Two Weeks Later...

  "Whaddya think? It's not the Ritz, but it's something," Dad said, his voice echoing in the vast, empty space of what was to be our new home. He stood in the center of the room, his tall, broad frame casting a long shadow across the floor. His dark hair was peppered with gray, and his eyes were a deep brown that seemed to see right through us.

  I looked around, taking in the abandoned building. It was an old townhouse, its once beautiful architecture now faded and worn. The windows were cracked and the walls were stained, but there was something about it that felt right. It was like a blank canvas, waiting for us to make our mark. We'd spent a week at the temporary shelters the Terran equivalent of the United States and Canada had established in cooperation with our government.

  The portals between Terra's Shoreline City and Earth's New York City were located in Harlem and the former Downtown Financial District respectively, and the shelter was close to where we were now in the lower-east side.

  The area was a lot less dangerous now that the main Nightmare Zone in midtown had been cleared out. It was a far cry from our home in the ruined suburbs of Philadelphia, but it was home now.

  The building had been cleared out a few days ago, and the walls were still damp from the cleansing. The air was thick with the scent of chemicals, and it stung our noses. Izumi and I exchanged glances, knowing what this meant. It was a new beginning, a chance for us to create a home of our own.

  "It's perfect," I said with a small smile.

  Dad smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

  Izumi wrinkled her nose, her face a mask of disgust. "Ugh. Could use a little sprucing up. Or a lot."

  Dad chuckled. "That's why we're here, Izumi. To make this place our own. It's a fixer-upper, but with a little elbow grease, it'll be a home again."

  Izumi sighed and shrugged her bag off her shoulder. "But Ikki won't be around to help. He's got that fancy school to get to, remember?"

  I bit my lip, feeling a twinge of guilt. It was true; I had been offered a spot at the Terran Magitech program in St. Antonia's Academy. It was a prestigious school, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. But that meant leaving my family behind for long periods at a time.

  "I'll come back and help during the breaks," I promised, trying to sound optimistic.

  Izumi rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You better. I’ll kill you if you make me do all the hard work by myself."

  Dad laughed and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, kiddo. We've got plenty of time to make this place shine before he goes."

  I nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. I had to make the most of my time at home, and that meant pitching in wherever I could. We had a lot of work ahead of us, but if we worked together, we could make this place feel like home.

  "They've already come around to clean the place up," he said, looking around at the bare walls and the dusty floors. "It's a shell right now, but the walls are stable, and the plumbing and electrical are good to go. We've got our furniture with us, but I'll have to see what I can do about getting a few things replaced."

  Izumi sighed and kicked at a piece of debris on the floor. "Can't complain. It's a step up from the shelter, and that's gotta count for something. Plus, we've got a real roof over our heads, and there's a school just a couple of blocks away. Beats living out of a tent."

  Dad chuckled and patted her on the back. "That's the spirit. We'll make it work."

  "And you shall, Zane," a gentle voice spoke from behind us.

  We moved aside, making room for the tall, wiry man behind us, carrying a large crate. He was around Dad's age, with a kind, jovially sensitive face and sharp, intelligent hazel eyes that seemed to take in everything around him.

  His dark brown hair was peppered with gray, and he wore round spectacles that perched on the bridge of his nose. His clothes were simple and practical — a navy polo and lounge shorts. A far cry from the fancy suits I'd seen him wear in the news lately.

  Doctor Elio Hinokawa had risen in the ruins of Earth to prominence in the years after the Fourth Chaos War. The sudden invasion of Earth by extradimensional horrors and the near-total annihilation of humanity had led to a radical shift in the power structures and alliances across the world.

  The old governments across the world had mostly collapsed, and the Terrans, who had only recently made contact at the time, had intervened to prevent the total destruction of our world and civilization. The old United Nations had become the new United Earth, and while Earth was mostly independent, the Terran Confederation provided us with a great deal of aid.

  He was a diplomat, a negotiator, a scientist, and a war hero all wrapped up in one enigmatic package. He was also a dear family friend, and had helped us get to New York safely.

