Fire. Everywhere.

  The world was a canvas painted in deep oranges and fierce reds, where shadows danced like mischievous demons, playing tricks on the eyes and mind. Smoke veiled the environment, rendering our once-familiar apartment building into a surreal and hostile abyss.

  As I huddled against my mother's leg, the orange gem that hung from her necklace seemed to glow brighter amidst the gloom. It glowed like the sun, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by it. It was a sight that would forever live in my memory.

  My mother glanced around frantically, one hand clutching mine tightly and the other removing a ceremonial sword we kept in the living room from its rack.

  She pulled me close and we descended the staircase, each step feeling like we were plunging deeper into a realm where legends and myths collided with reality. The walls, once a calming shade of blue, were now scarred with soot and ash.

  She had always been like that. Big and safe, and my younger self always thought she'd talked with words that sometimes seemed borrowed from a storybook.

  Through the haze, a window came into view. I peeped out, wide eyes drinking in the scene. The tall buildings I'd always seen reaching up to the sky were now spewing out angry black clouds of smoke. And there, amidst the destruction, floated strange creatures with glowing blue eyes. Their forms twisted and contorted as they moved, like they were made of smoke and shadow, their movements fluid and sinuous.

  As my eyes adjusted to the smoke and the chaos around us, I noticed the terrified faces of the people running on the street below. The roads were filled with shambling men and women, their faces pale and distorted, moving in a manner unlike any people I'd seen before. It was like they were being pulled by invisible strings in a dance they couldn't control. Some of their eyes held a vacant blue glow similar to the flying monsters, their mouths snarling and foaming with feral rage as they leaped on their fellow humans with a viciousness that made me want to cry.

  "These ones are lost," Mommy whispered when she saw me staring. "We mustn't let them see us, okay?"

  I nodded, gripping her tighter. I didn't understand who these 'lost ones' were, but the urgency in my mother's voice told me enough. There was a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, like the unease I felt when I misplaced my favorite toys. Hugging her leg, my gaze was drawn upwards, not to the creatures, but to the radiant orange gem glowing ominously where the sun should have been.

  "Why are the birdies so angry, Mommy?" I asked, my voice quivering. I'd never seen anything like this outside of the colorful illustrations in my picture books.

  She paused for a brief moment, searching for words. "They are not our regular birdies, sweet one. We must move quickly and stay away from them."

  Her voice had a gravity to it, like when she told me not to touch the hot stove or run with scissors.

  We continued our descent, my little shoes padding softly against the steps. The weight of the air grew heavier, and the world seemed to shimmer around the edges. Each flicker and glint made me think of the twinkling stars in the night sky and the tales of celestial realms where gods played and rested.

  My mother's whispered words broke my reverie. "Stay close, my heart. We'll find safety soon."

  That shimmer around everything was becoming more pronounced, making everything look wavy as if I was viewing it from underwater...

  And all of a sudden, everything changed.

  We were no longer in our burning apartment building but in another place entirely.

  It was distinctly different yet eerily familiar. The oppressive weight of the air lifted slightly, replaced by the sterile scent of hidden metal walls. The change was jarring as if we'd been plucked from one nightmare and thrust into another.

  My mother's appearance had changed too.

  Her casual purple sweatshirt was stained, not by the ash from the fires but by deep, dark splotches of blood, a haunting contrast against her smooth, pale skin. She had a ceremonial sword drawn, its blade gleaming malevolently in the dim orange light. The short sword, usually displayed ceremoniously in the living room at home, looked out of place in her grasp, yet she held it as if it was an extension of herself.

  We found ourselves in a vast lobby with tall marbled pillars that echoed memories of grandeur, now marred with soot and ash. But what made my heart race faster than ever were the shambling figures and snarling beasts ahead, their grotesque forms illuminated by the occasional spark of shattered electric fixtures. The vacant blue glow in their eyes gave away their intentions.

  Mommy pulled me close, her eyes never leaving the encroaching horde.

