2 Days Since Summoning Day, Makoto, Age 15
I sat quietly in my desk as Jaune and I listened to Eliza. I was not expecting to still have to study after basically becoming a superhero but I nonetheless appreciated it. After all there was much to learn. She came in, forgoing her usual white dress for an outfit that looked more like a teacher back home, "Okay, you two. I hope you're ready for Magic 101!"
"You seem quite energetic today, lovely dove. You are normally so professional," Jaune noted, smiling. I could totally see hearts in his eyes but I tried to ignore it
"Well, it does seem like it's just you two and not the Red Hero so I'm sure we'll actually get something done. Who wouldn't be excited?" She asked and frankly, I understood the sentiment. He's been trouble ever since we arrived. Eliza told us about her late night encounter with him and since we got here, I've barely seen him. Any time someone with the slightest bit of authority talks to him, he seems to get more aggressive. I can't imagine someone like that giving their life to save someone...but that kid did seem to light a fire under him so he can't be all bad, right? Regardless, we continued with class and it seemed to just be the basics. Apparently Magic was first recorded when Zordonia made contact with the eastern nation of Dai Shi thousands of years ago. The elves there then taught it to humans as a sign of good will and trust. I personally wouldn't trust total strangers with something so powerful but I can't deny the results. Come to think of it, this whole history sounds squeaky clean. After explaining how humans first learned Magic, it was then explained that Magic comes from harnessing the energy of something called "The Space Between Worlds". Wait...
"So Magic comes from space?" I asked raising my hand for clarification. Eliza shook her head though
"No, it comes from the Space Between Worlds," She answered before drawing a circle on the board, "Imagine this as your planet," she started then drew another, slightly smaller circle inside it, "And this is our planet, occupying the same space but is somehow separate. That's the Space Between Worlds, a wall of energy that keeps our worlds from colliding"
"Interesting, though that still does not explain why such a phenomenon exists, does it? Do you know?" Jaune asked, hanging in on every word she said but again, she shook her head
"Sadly not but that's okay. There will always be things we just never understand I suppose" She admitted, with a shrug. That didn't exactly sit right with me but oh well. She then explained that by accessing the energy of the Space Between Worlds, we gain limited control over the world around us, whether it be simply creating things from the elements around us or even more advanced stuff like our bracelets which lock in a point they can send us back to. I'm assuming this 'chrono-lock' is how they intend to send us back when we've saved the world. The lectured continued calmly until guess who came in?
A quiet, uncaring "Yo.." was all Ryan said after casually kicking the door open and sitting down
"So you're actually gonna show up?" Eliza asked, not even bothering to hide her disappointment
"Yeah well I let it slip to Kai that I had this and he wouldn't quit shoving me until I went"
"Oh my, you and that boy are so close already. Is this what they call kindred spirits?" Jaune asked, seeming intrigued. I was actually quite shocked how genuinely social he was. At first, I just thought he was chatting with me and Eliza to get with one of us but it turned out he just loved hearing about people's lives
"Call it that if you want. I don't really care"
"Ignore him, Jaune. He's too busy brooding to answer," I said, partially joking but not without basis in my own thought. He's treated everything with so much skepticism, like he's expecting some sort of betrayal at any moment. I get this world isn't exactly normal but that's far from a healthy way to live your life. Still that seemed to get his attention as he turned to me with a glare
"You're right. I won't answer but not because I'm brooding. It's because I don't know you. I can't trust you"
"Yeah? And how are we supposed to work together if you're gonna be like that?!" I exclaimed, shooting out of my seat. I could be nice but if he wanted to get aggressive, he'd get the same thing from me
"She has a point. To be a team, you need to trust each other," Eliza spoke up but that only seemed to anger him. He stood up as well, slamming his hand onto the desk with a loud boom. She seemed spooked but instead of showing it, she recovered and got defensive, something I wouldn't have noticed if not for the frosty mist surrounding her hands
"Then you should've picked someone actually interested in that crap. I never asked for this. I would've been perfectly fine things going as they were but no, you had to snatch me up and bring me to a world I know nothing about and even worse, you expect me to trust you!" He argued, his rage rising with each word that left his mouth but then he suddenly took as deep breath, seemingly composing himself before asking, "Tell me this, why did you bring us? Why not use your own people or better yet, do it yourself?" he asked and that seemed to greatly anger her but instead of lashing out she marched out of the room. I could barely make it out but she muttered something along the lines of 'If I could, I would'
"Real suave, my friend" Jaune mocked before running out, leaving the two of us alone. Maybe we should've left too but he didn't seem too interested and I didn't want to leave in case they came back. After a moment of silence between us, I was about to chew him out when I saw something, a flame in his hand. He didn't have anything for kindling or even a lighter
"How did you do that?" I asked, a little concerned that he already knew how to use magic so soon while neither me or Jaune did. He wasn't exactly the most trustworthy member at the time, ya know? He looked to me, nonchalant as ever and simply asked, "She hasn't taught you magic yet? You sorta need it"
"Well we were about to. We were going over the history of magic before learning it" I huffed, admittedly a bit embarrassed before slowly inching closer to the flame, "Still, I didn't think when they said magic that meant you could just make something from nothing"
"According to Kai, every hero starts with one element and the suits help to teach them early," he explained before clutching his hand into a fist to put out the fire, "It's in those ridiculous phrase we say when we transform. Passion of a Dragon, Power of a Storm, Grace of a Mermaid"
"Fire, Lightning, Water," I pieced together, visibly excited. Most people think water is boring but you'd be shocked how much you can do with it, "You think you can show me real fast?! It'd be nice to get a head start?"