  He'd also helped get me my scholarship, though he'd refused to admit it. But I knew damned well the Terrans wouldn't have considered letting Earthborn attend their schools unless the man himself had put a suggestion in.

  Sure, I'd won a few national junior competitions for robotics, and I was decent at it for what we could do in this ruined world, but the Terrans had their own prodigies, and they didn't need us. I was good, but I wasn't that good. So I was grateful. I'd get to study the technology that was being used to rebuild our world, and I'd have a shot at making a difference in the future.

  Doctor Hinokawa smiled at us, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of wisdom and mischief.

  "Thanks again for putting the initiative together, Elio," Dad said, grinning as he set down the box of supplies he'd been carrying. "Don't know what we would've done without your help."

  Elio laughed, a warm, infectious sound that filled the room. "Nonsense, Zane. You're one of my oldest friends, and your children are like my own. I couldn't let you make this journey alone." His eyes sparkled as he glanced at Izumi. "Besides, I promised her a trip to the big city someday, didn't I? I'm just making good on that promise."

  "You're the best," Izumi said, beaming at Elio. She bounded forward, throwing her arms around his waist in a tight hug. He patted her head affectionately, his smile widening.

  "Thanks for coming out here to help us." I walked over and hugged him as well.

  "Of course, of course. We've got a lot of work ahead of us." He rubbed his hands together, his eyes glinting with excitement. "The expedition force is already looking for volunteers to scout key locations around the city. Paid, of course. I'll put in a good word for you three, if you want."

  I nodded, grateful for the opportunity. We needed the money, and scouting was something we could handle. Plus, it would give us a chance to explore the city and get to know our new home.

  "Sounds good," I replied, looking over at Dad. "We'll do what we can to help out."

  Dad nodded, his expression serious. "That's the spirit. Yeah, I’d feel a hell lot more comfortable if we had a little extra cushion for Ikki here."

  "Oh!" I turned to Doctor Hinokawa. "Could you take a look at my drone, Elio? It's been acting up lately, and I can't figure out what's wrong with it."

  "Sure thing, Ikazuchi." He gestured for me to bring it over. "Let's have a look-see."

  I jogged over to Dad's truck and retrieved the drone from the backseat. It was a sleek, black device, about the size of a soccer ball, with four rotors and a small camera mounted on the bottom. I'd built it myself a few years ago, salvaging parts from discarded drones and Terran tech and cobbling them together with a little help from Elio.

  It was a bit rough around the edges, but it had served me well, allowing me to scout ahead and avoid dangerous situations with a splash of Terran magic. But lately, it had been acting up, the controls unresponsive and the video feed glitching. Earth's technology was technically speaking, decades ahead of Terran tech. Their magitech just couldn't match the sophistication of Earth's cutting-edge technology before the Fall.

  But the Terrans had a lot of tricks that were better than ours, and literally magic that broke the usual limitations of size, heat, and physical constraints. The transfer of technologies had created a mutual technological revolution in just two decades. I suspected the problem had something to do with the wiring I used.

  I handed the drone to Elio, who inspected it with a critical eye. He hummed and hawed as he turned it over in his hands, examining every inch of it. After a few minutes, he looked up at me with a sly grin.

  "You've been tinkering with it again, haven't you?"

  I blushed, caught in the act. "Uh, maybe a little. I was trying to upgrade the camera, but I must have messed something up."

  Elio chuckled and shook his head. "You remind me so much of myself when I was younger. Always pushing the limits, never satisfied with what you've got. It's a good trait to have, but you've got to be careful not to break too many things in the process."

  He set the drone down on the dusty countertop and pulled out a small toolkit from his bag. Then, he pulled out a screwdriver and a few other tools and began to work on the drone, his fingers moving deftly over the machine. I watched him, fascinated by his skill and precision.

  After a few minutes, Elio looked up at me again. "A whittled-down Knave crystal integrated with the control board? I've heard of Terrans fascinated with theoretical applications with our artificial intelligence, but aren't you playing with fire? A mana battery would be far safer than what you have here. I can help you out with that, but I think you've got the knowhow to figure it out yourself. Just a bit of a short circuit in the wiring. You've got to make sure the connectors are properly insulated."

