Chapter 1: Lemonade

Mika, Erin, and Hiro trudged through the forest after a long day of scavenging. They arrived at Aunti Momo’s house, where the smell of fresh lemonade greeted them. Momo welcomed them warmly, inviting them to rest for a moment.

“Momo,” Mika asked, “where’s Yasu?”

“He went to grab a few things from the market,” Momo replied. “He should be back soon. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason,” Mika said hastily, “just he’s usually home at this time.”

Hiro interjected, “There she goes, getting into people’s business again.”

Mika playfully hit Erin’s head, saying, “That’s not it! I’m sorry, Momo.”

“It’s fine, Mika,” Momo reassured her. “He’s usually here at this time, especially with daylight lessening due to the winter year. But times are getting rough here, financially speaking. But don’t tell your grandpa, please. We’re really getting by.”

Curious, Hiro asked, “Momo, why don’t you want Mika to tell her grandpa?”

“If Mr. Fujin found out about our living conditions, he’d start to worry and get frustrated with my Yasu,” Momo explained.

“Does Mr. Fujin and Mr. Yasu dislike each other?” Hiro inquired further.

“Now look who’s getting into people’s business,” Mika teased. “Please forgive him, Aunti.”

Laughing, Momo reminisced, “You two remind me of Yasu and me back when we were young…”

Chapter 2: Memories of Love

Momo begins to recount their journey to Osyo village, near the forbidden mountains, where they started the beginnings of their life together.

Erin practically spits out his lemonade as momo mentions the now forbidden village, “Did you say Osyo village?”

Smiling from the memories that flood her mind “Yes love, but the village you heard of and the village I know are completely different or at least it was at one point. Osyo village was booming for its time. One full of markets and attractions. the greenest oak tree branches and the brightest red roses. We lived just outside the village. Yasu poured all his earnings on to our house and worked very hard each and every day. He would come home so tired. I used to make lemonade for him to cool him off after. The Village was near a huge underground spring full on minerals and rare gems, many would move in for the chance at striking riches. Yasu would mine there and turn in his findings to a local store who would pay him very good! It got so good my father began to accept our marriage and came to visit us. At times your uncle would be gone for weeks mining deep into the caverns of the Osyo mountains.” Momo breaks into a chuckle reminicing of the moments yasu would come home clinging to him. “We were so young then.” Grandpa saw the real Yasu while we were there how he cared and gave all he can for me life was perfect until it wasnt”

Erin, breaking the silence “So you were living right next to it the whole time..?”

Momo not looking up “Yes… Your uncle was one of the only survivors on the first encounter. Fujin and I for days on end kept hearing the most nastiest of sounds, rumors of what was happening began to flutter through the outskirts of the village! Once the military came Fujin new it was time to go.. but I couldnt leave without Yasu! I was going to wait for him. Every night i saw the clouds get red and then more red soon the officers in our area ordered us to stay in our homes at night to never leave and to never make loud noises. One night a loud thump was at the door! It kept banging and shaking the door. It was Yasu! He was alive. Yasu spoke to Dad all night. The next morning we moved. Yasu tells me everything but he still hasnt told me what happened inside the village or inside the mine.

Hiro in awe from the story blurts out “Maybe we can ask!”

Yeah uncle tells me everything!” Mika says in agreement.

Momo shoveling her head back up towards the pair, she smiles again. “Theres no need, Yasu made peace with whatever happened in those mines and I have Yasu.”

Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past

As evening approached, Yasu returned home, bringing news of his day’s endeavors. The conversation shifted.

“Guess whos home!”

“Uncle!” Mika and Erin shout.

“Sorry for the long wait, we found so many Orkrins today.”

Hiro’s eyes widen “Orkrins!!??”

“Yup, a whole herd out in near for border of the no go zone.”

Orkrins never left the no go zone the nickname the locals called the contaiment zone. Before the zone existed orkrins lived freely with the humans in Osyo Village and mountains. Now considered rare of a find locals would do anything to lure an orkrin out of the zone. To find a herd so close to the border of the containment area should spell caution for most but for Yasu and other foragers of the village this was an opportunity to make money.

