...

Kanji and his peers can't decide where their attention should be. Their unconscious friend or the giant mutated rat leering at them from a distance.

As a drop of sand falls from the hourglass, the creature's tail rises and points toward the group. The array of cannons on its back aims at the target, firing a burst of sweat. Dave pushes everyone out of the way and slams his fist into the ground... a dome-shaped wall forms around them.

From within the protected space, they could only hear the muffled sounds of a viral song before it is then replaced with hundreds of metal objects clanking against hard concrete.

Dave "Yeah. That is fucking bad, man. What is the plan, Kanbro? And is Gwabro okay?"

Kanji "Damn it! She's unconscious! And Izzybot too! How many protocols did she make?"

Diana "Boss! I don't think this shield can last. I'm starting to see cracks."

Kanji "Alright! Here's what we do! Amelia, can you create another copy of the dome and place it over the original? Make it as if the rat isn't doing any damage."

Amelia "That plan sounds bloody good but if we leave. Can't it still see us, lad?"

Kanji "It's okay because we're not going left, right, or forward. We're going...

Kanji points toward the ground. Dave and Amelia nod their head. Dave's finger draws a circle on the floor and a hole opens up. Amelia can't see what's on the outside so her imagination goes with what she knows so far.

The rat notices that its attacks aren't working, its four machete-like stalks ricochet off the imaginary barrier with no further cracks forming. An odd tingling sensation goes into its body every time the blades bounce off. Despite this, the creature keeps thrusting the dome faster and faster.

From down below, inside a square room made of compressed dirt, the wielders hear nothing but a song being played at low volume. Dave goes around poking his fingers into the walls, creating small holes. A rush of air enters the room, and the group takes all it all in. Dave sees that Amelia is rubbing the side of her forehead.

Dave "Yo, are you okay, Amber?"

Amelia "Y-Yeah. The darn thing made my head spin. But I reckon we are pretty safe."

Claire "What did you do? We don't hear anything up there. Except for the song of course."

Amelia "I changed the bloody thing's sense of touch so it feels like it is hitting concrete. Even if that dome is a bloody fake."

Kanji "Good. Thanks to you and Dave, we got a place to recuperate. Amelia, how long can you sustain the illusion."

Amelia "I believe about an hour but it can be longer if I have a tad bit more energy."

Kanji pulls out his device tablet and summons his portal. His feet come out as fast as it goes in, bringing with him a couple of drinks and power bars. He places them on the left side of her leg in a neat line. She looks baffled as he places the consumables down.

Amelia "What? Where were you hiding those?! I'm pretty sure I scanned every bloody thing in there, lad! What's the deal?!"

Kanji "You don't need to know that. Sorry to ask this again, but I want you to sit this one out. Your power is very important for this fight."

Amelia "Alright... if it means I can keep everyone safe."

Diana "So boss how are we going to beat this thing? Head-on or full charge... wait, those are the same things. Ha!"

Kanji "First we need someone to test the waters. Dave and I should go first since we are very acquainted with danger. We need to see if this rat has a gimmick like The Golem."

Dave "Awww Yeah! Me and my bro about to kick some ass. A rat's ass!"

Kanji "I'm ready when you are. Create a tunnel to the surface. Preferably, somewhere behind the creature. It won't know what hit it."

Dave "I should also close the hole when we leave, bro."

Kanji "You catch on fast. Okay in the count to three. One... Two... Three!'

Kanji and Dave jump out the ground behind the creature. Kanji whips out his chain and forms an electrical blade on its tip. He launches it into one of the creature's eyes. Its head shakes, swinging left and right, and its mouth opens letting out a deafening screech. Dave puts his hand over his ear while Kanji stands there. Kanji yawns and looks at Dave, tilting his head... Dave knows what he must do. Suddenly a wave of spikes grows from the ground, skewing its legs, jaw, and underbelly.

Dave "Got dem! Wait. What the fuck?!"

The spikes retreat to the floor, only for them to find out that their attacks made no impact. The rat's eyes stare into their souls as its tail spins to point at them.

Kanji "Dodge! NOW!"

It begins to spray a curtain of sweat at the two wielders. They watch as the sweat turns into hair before the creature's blades dice the wall into cubes.

AN "Kanji to your left! Dave to your right!"