"Wow, your attitude changed quick. You alright?"
"Well the sooner I learn magic, the sooner we can beat the demons and sooner we can go home," I answered, smiling like a little kid before noticing his black expression that dragged me down a bit, "Don't you want to go home?"
"What home?" he asked before standing up, "Anyway, let's head outside. Don't wanna get yelled at if I burn the place down."
He stepped out and I followed, think about his words. What home? What sort of question is that? He's got friends right? A family? Someone who wants him back no matter how rude he is? I couldn't help but think on it as I walked, my head going back to my life on Earth
2013, Makoto, Age 10
We had just come back from the hospital. I was carrying my newly born twin brothers, both sobbing in my arms. I tried my best to calm them but even so young, I knew only a mother would be able to comfort two newborns and well...we didn't have that anymore. Dad and I sat down in the living room and eventually Ryuji and Kuroko fell asleep. We didn't talk for the longest time. Dad would just sit there crying before finally speaking
"I'm sorry to ask this of you, Makoto. But with mom gone... I'm going to need your help with the house and raising your siblings..."
And I did. It wasn't exactly a fun life. I studied harder than any other student, worked multiple jobs to pay for what dad couldn't and honestly....Honestly...
Present Day, Makoto, Age 16
"Hey! Earth to Queen! You still there?"
I blinked as I saw Ryan's finger snap in front of my face. When I looked around, we were apparently already in the courtyard. Wait a moment, "Did you just call me...Queen?"
"Yeah. It caught your attention didn't it?" He asked, not seeming too concerned about it. We stood in a grassy area. Fingers crossed that he'd keep a fire to a minimum, we got started, "I dunno how magic works for everyone else so this may be different for you. For me though it's like a voice"
"A voice? Are you sure you're not just a little..." I nervously started to ask, twirling my pointer finger towards my head
"Ha ha. I'm serious. Transform and listen closely. Mine specifically told me to feel something, anything at all and keep feeling it. So I thought of everything made me angry. I got angrier and angrier until before I knew it, my fist was on fire"
Deciding to heed his advice, I transformed right there and tried to listen...
2 Days Since Summoning Day, Xandric, Age 115
I wandered around the castle with my head hung low. My embarrassing defeat in the Capital of Zordonia was the talk of all the guards. Had they just been normal humans, or fought me fairly, I would have one! But I doubt father will care. He had summoned us all, saying he wanted to show us something. So, I wandered down the black stone halls lit by purple flames. After getting my first taste of the human world, I cannot fathom why the older demons wish to be there. It's so bright, the Darkness in the sky and around the earth is replace with this bright ball in the sky and a clear blue liquid. Its unnatural and yet they desire to be there. I couldn't help but ponder why as I entered. Father was there, adorned in his purple robe and jagged crown along with a few others. It seems the older heroes' armors have adapted to our land quite well, morphed into black chitin-like armor laced with their respective colors, the wings on their helmets growing more bat-like and their mouths covered to shield them from the intense weather conditions outside. Besides them General Leon stood at attention, his armor shiny as ever and now with a golden mane around his helmet. As if the lion head on his chest didn't give away the motif enough. Lastly Arch Mage Ritto stayed in the back, sifting through his notes, the pitch black robe making him borderline unnoticeable if not for the glowing horns on the sides of his head, "You called for me, Father?"
"Yes, Xandric. How are you holding up?"