“uncle” erin speaks, “arent orkrins dangerous?”

“No they are no different than any deer, its the Perins you should worry about.”

Momo shoots an eye at yasu. Perins are something no one speaks. Legends of their beast like qualities keep them as supposed omens for danger. Ways to keep kids home at night.

“Anyways kids its time for you three to head back curfew is about to start.

“What do you think Yasu saw in that mine?” Mika pondered aloud walking on the trail back to the village. “Perins?”

Erin’s warning echoed softly, “Mika, we aren’t suppose to say that name out in public…”

“Oh shush, its fairytales perins may be real but them appearing because we say their name isnt.”

Erin looking to change the subject “Hiro! you going to spend the night?”

“I can’t, I need to check on my parents, ill see you guys tomorrow”

The brother and sister wave goodbye to Hiro as he separates at fork of the trail. Unware of a shadow looming in the trees.

The pair continue to walk in silence for a few minutes when Mika mischievously says out loud.

“PERIN”

Frightening Hiro

“Not cool Mika”

“You are such a worry wort brother”

As Mika mocks Erin she is stopped in her tracks as she and Erin stare up in awe at this tall dark shadow. 2 jagged antlers peaking into the dimming light, Mika trying to scream as she glares at the glistening dots that she can only presume is the moist part of the eye.

“P-perin…” Mika stuttered, frozen in fear.

“Run!” Erin shouted, breaking the spell of fear as they fled into the night, pursued by unseen forces.

Mika and Erin raced through the forest, their hearts pounding with fear and uncertainty. As they navigate the woods sunlight erasing from their sight.

---

Mika’s eyes dart upwards, “The trees!”

“Erin, the trees! We have to—” Mika exclaimed.

“What about the trees?” Erin questioned.

“Climb now!” Mika urgently instructed.

Chapter 4: Hide and Seek

As the children climbed an old oak tree, they remained silent, hoping the Perin or whatever the beast was, had passed. Minutes dragged on, tension mounting as darkness enveloped them. Erin scanned the ground for signs of movement while Mika kept her eyes covered, fear gripping her heart. After what felt like an eternity, Erin broke the silence.

“Im going to jump.”

Mika unsure how to respond “Wha-what, you cant do that.”

In the middle of their of whispers the perin finds them ramming its head into the tree trunk below. Almost knocking Mika off the branch. The kids begin to scream the scream causes the perin to react as if thirsting for food. The Perin for all what we know it isnt much. Known for its infamous hunger and ruthlessness and thick hide they live only in the restricted area towards Osyo village, rumored to be discovered in the mines they migrated into the mountains then the village.

As the Perin threatened to strike, Erin made a courageous decision. With resolve in his eyes or fear, he decided to distract the beast, allowing Mika to escape. Despite Mika’s protests, Erin jumped down, taking off in the opposite direction, leaving Mika alone on the tree.

Landing on the ground Erin came face to face with Perin he freezes. Is it his leg? did he land wrong? no. The perins eyes stare into the erin pitch black with only a hint of wetness. Slowly walking towards Erin the beast appears to be licking its lips as if on purpose though it is just very hungry. As its about to pounce Mika’s branch breaks from the weight. The sound from the fall interrupts the trance that the Perin was in turning its head its pitch black eyes darting into Mika.

“No- no, no!” Erin shouts as he notices the Perin walking away from him and now strafing towards Mika.

Mika braves enough strength to shout “You better run Erin!” Closing her eyes she takes a step forward her ears guide her to the direction of the hungry Perin. The Perin leaps into the air seconds from landing onto Mika. All four legs expanding out the white thick fur the covers its body slicked back with patches of brown near its feet that are to sprayed out. If Mika had her eyes open she would have seen its teeth layered two rows on top and bottom sharp like a shark. You can almost say its grinning in joy for its feast.