  "Ikazuchi, my beautiful, little lightning. My dearest heart," she whispered, "I will love you. Always."

  Her stance solidified, each muscle coiled and ready. She looked like a statue, a guardian from those ancient fairy tales, standing between the evil of the world and her beloved child.

  The distance closed rapidly. The stench of ozone and soot became overpowering. It was clear she wouldn't be able to fend them all off.

  Still, she charged forward with a fury I'd never seen since, the sword whistling through the air with eerie grace, cutting down the first of the creatures in a flash.

  But there were too many.

  My heartbeat echoed in my ears, a relentless drum growing louder and faster. The grotesque faces of the horde loomed closer, their hands grasping hungrily.

  I saw them overcome her, pulling her down, tearing at her. My scream was trapped in my throat, a raw, primal fear overtaking me as I watched the unspeakable horror unfold.

  "No!" I shrieked, extending the bloody remains of my mangled arm.

  I could only cry helplessly as the monsters overwhelmed and swarmed over her.

  Suddenly, a jolt. A rush of adrenaline.

  "Ikki! Yo, wake up!"

  The world around me blurred and shifted, fading away as I was dragged back into the present. The feeling of cool sheets under my fingers, the muted colors of a dim room, and the familiar scent of my old books grounded me.

  My heart was still racing, the phantom screams and growls echoing in my ears. I blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the lingering shadows of the dream. It took a moment to recognize the face looming above mine, her wide, shimmering, concerned brown eyes searching mine as my sister stood over me, hands against the wall behind me.

  "Jeez, you were hollerin' in your sleep again. Nightmare?" Her tone was gruff, but her touch was gentle as she pushed a damp clump of hair from my face. My head was pounding, my heart still thudding painfully in my chest.

  "Yeah," I muttered, rubbing my eyes. "Same old."

  Izumi sighed, plopping down beside me, her dark hair falling in a messy cascade over her shoulders. She looked tired, but her eyes were bright with worry. "You've been having them a lot lately," she observed. "Maybe we should get Doc Elio to take a look at ya."

  I waved her off, pushing myself up into a sitting position. "I'm fine, Izumi," I assured her, even though my voice sounded shaky. "Just... stress, I guess."

  I'd been having nightmares since the day we'd left Pennsylvania to make our way back here. They'd started off sporadic, just a few times a week, but as we'd gotten closer to the city, they'd become more frequent. Now, they were almost a nightly occurrence, leaving me exhausted and on edge.

  She gave me a dubious look. "Right," she said, raising an eyebrow. "And I'm a Magical Girl."

  "I'm serious, 'Zumi. I can handle it." I forced a smile, hoping to reassure her, but it didn't quite reach my eyes.

  "Whatever you say, bro," she said with a sigh. She ruffled my hair playfully, a gesture that reminded me of simpler times. "Anyway, you and dad have a big day today, right? You better get your butt out of bed and get ready."

  I nodded, stretching and trying to shake off the lingering unease from the nightmare. "Yeah," I agreed. "Thanks for waking me up."

  "Anytime," she replied with a small smile.

  I loved my little dolt of a sister and appreciated it, even if she could be annoying about it sometimes. She had a tendency to stick her nose into everyone's business, which could be irritating, but she always meant well. It was just her way of showing she cared, and I knew that even when she was driving me up the wall, she'd be there for me no matter what.

  Izumi stood up and headed for the door, briefly glancing back at me with concern still lingering in her eyes. "Seriously, Ikki," she said, her tone softer than usual, "talk to someone if you need to. Dad or Doc or even one of those Terran doctors. Promise?"

  I nodded, meeting her gaze. "I promise," I replied.

  She left, her soft footsteps descending the stairs. I could hear the sounds of my father moving around downstairs, the faint clatter of dishes and the smell of coffee drifting up from the kitchen.

  I swung my legs out of bed, taking a moment to gather my thoughts.

  The dream, the memory of that day, still hung over me like a dark cloud. I could almost smell the smoke and feel the heat of the flames, even though it had been years since the day our apartment burned. The images from the dream were fading now, but the feeling of terror and helplessness remained, a constant reminder of everything we'd lost.