"Probably still licking his wounds after getting jumped," The Red Hero mocked, causing me to glare, ready to attack him
"The fight wasn't honorable. I specifically wanted to fight your replacement. Had they just stayed back, I would have..."
"Fun fact, kid. In our world, the goal of a fight is to win. So you can forget that 'honor' shit," The Blue Hero said, vulgar as ever. Eventually, Father raised his hand and we all went silent. He did not seem angry though as he turned around with soft look in his scarlet eyes
"They are right, rules of a duel do not apply in war and I failed to prepare you for that," He admitted "Which is why you will not be in battle for quite some time. Instead, you will train with the Hell Heroes"
"Hell Heroes...?"
"Like it?" Hero Yellow asked, wrapping her arm around my shoulders "We figured it'd be confusing if we fought the rookies so when we fight, call us that from now on, pretty boy" she insisted as I pulled away. She had been flirting with me since she joined us and while not unpleasant, I'd rather die than think of...procreating with the enemy, even if it were a traitor
"Call me that again and I'll feed you to the Shadows. Speaking of which," I muttered, turning back to Father, "If I won't be leading the charge, what is our plan of attack? Surely Leon is in no condition to fight"
"You want to test that, boy? Remember who trained you," Leon spoke with a raspy voice, his attempt at a boisterous laugh devolving into coughing "Regardless, I will lead future assaults"
"It matters not right now. Our Arch Mage has something he would like to show us" He explained and with a sinister cackling Ritto pulled down the curtain revealing...a massive shadow, larger than any monster we've ever created, a glowing red orb in its chest along with its eyes
"Behold, my newest masterpiece, my lord! The Super Shadow! This massive beast is just as malleable as our basic shadows but bigger, stronger and with a special surprise in its chest!"
"I see. How many do you have exactly?"
"Just the one. I wanted to take it on a test run before furthering production," He answered, playing with his glasses as a toothy grin crossed his lips, "You were planning one last attack on the Capitol before returning to our smaller operations, correct? Might I suggest sending the Super Shadow as a test run?"
"A test run would do nicely," Father admitted, as he looked at the monster. Not one to hide his emotions, I could tell he was proud, "Prepare it for deployment" he commanded before motioning me and the 'Hell Heroes' to follow him
Later That Night, Makoto, Age 16
I groan and flop down onto my bed, rolling onto my side. Jaune was already there, playing some sort of handheld game, "I didn't know they had games here. Maybe I should get some with our next allowance" Ryan thought aloud, making me turn to him in disbelief
"Are you always so careless with your money?"
"Oh spare me, Queen. If we're gonna be saving the world, we should at least have some fun"
"Stop calling me that.." I growled, growing very annoyed by that nickname "And we don't know how long we'll be here so you should be investing in your future, don't you think? You know, saving for a house because you clearly don't like living in the castle for example?
""What are you, my mom?" he asked, dismissive of my advice and I didn't want to push further because frankly, I hate when people call me 'mom'. What's wrong with looking out for others? I don't need to be a mother to want to help. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Jaune finally popped the question he clearly had on his mind
"So where were you two? Princess Eliza and I returned to the classroom and you two were gone"
"She wanted me to teach her magic. It...did not go well" He explained which made me more than a bit embarrassed
"Really? The way it was explained to me, we have quite the advantage in that regard"
"Correct, Young Lord Jaune!" A hearty voice exclaimed from behind me, nearly making me jump out of my seat and into the fireplace. Looking behind me, King Thaddeus was there with some bizarre device in hand. Immediately, he had to dodge as Ryan threw a fireball, across the room, "Oh my, you're already doing quite well with your flames. Most Reds start with simple punches encased in flame"
"Where did you come from?! I nearly toasted you!" Ryan exclaimed, both worried and annoyed. I doubt he wanted any trouble, even if these people seemed too nice for that
Completely ignoring him, King Thaddeus took a seat, crossing his legs "My apologies for Frightening you, Young Lady Makoto. My daughter was having me test out this new device. She's setting up a few surprises for you. But it is as Young Lord Jaune says. Since magic comes from the Space Between Worlds, something you must pass through to come to our world, you're more magically attuned than anyone from this world"
"Then why can't I hear it?" I mumbled, trying to conjure some water
"Water requires a cool mind. Is something troubling you?" He asked and I tried to think on it. Nothing's really felt off but I've been told by my dad he can never get a read on me when I'm doing a task "I guess, maybe about...." I tried to answer before gripping my head in pain
Makoto, Age 15
It started off like any other day. Ryuji and Kuroko had grown up a lot since then. Ryuji had grown to look a lot like our dad, his hair much more brown and his eyes almost golden. Kuroko on the other hand looked more like my mom and eye with black hair and green eyes. The only real difference is the white streak he accidentally made in his hair
Ryuji and Kuroko gripped held onto me tightly, hiding behind me in fear as masked men with guns entered the house. They immediately hit my dad with the butt of their rifles, knocking him to the ground "Alright old man, give us what we want! You know why we're here!"