A sound from the forest rings into the air near Mika. Growing closer the sounds zips through in front is an arrow glowing blue strikes the Perins torso knocking it over a Clud sound echos into the trees. Mikas eyes are still closed but she knows something has changed, Erin unsure if the arrow was real or this is what happens when he dies dreaming of hope of what could have been. Then a second comes out from the west behind Mika piercing the Perin again. From the shadows a women dressed in armor plated shirt and pants with white fur lining stained from years of use jumps out. Shes holding a spear that patterns the blue glow of the arrow its electricity. She lunges towards the still breathing monster. Zapping jules into the perins body she digs into its neck. The perin is dead. Erin runs to Mika and wraps her in a hug her body finally releases the tension she trembles to the floor. Behind them is the women, shes tall with dark brunette hair, slender but with broad shoulders. Her eyes scream of anger.

In a matter of a blink of an eye the seemingly strong and terrifying woman who took down goliath starts whining. Her face a smug cocky look as if she can take on 10 more perins changes to one that reminded him of the time Mika found out Erin ate the last of the honeybun and wanted dad to buy more.

“C’mon you stupid- agh- ugh- just a litt-“

Her name is Lee Sunrise she is not from the village nor the district. Shes from the capital but has lived a life different from your typical capitol citizen.

Out from the same bush Lee came from a man named Niles appears. Hes taller than Lee with a lighter complexion orange colored hair knotted in a pony tail.

“Why do you insist on making a fool of us after we do something cool?” Niles says before glancing towards Erin and Mika. Lee screams upper class yet Niles callused hands and rough features shares the full story of their life.

Smiling at the children, “Hi there, are you by chance Erin and Mika Bryce?”

“Hiro!” Erin somehow blurts out.

“You have to find Hiro he was with us!”

Perins do not hunt in packs they are too greedy for that however they do follow each other for new hunting grounds. Their greed keeps them from forming groups yet its greed that keeps them close.

Annoyed by Erins lack of confirmation lees speaks “Hold on, kid. One word at a time, please.”

A confuse look shoots out of Erins face.

Lee continues “you didn’t even answer his question, kid! We don’t have all day; there are people to save!”

“Yes hes Erin and im Mika Bryce now please find Hiro!” Mika shouts from behind Erin.

As Erin’s heart races with worry for Hiro’s safety, Lee and Niles exchange glances. Lee grips her electrically charged spear tightly, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any signs of danger.

Niles places a calming hand on Erin’s shoulder. “We’ll find Hiro, don’t worry,” he reassures him, his voice steady despite the unknown.

Lee, ever the pragmatist, cuts through the tension with a no-nonsense tone. “Alright, let’s get moving. Time is of the essence.”

Erin tells Niles and Lee where Hiro’s house was located at. Hiro for all his time spent inside the village does not live near nor is technically a resident. For an old family dispute, his parents weren’t allowed to live inside the village but only to pick up supplies. This would leave to adverse effects on Hiros upbringing treated as an outsider. Grandpa Fujin was the first village elder to take any notice of the Tagami family. Allowing the family to move into the village. They of course never did in fact the last time Hiro’s parents entered into the village was over 15 years ago. Hiro and occasionally his younger sister Lillith would enter the village for school or gathering supplies. It was only 3 years ago when a small overly confident boy stood up to a group of village bullies who were picking on a small Erin Bryce. They would both end up on the floor with Hiro getting a few extra punches into his gut than Erin. The Tagami residence was based off of a old trail that has long since been abandoned for more favored terrain. It is just west of Yasu’s house and as close as one can be to the containment zone.

Lee goes off in search of Hiro while Niles takes the two kids back to the village.

Chapter 5: Tagami House

“Mr. Yamoto?!, this is Lee Sunrise from the rushers division.”

Just on the other side of the iron door of Yasus home, “Im sorry m’am but you must be going village curfew has long been passed if you need any shelter theres a shed out back you can-“

Lee interutppring Yasu, “Im here on behalf of Erin and Mika Bryce-“

“Im sorry what happened to Erin and Mika!” Yasu slamming the door open mouth gape.

“Are they alright? Please come in,” he implored.

“Yes, sir, they—” Lee started to reply.

“What has happened? Did they make it to the village in time?” Yasu interrupted, his worry palpable.

(Lee’s internal thoughts: ‘I can’t do this’) Lee hesitated, then blurted out, “THEY ARE ALRIGHT, MAN! They are with my other colleague, but your nephew informed us of another kid that was with them.”

