---

---

OOF!

The portal had not provided Maemi a soft landing. As the light vanished from sight, Maemi had been hurled to the ground, evidently still falling from before. Mumbling up a storm as she had felt quite sore from the fall, Maemi forced herself to stand up, only to be cut off once more.

Double oof!

Unknowingly to Maemi, the branch had followed herself through the portal. The branch spiraled towards the girl, smacking Maemi right in the gut with enough force to knock her back down. Groaning as she now laid on the ground, a million thoughts begun to race in Maemi's head. Was this the end of Nakana Maemi, the great savior of the world? Should she risk standing up on her own two feet once more? What if there were more objects thrown at her? Maemi sighed, taking a deep breath and closed her eyes as she came to a decision. "I'm okay!" Maemi exclaimed to anyone who might be watching, and then stumbled back to her feet, weary and cautious.

Once Maemi was sure she would be able to stand on her own two feet, she soon found herself noticing other individuals nearby, appearing through portals just as she had. Men and women. Some tall and some short. Some human and some half-human. It was an odd bunch of individuals, and the countless reasons why they were all here begun to surface in Maemi's head. Biting her lip, Maemi knew she should've read the letter as her thoughts failed her from coming to a conclusion.

"WELCOME!"

A booming voice captured her attention, and Maemi found herself looking forward. The woman before Maemi had looked like she was about to cry, while the man had begun waving around a cane that soon appeared to be as if it was a long and magical glow stick. Stumbling backwards in surprise, Maemi watched the beam of light explode into the sky, creating a rather beautiful bird in the sky.

An uneasy air begun to take over the crowd as the man prepared to leave after his dazzling show. Maemi wasn't able to read the letter, yet she was certain that all, or at least some of the rest of the group had done so, and they too were feeling uneasy. Some approached the strange man, while others stayed back, overly cautious and reserved about what was happening. Maemi found herself with the latter, being clearly unprepared as well unsure and confused about everything.

What did I do to end up in this situation? She thought, concerned.

One moment he was walking home with his sister. Then, Shuichi blinked and he had no idea where he was. He stood with a dumb expression, staring and the two halves of the letter in his hands. He wasn't frightened or alarmed, just baffled at how his front lawn suddenly disappeared and he was now staring at some strange castle place. It seemed the letter was a pretty elaborate prank, as it had actually teleported him like it said it would. No big deal, though. He'd just take out his cell, call for a cab, and... "Crap." Zero bars. That wasn't good. Well, at least he wasn't alone. Shuichi looked around and saw that everyone else looked just as confused as he was. Some folks hadn't even managed to stay on their feet. But then he was treated to quite a spectacle.

With a mighty "welcome," their host shot a brilliant display of light into the air. Shuichi's eyes followed the light and lingered on the sky well after it dissipated lest he miss some crazy after effect. There was no question about it. That was real magic, and quite a large display of it. If a man could do that at a time when magic was withering away, then maybe this was real. Maybe the letter wasn't a prank after all. Sure, it was a bit of a jump in logic going from "this guy can do magic" to "you are a chosen one destined to fight the magic-devouring monster," but Shuichi has believed crazier things. "Darn, and here I thought it was satellites..."

The next thing Shuichi heard was a girl about his age calling out to the group. She seemed to feel at home, already calling dibs on rooms and gathering twigs and whatnot. Wait, gathering ingredients and needing a special room. Whoa, is she a witch? Well, if she was going to call out to the group and introduce herself, Shuichi saw no reason not to follow her example. He cupped his hands and called out as well. "Hi Rinh! My name's Shuichi. Does anyone have cell reception? I wanna tell my parents that I'm not being held for ransom." Then he looked at Elizabeth. "We're not being held for ransom, right? Because my parents won't negotiate with terrorists."

---

Vincent was one of the first ones to arrive at this place and hurriedly ran to hide behind one of the big trees as soon as he got the chance. It was only that he calmed down that he took in all the details of what was happening to him. So far the only thing he knows was that he was transported near a majestic castle surrounded by nature as far as the eye could see. Such a place can only be described as something straight out of a children's fairy tale book, some of which his mom used to read to him as a child before he slept. He marveled at this place and could already think of a dozen book ideas on the spot but he noticed there are also others like him in this... he's not even sure if they're on Earth anymore, or if they're on another dimension.