  I scratched the back of my head sheepishly. "I was just experimenting, and it seemed to be working fine until now. I didn't want to keep relying on a knave-class crystal. But they're common enough, cheaper and more powerful than a proper Terran mana crystal."

  Elio shook his head. "Chaos corruption from inert cores, although small, adds up over time without mana fields to counterbalance them. They are naturally entropic and will degrade your drone's hardware if given enough time. And the risk of a runaway cascade, even if small, is not worth the reward. Don't play around with that kind of thing without taking necessary precautions. As they say, pennywise and pound foolish." He gave me a stern look. "I know you're smart, kid, but sometimes you've got to be smart about being smart."

  I nodded, feeling my cheeks burning. "Sorry, Doctor Hinokawa. I'll be more careful next time."

  His eyes lit up. "That's all I ask, Ikki. Now, let's see if we can get this thing up and running again."

  "Hey!" Izumi shouted. "Remember, fellas. We've got beds and stuff to haul inside, so stop dicking around, you two!"

  She puffed up her cheeks, glaring at us with her hands on her hips. Elio and I laughed, and Dad chuckled as well. "She's got a point, you know," Dad said.

  "I mean it," Izumi stomped her left foot, crossing her arms. "We've got a lot of work to do. Save playing with your damned toys later."

  Izumi was an adorable and endearing little spitfire, standing at roughly four feet ten or eleven inches and still growing. She was a force of nature, and her energy was more than contagious. Her messy hair was a deep raven black like mine, and she shared our dad's dark brown eyes. She was a few years younger than me, but her spirit made her seem larger than life. It was hard to believe she was only twelve years old.

  My sister had always been a bit of a wild child, always ready to take on the world with a smile and a laugh. But beneath her tomboyish exterior, there was a vulnerability that she rarely showed. She had a big heart and a fierce loyalty to her family and friends. And when push came to shove, she could be a fierce protector, ready to fight tooth and nail for those she cared about.

  I couldn't help but admire her spirit.

  Despite everything she'd been through, she never let the weight of the world drag her down. She was a bright light in the darkness, and I was grateful to have her in my life. She was more than just my little sister; she was my best friend and confidante. We'd been through thick and thin together, including the literal end of the world, and our bond was stronger than ever.

  "Now, now," Doctor Hinokawa said, placating her with a wave of his hand. "Let's not get too worked up, okay? We'll have plenty of time for fun later."

  Izumi huffed, but a small smile played on her lips. "Fine. But you two better not slack off."

  I grinned, ruffling her hair. "We won't, 'Zumi. Promise."

  She swatted my hand away, but her smile widened. "Good. Now let's get to work."

  And with that, we set about unpacking and setting up our new home. It was still weird to me that the 'uncle' I'd grown up getting books and science kits from was now one of the most influential in the world. And he was here, helping us move. He'd always been there for our family after Mom died.

  We worked tirelessly, hauling boxes and furniture into the townhouse and arranging them as best we could. Dad and Doctor Hinokawa were a powerhouse team, lifting and moving heavy objects with ease. Izumi and I did our part, setting up the kitchen and bedrooms, making sure everything was in its place.

  After a few hours of hard work, the townhouse was starting to look more like a home. The empty walls were now adorned with pictures of our family and friends, and the once barren rooms were filled with the comforting scent of our belongings.

  Elio's phone buzzed. He sighed, frowning. "It's the forward base. I have to get going. But, Zane..."

  My dad nodded. "Yeah, we'll throw our hats in. Those pretty little princesses can't do everything on their own, after all."

  Elio laughed, patting Dad on the shoulder. "No, they can't. Thank you, Zane."

  As he left, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all that he'd done for us. He'd helped us get back on our feet and given us the chance to start anew. I knew I'd see him again. After all, he spent more time across the portal these days than on Earth.

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  But that was fine. I had my family here, and that was all that mattered.