Two glops of concentrated sweat skim the lower half of their torso, and the projectiles stick to another wall forming a massive bush of hair. Their eyes see the creature's blades as they thrust the wall, leaving behind a comb of holes.

Kanji "Shit. So that's what it was doing earlier. Dave... let's retreat for now."

Dave "Ok, boss. Get in the hole, dude."

Dave draws a new hole next to them and they drop down and reunite with the others. The rat sees that the hole they jump through disappears and it becomes confused. Yet something about it feels familiar, but the creature shakes it off. Then it stares at the lights on the ceiling. It growls and fires a volley of sweat.

AN "Ummm, not to bring you more bad news. But the rat just destroyed the lights."

Sarah "You can't be serious! Really!"

Kanji "That is very bad. Hey, at least. We did learn a couple of things. First of all, the strange cannons on its back, fire sweat. There are two types. A spray and a condensed shot. The spray causes little hairs to grow and makes the creature's blades swing to where they are. The shot creates a large bush of hair which its blade will then thrust till there's nothing left but holes."

Diana "But can we hurt that fucker, boss?"

Kanji "I'm not sure. When we stuck it, there was no injury, unless... Dave, did you notice something?"

Dave "Aha, dude. It is small, but that shit was wacky. The pattern wanky as shit."

Diana "Can you speak English, Icarus?!"

Kanji "I think he means that the patterns on its body distort every time it gets hit. We can go again just to test it."

Azan "Mina and I are going with you. You need all the help you can get."

Mina "Wait! Isn't it like dark-dark out there?!"

Kanji "Oh right. I wish we have more night-vision goggles."

Claire "Ummm, I can make them if you want, Kaney."

Kanji "It's a high risk. Fine. Make only three. Keep the rest of your slots in case we need them."

Claire puts her hands in the air over her head and out pops three night-vision goggles. Dave, Azan, and Mina grab them and put them on.

Dave "Woah! This is fucking sick! Wait, Cla'bro just where did you-

Claire "Nevermind that, go follow Kaney!"

Dave, Mina, and Azan catch up to Kanji as he leaves a tunnel, tilted up to the surface. The rat isn't surprised by their intrusion and immediately fires four globs of sweat when their heads pop out. It misses the boys but hits Mina in her right shoulder. A quadrant of blades tracks her down as she startles to the floor and runs away. Her mind goes haywire-but then an idea pops into her head. She puts her hand over her shoulder, and symbols of clocks appear on every strand of hair. She watches as they die out and the blades withdraw.

The rat hisses at them, its fur spikes up and its cannon now aims at random firing sweat all over its surroundings. The result creates a minefield of blades that approaches them every second. As Dave runs, one of his steps applies a bit more pressure causing a wall to spring up behind him. The other wielders see it and hide behind it as well.

Kanji "This won't last long! Any ideas, you two?!"

Mina "Oh! I got one! Leave it to me!"

Mina pulls Dave away and puts her right hand on the wall. Her other hand lay flat on the floor, the concrete of the wall begins to heal as the one on the floor decays.

Kanji "Great job Mina! Now Dave can you attack this thing with a strong attack?"

Dave "I'm a bit tired, bro. But I'll do my fucking best. Here! Eat some more spikes you damn rat!"

Spikes from the floor and ceiling and pierce the creature's entire body, but it barely flinches. It phases out of the attack and continues to fire sweat, destroying the spikes before they could retreat.

Dave "Okay. What the FUCK happened?! Dudes!"

Kanji "I'm getting it now. The creature can only be harmed by something that was newly created. That means we can't use the same attacks on it. I doubt my electricity will work on it a second time. Perhaps I'll try burning it or freezing it. Or maybe-

Azan "Stop. Kanji. I may have a better plan. It will completely mess the thing up."

Kanji "Okay then. Go for it!"

Azan put his hands on his head, the landscape of his mind showcases a scene of instant irony. The rat notices that some of its fired sweat vanish into thin air, it looks around, and then- Splash.

Dave "Ah! NO FUCKING WAY! Dude, that is awesome!"

Kanji "Wow, I have to admit that is quite genius."

Mina "Azzy, how did you think of that?! Now, we win! Right?!"