One by one, Vincent saw people literally and randomly appearing with a flash of light. One even seemed to fall on the ground as she teleported. Nonetheless, they all seemed to him like they were as confused as he is. Vincent may not be much of an open book but he's a little scared about what the heck was going on and what the heck was going to happen to them.

It was then that he saw a peculiar man who made an amazing show with his magic. He also noticed a girl near the man who was watching him the whole time with such awe. It seemed the sword the man had before now turned into a cane, said a few words, and left with a proud and confident stride. Vincent raised his eyebrow a bit. It seemed to him that this man may be the one who transported them here at this... place. Again, Vincent has no idea where he is and it was kind of freaking him out a little bit.

He watched as the woman who was with the magic man stepped forward and called the attention of all of them here. Something about giving the world a fighting chance against some darkness, saving this dying world from wreckage, saving magic? None of these made quite sense to Vincent even if he did his best to try to understand the letter he read before. Even if the lady did gave them a chance to go back to their regular home, she still made it sound like they had no other choice. Saving the world might sound like a great writing material for his novel, but he can't help but think about home: his parents and his other siblings. Are they doing okay? For all Vincent knows they might be doing one-hand push-ups while deeply worrying about his safety. Whoever this "us" the woman was talking about and whatever they want Vincent and the others to do, he hoped that they could all finish the deed at time so they can go back home.

Vincent revealed himself from behind the tree and decided that if he wanted to finish this as soon as possible, he has to do something he hasn't done in his entire life until this day: take action. "If it means we can save our families and loved ones, then count me in", he said to the lady.

The young woman spoke once again after the barrage of people began asking a myriad of questions. One in particular seemed to herald the limelight of such and understandingly so. Romaní was silently grateful for such, as he gave voice to much of these people's concerns. However, this time with much more vigor laced on the tune of this mysterious woman's voice. Shaping the curve in the peach of her lips that garnered to life a smile. It was tender, patient, there in it acted as stimuli to ease the youth's worries. He felt a little more at ease, no animosity stemmed from this stranger before him. She repeated, almost at verbatim what had been written in that mysterious letter. How troublesome, thought the silver haired youth, his eyes scanning the rest of the group, one by one. First to the few to his left... Young man with long locks, same boy who immediately started the conversation, wanting to understand the place. Lively it seemed, there wasn't a moment since this began that a smile parted his lips. Next... A young girl, roughly around the age of this boy too. Brunette with relatively short hair, around shoulder length if not a bit longer. She seemed to have been staggered by the teleportation, she rocked back and forward before regaining composure. She didn't seem much like she was affected by this either. I wonder if he was the only one skeptical of it all. Next another male, this one seemed a bit older by comparison of the other two and he shared a similarity and a opposite to Romaní. Their hair were both silver, gleamed at the semblance of light, yet his eyes were unlike his. Romaní's was crimson's while his was clear and bright blue. He seemed to have whispered something to himself. Romaní couldn't quite catch it, however. But he disregarded it and continued...

He turned around to see, there was a tall boy, around the same age as the previous one. His visage was one of strength, he was menacing at first glance. His stature towards above Ramaní's, his hair was short and brown, he seemed calmed regardless of everything that has happened up until now. If anything, he seemed more annoyed than surprised. Next, this one also had long hair, but his features were stronger than the first kid. He was an adult, this much this silver haired youth could tell. But something was certainly off about him, he couldn't place his finger on it. Romaní didn't feel too comfortable exploring that feeling. This peculiar one mumbled to himself too, I guess it's common trait among these strangers. His distance was too far to really understand what he said, and for some reason, Romaní didn't seem to keen in attempting to deciphering it, either. Continuing... There was now another with long hair, blonde, this one however had the longest of the three males. He wore a grimace through the entirety of the time Romaní was inspecting him. His clothes were foreign to the youth, he didn't decipher its origin but they were certainly mage's robes. Out of all of them, this one gave Romaní a much more stronger sense of understanding of magecraft, but that glare... Maybe he shouldn't try to get on his nerves much.