  I pulled the thin blanket off and swung my legs over the side of the mattress. Then, I pushed myself up from the bed, shaking my head to clear the last traces of sleep.

  Time to face the day, I told myself. Time to move forward.

  The cold wooden floor sent a shock through my feet, jolting me further awake.

  Scanning the room, I found a set of clothes neatly folded on a chair by the window. Dad had probably put them there the night before, anticipating an early start. I picked them up, the fabric rough against my fingers. He'd picked out simple, sturdy work clothes. Cargo pants, a thick shirt, and a worn jacket that still bore the scars of past adventures.

  As I began to dress, I caught sight of the envelope on the corner of my old wooden desk. The creamy paper, now slightly crinkled, bore the insignia of St. Antonia's Preparatory Academy. I traced the embossed logo with my fingers — the memory of my acceptance filled me with a strong sense of pride and uncertainty.

  I'd applied for the academy at Elio's behest, never actually expecting to get in. It was an exclusive school for talented young Terrans, and well, it was no secret they looked down on us for being unable to use magic. I'd just assumed I'd end up in an ordinary school in our decaying world. But then the letter had arrived, and suddenly my future had seemed a lot clearer.

  It was a partial scholarship, covering everything from tuition to books. For whatever reason, St. Antonia's Academy didn't have on-campus dorms available except for students who'd proven themselves in their first year.

  It was a chance to build a better future, to escape the crumbling world and its dark memories. And even though I felt guilty about leaving Izumi and dad behind, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up. I would do anything to get them out of fighting for literal scraps and into the kind of life they deserved. I could do it. We'd even chosen to join the reclamation mission for New York City because Shoreline City was right across the portal, and it paid enough for the move.

  I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

  There'd be plenty of time to worry about school later. Today, I had a mission to focus on, a chance to prove myself and help our family all at once. The money we'd scrimped and saved to send me over to the academy wouldn't last long, and I had to do my part to make sure our family could keep its head above water.

  I grabbed my old leather backpack and stuffed a few essential items inside: a couple of granola bars, bottled water, a flashlight, and a small notebook and pen. I still had to pack my drone into the bag, but I'd do that later. The drone was a special project of mine, and the chaos beast core it ran on gave it virtually unlimited flight time. I'd built it myself, a labor of love and engineering, and it had become one of my most prized possessions. I couldn't wait to put it to good use today. Then, I slipped a Swiss army knife complete with a lockpick into my shoe. Dad had drilled it into me to be prepared for anything.

  I glanced around my room, a mix of sadness and nostalgia washing over me. Even though we'd been back in New York for only a week, the city was already starting to feel like home again. I'd be gone in less than a month, and the thought of leaving made my heart ache.

  I walked into the run-down bathroom attached to my room, turning on the sink and waiting for the rusty red color to disappear from the water. I let it run hot a bit to kill any lingering pathogens or bacteria that might have clung to the pipes. Then, I washed my face.

  I studied my reflection in the mirror, taking in the dark circles under my eyes and the tousled black hair that stuck up at odd angles. I brushed my hair back, trying to tame it into some semblance of order.

  I'd always kept it short, cutting it with scissors myself whenever it grew past my eyebrows. It was practical, and besides, I'd never been one for fancy hairstyles or expensive cuts. My father always said Izumi and I took heavily after our mother, but she'd died when I was little. It had been so long now that I couldn't even remember her voice clearly.

  My features were sharp and angular, a contrast to the soft, rounded curves of my sister's face. I had a narrow nose and high cheekbones that gave me a slightly haughty appearance, although I didn't mean to be. My eyes were a deep brown, almost black in certain lights, and they held a hint of softness.

  The scar on my forehead was a pale line, barely visible now, but it was a constant reminder of my past. Dad told me I'd gotten it in the attack that destroyed our home and killed our family and other neighbors when I was little. I had no idea how he managed to get out of the city while carrying both me and Izumi. He'd told me that a Magical Girl had saved us. That he'd met Doctor Hinokawa that day, and it had changed their lives forever.

