It was the start of another day. After "strengthening their bonds" the previous night, Lincoln was exhausted and drenched in sweat. He couldn't get the images and sounds out of his head. Kyouka moving at every twitch, the soft moaning, energy coursing through him like a lightning bolt, and getting full view of her body.

The experience scarred him, but it won't be the last. Since it was the only way of revitalizing her, he would have to get used to it.

Seeing that he was sweatier than a pig. He put on his towel and went straight to the bathroom. Kyouka woke up shortly after he did and after rubbing her eyes. Decided to join her master, since she smelled bad.

After the bath Lincoln put on a pair of new clothes while Kyouka put on the same clothes. Since their parents left early, they left them breakfast before leaving. Breakfast was normal by Loud House standards. After finishing he brushed his teeth, grabbed his bag and left.

The bus ride was usual. Arriving at school not even a minute passed Kyouka was the center of attention. Who could blame her for being a supreme beauty. All the boys looked at her getting a tinge of red from the attention.

The locker she got was stuffed with love letters. Both of them sighed in exasperation at this. It had been going on since the day she arrived. Class was no different, during discussion some of them would ask him to introduce her. He kindly shot them down but that didn't stop them from advancing on her.

Lunch came on and they finally got away from those boys. Lincoln and Kyouka got their lunch and sat at the table with his friends. She duct out of sight to prevent getting seen, Stella put a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't be like that." she said. "I used to be like that, only it was these 5 that were eyeing. Just ignore them." she said

Kyouka smiled.

Everyone was busy eating their lunch until Zach spoke. "Hey have you heard of the strange things going on in the woods?" he said, getting everyone's attention.

"It happened yesterday some people got attacked yesterday by something."

"Are you sure?" Rusty asked, skeptical at his claims.

"No, its real alright. Here I'll show you." Zach said as he pulled out his phone and showed them a news article of it.

It said "2 people report encountering a large creature in the woods. Police have cordoned off the area and have begun a search and investigation of it."

His friends were surprised at this.

"That's not all there's even an interview with one of the victims." Zach said as he swiped to the video.

The video was titled "Strange Encounter" and he tapped to play. "Yesterday hikers report being attacked by a strange creature. We go live to Katherine Mulligan who is interviewing one of the victims." said anchorman Tom as it cut to the field reporter.

"Hello Tom, yesterday hikers have reported about seeing a creature of some kind here in these woods. At first, they thought it was some prank only to eat those words when it appeared. It attacked some hikers who barely escaped with scratches and minor injuries. We're about to interview one of them." she said as the camera turned to one of the victims.

It was young man around his early 20s dressed in hiking gear. His left arm was in a sling and it was clear that he was shaken from his encounter.

"Sir you have encountered this beast can you give us some insight." she said as moved the mic towards his mouth.

"I was hiking on one of the trails here. Then I get this eerie feeling that something was watching me. I shrugged it off and continued on my hike. About half an hour later I heard this big crash, I looked in the distance and saw this big tree fall down." he said imitating how the tree fell down.

"I didn't know what to do, then all of a sudden something attacked me. I dodged its attack. When I was a short distance from it, I saw what it was. I couldn't tell what it was but it was big taller than a man, it was covered in black, the eyes were milky, and its mouth was dripping with some white liquid. It lunged at me again so I ran and it gave chase. Running as fast as I can I reached the end of trail and that was the end of the line. I knew it was coming for me so I hid in the brush and waited for it to pass. After a few minutes, I assumed that it left and went out of my spot. I didn't notice but when I landed, I broke my arm in the process. After that I walked to the Ranger Station where they put it in a makeshift sling and checked to see if I had other injuries."

"Thank you." said Katherine as she pulled the mic back to her and so did the camera.

"We now go live to police station. Where they are making an address on the progress of their investigation." The screen then switches to the police station where a spokesperson is about to make an address.

"As a result of our investigations, we have found evidence to support these claims." the person said. "Scratches were found on some of the trees indicating something was there. Apart from that scorch marks were found on them; our tests have shown that these areas were not done by any conventional means. And last tracks were found, but we were inconclusive on identifying them." he finished.

"Have you double your efforts in searching for this thing?" a journalist from the Royal Woods Gazette asked.

"Yes, we indeed have and brought in expert trackers to assist us."

"And you're sure that your up to the task of apprehending this thing?" a female journalist asked.

"All I can say, is that we have put considerable resources into this. Rest assured we will find this thing and keep you safe." the screen then changed back to Katherine

"There you have it folks the woods have been closed till further notice. But a question remains what is this thing? Is it a monster or a malevolent entity? Tune in next for more details. This is Katherine Mulligan signing off." she said before the video ended.

Since this was gold as a hunt meant bigger ratings and bigger ratings meant a higher pay. And that would be if this was real or not.

"I gotta say Zach I thought you were pulling our legs on this." said Rusty surprised that this was real.