  "The most pressing job they have is a scouting mission at North End. The name the Terrans have given the Bronx Logistics Center," Dad explained, as we sat around the makeshift dining table in our new home. "They want to get a handle on the situation there before they clear it out and open it for resettlement, and they're willing to pay top dollar for experienced scouts."

  I raised an eyebrow, curious about the details. "What's the catch? Why is it so urgent?"

  Dad sighed, running a hand through his hair. The sound of canned soup being heated on the stove filled the room, providing a comforting background noise. "Apparently, the area is still covered with chaos beast corpses. They need a team to go in, assess the situation, and report back. They don't want to send in any of the troops until they know what they're dealing with."

  Izumi frowned, her brow furrowing. "Sounds pretty sketchy to me," she said, voicing the concern we were all thinking. "And the Terrans are just gonna let a bunch of Earthborn handle it?"

  Dad nodded, his expression grim. "They have their reasons. From what I hear, some squads of Magical Girls and the Magitech Corps have already done two search and destroy runs for any remaining chaos beasts, but they want to make sure it's safe before they bring in any civilians. They also want to get the lay of the land for any other hazards, like structural instabilities. The last thing they need is a building collapsing on top of their people."

  I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "So, we're the guinea pigs, huh?" I asked.

  Dad shrugged, his eyes darkening. "Not exactly. But if there's anything left in that place, we need to be ready for it. The Magical Girls and the Magitech Corps might be the big guns, but we've got our own experience and skills to bring to the table."

  Izumi scoffed, crossing her arms. "You mean they're sending us in first because we're expendable? Figures."

  Dad's expression hardened, and he leveled a stern gaze at Izumi. "That's not fair, 'Zumi. They're doing their best, just like we are. We all want the same thing here — to make sure this city is safe for everyone. That's why they're asking for volunteers, not conscripting them. The pay is good for the hazard rating, and they're giving us a choice."

  Doctor Hinokawa nodded. "Jae asked for your father and Blake by name. They're two of the best scouts he knows, and he trusts them to get the job done right. As for you, Ikki, he's heard a lot of good things from Blake, and he wants to see what you can do. He's always on the lookout for fresh talent. He thinks Earth is criminally under tapped in that regard."

  I nodded, feeling a surge of pride. Jae was a Terran military officer of some sort who'd quit his formal position. He had a lot of pull and now served in the role of an informal low-level diplomat. Jae saw the plight of Earth and the limitations of the Terran bureaucracy. The man was fiercely independent but fiercely compassionate.

  He was in charge of coordinating a lot of the Terran's efforts to help us reclaim New York City, which had been mostly cleared out of the worst threats, but there were still a lot of areas where even Magical Girls struggled. They didn't know the culture or the lay of the land, but Jae did, and he had a knack for getting people to work together, no matter where they were from. He was the kind of leader everyone respected and admired.

  Izumi scowled. "But hang on, if there are so many chaos beast corpses still up there, why haven't they cleaned them up yet? It's been weeks since the cleanup began."

  Dad sighed. "There's been a lot of chaos beast activity in the area, and the Terrans have been busy dealing with other threats. The Bronx Logistics Center has been low on the priority list, but now they're finally turning their attention to it with so many of us moving in. They're stretched thin dealing with the Nightmare Zones in Long Island and Jersey City, and that's not to mention the ongoing cleanup along the major highways."

  I grimaced, remembering the stories we'd heard about the nightmare zones — areas that were so infested with Chaos Beasts and other horrors that even the Terrans were hesitant to venture into them. It made sense that they'd want to clear out the bigger threats before properly disposing of the corpses, but it was still unsettling to think about the lingering danger that lurked just a few miles away.

  Dad continued. "The good news is that there haven't been any reports of active chaos beasts in the area for a while now. They're probably all holed up in the nightmare zones, but we can't be too cautious. The Terrans have done their best to clean up the area, but they can't be everywhere at once."

  I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "So, it's up to us to make sure the coast is clear before they bring in the other civilians, huh?"