  Doctor Hinokawa and the Terrans had brought us to safety.

  But I couldn't remember any of it.

  All I had was that dream, that nightmare of fire and chaos and fear.

  I finished up in the bathroom and made my way downstairs. The house was old and creaky, with a musty smell that lingered in the air. The walls were covered in peeling wallpaper, and the furniture we'd brought over was mismatched and worn. We'd chosen the location carefully, making sure it was close to the action but far enough away from the worst of the Nightmare Zones — designated regions where chaos beasts and other aberrant creatures were known to congregate.

  But it was a nice brownstone, all things considered, and I couldn't complain.

  A large number of cleaning companies had set up in the area, and they'd been paid to clean up houses and buildings marked for reclamation. This one had been thoroughly scrubbed, but the smell of age and abandonment still lingered. The neighborhood was slowly coming back to life, with more and more families moving back in every day. It was a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.

  The sound of sizzling ham, canned vegetables and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I descended the stairs, drawing me towards the kitchen. We didn't have much in the way of fresh food, but a street marketplace was beginning to form along a nearby street, and the merchants there were always happy to trade for canned goods and other supplies.

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  I spotted my dad by the stove, a large skillet in hand. He flipped a piece of canned ham, making it sizzle as it hit the hot metal. A solid six feet three inches tall and powerfully built with a fade haircut he shaped with his own hands every week, he had the kind of frame that spoke of years of hard labor and manual work. His face was a map of experiences; every line and scar told a story. Though his exterior was gruff, there was a softness in his eyes, especially when he was looking after us. Both Izumi and I had gotten that from him, too. He was a man who radiated an air of quiet strength, someone you'd want by your side when times got tough.

  Dad was wearing a pair of worn jeans and a flannel shirt, which he'd rolled up to his elbows. He had an easy familiarity with the kitchen, moving around with practiced efficiency.

  He glanced up, a smile playing on his lips as I stepped into the kitchen. "Morning, kid. Sleep well?"

  I shrugged, trying to play it off as I took a seat at the table, but his observant eyes saw right through me. "Nightmare again?"

  "Same one," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

  His brow furrowed with concern, but he nodded. "Yeah… shit. Sorry to hear that. Well, we'll make sure to keep you busy today. Keep your mind off it."

  I nodded and sighed, taking in the smell of sizzling meat. Izumi slid in next to me, grabbing a piece of ham and taking a big bite. She shot me a wink, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

  Dad quietly stirred the pot before turning his attention back to our conversation. "You know, when I signed us up for this reclamation project, I didn't think it'd be this... peaceful. Pay ain't half bad either. Didn’t expect the power and running water to be up so quickly either."

  "It's only been two months since the campaign started, Dad," I pointed out. "We can't get complacent - I mean, you know what Elio said. There's been trouble brewing up on the outskirts already."

  Dad let out a deep chuckle. "Always a pain-in-the ass, aren't ya? But you're right. There are always challenges when it comes to building something new. I’m just thankful we’ve got the Terrans lending us a helping hand.”

  "Terrans," Izumi snorted. "Yeah, right."

  Dad's expression soured. "Izumi, you know they're just trying to help."

  "Are they, though?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. "Why wait so long to help us, huh? It's been twelve years since the invasion ended, and they're only now clearing out one of the most important cities in the world? And what about all the people they've pushed out of their way? You can't tell me they don't have an agenda."

  Dad sighed, setting down his spatula and turning to face my sister. "Look, kid. I get it. I was there. But you've gotta understand, at the end of the day the Terrans are just people, just like us. They've got their own problems and priorities, and they've been working their asses off to rebuild what the chaos beasts destroyed. There are good folks and downright dastardly folks. Cut 'em some slack."

  Izumi rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue. "Yeah, whatever," she muttered under her breath.