They look with smiles on their faces as the rat's own blades tear apart its body in an attempt to shave off the excess hair. Instead, they uproot the creature, freeing its leg from the ground. In the next frame of time, the blades begin to phase through it, creating a spinning aura of slicing and dicing around the massive rodent.

Kanji "Ummm... Yeeeah. We should retreat. Now!"

The wielders rush towards the hole, the rat sees this and chases after them. Luck is on their side as they slide on some of the remaining saliva left on the floor, reaching the hole in time. The rat screeches and scratches the floor to no avail. It stops and rests its head low on the ground. All he sees are rapid spinning blades... just like a rotating saw. That sense of familiarity is coming back and the beast's eyelids close shut.

AN "Everyone. There's good news. That thing is sleeping right now. Now would be the best time to strike."

Kanji "Also, another good news. Thanks to Azan, the creature can no longer shoot sweat. The sweat for some odd reason doesn't turn into hair anymore. And It lost control of its bladed limbs. So careful getting close to the damn thing."

Dave "Cool... you said it... bro. I... don't... think I can last another round."

Kanji "It must be quite draining to create those spikes. Not to worry. You can stay here with Amelia. Make sure to share those energy bars."

Amelia "Kanji, do I need to sustain the dome anymore?"

Kanji "Oh yeah, now that I think about it. No, you don't need to. We need to think of something else that can distract it."

Claire "Maybe it is hungry. Try creating fake food lol."

Kanji "They don't have to be complete foods, just scraps... to conserve your energy. Also, make them as realistic as you can. And don't forget to add texture."

Amelia "Got it, lad! What about who's going next?"

Kanji "Yeah, we need someone fast enough and reactive enough to dodge those blades. Or reflect them if possible?"

Sarah "Oh! Me and Noah. We'll fuck that fucker up!"

Noah "Errr... you sure?" "Aw, man. One of these days, I need to tell Sarah not to drag me into things like this. Then again I can't just leave her to do it by herself."

Sarah "Yes, remember that badass black aura of yours that pushes shit away. I don't what emotion that is but my guess is Disgust like you want your enemies to get away from you because they look ugly."

Noah "You read my mind." "Damn it all! Why did I play into that?!"

Sarah "Then what are you waiting for, man?! Let's go kick some ass!"

Dave walks in front of them and hands them Mina's and Azan's goggles. Dave puts his hand against the wall to his right. A tunnel opens up. He then directs his hands pointing to the light at the end of the canal.

Dave 'Your road to Beat The Rat Ville is this way, my dudes."

Sarah and Noah chuckle and leave the underground. Diana walks to Kanji's left shoulder, Kanji looks back to see a look on her face, it reminds him of that of a custodian.

Diana "Ummm, boss. Are you sure that's a good idea? Leaving those two by themselves."

Kanji "Independence and teamwork are the keys to success. I'm testing if they have what takes to achieve these two factors."

Diana "Ah... that's kinda true. Boss, can Claire and I go next? I really want to test my fists against that thing."

Kanji "You'll go when we are able to disable those blades. I don't want you to turn into sashimi."

AN "I understand that you want help. But look at me, I feel less useful than you."

Diana "AN... AN. Destroying yourself isn't a good way to cheer someone up. Besides, you saved us a couple of times already."

Kanji "Maybe because we are on Earth. We are familiar with this place. Once we leave it, you'll find yourself to have a greater purpose."

AN "Oh... that's good to know. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. I'll always be here."

Kanji "One small question. How long do Castastrians live for?"

AN "They live on average, 237 years. Why you asked?"

Kanji "Good at least. We have plenty of time as friends before you pass away."

Cl/Mina "Awww, that's so sweet!"

Meanwhile, up on the surface, Sarah and Noah trek around the creature's snoring body. It's truly asleep, Sarah smiles and charges forward with her ring, but Noah pushes his hand to hold her back.

Sarah "Noah? What are you doing? Let me go. I want to hack that rat."

Noah "I know. This reminds you of road kill. But here... have this first." "Shit! Shit! Please god, protect her from this monstrous creation."

A shroud of black aura envelopes Sarah, then without hesitation, she continues to sprint across the field of food scraps. She raises her weapon high before slicing it in three separate crescent patterns. Her attacks carved deep into the creature's skin, revealing a strange yellow flesh underneath its blue fur. Unlike what Kanji told her, this time the wound didn't heal.