  Dad nodded. "That's right, Ikki. Our people, on the other hand, want to start shipping food and other supplies to the city. The logistics center is a crucial hub for that, and they want to make sure it's safe for the trucks to come through and for the barges to dock. That's where we come in."

  Izumi's eyes lit up, and she bounced in her seat. "And if we do a good job, they'll pay us enough to fix the bike!"

  Dad laughed, ruffling Izumi's hair. "That's the plan, kiddo. We'll have enough money to fix the bike and then some." His expression turned serious again. "But remember, the safety of the other settlers is our top priority. We're doing this for them, not just for the money."

  We all nodded, understanding the importance of the task at hand. It was a chance to prove ourselves, to show the Terrans that Earthborn could hold their own.

  Izumi stretched. "So, what's the game plan gonna be? Need me to do my usual gate climbing and whatnot?"

  Dad shook his head, his expression solemn. "No, 'Zumi. You're staying put. We need someone to keep an eye on the house while we're gone. We can't risk any of the other settlers breaking in and stealing our stuff, or worse."

  Izumi's face fell, and she crossed her arms.

  "Excuse me?" she demanded. "No way. I can handle myself out there. And you're going to need all the help you can get. I'm not some little kid anymore, Pops."

  Dad sighed, his eyes softening. "I know you're not, sweetheart. But this is different. Call it a gut feeling. I'd feel better knowing you're here, looking out for our home and making sure everything's okay."

  Izumi huffed, her cheeks puffing out in indignation. "That's not fair! I'm part of the team, too."

  For just a brief moment, Dad and Doctor Hinokawa shared a look, their eyes locking in silent conversation. It was subtle, but I caught it — a quick nod from Doctor Hinokawa, and Dad's shoulders relaxed slightly. There was something they weren't telling us, but what was it?

  Dad sighed and turned back to Izumi. "Look, kiddo, I promise you'll get your chance to shine. But for now, I need you here, okay? Think of it as a mission of your own. You've gotta keep this place safe for all of us."

  Izumi grumbled, but she seemed to accept his explanation, even if she wasn't happy about it. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowed in thought. "Fine," she muttered. "But next time, I'm going, too. Got it?"

  "Got it," Dad agreed, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He turned to me, his expression serious once more. "We'll be heading to the Bronx Logistics Center tomorrow morning. Be ready, Ikki. It's gonna be a long day."

  I nodded, furrowing my brows in contemplation. As we finished our dinner, my mind was racing with thoughts about the mission ahead and the secrets that seemed to surround it. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than just a routine scouting job.

  Later that night, I found myself in the makeshift workshop I'd set up in a corner of the basement. It wasn't much, just a few workbenches and some salvaged tools, but it was a space I could call my own. I sat on a stool, staring at the drone I'd built, its sleek black frame reflecting the dim light of the single bulb that hung from the ceiling.

  The drone was my pride and joy, a culmination to my skills as a mechanic and a budding engineer. I'd built it from scratch, salvaging parts from abandoned tech and cobbling them together into something new. It was more than just a machine to me; it was a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in a world as broken as ours, we could still create something beautiful and functional.

  I ran my fingers over the smooth surface of the drone, feeling the weight of its metal and plastic in my hands. It paled in comparison to the magitech devices that had become commonplace thanks to the Terrans, but it was mine.

  It was a strange thing, living in a world that had been torn apart by the chaos beasts, only to be pieced back together by the arrival of a foreign civilization. The Terrans were a race of people from another dimension. They were Earth, but not Earth. Our histories had diverged centuries ago, but their world was a paradise compared to ours. They had conquered the horrors that plagued us and lived in a society that was far beyond anything we could have imagined.

  "Ikazuchi?" a gentle voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts.

  I turned to see Doctor Hinokawa standing at the bottom of the basement stairs, his eyes soft with concern.

  "Oh. What are you doing back here, Elio?" I asked. "I thought you were headed out."

  He shrugged. "I wanted to check on you on the way back to the embassy. Your father says you've been down here all night. Is everything okay?"

  "Sorry," I muttered, turning back to my work. "I just needed some time to think."