  Dad shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips. "Ah, youth," he said, his tone playful. "Always ready to fight the world."

  Izumi scowled at him, crossing her arms. "At least I'm not a pushover."

  "Ouch," Dad said, clutching his heart dramatically. "You wound me, child."

  She stuck her tongue out at him, and he laughed. The tension in the room eased, and we settled into an easy rhythm of eating and preparing for the day.

  I poked at my food, and my thoughts wandered back to the portal, the shimmering gateway to Terra sitting in the Financial District.

  "I've been thinking about Shoreline City a lot," I mused, "about what it'd be like there. It's New York's cultural counterpart, but... untouched. They have advanced tech, floating markets, buildings that touch the clouds, and even holographic streets. And the people there... they're like Jae, right? Hair and eye colors that light up like the whole rainbow. Magical Girls patrolling the streets, even. If I make it there I can get us out of here."

  Jae was a guy in his late 30s, slightly taller than my father, with a shock of silver hair that always seemed to defy gravity. His Terran heritage was more than evident in his vibrant violet eyes, which contrasted drastically against his tanned skin. He'd worked with us a whole bunch when we lived in Philadelphia, and he was one of the coolest dudes I'd ever met. I'd always envied him for being able to use magic, and he'd taught me a lot about how it works. It was fascinating stuff.

  Dad shook his head, smiling. "You've always been the dreamer, huh? Look, it's good to have hope, especially now. I know it's weird after what I just said. But people are people, and we all have different customs. Our worlds have had massively different histories. It's a different culture, and fitting in might be hard."

  "I don't need to fit in," I replied, determination in my voice. "I just need to make it. For us. I could get visas for both of you and get us out of this hole."

  Izumi's fork clattered against her plate.

  "Hey! This 'hole' is our home. And the Yi family doesn't run from a fight, especially when it's to make our home better. Don't forget that."

  I glanced at her, guilt gnawing at my insides. She was right. But I couldn't shake the feeling that we'd be better off away from all this danger. "I'm not gonna forget, Zumi," I said quietly. "But if I can give us a better life, shouldn't I?"

  Dad leaned back, taking a sip of his water. "Ikki, we're proud of you. Always have been. Getting chosen to represent our world over there is no small feat. But your sister's right. This is our home, and while Terra may seem like a dream compared to what you two had to deal with for most of your lives, it's not all sunshine and rainbows over there, either. There are some serious social issues."

  I frowned, my thoughts tumbling over each other. "I've heard the rumors, Dad."

  Dad's expression turned somber. "Yeah. Here’s the thing, kid. Every society has its issues. The Terrans by and large see us as downtrodden refugees, survivors of a fallen world. I mean, we've provided them with a ton of what we see as 'conventional' tech that they'd never developed on their own. However, a lot of people over there see us as inferior due to our lack of magical traditions. There are some like Jae who'd welcome us with open arms, but others... not so much."

  It'd only been twenty years since monsters suddenly began to emerge from portals all around the world. The Chaos Events, as they'd be dubbed by our Terran saviors, had started small at first. Then, it escalated, with gargantuan and powerful creatures emerging, bringing entire cities to their knees.

  The fall of New York was a blur to my young mind, but the sight of staring out the window as a three-year-old seeing the city burn would never leave me. I'd been injured that fateful day twelve years ago, and couldn't remember much apart from the smell of burning wood and raw panic and terror.

  Terra's Magical Girls had arrived years before that, of course. Initially, they were just a few representatives, curiously investigating portals that had persisted in their world after driving off a massive, worldwide Chaos Event. Communications and embassies were quickly established, and technology and goods alike began to move across the portals. Chaos Events had begun to appear weeks before the Terrans arrived, through cracks in the sky. Just a trickle at first.

  They'd helped us set up defenses and trained us in combat. But the Chaos Events on Earth were tame compared to the ones that had ravaged Terra, a world that'd been at war with the Aberrant since the 1200s. Soon, merchants, academics, and even tourists from the United Terran Confederacy came to Earth to explore the wonders of our world. The portals had opened up a whole new realm of possibilities.