"Pl....Please... Just take my money and leave.."
"We're not after money, pal. The pictures you took!" Another one ordered. I knew what he was talking about. Dad had shown me it a few days before, a picture of something in the sky, a man with big leathery wings flying over our apartments. He was planning on selling it to some occult magazine for extra money. They then pulled out zip ties and tied our wrists and ankles together as they began searching the house. The whole time, dad played dumb, insisting he didn't have a clue what they were talking about. Meanwhile, I wasn't going to sit around. I was already doing my best to break free. During their search, one guy had knocked over a vase, shattering it. I used the broke shards to slowly cut through. Eventually though, they got tired of his act
"Okay that's it, tell us where it is or one of them dies!" One of the men demanded, aiming his gun directly at Ryuji. Maybe it wasn't the smartest choice but I charged them the second my ties were cut, tackling him to the ground. I wasn't thinking, using strength I didn't even know I had to rip the gun from his grasp before smashing it into his face. I did it over and over and over until....
BANG!!
Modern Day, Makoto Age 15
I gasped as I covered me forehead where the stinging pain was. Jaune and Ryan looked at me with clear worry while King Thaddeus stared on with pity. Eventually, I managed to calm down and steady my breathing enough to say, "I'm fine... Just remembered how I got here.."
"You mean how you died?" Ryan asked bluntly. Does this guy not know what a filter is? Regardless, I simply nodded before looking to the king
"My dad and my brothers are in trouble...I get we're chrono-locked so I'll be able to protect them when this is done but..."
The King already seemed to understand, all joy leaving his face as he stood up and walked to the door. With a deep breath, he turned back to us and forced the smile back onto his face "Well fear not! We are hard at work on new spells and technology to help you in your fight! We will send you home immediately afterwards!" he assured with a cheesy thumbs up before vanishing in the blink of an eye. We all stayed silent for quite some time before Ryan suddenly grabbed Jaune and I by the wrists, pulling us up and out the door
"H-Hey! Where are we going!?" I exclaimed, a bit shocked by how strong he was even without transforming. He didn't answer, instead just dragging us into town as Jaune and I stared, dumbstruck. He dragged us into a destroyed building. Despite its state, it was still loaded with people, dancing and drinking. I wouldn't imagine such an already joyful place to need a bar. Dad always said it was a place for those weak of heart to escape reality
"Get me three of the strongest drinks ya got! My teammate here needs to take her mind off some things!" Ryan boldly declared and immediately the woman behind the bar passed us three mugs filled with some foaming substance. Ryan sat down on a stool, propping his feet up on the bar and guzzled it all down. He let out an unusually hearty laugh as he paid the lady and sat his mug down "I didn't think this place could have any decent beer but I guess everyone needs it from time to time"
"Beer? But I thought you were fifteen?" Jaune asked, taking a seat but leaving a spot for me
"Yeah, so what? I had some older friends back home and they'd toss me a can if I asked" he explained, his skepticism of everything seeming to fade as he simply enjoyed his drink. I was somewhat annoyed by it actually. How could someone be so irresponsible? Still, I sat down if only because my legs felt ready to snap after being dragged in. Jaune hesitantly tried the drink before coughing as it went down his throat
"Why does it burn!? And you drink this!?" He asked, completely dumbstruck as Ryan laughed and drank down another mug. Clearly hesitant, he tried it again and again. After finally finishing, he said "It actually doesn't taste too bad"
"Okay that's enough!" I spoke up, slamming my hands on the bar to get their attention "Need I remind you that we are teenagers? We shouldn't be doing this!"
"You said it yourself, babe. We're chrono-locked...We're gonna be teenagers until we're done.." Ryan reminded, his words slurring "So quit worrying so damn much..."How could he say that? My brothers and father are in danger and his answer is to quit worrying? Angered by this, I stood up fast enough that it knocked over my stool
"And what?! You of all people think you have the right to tell me that?! Ever since you've got here, it's been 'I never asked for this' or 'I can't trust you'! That doesn't sound like worrying to you? You're constantly treating everyone like a bad guy and you want to tell me not to worry? At least I have a good reason to worry! You're just some problem child who thinks everyone is out to get him!" I exclaimed and he just sat there, the faintest smile he had faded as he got up and walked away. At first, I thought he was going to leave but instead, he approached the workers who were in the process of repairing "What is he doing?"
