Author's note: Thought I'd give this a try. It's an idea forming in my mind for the past few weeks since I watched the animated series and now I'm taking a chance. My clean, isekai fanfiction taking place in the Wingfeather saga. Fair warning everyone, my MC won't meet any known characters for a couple more chapters. In the meantime enjoy!

Dark was the night. However, it was anything but quiet.

For tonight, something moved swiftly. It was a group of people that consisted of a rough looking old man with a peg-leg, a woman with a long dark braid and her three children. Accompanying them was an African American girl with dark brown hair in boho braids that fell past her shoulders and hazel green eyes in her late teens.

And they were very much afraid.

Yeah, that's me. Most likely running into potential doom with my new friends. How did I get into this situation?

Well, there was a carving on a tree, which had turned into – er, maybe I should just start at the beginning.

"Oh, a million dreams for the world we're gonna make…" the girl sang softly along with Pink. She brushed back her mid back length, dark brown boho braids and turned up the volume on her MP3 player with the other.

Elisheva Bennet rushed through the bustling café, balancing a tray of steaming hot coffee cups and plates of pancakes. She deftly weaved through the crowded tables, dodging elbows and apologizing to customers as she went. It was another busy weekday morning at the café, and Elisheva had already been on her feet for hours.

It takes a while to get to know Elisheva but if there's anything you should know it's that she's honest, friendly and a hard worker. Although she hopes for self-recognition, she refuses it unless she can share it with her loved ones.

Nobody's perfect of course and she had a range of flaws to deal with too. She has a bad temper, combine that with her hidden altruism and her scorn for injustice, this often leads her into trouble. Nevertheless, Elisheva cares about those close to her, is always ready to stand up for them.

Sure, the work's hard and there's not always extra tips at the end of every shift, but it will all be worth it.

Elisheva's family dearly loved her, but they too had their share of problems. Her father, Samuel had fallen sick while her mother, Rivka, had died in a car crash over a year ago, and her little brother, Zev, was still in school, so Elisheva took it upon herself to help support their small family now that she has graduated.

They used to live in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, but for now, the Bennet family was stuck in Manhattan. Inwood, to be more specific. A lot of things changed in Elisheva's life but she and her family were trying to make the best of it.

In the family's apartment, Elisheva's nine year old brother was pretending to be on boat looking through a spyglass, while watching an adventure program on TV.

A third grader with the same hazel green eyes as his older sister, broad shoulders and high cheekbones that made him look like a young Nubian prince. As Zev watched the program, he couldn't help but imagine himself on a grand adventure. He pretended that he was the one chasing down dangerous creatures and exploring uncharted territories.

"Zev, you had better be doing your homework and not just watching that crazed adventurer chase down man-eating predators!"

"I am, Dad!" when his father called out to him, Zev quickly snapped out of his daydream and swiftly returned to his homework on the table. He knew that his sister Elisheva worked hard to support their family, and he didn't want to let her down by neglecting his studies.

Zechariah "Zev" Bennet was an imaginative and optimistic boy with a love of adventure. He played games with his sister Elisheva. He had yet to finish school, but he wished he could still help both his father and sister in some small way.

As he sat down at the kitchen table, Zev's mind wandered once again to the adventure program on TV. He wondered what it would be like to explore the world and discover new things, just like the adventurer on the screen.

Then Zev's stomach rumbled a bit and he looked at the cookie jar anxiously. Elisheva entered house with bag of shopping and 'surprised' Zev as he's about to sneak a cookie.

"I saw that!"

Zev jumped, but beamed at his sister's return. "You're here!"

"How's Dad?"

Zev said gently, "Well, he seems okay. The doctor says he's 'comfortable.'"

It was still a sobering subject. Their father was unwell to the point where he could not walk without a walking stick.

"Comfortable? He should be all better!" Elisheva sighed. "But he'll get there. The Lord will provide, I just have to keep working. Then we can afford our own little house again!"

"With better doctors for Dad?"

"That's right. And a nicer place for you to grow up. Maybe out in the countryside where the air is better!" Elisheva added looking at the city in the distance.

Zev nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the thought of living in the countryside. "That would be amazing, Lish! I could run around and explore all day long."

Elisheva smiled, ruffling Zev's hair affectionately. "You'll have to catch some quails for us then just as they did in the Ancient world, little explorer."

Zev chuckled, his stomach rumbling again. "Speaking of food, did you get anything good at the store?"

Elisheva grinned, reaching into her shopping bag. "I got us some fresh fruit, and... ta-da!" She pulled out a small bag of chocolate chip cookies, which she held out to Zev.

Zev's face broke into a huge grin as he eagerly took the bag from his sister. "You're the best, Lish!"

Elisheva laughed, tousling Zev's hair once more. "Just don't eat them all at once, okay? We have to make them last."