Now to his right... A female this time. She seemed... curious. She said her name was what? Rinh? Short brown hair, emerald green eyes, kind of bubbly personality, unable to keep still. This was the only one that had spoken her name since this started. She wasn't shy of exploring and excavating for this of her interest. She had a gauntlet too, it seemed she was techie of sorts. Soon after another voice rose to greet this stranger, a male also of silver hair but his eyes were hued differently. Almost amber or caramel? Romaní couldn't really place his finger on it, but he was almost as bubbly as the this girl who continued to search around the seems for... whatever. Another seemed to have lost balance entirely, she fell to the ground, and rose back up as if she experienced a small bump. Her smile was beaming and it seemed like she was made of tougher stuff than what she looked. She seemed kind among all that, her hair was short and style was certainly different in a good way. Romaní felt at ease merely as an extension of her presence. And finally a girl garnishing upon her a headset and a music player. Wait... was she bleeding? What happened? Did she get hurt during the fall? Was this prior to the events that were transpiring? Out of all of them, this was the only one which propelled Romaní to move. He paced towards where she stood, tapped on her shoulder, his usual stern look plastered on his mien. "Hey." he rose his hand with a subtle wave, he felt a bit awkward at first, but he reached towards his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. "You seemed to have gotten hurt on the fall. Here, for the blood."

A voice now peered from nowhere, a half-breed. This was interesting, it seemed he herald the qualities of a hare. His hair and eyes were pink and brilliant. Of out all of them he was the one who stood out the most, not necessarily in a bad way. It was a first from what Romaní was used to seeing. He was quick, and so before anything else could happen the boy walked forwards and spoke. "Hi."

What now?

"Uhm, I understand that there's some hurry to all of this, but maybe we could start by knowing your name? I'm Romaní Bogart. My family specializes in Mantra. I don't really know what to think about all of this, yet. You don't seem like a bad person to me, and I feel your honesty. I do however, want to aid in anyway I can, for my family."

Join them, huh? Well, he might as well. Only other option was to take out another student loan and keep going to school. Well, this was basically the same thing, minus the debt, and progress towards a degree. Then again, he's also already here, and getting back was likely going to be a hassle, seeing as they're in some unknown location.

"Well, I don't see why not. I really don't have anything better to do. Also, where are we exactly? Did we go through some interdimensional teleportation to a different plane? Or are we just on some uncharted remote island in the middle of an Ocean?"

He then suddenly thought that all that time playing D&D might actually pay off here. Knowing of planar travel, and other magical BS might actually be of use here. Then again, this isn't much like D&D, seeing as it's present day, except for that one guy in robes. Although that might be a good idea for a campaign. Huh.

Well, guess he'd do more waiting. Wasn't really much else to do, 'Cept maybe wander off. He'd probably get lost doing that, though. Then again, getting lost for him was half the fun. But instead, he chose to wait, standing around until everybody had inevitably spoken up, asked questions, and possibly reveal unlikable parts of their personality.

---

---

Walt listened to the Woman in front of him, she was playing like a record, something was off about it, almost rehearsed, the only people who rehearse what they say are the people that are trying to deceive others. The people around him though were falling right into what he assumed was the trap she was setting, playing at the idea of heroics to get these kids in here to possibly take their magic, kill them, whatever they had planned. Walt knew that when he tore the letter he was walking into the lions den, but the promise of strength enticed him too. Walt looked the woman up and down trying to get any other clues, body language and tells.

"Ok, that sounds great, save the world, sounds pretty over the top for teens."

Walt was now giving the woman a slightly colder stare, he wasn't sure if he trusted the woman yet, but he knew that if he just walked out and he was right, then all these people are in immediate danger not just the danger of some looming darkness, he wasn't going to leave them here to face whatever was to come. He let his gaze soften, he didn't want to let her know he was on to her plans just yet, he needed the time and freedom to investigate, freedom which he would not get if she believed him actively working to expose her.

"But hey, what are teens better at than over the top and crazy things, I'm in. Walt Grismer, gunslinger extraordinaire at your service."

Walt gave her a thumbs up and a smile, gotta catch flies with honey as his dad had always told him, this was going to be his break out, if he exposes this place for some criminal activity then every precinct will be after him as a detective. Walt kept his right hand near his belt so that he could draw if he has to.