  "About the mission tomorrow?" he asked, stepping closer to me. I felt his presence beside me, a reassuring weight in the stillness of the basement. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak yet.

  Doctor Hinokawa sighed, leaning against the workbench. "Talk."

  "Why is Izumi being left out?" I asked, looking up at him.

  His eyes narrowed. "Zane told you why."

  I frowned. "There's something you two aren't telling us."

  He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering away before returning to meet mine. "The chaos beasts... aren't the only ones we have to worry about out here," he said finally. "There are reports of human criminals, bandits, and worse, operating in the area. They've been preying on settlers and refugees on the road, taking advantage of the chaos to further their own ends."

  I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Slavers?"

  His expression was grave. "Among others. We suspect some of them may have ties to the Brotherhood, a group of Earthborn ethnonationalists that have been gaining influence in recent years. They've been using the chaos to expand their territory and recruit new members. And they're not afraid to use violence to achieve their goals."

  I clenched my fists, anger and fear mixing in the pit of my stomach. "And you want Izumi to stay behind because...?"

  "We don't want her to be a target," Doctor Hinokawa explained. "She's young and vulnerable, and we can't risk her falling into their hands. It's safer for her to stay here, where she can keep an eye on things and defend herself if necessary. The neighborhood is being actively patrolled by volunteer Magical Girls at night. The truth is, we're not just scouting. We're trying to triangulate them, and a logical hideout would be up there in the Warehouse District. We don't want to risk them getting their hands on anyone, especially a young girl like her."

  I nodded, my anger subsiding as I understood their reasoning. "I see," I said softly.

  "I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We didn't want to worry you."

  I shrugged. "It's okay. I understand. Just... promise me you'll keep her safe."

  I knew the United Earth embassy was close by, and the area around it was one of the safest in the city. Still, I couldn't help but worry about my little sister. She was tough, but she was still a kid, and she'd already seen enough horrors for a lifetime.

  "I promise," Doctor Hinokawa said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We'll do everything we can to protect her and everyone else."

  I turned back to my work, my resolve strengthened by his words. "Thanks. Anyway, I need to make sure this thing is in top shape," I said, patting the drone.

  Doctor Hinokawa shook his head. "You need to get some sleep. Let me handle the drone."

  "I'm almost done," I protested. He shook his head, gently taking the tool from my hand.

  "I've got it. You go rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

  I relented, stepping aside to let him take over.

  He began to tinker with the drone, and I watched him for a moment before heading upstairs. I sat on bed, my mind filled with thoughts of the mission ahead as I stared ahead.

  I knew that we had a responsibility to protect not only ourselves, but also the other settlers who were trying to rebuild their lives. And I was determined to do my part, no matter what dangers lay ahead.

  Sighing, I stood up and walked over to Izumi’s room. She was sitting on her own, fiddling with her phone. There was no service. It hadn't worked since we left Pennsylvania. But she was still scrolling through pictures of our old life, pictures of her and her friends. I could tell she was feeling homesick. We'd spent the last decade or so in Philadelphia, and we'd had a comfortable life there - all things considered.

  Most of the chaos beasts had been pushed out of Philly by the Terran military at the height of the invasion. What they called the Fourth Chaos War. The government had relocated most of the people from the east side to the center of the city, and built huge fortifications to keep the monsters out.

  The U.S government had gotten lucky, all things considered. New York was lost, sure, but the Terrans had arrived just in time to prevent a unilateral fall of the East Coast.

  But everything was different now. The world was a bigger and scarier place than it had been before, and we had to be prepared for anything. We had to be ready to fight, to protect ourselves and each other.

  "Izumi," I started, and she looked up at me, her eyes wide and sad.

  "Hey," I murmured, sitting beside her.

  "Hey, Ikki," she replied, her voice a mix of sadness, and resignation.

  I smiled, putting my arm around her. "It's going to be okay, you know," I reassured her. "We'll figure it out, just like we always do. You're not alone, sis."

  She nodded, leaning into my side. "I know. I'm just... tired, I guess. I mean, I get a break now. Sorta. But I'm still worried, you know?"