“Hiro, yes, he left with the two, I presumed to his home too,” Yasu confirmed.

“Bingo. Now the kid couldn’t give me good enough directions to Hiro’s home, and someone needed to check on you two, so I figured I knoc—”

“You need me to tell you where the Tagami home is,” Yasu interjected.

“Okay, can you let me fin—”

“I haven’t visited the Tagamis’ home in years, so my memory of the route isn’t as clear. But if you allow me to come along, I—” Yasu offered.

“Yes, you can come with me, old man. Wow, you’re more help than I thought you would be—did I say that out loud?” Lee replied with a hint of surprise.

Lee follows Yasu as he picks up the forgotten trail bit by bit. They slowly make their way to the Tagami’s home. As they approach, Lee notices the entrance doorway of the home being left open. The lights inside are out and a silence of dread begins to fill Lee’s and even Yasu’s ears.

“I need you to stay here”

Yasu stuttering, “You- you- are leaving me alone?”

“Yes now be quiet!, you are safer here.” Lee whispers annoyed.

With that, Lee leaves Yasu at the fence entrance that surrounds the Tagami’s home. Her eyes staying fixed onto the doorway entrance. Her footsteps quiet as the darkness that encompasses the air. She makes her way onto the porch; old wooden planks remove any act of surprise. She slowly walks inside, she sees chairs and couches thrown over. The lamp inside is broken, walls scratched. Mud paw prints lead upstairs. Lee makes her way to the second floor. Her breath deep and slow, she removes a rail gun pistol from the holster of her right hip. A stark blue line ripples through the center of the pistol. Glowing when activated. The second floor of the home has only 2 rooms: the master bedroom and one smaller bedroom. The smaller room, which would be the bedroom of Hiro and his sister Lillath, has been left open. Inside are two small twin-size beds, the old brown dresser, and a few toys on the floor. As she continues to scope the small modest room, she hears a bang from the master bedroom across the hall. She turns quickly and proceeds to walk towards the sound. She reaches for the doorknob, but she can’t help notice the huge scratches left on the door. She takes one deep breath, tightens her grip on her rail gun, and opens the door. She is then struck on the head with an old frying pan. She grunts, blocking her face with her gun. Looking between the gun, she sees Hiro holding the frying pan and Lillath behind him.

“Put that stupid frying pan down before I blast you, kid,” Lee demanded, her voice firm despite the throbbing ache in her head. Hiro’s wide-eyed stare met hers, a mixture of confusion and defiance evident in his expression.

“Who are you?” Hiro demanded, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

“I’m Lee Sunrise,” Lee replied, her tone steady. “Are you Hiro Tagami?”

Hiro hesitated, his gaze flickering between Lee and his sister. Lillath’s small form hovered timidly behind him, her eyes wide with apprehension.

“Depends, who’s asking?” Hiro finally responded, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Lee arched an eyebrow, impressed by the boy’s bravado. “Wow, so original,” she remarked dryly. “Okay Hiro, now is that Lillath your sister?”

Lillath stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, I’m Lillath,” she confirmed, her gaze darting nervously between Lee and her brother.

“Alright, good. You guys are safe,” Lee assured them, relief flooding through her. “Where are your parents?”

Hiro’s expression faltered, uncertainty clouding his features. “I don’t… I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “When I got home, Lillath was inside the closet hiding.”

Lee turned her attention to Lillath, her brow furrowing with concern. “Lillath, honey, where were your parents?”

Lillath’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I don’t know,” she confessed softly. “I was playing with my dolls in the kitchen when I heard the noises. I looked for Mom around the house, but she wasn’t there. So I hid.”

Annoyance flickered across Lee’s features, quickly masked by determination. “Great, that was so helpful,” she muttered under her breath, her grip tightening around her rail gun.

“You have a problem with my sister’s story?!” Hiro’s voice rose with indignation, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. “Aren’t you supposed to be saving us?”

Before Lee could respond, Yasu’s panicked cry pierced the air, sending a jolt of adrenaline through her veins.