---

---

While waiting for the female host to make some sort of introduction, Ian had nothing better to do than to remember names of people who’ve chosen to introduce themselves. There was a Walt, very excitable, trying to get questions answered, but was ignored. Ian didn’t think the light-blonde teen was someone he would get along with. He was too excitable and much more outgoing than Ian would like. But maybe talking with people is easier when they’re the ones to take initiative?…Well, if I approach anyone, it should be someone more toned down, I think. Then there was a similarly enthusiastic girl who appeared to have gathering as a hobby. Ian didn’t think she was half as skilled as River, but then again, comparing her to a witch probably wasn’t exactly fair. The girl – Rinh – loudly called dibs on a room and Ian wondered if the ventilation requirement was for experiments, perhaps even potion-oriented ones, or if she needed that for whatever kind of magic she dealt in. If she is a potioneer, that could be a common ground for making a conversation. I could ask her what she intends to do…But based on her open personality, I bet she’ll reveal that soon enough.

After Rinh, there was a white-haired teen, whom Ian thought was younger compared to himself, introducing himself as Shuichi. He seemed a strange mix of suspicious and communicative – he enquired openly about the possibility of being kidnapped. Brought here to be exploited…I never even considered that. Could it be? Why would an enemy go through something like this though? Maybe that boy…Shuichi, he’s Shuichi, remember the names Ian, that’s always a plus for socializing…He might have a point, better be on the lookout in case there is something…Not like I could do much either way. Ian frowned. I hate being so resigned.

Soon after, the female finally began a speech. Very urgent…fading leylines…connected to a being. We already knew all of that from the letter. Those of us who’ve read it at least. I’m guessing Tohru is the blonde magician who just left before. And still she didn’t tell us her name. What exactly are we supposed to call her? Ian shook his head, somewhat disappointed not to get any more information just yet. We need all of you as one – what is that even supposed to mean? Oh, and yes, don’t worry, you can leave if you want but you’ll be living guiltily until everyone dies because you were such a lazy coward. Very inspiring, Ian thought sarcastically.

Despite the somewhat off-putting invitation, some people answered without hesitation. There was a hybrid, and even though Ian didn’t know his name, the pink-haired rabbit-eared teen was unique enough not to be forgettable. After that, a white-haired red-eyed boy answered, introducing himself as Romaní. Ian was intrigued immediately when the other mentioned mantra; the necromancer only knew that it was an obscure form of magic. Then three others accepted, and although Ian didn’t learn any new names – he already memorized Walt’s and the other two didn’t say – the long-haired blond male seemed like a sensible fellow to Ian. He was the second one to say outright that this was an ominous situation and Ian thought the blonde was more serious about it than the Shuichi boy had been. If this many people feel safe to accept…Ian knew that deciding based on numbers was idiotic, but he had his own reasons. He was immensely curious and if this was as good of an opportunity as he thought it could be, then it would be a shame to refuse. “I already made a commitment when I tore that letter. So, yes, I will join,” he said truthfully. The black raven on his shoulder echoed the sentiment with a soft caw.

It was clear that everyone had questions. The five basic W's mostly. Questions fired off from several of Charlize's peers as the young girl took the time to look everyone over as well as their host, or whoever the woman in front of them would be revealed as. "Hmm." Charlize hummed out loud but quietly to herself. It was important to follow the rules of this woman, she and along with the Tohru (the show off) would be their only lifeline in this location, wherever that may be.

Charlize agreed shortly after the boy who had a raven perched on his shoulder. "This bird guy is right. None of us would be here if we didn't tear that letter. We left everything behind, so it's pretty clear we are here to stay, and to fight." Charlize nodded, she sounded pretty convincing even to herself.

"I'm Charlize, by the way." she smiled, looking towards her peers. She wanted them to know her name right off the bat. She gave a friendly wave, before stepping back into the crowd a bit. Though she sounded pretty confident and ready; she was still very confused and very unsure about the meaning of this. Her grandmother had always told her magic was becoming a nuisance and that there was a time where people did not use it at all. Why would it ending now be so terrible? She wanted magic to stay, but couldn't help but hear the echoes of her grandmother.