As Zev happily munched on a cookie, Elisheva turned her attention to their father's condition. "I'll go see how Dad is doing," she said, heading towards his room. "You finish your homework, okay?"

Zev nodded, his mind already wandering back to his daydreams of adventure. But he knew that his sister was right - they had to work hard and be patient, and trust that things would get better in time. For now, Zev knew that he had to focus on his homework. He picked up his pencil and began to work on his book report, determined to do his best and make his family proud.

Elisheva clutched her necklace – a gift from her late mother that composed of small symbols: a menorah with the Star of David under it, and finally the ichthys fish with a ruby stone serving as the fish eye. dangling from her neck with one hand and took the bag of café treats with the other.

"Elisheva!" Samuel Bennet walked out using his walking stick. His wide, expressive eyes and a broad nose that gave his face a regal air.

His children may have inherited their late mother's hazel-green eyes and other features, but the rest they got from him. Samuel once worked as a photographer for a department store but since he got sick, he resorted to working online as an editor.

"Hi, Dad. I brought you some scones." Elisheva handed him a small bag. "Lemon-blueberry just like Bubbie used to make."

"Oh, thank you, Muffin!" Samuel graciously accepted the goodies.

"It's the least I can do."

"You do too much, you know you're not Wonder woman," Samuel chided softly.

"I want to!" Elisheva said earnestly. "It's all for a better future."

"Speaking of futures, it's high time you start looking into college applications," Samuel points out. "You could always apply for an athletics scholarship."

Music is a huge part of Elisheva's life, but sports and stories were even more important to her. She was skilled in Athletics, this was best reflected in her sporty urban fashion wear when she's off the clock.

It was a nice thought. Sure, Elisheva would have liked to revisit those old glory days when she was cheered on in school as a promising athlete bound for the Olympics, but after her mother's death and her father falling sick, finances became troublesome. The Bennet family had to move to a small apartment, and when Elisheva began to show up less and less to sporting or social events, her friends had become the fair weather kind. And the authority figures had responded by coldly shunning her, only to praise other promising (and richer) sport jocks instead.

Elisheva sighed at her father's words, feeling a pang of regret for the opportunities she had missed out on. She had always loved the athletic portion of sports and had dreamed of participating in the Olympic games, but her family's financial struggles had forced her to put those dreams of glory and more on hold.

"I know, Dad," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "But you know we can't afford college right now. And even if I did get a scholarship, there are still so many other expenses to consider."

Samuel nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I know, Muffin. But I just hate to see you giving up on your dreams. You're so talented, and you deserve to have the chance to pursue your passions."

Elisheva smiled sadly, appreciating her father's support. "I'll figure something out, Dad. I always do."

As they chatted, Zev wandered over to join them, his mouth still full of cookie crumbs. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Your sister's future," Samuel replied, ruffling Zev's hair affectionately. "She's going to do great things someday, just you wait and see."

Zev grinned, his eyes shining with pride. "I know she will. She's the best sister ever!"

Elisheva's heart swelled with love for her family, even as she struggled with the weight of their financial burdens. She knew that they were all in this together, and that with hard work and determination, they would find a way to overcome any obstacle that came their way.

A little later, Elisheva sat on her bed, her phone in her hand as she scrolled through her music library. She paused when she came across 'Waiting in the Wings' from the Tangled series, a song that had been on repeat for her lately. She put in her earbuds and pressed play, closing her eyes as the music filled her ears.

"I know I was meant for glory, But that's never what my story brings. And yet I keep on waiting..."

As the familiar lyrics washed over her, Elisheva felt a lump form in her throat. The song spoke to her in a way that few others did, capturing her deepest desires and fears with uncanny accuracy. She sang along softly, mouthing the words under her breath as she imagined herself as the protagonist who was "waiting in the wings" for her chance to shine.

But even as she sang, Elisheva couldn't shake the doubts that plagued her. Was she truly capable of achieving her dreams? Would she ever be able to break free from the constraints of her current situation and pursue her passions? The song gave her hope, but also made her feel the weight of her own limitations.

As the song drew to a close, Elisheva took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She knew that she couldn't give up on her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. She would keep striving, keep pushing herself to be better, and maybe one day she would find her way out of the wings and into the spotlight.

Then the alarm went off in her cellphone, the meat and potato casserole's ready to be taken out of the oven.

As she headed for the dining table, she noticed a strange glimmering light in the corner of her eye. She turned her head, trying to locate the source of the light, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Confused, Elisheva shook her head and turned to help her father set up the table for dinner.

Little did she know that this small glimmering light was the beginning of a great adventure that would take her far beyond the confines of her current life and into a whole new world entirely.

None of the Bennet family knew that things would take a strange turn.