  "Yeah. But you've got to have faith in us. Dad and I, we're not going to let anything happen."

  She nodded again, her expression softening. "Thanks, bro. I appreciate that."

  I ruffled her hair, making her scowl and swat at my hand. "Hey! I'm not a kid anymore!" she protested, but there was a smile on her lips.

  I grinned. "You'll always be my little sister, no matter how big you get."

  She rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the amusement in her eyes. "Whatever, dork," she mumbled, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Just... don't do anything stupid, okay?"

  I chuckled. "No promises," I teased. "But I'll try."

  We sat in silence for a few moments, listening to the sound of Doctor Hinokawa's tools as he worked on the drone. After a while, Izumi sighed. "I guess I'll see you and dad when you get back," she said quietly, playing with the locket around her neck.

  I kissed the top of her head. "Yeah. Get some sleep, okay? You're on watch duty tomorrow."

  She huffed. "Don't remind me," she muttered, but she settled down in her bed anyway, pulling the covers up to her chin. "Goodnight… Ikki."

  "Night, 'Zumi," I replied, getting up and walking to the door. I turned off the light and stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind me.

  I stepped into my room, the light from the hallway spilling in behind me. The room was sparse, with a simple bed, a desk, and a few shelves. A small window looked out onto the dark city, the distant lights of the Terran outpost visible in the distance. I sighed, setting my bag down and running a hand through my hair.

  I didn't remember much about my childhood in this city. It was mostly a blur of memories and emotions, faded and worn with time. Just a whirlwind of heat, screaming, and blood.

  I could barely make out the faces of my parents, my infant sister in my father's arms, and the other people we'd been traveling with in my memories. But the one thing I could remember was the sound of their screams, the smell of their blood, and the blurry sight of their lifeless bodies strewn across the cracked pavement as I crawled in agony. It didn't bother me much in my day to day life, but it did sometimes leave me wondering what I had lost.

  I remembered clinging to my mother's hand, the sound of her soothing voice as she tried to reassure me that everything would be okay. The feel of my father's strong embrace as he carried me on his back, the weight of our few belongings and supplies on our shoulders. The exhaustion and hunger that gnawed at my insides as we trudged through the burning rubble and twisted metal. The fear that hung heavy in the air, a constant companion as we tried to escape the horrors that had descended upon our world.

  The chaos beasts that had torn our lives apart… I didn't remember much about them, either. Just flashes of sharp teeth and glowing eyes, of claws, tentacles, and scales and wings. They were like something out of human nightmares. Literally. With their distorted, surreal appearances that ranged from bad CGI to twisting, non-euclidean shapes. The Aberrations were a living embodiment of terror and destruction. I didn't understand them, didn't know why they had come to our world, but I knew they were the reason my mom and grandparents died that day.

  And then, suddenly, a flash of frilly pink raced through my memories. The memory was fuzzy, but I could remember the sight of a pink-haired girl, her face blurred but her expression one of concern and determination. She'd carried me with one arm, and her free hand had held a heart-tipped wand of some kind.

  I'd clung to her in desperation, crying and screaming, my young mind unable to comprehend the horrors I'd witnessed. She was the first Magical Girl I had ever met, and she had been kind, gentle, and strong.

  I could remember the wind in my hair and the feeling of being carried through the air at an incredible speed as the city rushed beneath us. It had been terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for that moment of freedom, even though it had been born out of such tragedy.

  And I remembered… little more after that. Just the cold and sterile interior of a shelter, the sound of voices speaking in hushed tones, and the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket, my body shaking from shock and exhaustion. And that was it. My memories of that time were like fragments of a shattered mirror, reflecting bits and pieces of the past, but never the full picture.

  I pulled my musty covers over my head and closed my eyes.

  At the end of the day, memories were all that remained of the past. They were a reminder of the life I'd once had, of the people I'd loved and lost, and of the city I'd called home.

  But memories were all they were.

  I had to have faith.

  It was a new start for us… and I was damned sure going to make the most of it.