  Then, the monsters came. And the world burned.

  The first Magnitude 9 Chaos Event had happened in Shenzhen. Then Tokyo. Then San Francisco. All in the same day.

  Cities fell in days. People died by the millions. And when the dust settled, it was clear that Earth was on the brink of collapse.

  The monsters that came out of the portals multiplied, their sizes grew, and the cityscapes were laid to waste in a matter of days. Earth's combined military might was not enough to counter the massive onslaught.

  And then the Terrans intervened.

  Magical Girls and legions of 'Magitech Soldiers' were sent through the portals in droves, their magic shielding them from the monsters' corrupting influence. They'd fought back, slaughtering the monsters and driving them back through the portals. It took nearly a decade to safeguard the cities and major population centers, but they did it. The Terrans were hailed as heroes, and their intervention had saved countless lives. It was a turning point in Earth's history, a moment of hope in the darkest of times.

  In the aftermath, the Terran Confederation and Earth's governments unilaterally removed all barriers between our two worlds. The U.N. and NATO had signed an agreement with the UTC to build bases and outposts across the world, and their combined efforts had helped to stabilize the situation. They'd sent aid to the displaced, helped to rebuild what was lost, and provided support to those in need.

  But in the process of saving us, they had become the de facto leaders of Earth. Elio had taught me that although we retained our sovereignty and self-rule, the Terrans had in practice — effectively taken control through the support they provided. Our governments across the world had been decimated, and vital infrastructure had crumbled under the weight of the invasion. The Terran relief forces served a role analogous to the U.S Navy of old — losing access to neg-entropy barriers and other technologies to fend off chaos beasts was catastrophic for any would-be hegemon.

  The Terrans stepped in to fill the void, providing resources, technology, and guidance. Our people had mixed feelings about this. Some were grateful, seeing the Terrans as benevolent guardians. Others resented their presence, believing we should be able to stand on our own. And although the Magical Girls were almost universally benevolent, the same couldn't be said about some of their leadership and rank and file.

  I took a deep breath, pushing away the memories. "I know it's not going to be easy," I said, my voice steady. "But I want to give it a shot. Not just for me, but for both of you too."

  Dad nodded, his face softened. "We just want you to be careful, son. We've lost enough. And we don't want to lose you to misunderstandings or god forbid, politics."

  "Or just plain ol' simple snooty Terrans being bastards," Izumi added with a smirk.

  I chuckled, shaking my head. "Trust me, if I've dealt with snooty Izumi all these years, I think I can handle a few Terrans."

  Izumi stuck out her tongue, and we all laughed.

  My dad sighed. "I'm just saying, son. Be careful. You know how you get. Your sister's right, too. We've been through hell here, but this is our home. We've got a chance to rebuild, and we're not going to let anyone, even the Terrans, take that away from us."

  Izumi sighed, resting her chin in her hand. "Big bro, you've always been the smart one. You're the brains, and I'm the brawn. You're gonna do great in Shoreline City, but don't forget about us, alright? Promise me."

  "Hey, you're not dumb, dolt," I replied, nudging her with my elbow. "But yeah, I promise. We're a team, remember?"

  She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Damn right, we are."

  Then, Izumi cleared her throat, trying to ease the tension. "Well, for what it's worth, I think it's cool. Just... promise me you'll write and bring back some of that fancy magitech stuff? Oh, and if you meet a hot anime-looking guy, introduce him to your sister, okay? But seriously. Imagine what Dad could do with some of that tech in his workshop."

  Dad and I couldn't help but laugh, the tension melting away. Dad ruffled Izumi's hair, making her grumble and swat his hand away. "Always my little troublemaker," he teased, grinning.

  She shot a defiant look in his direction but grinned nonetheless. "Someone's got to keep you old farts on your toes."

  I finally began to dig into my breakfast in earnest, savoring the taste of the meat and the conversation. The savory flavors of the canned meat and the hearty scent of coffee filled the kitchen, warming my soul.