Sarah "Huh. That's weird. Did something change?" "Time or damage. One of these is the answer. Noah! give me another-

A massive tail whips her face, but most of the impact was reflected by a burst of darkness. The knockback however caused her goggles to slip off. Noah sees it and grabs it while he also grabs her hand. They then retreat to one of the room's corners.

Noah "Okay. That was close." "Fuck! At least Sarah's okay."

Sarah "AAAAH! I can't see! Noah, do you have my cool night goggles?!"

Noah hands it over to her and she puts it on. The two look over to the creature eyeing them from the corner, paying no attention to the copious amount of food scraps scattered around its own four feet.

Noah "Shit. How useless?" "Why didn't the food scraps work? Why didn't they work?!"

Sarah "It's coming! Noah! Quick! Give me more of that aura. A lot more! As much as you can give me!"

Noah can see a spec of lingering fear as she looks at him. It isn't like her and so Noah's fear turns into worry. A dark blue aura manifests around her. She looks at it with awe and she gives him a hug.

Sarah "Thanks. I don't know what this feeling is. But... I feel safe."

Noah "Y-You're W-Welcome." "Oh my god. I'm in heaven!"

Sarah "You can stand back! I will deal with this motherfucker!"

Sarah steps forward and the rat puts its tail to the side, and its feet pull back. Its body launches toward Sarah like a spinning-bladed comet. Her right-hand shakes so she smacks it with her other hand. She looks up and jumps... they clash... and a miracle has occurred. In the air, she sees dark blue turtle shells moving and blocking the blades. She swings her ring across the remaining eyes, but sweat from its gaping mouth covers her hand and she loses her grip on the weapon. Thinking quickly, Sarah forms a claw with both her hands and swipes at the rat's head as much as she could before blacking out. One eye remains.

Noah goes in and pulls Sarah out of there. He sees a stream of liquid draining from the creature's eye... he can't tell if the liquid is tear or sweat.

Noah "Ummm. AN. Tell Dave... to you kno-

A hole opens up beneath him and the two slide down to their comrades. Claire helps Noah lay Sarah on the ground.

Claire "Oh my god! What happened?!"

Noah "We did a lot of shit. I don't know." "Please don't tell me she's dead!"

Kanji "Let me check..... ah. Massive head trauma. It must've happened when the rat's tail hit her... but your aura wasn't enough to block its full effect. But, it'll be fine. She'll be alright after a little rest. Noah, any info you managed to gather?"

Noah "Not sure. I think it was pouring tears or sweat." "Yeah, something like that. I don't know!"

AN "Yeah, I saw that as well. Maybe the creature is vulnerable to emotions. And also its wounds aren't recovering anymore."

Kanji "Okay, good work team. Now, we just need to get rid of those blades. Good thing I already came up with a plan. I need you, Mina, and Azan for this."

Mina/Azan "Wait, us?"

Kanji "Yeah, this plan is simple. Noah, I need to you apply that dark blue aura to Mina. If you don't find a way to do that then just apply the black aura. Azan, you'll be back up for that specific condition. I heard that your suitcase can turn into a shield."

Azan "Yes, a golden wristwatch, it projects a forcefield. Let me guess, you want me to charge in with her."

Kanji "Exactly! Oh... and Mina, you'll use your powers to turn those blades into dust. Literally."

Mina "Sounds good to me! Let's do this!"

They make their way through the same tunnel. Azan and Mina stick close together while Noah follows closely behind. He stares as the two hold each other shoulders.

Noah "Gross." "Ah... I wish I have that kind of relationship with Sarah. I feel happy for them. Maybe I should take notes. It might help me get close to her."

Azan "Em... what did you say?"

Noah pretends to look away as they close in on the exit. Popping their head out, they see the creature lying in the corner. It notices them but barely moves.

Azan "Why is it not attacking us? Is it a new hunting tactic?"

Mina "Nah! No way! Come on, let's beat this thing!"

Azan "Your enthusiasm always amazes me, Mina. Noah, can you make the dark blue aura?"

Noah "No. Only black aura. Take it or leave it." "Sorry, guys. But it is really hard to worry about the two of you all people."