"Yeah, and here I thought this was another more of your nonsense." added Liam.

"Thanks, you, guys. And that's not all because today I'm gonna head into the woods and get evidence of the creature on film." he said excitedly

"WHAT!" They all shouted.

"You can't be serious?" Stella asked incredulously

"Oh yes I am." he calmly replied

"Didn't you listen to that interview. He said it was huge and the police won't just kindly allow you in." Clyde said in concern.

"I have a way in. Besides, a vague description and testimony is not gonna stop me from getting it on film."

"This has got to be the stupidest thing ever. Am I right Lincoln" Liam asked but received no reply.

"Lincoln?" he turned and found no one there. His friend had quietly slipped away.

-In the hallway-

"Hey Kyouka, do you think it might be a minor monster?" he asked

"I have no idea. Regardless we'll have to see to confirm." she said in her object form so that they can talk discreetly.

"You sure? Because our training didn't cover facing an actual target." he said feeling unsettled.

"Come on, this is what you we trained for. Now we can put them to use."

"Ok."

Gym came around and everyone changed into their gym clothes. Lincoln excelled at the physical activities presented to them. Which was a result of the extensive training and earned the respect of his peers. Who weren't expecting him to be good at. School flew by quickly and everyone went home except for Zach. After hitching a ride on the bus, he was ecstatic on having the greatest moment in his lifetime.

Unaware that a certain exorcist and his flute were close by. Zach arrived at his stop a short distance from perimeter. The police have been guarding every point. Well not everyone though, as Zach had found one way inside.

Making sure the coast was clear, he snuck in. The exorcist and the tsukumogami were not far behind and went the way he did. After entering they decided to go investigate for themselves the sites of the attacks.

The first place to look was a small pond. The wilderness had not washed away too much evidence as there were still clues left behind. Lincoln and Kyouka were delicately examining some of the claw marks.

"Judging from the size and height of the thing. I'm guessing were dealing with something similar to a bear or one that fits its description." Lincoln said using his power of deduction and intuition.

"Nice work there." she said impressed

"Thanks." he smiled

"I can certainly say that the minor monster could not be far behind." she said before they went to the other locations.

Zach meanwhile had been conducting his own investigation into the matter. While not having the detective skills like Lincoln, he was familiar with basic procedure.

The creature in question was in fact a beat that was heavily mutated by Curse. It was going about its usual day till he encountered a black fog. Sensing the ill intent of the fog it fled, but curiosity got the better of him and decided to prove its assumption.

Exposure to it caused the bear to become heavily mutated. Becoming an unrecognizable black mass of itself. The beast decided to satiate its hunger by preying on unsuspecting humans. No longer capable of sensing or tracking its target instead resorting to ambush tactics.

Its first attempts were unsuccessful as his query escaped at every turn. To satisfy its hunger it instead fed on the other mutated life the fog touched. But were miniscule in amount. It was currently feasting on a salamander. Slightly increasing its power. A feeling came to its mind, one indicating that something was nearby. So, it lefts its meal and walked to the source.

-Back with Lincoln and Kyouka-

The pair have been unsuccessful with finding the creature. All the tracks it left behind led to dead ends. In hindsight this further indicated that the minor monster had some intelligence therefore making it much more dangerous.

"We checked all the everywhere but found nothing." Kyouka said in frustration.

"We'll have to go check again-." he said before trailing off, as his attention was diverted to a black fog.

"Kyouka what's that?" he asked pointing in that general direction.

She looked to where he was indicating. Sure, enough there was a black fog. She took a step back visibly shaken.

"Are you ok?" he asked

"That's…impossible." she said trying her best to remain calm.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Lincoln that's curse."

"Wha?"

"It's the stuff that make minor monsters."

"What is it then?"

"I don't know. All I could say is that its 'the scraps of creation'. she vaguely said

"If this comes from your world, how did it get here?" he asked

"I have no clue. But enough of that we have more pressing manners than this." she said before they left.

The beast meanwhile, slowly stalked Zach carefully examining him before striking. After looking for nice spot it slowly bided its time.

Zach on the other hand was frustrated. He had done everything, but was no closer to finding the creature and was getting tired. Now leaving nothing to chance the beast pounced. Zach landed had landed on his butt at the surprise attack. He got back on his feet and after dusting himself was now face to face with the thing.

One this was it that proof of monsters existed, two all he needed to do was record the it and spread the message, three he needed to be alive for that to happen and it didn't look like the thing was happy to see him.

He clicked record and positioned the camera for a close up. The creature roared at him and he put his arms up defensively.

"Easy their big guy. I'm not here to fight just recording for the whole to see." He said, trying to defuse the situation.

The beast didn't pay heed to his words. He let out a loud roar before charging towards him.