  There was a knock at the door.

  Izumi hopped to her feet. "I'll get it!" she said, practically bouncing out of her chair. Dad chuckled and shook his head fondly.

  "Must be Jae," I said, taking another bite of my food.

  Dad nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, he's been a great help since we moved here. You know, he's good people."

  I smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, he's pretty cool. And he's always looked out for me and Izumi."

  Izumi came back into the kitchen, Jae in tow. The tall, silver-haired man had a kind, friendly smile on his face, and his violet eyes were warm.

  "Good morning, Yi family," Jae greeted, his voice carrying a faint Terran 'American' mid-west accent.

  "Ready for the trip?" Dad smiled.

  Jae nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the room briefly before they settled on me. "So you're dead set on bringing young Ikki, huh?" he asked with a hint of amusement. He was wearing an orange Hawaiian shirt, a straw hat, and cargo trousers. Dad greeted Jae with a firm handshake.

  "I thought it would be good for him," Dad replied, his voice filled with pride and concern. "Besides, he's got a keen eye for finding things."

  Jae chuckled as he adjusted his olive cargo pants, his demeanor easing up slightly. "Well, let's hope those eyes stay sharp today. North End is... not a walk in the park."

  I swallowed hard, trying to dispel the lump in my throat.

  North End - formerly known as The South Bronx, was the location of a notorious last stand during the Fall of New York. I'd been three years old at the time, and thankfully, I didn't remember much about it, save for the blurry whirlwind of events that led to my mother's death.

  The east side of North End was filled with abandoned junkyards and warehouses, and unclaimed carcasses of Chaos Beasts that had been slain. Their valuable cores powered many of the magitech devices that made our current way of life possible. The salvage trip to North End wasn't just about collecting trinkets and tools but also about finding, mapping, and securing these cores for careful extraction later.

  In theory, it wasn't too dangerous. Babylon's Neg-entropy fields had been set up around the island and North End, and their Magical Girls had cleared out most of the remaining Chaos Beasts. But there were still reports of scouts and reclaimers disappearing without a trace out here, and Elio had mentioned gang activity growing in the area as well. I also wouldn't forget about the Beowulf Izumi and I ran into scouting for the caravan, either. We were two weeks into the reclamation project of North End, and there were already murmurs of the North End being cursed or haunted.

  We were taking a risk, but the potential rewards were worth it. Not only could we find valuable resources and equipment to help our family and community, but we could also help the reclaiming effort.

  I shoved the last piece of ham into my mouth, savoring the rich, smoky flavor. It was one of my favorite parts of the day, a simple pleasure that brought me joy. Dad had always been a great cook, and his skills had only improved over the years. It wasn't fancy, but it was home.

  Izumi leaned over, her eyes furrowed with worry.

  Izumi put a hand on my arm, gripping me firmly as she leaned in. "Hey, promise me you'll stay close to Dad and Jae," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

  I met her gaze, nodding. "I promise. Besides, it's not just us. There are five of us, remember?"

  She squeezed my arm once before letting go. "Just... be careful, okay?"

  "Always am," I assured her, ruffling her hair and trying to sound braver than I felt.

  Her hand moved down to grip the locket around her neck. It was identical to the one around my neck, and I clicked mine with a smile. The locket opened to reveal a family picture we'd taken when we moved to Philadelphia a few years ago.

  It was one of the few mementos we had left from our time there before everything changed again, and we found ourselves being part of the reclamation mission. Seeing that picture always filled me with warmth. It reminded me that my family always had my back, no matter where we went.

  Izumi's grip on her locket tightened momentarily, and then she gave me a fierce scowl. "You better come back in one piece. Or I swear I'll come out there and drag you back myself!"

  Her tone was playful, but there was a depth of seriousness behind her words.

  Dad and Jae were now deep in conversation, poring over a salvaging map spread on the table. I took a moment to study it, noting the red circles and crossed-out areas, which indicated spots either already picked over or deemed too dangerous.