"What he's been doing since the attack," The woman behind the bar answered. She glared at me with a fury I've rarely seen, "He stayed all night and most of the afternoon helping people rebuild what was destroyed. I don't know why but he's helped us a great deal, just like he was trying to help you" she explained before leaving to tend to her customers
"I do not understand him," Jaune admitted, already exhausted from my blow out. I had to admit, apparently I didn't either but I wanted to now. Not right now though. I'll apologize in the morning, give him time to calm down. I'm sure he's furious after everything I said. Jaune and I returned to the castle for now to rest
The next morning, I got dressed and checked to see if Ryan came home. When I saw his bed empty, I hurried into town, starting with the bar we visited. The lady from last night thankfully wasn't there, instead an older man with a bushy beard. Thank goodness. I don't think I could've taken another glare, "Um...Good Morning. Is Ryan around here?"
"Ryan? He just left. Paid for his drinks and was dragged away by some of the runts," he explained, cleaning the bar in order to make it look nice as possible despite the damage. I ran out and it didn't take long to hear the sound of kids laughing and playing. In the town square, by the fountain, there was Ryan, posing while transformed to entertain the kids. I could've pulled him aside but they all seemed to be having so much fun. So I sat on a nearby bench in the busy square and waited. Eventually, a woman came to pick up the kids, thanking him before they left
"It's not a problem. Say hi to Kai for me when he's done with his chores," he said and turned back as he approached me, "Need something?
""Yeah but I didn't want to interrupt your fun. You seemed happy" I explained. He sat down beside me and an awkward silence ensued. We sat there for some time, either unwilling or unable to say what we wanted to. Eventually, with a nervous gulp, I said "I just wanted to say, I'm sorry for my outburst. It was rude and I know you were trying to help but...I just don't get it. You say you're not interested in any of this hero stuff yet you still help people and tried to help me even if I thought it was a bit insensitive but still..."
"Who told you that?" He interrupted "I said I wasn't interested all of this. I'm not interested in the team work and having to trust total strangers in a world that I don't know and can stab me in the back at any moment. What I am interested in is being a hero. Did you ever watch Tokusatsu growing up? I know it's made in Japan but..."
"Tokusatsu? Yeah, my dad loves that stuff. I'd watch it almost every night with him when I was a kid"
"That stuff was the one thing that kept me going for a long time and look at us. The costumes, the poses, the unnecessary explosions and catchphrases. It's all just like those shows I watched. It's a dream come true to me and I don't have to trust anyone to do it because that's not what helping people is about" He elaborated and I was shocked to say the least. This guy who's done nothing but complain and argue, just wants to help people? Because he saw it on TV? It was so stupid, I almost laughed but at the same time, it was kind of cute. Unfortunately before my laughter could come out, a giant hole opened in the sky, a pitch black swirling void appeared and dropped something right in front of us before vanishing as quick as it came, "Guess the interrogation has to wait" he muttered as he slowly approached. Looking at it from behind his shoulder, it was...squirming? It kept getting more and more violent, sticking out as it grew ever so slightly in size. Ryan's eyes widened and without a word, he tackled me to the ground when the blob seemingly imploded, making a massive husk that then stood up on its own, revealing a massive Shadow? I looked up at Ryan as he let go of me and stood up
"What is that thing?!" I asked in shock as he helped me up
"Isn't it obvious? It's a Shadow" He answered
"World's Combine, Heroes Unite!" We exclaim in perfect sync as we transformed. Ryan then encased his hands and feat in fire, taking the shape of a set of gauntlets and grieves
"Flaming Red Weapon: Baphomet!!" He exclaimed, almost like a little kid or anime character doing their finishing move before charging in. I started to do the same before remembering I couldn't use my magic yet. Reluctantly, I rushed to help the people while Ryan tried to fight off the Shadow. It swung its massive arms wildly, tearing the rooftops off the buildings and toppling any towers in its way. I quickly caught a guard mid fall and ordered him to begin evacuating, "Smart move. Have you gotten in contact with Jaune or the King yet?" Ryan's voice asked, confusing me as I looked around. Suddenly, in my visor, an image containing his face appeared
"What the-?! How are you on my screen?"