Shuichi listened to the woman's speech and one by one the others accepted her offer. Shuichi found several things odd about the whole situation. This was the second time she had stressed the urgency of the situation, and yet what could they possibly do "urgently?" A bunch of teens with limited magical abilities vs. Lord Ultimate, Devourer of Mana? It didn't exactly sound like they were ready to deal with this thing any time soon, so she could at least put aside urgency for the sake of explaining just what the hell they were supposed to do about it. Plus, how is it that two people in some random hilltop castle were the only people on the planet who knew what was going on? Everybody else seemed just as confused about things as Shuichi, but then the girl who introduced herself as Charlize spoke up.

"Umm, actually..." Shuichi raised his hand in protest as the girl proceeded to speak for all of them. "I get a lot of letters like yours. 'You could already be a winner.' 'There is an issue with your account, please contact us immediately.' 'This is an urgent public service announcement about your current electric bill.' Stuff like that. So when I ripped the letter, I was only committing to tossing it in the wastebasket. I mean, it didn't even have a government seal on it..." Shuichi pursed his lips, now finally processing the gravity of the situation. "Right now, my little sister is probably freaking out and trying to explain to my parents how I disappeared into thin air. So don't get the wrong idea and think I'm eager to go fighting monsters for you."

Then, Shuichi let out a sigh, and his expression softened. "But, if this is a scam, it's certainly the most elaborate one I've ever seen. So, I guess I'm in, but on a few conditions. First, if you ask me for money, or plan on sending me or any of my relatives any kind of bill, I'm leaving. I'll need a chance to contact my family, tell them that I'm safe, and what I'm doing. And, you'll also notice that there are no bags slung over my shoulder. I'm gonna need a chance to acquire some fresh clothes for myself. If you can agree to that, then sure, I'll help you save the world." Even though Shuichi was no great businessman, his parents' basic lessons were still drilled into his bones. When you've got leverage, make demands. If he was as important as they said, then they should be eager to grant him these simple requests. If they wouldn't at least attempt to comply with such reasonable requests, then perhaps the whole thing was a load of bull and he would be better served leaving anyway.

As the woman finished her speech Luther gave a small nod as he got a much better idea of the situation. World in danger, hero's are needed and this little group are those hero's, well potential hero's. Honestly that thought made him scoff slightly, Luther never really thought of himself as a hero and still doesn't. He looked around as a few of the people stepped up and voiced their readiness for the job. Their eagerness and determination was clear, but it made Luther question his. He thought for a moment and closed eyes as he drifted through his thoughts. This was of course a huge deal, they were being asked to help fight some force that is threatening not only magic itself, but the world and their loved ones. Was he really up for this? He had decided back home to come, but as more details came in his resolve began to shake slightly. He pictured his home, his brother and the life they had managed to make for themselves. How they managed to continue on through the poverty, how they fought like hell to escape the world of hatred their parents created for them, and finally how they now live somewhat simple lives together. It brought him pride in their strengths. Then, as he soaked in the dangers they were told of and its capabilities of harming others he could only see his and his brothers lives burn to ashes. All of their suffering and hard work for nothing.

He tightened his fist and slowly opened eyes with a sigh. Yep, there was no debating it, he had to go through with it. A small frown of annoyance came to his face, but he tried to find the positive side. Not only would he get stronger, but maybe someone down the line could give a real fight. The local thugs have gotten a little dull lately. Plus looking around this place he could find some real amazing spots to sleep, place looked somewhat cozy. Luther gave one last small sigh before he walked to the front of the group, his unwelcoming expression as always still stuck on his face, and stopped a good distance away from the girl. "Luther Miller," he introduced himself as he pulled back his hoodie before crossing his arms and looking at her. "When do we start?" he asked with a frown. Might as well dive head first into this.

Mirabelle Kingston

---

---

"So I ask again... will you join us?"

A thousand questions fluttered in the distance from several of the people who stood beside Maemi. Some were indifferent, some were quick to leap to the stranger's aid, yet Maemi stood in silence. Maemi had been just as confused as the rest, yet something struck a cord within her. Something Maemi knew all too well; her oath and destiny affirmed by the woman's choice of words.

...the world is in immense danger...

...save this dying world from wreckage and to save magic...

...hellfire and beasts of immense power killing everyone you know...

