Chapter 3: The Faint Glow

As Yaxoc and Yaxocara continued wandering through the past timeline, a faint, radiant glow caught their attention in the distance.

"What's that?" Yaxoc asked, pointing toward the shimmering object.

"I have no idea," Yaxocara replied, narrowing her eyes. "But it's... really shiny."

Curiosity got the better of her, and she reached out to grab it. The moment her fingers touched the glowing object, an intense surge of energy enveloped them, pulling them into a vortex.

When the light subsided, they found themselves standing in an unfamiliar place.

"Where are we?" Yaxoc asked, glancing around.

Yaxocara studied their surroundings, her expression darkening. "It seems that thing sent us to another timeline. Judging by the atmosphere... something feels off."

Before they could gather their bearings, the sound of footsteps echoed behind them. Yaxoc and Yaxocara spun around, coming face-to-face with two figures emerging from the shadows.

One was an alternate version of Yaxoc, his appearance twisted and menacing. His expression bore a cruel smirk, and his face was smeared with dried blood. Beside him stood Marcus, his presence equally sinister, his eyes cold and unfeeling.

"Who the hell are these freaks?" the alternate Yaxoc sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Yaxoc blinked, startled. "Wait... you're me?"

The alternate Yaxoc barked out a harsh laugh. "You think you're me? Please. Look at yourself—a pathetic little freak pretending to be something you're not."

Yaxoc and Yaxocara exchanged uneasy glances.

"What's that on your face?" Yaxoc finally asked, pointing at the blood.

The alternate Yaxoc grinned darkly. "This? Oh, just a little souvenir from killing those annoying catgirls."

Yaxoc froze, his heart sinking. "What? You killed... LUNA?!" His voice rose in shock and anger. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"We're enemies," Marcus (Enemy AU) said coldly, stepping forward. "We're destined to destroy saviors. That's what we do. Whether you have the guts to kill them or not doesn't matter—we will."

The alternate Yaxoc added with a cruel edge, "And let's not forget—we're the strongest. You two don't stand a chance."

Yaxocara tugged on Yaxoc's sleeve, her voice low but urgent. "We need to get out of here. These guys are seriously bad news."

"Yeah," Yaxoc agreed, his gaze darting nervously between the two menacing figures. "Good idea."

The pair turned and bolted, sprinting as fast as they could.

"Don't let those idiots escape," the alternate Yaxoc snarled. His voice was commanding, filled with malicious intent. "We have to kill them—no exceptions."

Marcus (Enemy AU) gave a nod, his expression unchanging. "Understood."

Without hesitation, he broke into a chase, with the alternate Yaxoc following close behind.

As Yaxoc and Yaxocara sprinted through the chaotic timeline, their hearts pounded in unison. Yaxoc glanced over his shoulder, panic evident on his face.

"HE'S GAINING ON US!" Yaxoc shouted, his voice trembling with urgency.

"JUST KEEP RUNNING!" Yaxocara yelled back, determination etched on her face.

Behind them, Marcus (Enemy AU) smirked as he chanted with a menacing tone, "Plant Magic: Vine Ropes."

Magical tendrils erupted from the ground, entangling Yaxoc and Yaxocara mid-stride. They were yanked backward and slammed into a nearby wall, the impact knocking the air from their lungs.

Marcus (Enemy AU) strolled toward them, an air of triumph surrounding him. "Did you really think you could escape? No one gets away from us."

With a flicker of energy, Yaxoc (Enemy AU) appeared beside Marcus, his smug grin matching his counterpart's malice. "Nice catch, Marcus."

Yaxoc and Yaxocara glared at their captors, struggling against the vines.

"Don't worry," Yaxoc (Enemy AU) sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "We'll leave you... as corpses. This is the end for you."

Before Yaxoc or Yaxocara could respond, a searing beam of energy blasted through the air, forcing Yaxoc (Enemy AU) to dodge.

"What the—?" Yaxoc (Enemy AU) snarled, scanning the area. "Who dares interrupt me?"

A figure emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding and calm. He wore a black jacket over a hoodie, his brown hair slightly tousled. His eyes, sharp and unwavering, locked onto the enemy.

"I'm afraid I can't let you take them down," the newcomer declared.

"Who the hell are you?" Yaxoc (Enemy AU) demanded, irritation flaring in his voice.

"I'm Ethereal, the 4th fragment," the figure replied evenly.

"Ethereal, huh?" Yaxoc (Enemy AU) mocked, his tone dripping with disdain. "Don't tell me you're here to free these losers."

"And what if I am?" Ethereal countered coolly. "You won't stop me."

Yaxoc (Enemy AU) clenched his fists, turning to his partner. "Marcus, handle this fool."

"With pleasure," Marcus (Enemy AU) replied, his voice laced with malice. He raised his hands, chanting, "Fire Magic: Fireballs!"

A barrage of 209 blazing fireballs erupted toward Ethereal, but with an almost casual grace, he evaded each one effortlessly.

"Is that the best you've got?" Ethereal said with a smirk. "Let me show you real power."

He raised his hands, chanting, "Domain Expansion."

A massive blue orb enveloped the area, encasing Ethereal, the two enemy versions, and Yaxoc and Yaxocara within. The temperature plummeted as Ethereal called out, "Fountain of the Colded Mountain."

The domain transformed into a magnificent frozen fountain, surrounded by colossal coins. The air itself crystallized as the temperature reached absolute zero. Within moments, Yaxoc (Enemy AU) and Marcus (Enemy AU) froze solid and shattered into fragments.

Yaxoc and Yaxocara stood unharmed, their breaths visible in the icy air.

"Wait... why didn't that affect us?" Yaxoc asked, bewildered.

Ethereal's calm voice broke the silence. "My domain only targets specific enemies. You were never in danger."

The domain dissolved in an instant, leaving only Ethereal standing before them.

"I've done my part. You're free to go," Ethereal said simply before vanishing in a flash of light.

Yaxoc and Yaxocara stood there in stunned silence.

"What... just happened?" Yaxoc muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"No clue," Yaxocara said, slashing through the vines with her sword.

Yaxoc blinked, incredulous. "Why didn't you cut those vines earlier!?"

Yaxocara shrugged with a sly smile. "Plot convenience, maybe?" she quipped, breaking the fourth wall with a knowing wink.

A sudden, swirling portal tore through the air before Yaxoc and Yaxocara, its energy crackling with an ominous glow.

"What in the world?" Yaxoc said, instinctively stepping back, his eyes wide with surprise.

Yaxocara's gaze locked onto the portal, her expression shifting to determination. "This might be our way out! Let's not waste time—go!"

Without hesitation, the two sprinted toward the portal. Yaxoc hesitated for a fraction of a second, but Yaxocara grabbed his arm, pulling him forward.

"Let's hope this takes us somewhere better!" Yaxoc shouted as they leapt into the swirling vortex together.