  Jae caught my gaze, "It's a lot to take in, isn't it?"

  I nodded, "Feels like every week, there's a new zone we're trying to reclaim. The city's big, but it's surprising how much we've managed to cover in just a month."

  He rolled his shoulders out before glancing at a map of the city.

  "Today, we're focusing on this quadrant," Jae said, tapping a finger against a map section. "There are several Chaos Beast kill zones in this area, abandoned by Babylon High Command when the city fell. If the intel we received is accurate, we might still have salvageable cores next to a food processing plant. It could be a gold mine of resources if we play our cards right. However, our primary mission will be to scout and ascertain the viability of the food processing and distribution centers in Hunts' Point."

  I leaned in, trying to absorb as much information as possible. Each marked location, every scribbled note, all held vital information for our journey. I could feel Izumi's gaze lingering on me as I studied the map. It warmed me to know she cared so much, but I also sensed something else – an unspoken worry, an apprehension. Perhaps she felt the same about this mission as I did.

  After all, the North End was notorious for weird activity caused by the massive number of chaos beast corpses.

  Jae's voice broke through my thoughts, "Remember, Ikki, we'll be in and out. The main goal is to identify potential locations and then we'll send in a larger team to do the heavy lifting. It's a recon mission. Stick close, and if you see anything unusual, don't try to be a hero. Report it."

  I nodded, processing his words.

  "Alright then, let's get moving," Dad said, folding the map and stuffing it into his bag. He looked over at me with a proud but concerned expression. "You ready, Kid?"

  "You bet," I replied, trying to exude a confidence I wasn't entirely sure I felt.

  As we headed towards the door, Izumi moved quickly, catching up with me. She slipped something into my hand – a small metal charm resembling a red and silver chrysanthemum necklace.

  "Here. I had this made for you before we left Philly. Thought it might bring you luck."

  I smiled at her. "Thanks, sis."

  I squeezed the charm, feeling its cool, metal surface as I draped it over my neck around my locket. "Thanks, Zumi," I whispered, pocketing it.

  She winked at me, "Remember, come back in one piece, or you'll have to deal with me!"

  I chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I wouldn't dream of crossing you, little sis."

  I headed towards the door, pulling on my leather jacket. But before I could step out, Izumi grabbed my wrist, pulling me into a tight hug. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, beating rapidly.

  "I'm serious, big bro," she whispered into my ear. "Come back safe, or I'll drag your ass back."

  I turned around and hugged her back, rubbing her back up and down and ruffled her hair affectionately.

  "Just... come back in one piece, okay?" she said, whispering.

  "I will," I promised, giving her one last squeeze before letting go.

  I took one last look at Izumi, memorizing the pout on her face as she gripped her family locket with one hand and stared at me anxiously. It always amazed me how such a twelve-year-old girl could be so strong-willed and assertive and vulnerable at the same time.

  Then again, she had to grow up fast in the world we lived in. We both did.

  "I promise," I replied, my heart swelling with emotion. With a final, reassuring squeeze, I stepped out of the house and into the bright morning sunlight.

  The air outside was crisp, with a slight chill that hinted at the approaching fall season. The Magical Girls here to help would have to return to Terra for their school year soon.

  I let out a sigh, the feeling of Izumi's worry still lingering in my chest.

  But I had to stay focused. We had a mission, and I was determined to contribute in any way I could right now.

  I peered out of the townhouse, and the morning sun hit my face, casting a golden hue over the ruined skyline of Manhattan as we made our way to my dad's truck.

  The city was a far cry from what it had been. Buildings were reduced to rubble, and the streets were lined with abandoned vehicles, their windows shattered and their bodies rusted. It was a haunting sight, but strangely beautiful in its own way. Nature had begun to reclaim the urban landscape, with weeds sprouting from cracks in the pavement and vines creeping up the sides of dilapidated structures.

  I took a deep breath, the crisp morning air filling my lungs as I surveyed the area.

  And then, I stepped outside in earnest, ready to take on the day's challenges.