The words echoed within Maemi, like a chiming bell. Her hands clutched into fists at her side, as Maemi stood adamant and stalwart. Perhaps Maemi appeared as if she was about to cry, yet who wouldn't be feeling some sort of emotion right now? They had been given the option to leave; to live a normal life back home. Still, if Maemi and the rest were to choose that option, the world would be doomed to fall. Cities would be destroyed. Their family and friends would be killed. Civilization, and more importantly, the world, would cease to exist as they knew it.

It might've sounded as if the woman was attempting to guilt trip them into helping their cause. After all, they had been given a vague letter, and now they were told society would collapse if they didn't bother to help. Nevertheless, Maemi had no inclination of returning home--at least not now. Not when Maemi found herself still bound by oath. Not when the world was at stake, and definitely not when it was within Maemi's power to do something. They could save everyone, and everything; leaving it evident which path Maemi would choose.

"We've just been told that the world will die and fall into chaos without us, and you're worried that this is a scam?" Maemi spoke with a frown, her words directed towards the silver-haired boy who had been making demands. Calling people out so early wasn't a clear way to make friends here, but the boy's words were something Maemi couldn't take so kindly. "The leylines are shrinking... magic is disappearing as a whole. Even if it is a bunch of lies... we've been given a chance to make change!"

Then, Maemi reached for the tree limb that accompanied her through the portal, and hoisted it over her shoulder. Leaving it outside wouldn't do any justice, and Maemi knew the tree limb would better serve as fuel for a fire, with its ashes to be used as fertilizer. Plus, the tree branch had technically been the only belonging Maemi brought with her outside the clothes on her back and her wand, adding to the various reasons to take the branch with herself."I may be a foolhardy idiot, but if I have the chance to better the world for the future..."

"...I'm taking it."

Shuichi pursed his lips when the girl called him out for his skepticism. She seemed like a kind person, and it definitely sounded like her heart was in the right place. He couldn't exactly be mad at someone who just wanted to do their part to save the world. However, looking down on him for asking questions was... perhaps naive was the word? "Look," he said, looking at the girl with a calm expression. "If you wanna jump right on in, go ahead. I'm not gonna try to hold you back. But I'm not agreeing to anything unless I know it's legitimate. They say there's a monster eating magic. Cool. I get it. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't. Maybe these guys are working for the monster and are just trying to trap us here forever. I don't know what's what. But, like I said, it doesn't seem like a scam to be, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. And you know what else, I think it's cool that you'll jump at the chance to fight monsters. You're a hell of a lot braver than me."

With that, Shuichi turned to head towards the woods. Elizabeth had agreed to all his conditions, so he saw no reason not to go through with this. He gave Maemi one last wave. He didn't want his first interaction with his new... classmate perhaps... to be entirely negative. "I'll see you later." And with that, he vanished into the woods, appearing right by his front door once again.

@Sola

* * *

Shuichi's house was quiet. His mother was away at work, and his sister was probably locked in her room studying. Well, at least nobody would bother him while he was packing. He climbed the flight of stairs, his footsteps echoing in the silent corridor, and gently pushed open his door.

"What are you doing back?"

Shuichi nearly jumped out of his skin. He spun around to see his father's hawk-like face glaring down at him. There were few people in the world that would dare cross Mr. Yuuto, and his gaze was enough to make any man's blood run cold. Some said it was innate magic caused by his griffin blood that called on some ancient predatory nature. Even when he was in a good mood, his expression was stern, but Shuichi could tell from the wrinkles around his eyes that his father was annoyed to see him.

"Ah... J-just grabbing clothes and stuff... packing. For the letter thing. They said they talked to you."

"They did." Mr. Yuuto's eyes narrowed.

Shuichi gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah, so I asked so questions and stuff, and they seem okay, so I'm going to go with them."

There was a long pause, then Mr. Yuuto's expression softened ever so slightly. "Good. I was almost proud of you when they explained everything to me. I was worried you were having second thoughts."

Shuichi felt his father's eyes boring into him. Second thoughts? He'd had third and fourth thoughts on top of that. But, was he hearing this correctly? His father actually wanted him to go? "W-well... either way, it seems important, so I'm going to do what they say."

Mr. Yuuto turned his back. "Good. Maybe when you come back, you'll finally have something to be proud of."