"AAAH!" Zach screamed

It swung a claw at him, Zach duct just in time. He took a step back when it performed a two handed swipe. It tried to get him with a claw attack but Zach simply side stepped out of the way. I tumbled to ground from the failed attempt, having done playing games with him the beast then ran towards him at full speed on all fours intent on taking his spirit power.

Zach turned on his heel and ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He ran through one of the heavily wooded areas with the beast in tow, who was surprisingly quick for its size. Bushes were run over, branches were broken in the ensuing chase.

When they reached a grove filled with tall trees Zach was nowhere to be found. The beast stopped and searched for his query. Inside the stump of one of the trees was Zach who thought it made a good hiding spot. Deciding to wait until the beast lost interest him.

"Ha ha sucker." he cheerfully said

His safe haven was cut short when a growl came from behind the tree. Zach immediately went out of his hiding spot, while the beast cut one part of it and fell down. Having fallen for a similar ruse it gave chase once more.

Not too far away Lincoln and Kyouka were examining another sight of the attacks. When the sound of a tree falling caught their attention.

"Over there!" Kyouka pointed in that general direction.

"Let's Go!" Lincoln said hoping they weren't too late.

Zach was getting tired from the chase. His legs were almost wearing out and his energy had been depleted. Now backed up into a corner with the beast closing in this may look like the end for him. The beast was now finally going to satiate its hunger, its maw was dripping with white energy at the prospect of increasing its power. And slowly crept at its worn out prey.

The pair had reached them not long after. And carefully eyed their opponent.

"I say we do it now." she said as she was about to move till Lincoln gave the sign to stop.

"Let's wait a little bit, I wanna strike at the perfect moment." he said biding his time.

The beast came close enough and swung its arm at him. Seeing the window of opportunity Lincoln made his move.

"Kyouka, Now!" he said as she transformed into Blue trembling flute.

The beast struck but recoiled in pain as if it hit an invisible object. This was Noise Wall a barrier made of sound created around the user or in this case Zach. It looked around to find who created it. Having protected his friend Lincoln then went on the defensive.

"High Pitch Impact!" he exclaimed as a shattering sound impacted it causing the minor monster to stumble back in pain.

Zach who had been recording since he got cornered. Decided to film the battle. Lincoln came around fast on the minor monster. Who couldn't get a visual on the new target. Another high pitch impact came weakening the creature. Now that the thing was about to be beat Lincoln then launched the finishing move.

"Kodama!" multiple concentrated bursts of energy shot at it completely obliterating the thing.

Zach was relieved that the danger was gone. Like he appeared Lincoln left swiftly as Zach only managed to get a glimpse of him before getting out of view.

"Hey, whoever you are. I just wanna say thank you." he said before leaving

Lincoln didn't hear it as he was a long distance away. After getting out of the woods Kyouka transformed back into her human form and checked to see if anyone saw them before leaving.

Hours late back at his home. His entire family was watching the news on the recent development in the woods.

"Back to the recent development today. We now go live with Katherine." said anchorman Tom as the camera shifted to her.

"Hi Tom. The day before an unidentified creature had stalked the woods and attacked several hikers." she said readjusting herself. "Recently resident alien observer and conspiracy theorist Zach Gurdle had gone into the woods to conduct his own investigation. He had encountered the beast and after a lengthy chase look liked this was the end for him, until someone arrived and saved his life. We have footage of this encounter from his camera, but I must warn you this will be scary." she said as the tape rolled in.

It showed him about to bite dust. But that didn't came as the beast hit some sort of translucent barrier. It looked around for the assailant but was hit by a shattering sound. Then another before finally being destroyed by concentrated blast. Zach recovered from his initial shock before turning the camera catching a glimpse of someone. They couldn't tell who it was because of how far away the person was, but was enough to see he was carrying a flute.

"And there you have it. It seems that some sort of hero has called our town their home. Many support his actions calling him a savior. The police meanwhile have something better to say." she said as the camera turned to the police chief.

"While we do not condemn their actions. He or she must be questioned on how they got such power. We do not support vigilantism as mayor Davis has sent a warrant for his or her arrest." he said not knowing the exorcist was watching.

'We shall see.' Lincoln thought with a smug look on his face.

"We have contacted the police department for a comment. But have turned down our attempts. This may be a new change to our town. We will keep you updated for anything." she said before the news went out.

"Cool! We now have someone who'll protect us from the dark." Lana said as she was sort of like one.

"While I may not be a supporter of this activity. I don't see the necessity for putting up an arrest warrant seeing as how he has numerous followers. Then again I am interested in study him and how he obtained his powers." Lisa said with a devious smirk intent on learning all his secrets

"Sigh. I was hoping on seeing that thing. But the light beats back the darkness." Lucy said sadly.

The rest shared similar views especially their parents.

Lincoln meanwhile had watched them idly from the railing of the staircase. He would now have to go through great lengths on protecting his secrets.

But that was just a test the real challenge would come…