England. A passerby nonchalantly waved at them, showing no sign of awe at two strange kids wearing GI uniforms. They felt like complete outsiders.

"The people here... are they all from Rye?" muttered the Shadow Radiant.

"Definitely." grimaced the Fire Radiant. "What do we do?"

"I am glad you are safe, younglings."

Fire and Shadow smiled at the familiar soothing voice before facing Selen-ja and Geo. Geo crossed his arms, his features angered and guarded. "Or are you those annoying copies?"

"We could say the same thing." replied the red-clothed warrior, also guarded.

Selen-ja glanced at the black-clothed teen with a teasing smile. "That dream you had... an adorable little picnic with your favorite actress on a capybara farm."

A deep blush developed on her face while frantically covering her face. "Stop, it's embarrassing!"

Selen-ja giggled. "It's you. It's adorable you blush when I mention the dream."

"You must love capybaras." smiled the fire warrior.

Geo shrugged his shoulders while his focus turned to the fire warrior. "Besides that. How's your brother, Nelson?"

"Don't have one." Blaze narrowed his eyes. "How's your cousin in Ireland, Dimitri was it?"

"I have no cousin with that name, none I know of." Geo nodded, appearing more of a grouch. "Now that's out of the way, what the hell is this place?"

"We were pulled into the mirror against our will." The Canokian's eyes hardened while analyzing the town. "The people here are oblivious to their prison. And there is something Geo and I discovered. Sir!"

A man perked up when the canokian pointed to him. "Yes?"

She stared at him. "Look at my ears."

"I see your ears; they look lovely. What is the problem?"

Surprised expressions were displayed on the warriors of fire and shadow. They realized she did not disguise herself.

"Turn around, please."

After the man turned around, the woman brushed aside his hair, revealing a miniature mirror.

"Is that a mirror?" Blaze appeared shocked, making him feel the back of his head. Kali mimicked his gesture. There was no mirror on the back of their heads.

"We don't have them." The canokian spoke. "Remember the Count's message? To paraphrase, the weak are replaced while the strong thrive. My theory: When the victims were brought here, they were quickly subdued by their replicas. Following their subjugation, the replicas must've affixed the small mirrors on them before leaving for our dimension."

The brown-clothed warrior closed his eyes, silently cursing. "He did say they acted as batteries. They must be connected to things on Earth."

"They behave like they have always been here." The red-clothed warrior muttered, horror etched on his face. "They must be brainwashed."

"What do we do?" said the worried black-clothed warrior.

Selen-ja closed her eyes. "One option is to confront the Count." She faced the mansion. "But, I am worried if we defeat him, this dimension might collapse." She clasped her head. "If we can establish contact with the outside world... I'm sure the others are worried by now and are finding a way to rescue us. Perhaps there is a weak gap between dimensions?" She sighed. "The Count is one way to also leave, but his replicant bounded to him. Why?" She shook her head. "Let's search for clues. Blaze, you are with me. Kali, go with Geo. Let's return to this spot in half an hour."