“AHHH HELP, MS. SUNRISE!!”

Lee’s instincts kicked into overdrive as she sprang into action, her focus shifting to the imminent danger outside. She headed for the window. Outside Yasu is making zig zags in the front yard as a perin chases him, barely missing his jacket every few feet. Lee is partially impressed with Yasu’s ability to maneuver around. She opens the window and hops down off the roof. Hiro and Lillath follow her down the stairs.

“Hey! Hey, you overgrown dog, come try to get a bite of me!” Lee voices, a challenge thrown into the darkness. With a deliberate widening of her stance, she prepared herself for the impending confrontation. Her eyes remained locked on the perin, never wavering from its looming presence.

The monster lumbered towards Lee, each heavy step sending tremors through the earth beneath her feet. Undeterred, Lee smirked, her determination burning bright within her chest. With a sudden burst of speed, she charged towards the perin, letting loose a primal roar that equaled that of the monster.

In response, the perin emitted a guttural growl, its usual predatory sound tinged with confusion. If it were capable of human emotions, it might have expressed surprise at Lee’s audacity. But for now, it simply prepared to defend itself against this unexpected threat.

Lee’s mind raced, her thoughts a whirlwind of strategy and instinct. Unlike her partner, she lacked the brute strength to overpower the perin in a direct confrontation. Instead, she relied on her cunning and agility, traits honed through years of training and experience.

As she closed the distance between them, Lee felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She knew she couldn’t afford to hesitate – not with Yasu’s life hanging in the balance. With a swift, calculated movement, she dropped to the ground, sliding underneath the perin’s massive form. Her years of training as a rusher meant she knew how perins move how they sway as they run the propose distance of a jump.

In one fluid motion, Lee raised her rail gun, its electric blue glow casting an otherworldly hue over the scene. With precision, she unleashed a barrage of electrical currents, each pulse striking the perin with enough force to send it reeling. The surge of power in each shot can light a large house.

The beast convulsed under the onslaught, its massive frame wracked with spasms as the electricity surged through its body. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the air crackling with energy as Lee’s final shot struck true.

With a deafening roar, the perin collapsed to the ground, its monstrous form finally still. Lee stood victorious, her chest heaving with exertion as she surveyed the scene before her. Despite the danger and uncertainty, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction – another threat vanquished, another life saved, another rush ended.

Chapter 6: Sunrise at the Village of Tenor

As the first light of day broke over the village, Mika, Caden, and Niles gathered in the courtyard, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Lee and Hiro.

“Maybe we should go look for them,” Mika suggested, her voice tinged with worry.

Erin shook his head, his expression a mix of concern and determination. “Mika, why can’t you be patient like the rest of us?”

Their father, Brandon Bryce, stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “Son, she’s only worried. Cut her some slack,” he said, placing a comforting hand on Mika’s shoulder. In the background the old Fujin Village Elder watches.

Brandon turned to Niles, his expression serious. “Niles, do you think we can chat privately for a moment?”

They moved away from the others, their voices low as they discussed their concerns.

“What do you want to talk about, Mr. Bryce?” Niles inquired, his tone respectful.

Brandon hesitated for a moment before speaking, his words weighted with anxiety. “I’ll be honest, Niles. I’m with Mika on sending a search party. It’s been 8 hours since you brought my kids home safely, and I’m forever in your debt, but…”

Niles nodded understandingly, his gaze steady. “I understand your concern, Mr. Bryce. It has been longer than I expected, but Ms. Sunrise – she’s one person I can never count out. She may be hot-headed and can’t stand being around kids, but I trust her capabilities.”

This was the first time Brandon seen Niles this close, he’s always been at a distance his voice strong and low carried through the rooms they spoke in. This close proximity brandon could notice the faded scars on Niles right cheek, the wrinkles under his eyes suggesting hes much older than you would think.

Brandon nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over him. “Okay,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Meanwhile, back in the courtyard, Mika’s voice rang out, breaking the tension.

“Dad! Dad! Mr. Cordell!” she called, in excitement.

Niles corrected, “Again, call me Nile-“

Her face lighting up with joy. “Niles, they’re back!”