* * *

Shuichi returned to the pocket dimension, this time with a large bag draped over his shoulder. He wasn't sure how long he was going to be here, but he brought what he hoped would be enough to last him. Several changes of clothes, hygienic supplies, stationary, a lighter and a swiss army knife. If they did some crazy outdoor survival training, he was not going to be caught without fire. He took a deep breath and walked through the portal.

What he saw was... not what he expected: a rustic, cozy looking mansion that would likely have been condemned for being overrun with nature, yet at the same time stood tall and strong against time. He took a few steps forward and suddenly tensed up. For a moment, his senses felt more acute. Everything was so bright, he could hear heartbeats thumping around him, and he felt the subtle currents of the wind curling around his skin. And then it all subsided. His blood was hot and he felt like he just finished a sprint. Whatever this place was, it stirred his griffin blood. Now he was curious.

Elizabeth explained to the best of her abilities. Crossed armed, the youth listened intently to everything she said. He had an opportunity still to go back on his word, he just needed not to tear the card a second time. If so, he could continue his life as a monk and live his days as he has up until now. To be frank, this didn't sound at all displeasing to young Romaní. In fact, it felt somewhat adequate, this is perhaps because the youth of silver hair and crimson irises did not know a life beyond what he has experienced and neither did he have any aspirations to expand his horizons either. Perfectly content with how thing were, the youth known as Romaní Bogart merely stood in silence, delivering his thought only to his own devices. This boy spoke again, Shuichi he believed this boy was called. He held a point, regardless if Romaní didn't quite agree with his attitude. This could at end's meet be a trap, this could still be something plotted to root out lives for some greater scheme. It would make sense, considering that through a second glance, none of these other members seems to be too proficient either in their arts. Certainly, they are skilled to some degree, but Romaní is certain that they weren't masters in their field. So, to choose children not older than perhaps 25 years of age... None masters and weak in the face of great danger. It seemed too easy to believe this wasn't some sort of lure for something else. If that were the case... This is a really elaborate kidnapping situation. The world is in danger and magic from all sides has be diminishing rapidly, then out of nowhere we receive a letter from an unknown stranger suggesting that we have the answers to quell this conundrum the earth has been placed upon. And such is a beast of immeasurable hunger that is consuming away at the world's life blood.

There are certainly some discrepancies in all, and though there's not a single shadow of a doubt in Romaní's mind that this woman was indeed telling the truth, he knew that she also was not telling the entire truth. This soured Romaní's mien, shifting it to a grimace. He released his posture and loosed his shoulders. A deep inhale, followed by a slow, controlled exhale. A tight grip of his hands and clenching of his muscles before he released with ease, calming his body and mind. "I'll have to think about it a bit more." Spoke the young man before moving to a tree. A flash of light similar to the one previously engulfed his vision and like a flick of a finger, in an instance he was back in his room. However, this time his father sat at the foot of the bed, awaiting his son's arrival.

"I see you've made it back. I'm sure it was unpleasant." He spoke with cigar lit on his fingertips, hands messaging his neck, chuckling almost in disbelief as to what has happened. "It certainly wasn't something I'd wish to anyone else." replied the youth, returning to the desk he was on when this all occurred. Pulling on the drawer door, there it was, the card... If he ever decides to return to that world again. "You seem conflicted, regardless. Have they not made their point clear?"

"They did, but I still have my doubts. It's all too simple and similarly too hurried. I'm torn between believing in it all or merely ignoring it." The father chuckled at his son's input. He was indeed smart, he perhaps saw something that this foolish old man didn't. This is perhaps a blessing imparted by his mother, she is always very vigilant of everything. "I had a word with a stranger that told me much of this situation. I can't say I'd disagree with your skepticism. I sat here in high hopes and worry. I did not know if you'd been captured or if it was by own freewill. But now I see not a scratch on you, other than those troubled wrinkles which are forming in your image." Laying back on his chair, the young man stared at the ceiling, as if searching the answers on its surface. He didn't know anything about the outcomes and troubles he'd get into. But if he could restore the world's magical source... Then maybe, just maybe--

"How did mom take it?"