"You didn't know? Our visors are like a UI in a game. That UI contains a built in communicator. Have you not checked into this stuff?"
"You did?"
"Had to check for tra-!!" His explanation was cut off by a sharp gasp of pain. At the same time, I felt the ground shake as the wall around the city crumbled. Did he really just get hit that hard? Before I could run to check on him, he spoke up again, "Don't worry about me!! Get people to safety then find Jaune!"
"I can't just leave you!"
"Heroes put others above themselves...So do it!" He insisted but I couldn't. I charged towards him, trusting the guards to handle evacuation. Whether he likes it or not, he needs me. I don't have time to panic, no time to worry about Ryuji or Kuroko, not even dad. For the first time since we arrived, I felt calm and focused. Running to the ruins of the wall, I kept searching for Ryan like a hawk. When I found him, he was repeatedly punching at the legs. It was like cutting through wood with a kitchen knife though, barely getting anywhere. The giant Shadow tried to grab him but he would slip away with ease. Still, a broken clock is right twice a day and it was about to get a lucky hit. It felt like time slowed down for me, and I heard a voice
"Finally... I was wondering when you would calm down enough to hear me.."
"So...I guess you're the voice Ryan talked about?"
"The voice? I guess I am a voice. But Not the same one the powers Hero Red"
"Then that's all I need to know. Give me your power"
"Really? Are you sure you can maintain this calmness in the heat of battle. Hero Blue swore to protect and I can't have you tainting his memory by making a typhoon or something"
"Of course I won't. I never knew this guy, but it seems me and him want the same thing"
"Very well. Then follow my instructions... Go with the flow. Be mindful of your surroundings but do not fret. You will reach the sea in time..."A
s the voice said those words, I observed my surroundings and calmed my breathing. I reached out to Ryan, dodging pieces of falling debris with ease. Time seemed to slow as I noticed water coming from my body, forming a tendril before shooting out and snatching Ryan to me before time returned to normal. Ryan looked at me, completely dumbstruck, "Wow...Good timing..."
"I don't think timing will be too hard now," I answered with renewed confidence as Jaune appeared in my visor
"How close are you?"
"On my way now. The civilians are taking shelter in the castle and the King and Princess Eliza are safe in the lab. What's going on down there?"
"Ask Eliza if she has a giant robot or something. Otherwise, we're in for a rough time," Ryan answered but I shook my head and looked and listened close. The voice said be mindful but don't fret so that's what I'll do. I heard something similar to a heartbeat and saw something through the mass of darkness, a throbbing red orb
"Maybe not. Stay and guard the castle. We've got this. Ryan, aim where I say," I order and I could clearly tell he was hesitant. In response, I simply smiled, "You said you're not interested in having a team, but you want to be like your heroes right? Even the loners needed their team in the end
"He grumbled, knowing I was right but nodded, "Fine...But only when we're fighting got it?" he asked, pouting like a little kid which made me burst into laughter before getting back to work. I made the tendrils once again, "Flowing Blue Weapon: Styx Whips!" I declared, picking him up before swinging along the giant Shadow's neck and what ruins of the taller buildings that were still barely standing. The floating hologram projectors and blimps helped with mobility as well as I navigated to the core. Once we were over his chest, I dropped him, "Right there! Dead center!" I shouted. Understanding my orders, he quickly recovered and kicked the chest hard enough to dig his fit in before punching the same spot over and over. Just as he was about to break though though, I snatched him back though whenever I saw the body morphing, creating spikes where he stood. Immediately, the orb moved again, "It's gonna keep moving. You need to hammer faster!"
"I'm doing as best I can!" He argued. Looking back at the blimp, I had an idea. I wrapped my the first whip around the blimp and swung us up high enough to where we were over it. Then at the peak height, I threw Ryan as hard as I could. With the added momentum, he punched straight into the Shadow's body. I landed on the blimp as all I could do from there was watch. It took a good minute but the shadow collapsed. I jumped down, swinging on one of the ruined towers to break my fall. The Shadow then dissolved, leaving Ryan, holding the orb. I smiled before jumping into the air
"We did it!! Did you see that, Ryan?! I mean of course you saw it but can you believe it?! We beat that thing!"
"Yup. Good job," was all he said before walking away. He didn't seem excited, instead looking at the orb I saw from the inside. I poked my head over his shoulder, curious about what captivated him so much
"What is that thing anyway? I figured it was important if it was buried in that walking husk but I didn't really think about it beyond that"
"It looks...almost like a heart..."