RE:WRITTEN

030: Helping Hand

"Are you sure you'll both be alright?"

I look at Ikimono as she crosses her arms. Nova and Saisho stand to her right. Soveliss holds Allisa close on Ikimono's left. All five of them watch as Naomi takes my hand. We glance at one another before my eyes meet with Ikimono once more.

"I know where to find her. If we want any hope in stopping whatever Amai is about to do, then we have to get the one person she'll listen to." I say. "We'll be back."

Nova grins at us. "We'll be waiting for you!"

"And we'll see if there's anything we can do at this time." Saisho says. "You can count on us."

Allisa nods. "We'll make sure everything is safe."

Soveliss looks at us both. He smiles a bit.

"You two better stay safe as well," He remarks, "Wouldn't want you two getting separated so quickly."

The others look at the two of us. Grins appear on everyone's faces.

"Hey! Congrats!" Nova says.

Allisa's eyes shimmer. "When did that happen?"

"While we left to go to the pond earlier," Naomi says. "But we can explain that all later. Okay?"

"Naomi's right." Saisho laughs. "We can sit down and chat once the problem has been solved. Then you can dish us the details."

I smile at our friends. "We'll tell you everything once this is taken care of. We promise."

Naomi and I look at one another. I then look down at Snowie, who nudges my leg with her cheek. I rub her forehead.

"We'll be back. Stay here."

"Okay! I trust you!"

We begin to walk a few paces away from everyone. I let go of Naomi's hand. She starts to circle her arms in front of her. Her bracelet shimmers brightly as her eyes light with magic.

"To the Normal!"

A portal appears before us. The two of us glance at one another once again. I nod before taking a running start. As we dive in, it snaps shut behind. The colors surrounding us begin to fade the farther we fall down the portal.

I glance at Naomi.

"How are we going to avoid getting a headache when we land?" I call out to her.

She grins. "Trust me! I got a solution!"

Within seconds of her saying that, I find myself on the sidewalk of a street I call home. I crouch down, touching the concrete for the first time in ages. Naomi is by my side. She reaches out for me. I take her hand immediately, and she closes her eyes. An orange glow shifts over our grasp, and I feel a rush of cool come over me. I don't feel light-headed or dizzy from the portal.

"You can do that?" I ask.

Naomi nods. "It helps whenever I want to explore the Normal."

I smile. "Well perfect. We won't have to do too much exploring, but it's good for getting this mission done fast."

"What do you mean?"

I look to the side. I smile for a moment as I see the familiar two-story house before me. The cute red door with white siding. A thin layer of snow has fallen upon the grass surrounding the area, but the driveway, sidewalk, and path towards the porch have all been shoveled recently. I can see lights through the windows.

She's home.

I'm home.

"Come on."

I stand, offering a helpful pull to Naomi's feet. Once she's up, I start to lead her up the path towards the door. My heart starts to race. I need her to open the door. She has to be home. Please let her be home.