"Quite terribly. She was frantic and almost vanished the strange with an immeasurable density of power I am surprised she could tap into." He laughed as he said it. "She didn't fight it... Did she?" Romaní could feel a cold sweet travel down his spine with the thought of his mother attempting something that could potentially be very dangerous. His father shook his head and answered: "No, she held her peace, but that did not mean her aura was not sensed. We tried informing the police but it seems that they do not believe that a figurative entity is capable of capturing lives by mere extension of magic. I don't blame them, it's been weakened beyond belief."

"Damned if you do and damned if you don't, huh?"

"Your mother was fuming, perhaps she will be up in a minute to talk to you. I'm sure it's best that you go to her, before her mind begins ruminating on the worst." Romaní agreed... This wasn't something he could simply allow her to keep worrying about. He stood from his chair and excused himself. Reaching the door to leave the room his father stopped and said. "I have no qualms with whatever you choose. But just reaffirm with yourself that whatever choices you make, it will always have a consequence... Be it bad or good." Romaní tightened his grip and continued downstairs. There stood the mom, her expression seemed grim, and her eyes had lost their focus. It seems like she is caught in her own thoughts.

"Mom?" immediately as those words reached her, she jolted open. Turned to witness where it came from and she beamed in relief. Standing from where she was and running towards he child, grasping him in her embrace. "Romaní! Thank the heavens you're alright! You don't know how worried I was! Did they hurt you? Are you okay? What happened?" Romaní was laughing nervously, trying to calm his mother down and stop the bombardment of questions... she was surely upset. This would take awhile to explain. He sat her down, and began to tell her everything. From when it began with this letter, to where it ended at this very moment. How everything was surreal and how many other were present there. How a woman told him of a great danger and how he was chosen to take care of such. His mother, now relaxed, was beginning to ponder on the situation as well. "What do you think?"

"I think it's a scam." She said bluntly.

"I know... But I cannot shake away this feeling, however." She smiled and began to stroke the boy's hair. "Me neither. Mantra has a means to tell where to lead us, and so, your spirit is bellowing to find out this truth, leading you to what could probably be the mouth of a wolf. But, you are not ignorant to what you understand is dangerous, therefore I understand that you know that imparting on this journey would lead to turmoil, regret, dangers and even maybe death... This is a life you'd wouldn't place in the hands of just any ordinary boy... You have yet to even fully grow your whiskers." Romaní felt embarrassed. How can she say stuff like that without feeling a shred of shame. He didn't want to continue this anymore! He'd go to his room and sleep, maybe it's all a bad dream anyway!

"But..." She didn't led up...

"You're also a disciple of this art. And if Mantra is leading towards danger, than perhaps it's because you yourself know that you're able to topple it." Those words.... "But, could you at least... Have a last dinner with us?" Romaní smiled and agreed. After a few moment they all ate together, talked and had a wonderful evening. Before he went up to his room and began to pack, accordingly this time, hugged his parents once last time and ripped the letter apart.



A swift breeze coursed through his locks, a gentle heat enveloped his skin and welcomed his again this time to another world. However, in here he felt powerful. Like no other time before he sensed magic coursed so purely from the seams of... everywhere. He looked at his hands and gawked in awe... They weren't kidding, this is what it feel to be able to access magic unrestricted. He looked up, witnessing that strange blonde man from before. Yes, this will be the start of something amazing.

Japan? Really? Why is it always Japan? Well, it doesn't matter now. He was packed, and ready to go. Alex walked forward through the gate.

After a brief tingling feeling, he found himself in front of an old abandoned looking mansion. Thing must've been hundreds of years old, if not thousands. Just looking at the thing got his inner archeologist all exited. Old things were the coolest thing to Alex. Even old people. The things they've withstood over time, the secrets and stories the held, all of this drew Alex like a magnet.

At first glance, the place was covered in moss, vines, possibly some sort of ivy? Either way, that definitely added to the cool factor for him. He then looked towards the doors, a blonde man with a cane. He loomed stern, with almost a scowl, but more of an expectant look. Perhaps he'd be the one teaching? That reminded him, what exactly would they be learning? Well aside from magic. He hoped silently for a history class. The history of this place intrigued him, though he had to say that, if there was going to be any history, it's probably going to be about magic and its origins. Well, that could be fun, too.

Alex stood patiently, waiting for the others.