Azan "That's fine. Let's initiate plan two!"

Noah puts a black aura around their bodies. They then charge toward the creature. It stands up and takes a defensive positive with its entire body leaning against the wall. They get closer... and the rodent's blades are reflected. At that moment, Mina jumps and grabs two of the blades. Azan activates his forcefield, blocking the creature's tail and the remaining blades. Mina grips the two limbs with her hands, they age and turn into dust. Mina then grabs the rest and they too turn into dust.

Azan "Yes, got it. Mission complete! Wait! What is it doing?!"

The rat bolts away with tremendous speed. Mina, Azan, and Noah try to catch up but they are too slow. Eventually, they gave up and retreat underground.

Kanji "You guys did very well. Leave the rest to Claire and Diana."

The rat finally notices the food scraps on the floor and it begins eating them. The flavorless texture that they bring, vanquishes the tears from the creature's eye. Again, it feels so familiar. A sense of when times were simple and a feeling of home. And so it cries again.

The rat continues eating, it doesn't feel like its stomach is getting full, but it still goes on munching. It then hears two footsteps from behind, one small and one large. Despite the presence of these two humans, the rat won't let go of this sensation.

Diana "This punk is ignoring us. Let's beat it up!"

Claire "I don't know... it looks like it doesn't want to fight."

Diana "Looks can be deceiving, Claire. You just have to kick it to reveal... The Truth!"

Diana stomps on its head and the rat screeches. Claire puts her hands over her mouth, and as Diana keeps stomping, a part of her begins to feel that something is very wrong.

Diana "You still eating, huh?! Then eat this!"

She barrages the creature with more stomps. The feeling of familiarity reaches its peak and the creature crawls toward one of the room's corners.

Diana "Well. Well. A cornered rat. How fitting. Now die-

Claire "STOP! Diana, why are fighting something that isn't even fighting back?! That doesn't seem fair!"

Diana "Claire you... You're right. I'm sorry, I was so angry at how it attacked our friends that I forgot my oath... an oath to preserve fairness. I'll just... wait until it wants to fight."

Claire "Awesome, I'm proud of you. However, I should be the one to be sorry. I can't believe that I didn't realize it sooner. The key to solving this trial."

Diana "Wait, what do you mean?"

Claire "Look at that."

Diana turns to see the creature clawing at the wall. With a closer inspection, she sees a small crack. Claire begins to cry.

Claire "You poor thing. How confused you must be... involving yourself with us. We should have checked the room. AN... tell everyone to come up. There's something I want to teach everyone."

And just like that, the whole squad comes up to watch Claire. They didn't make a sound, their minds wandering to what she is talking about.

Claire "It's good that everyone's here. I... just wanted to say that violence isn't always the answer. Creation isn't meant to be destroyed... they are meant to be loved... to be cherished. Especially those with emotions that run deeper than the oceans."

Kanji "It's a great metaphor for the birth of life. Where did you learn this from, Claire."

Claire "... From an auntie with the greatest smile in the whole while world. Now, as for this little guy..."

Claire puts her hand out and the massive rat notices it. Seeing how unthreatening it is, the creature stops clawing to look at her. She smiles and says...

Claire "... Your name is Jeremy... aren't you? Little Guardian of Starry Nights. Here have this... I'm sure you'll like it. You know what! Have two"

In her hand are two blocks of bright yellow cheese. The creature moves one claw at a time toward her hand. Its nose brushes against the chess, it sniffs the food and its front two legs touch it. Being this close, Claire can see the creature's tears as clear as day. After eating the cheese, Jeremy tips his head down. Claire smiles and pets him.

A flare of orange light surrounds Jeremy. When the lights dim down, the wielders see a small little orange rat with cartoonish eyes and a strange symbol on its forehead.

AN "Oh my! That's The Aspect of Creation symbol. Claire, you got yourself a companion!"

Claire "No... No no no no! This isn't what I want at all! I don't want you to follow us on this dangerous adventure! I want you to be free and live your best life! Why-

[Do you want to set Jeremy free?]

Claire "Ah... oh. Yes, without a single doubt. He deserves it."

With that, Jeremy jumps onto her shoulder and nuzzles her cheeks. He then hops down and dashes to his home. Coming out of it, he is dragging out some kind of Orange battery.