Elisheva had always liked Fantasy-adventure novels as much as her brother, but she never expected to find herself walking right into one. Let alone accidentally get her entire family involved.

It was Sunday, and sure, some families might've gone out or have a staycation but today while her father slept in and her brother watched cartoons, she intended something else.

Today she would be doing something that benefitted both her and the park right next to their apartment building: recycling.

Elisheva moved through the park, singing a musical version of Psalm 23 as she separated plastic bottles from the cans. She then reached the enormous willow tree with long branches. Because of the eco activists persistence in preserving the park and it's natural beauty, the tree had remained untouched. However, through the hanging branches Elisheva noticed something: a strange dragon carving on the tree trunk. The rest of it was shaped like a door.

Weird. Elisheva didn't remember seeing this before. Someone would've been bound to notice. Right?

She placed her bag of recyclables on the grass nearby and gently traced the carving with her fingertips. To her astonishment, it glowed a subtle greenish-gold then pushed open.

"Whoa!" she yelped. Then she peered through the doorway.

A tunnel stretched out before her. Its walls composed of both the tree branches and smooth stone walls. On the other side, she could hear the bustling of people, pack animals and more. Then she hesitated. Was this some extension of the park they'd been working on, or some bizarre fever dream from overexertion?

Her heart raced as she stared into the tunnel, unsure of what to do next. She knew that she should probably turn back and tell someone about what she had found, but her curiosity had been piqued. What if this was something truly extraordinary?

Taking a deep breath, Elisheva stepped through the doorway and took a tentative step inside, one more step forward and then another. She wasn't sure where this passageway led, but she felt certain that something special lay at the other end. The sound of voices and animals grew louder as she made her way through the tunnel, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, Elisheva reached the archway at the end of the tunnel. Shielding her eyes, she stepped into the bright sunlight and gasped.

She found herself in a bustling marketplace, filled with people of all shapes and sizes, haggling over goods and chatting animatedly. Elisheva looked around in amazement, taking in the sights and sounds. It was like something out of a fairy tale, with colorful tents and stalls lining the streets, and exotic animals tethered nearby. She wandered around, admiring the intricate tapestries and varied food stalls, and listening to the strange languages spoken by the merchants and travelers. When she went to get a good look as she climbed up one tall bridge, it was a flourishing, brilliant landscape stretched out before her in every direction. Wow, the landscaping was amazing!

"Looks like the Renaissance fair is taking place in the new section of the park." Elisheva mused. "Zev woulda gotten a kick outta this."

As she walked about, a man approached her, he looked like a minstrel from the Dark ages with tousled brown hair that fell to his shoulders, a five o clock shadow and carrying an instrument that had both strings and a mouthpiece. His brown eyes bright with curiosity. "Well, what have we here?" he said, his voice tinged with a strange accent. "A traveler from another world, perhaps?"

"Er, say what?" Elisheva asked.

The man smiled knowingly. "You're in Aerwiar, lovely lady. Armulyn the Bard, at your service." He said this with a courteous bow.

"Right." Elisheva nodded with an indulging smile.

Then she noticed something peculiar. None of the women wore much jewelry, no earrings no necklaces. None of the fanciful ones seen in these renaissance fairs in sight. And no rings on either man or woman. Not even clearly married couples. Okay, so maybe people were trying not to get mugged. And something else that looked off.

She saw creatures that looked like humans but with greenish scales covering their bodies and lizard-like snouts. Big fellows, very lifelike costumes. They were the only ones that possessed weapons. Well, cold weapons anyway. There were no firearms whatsoever in sight. Elisheva couldn't help but wonder why.

"Yeah, I don't wanna sound weird here, but what happened to all the jewelry?" Elisheva asked, still trying to make sense of everything. "And why are the lizard folk the only ones with weapons?"

Armulyn's expression turned grave at Elisheva's questions. "Ah, you have much to learn about this land. The jewelry and other valuables were taken by the Fangs of Dang, the foul creatures you see around here. They are the enforcers of Gnag the Nameless, the tyrant who rules over this land with an iron fist."

Elisheva raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Gnag the Nameless? Who's that dude?"

Armulyn was quite surprised at Elisheva's question. "You mean you have never heard of Gnag the Nameless?" he asked incredulously. "He is the tyrant who rules over the realm with an iron fist. He conquered the free lands of Skree and now his Fangs of Dang occupy all the towns, exacting taxes and being nasty to the free Skreeans. Oh, yes, the people of Skree are quite free, as long as they are in their homes by midnight. And as long as they bear no weapons, and they don't complain when their fellow Skreeans are occasionally taken away across the sea, never to be seen again. But other than the cruel Fangs and the constant threat of death and torture, there isn't much to fear."

Elisheva pursed her lips, this guy was getting a little way into his character. "Uh-huh, no." she mumbled. "This has got to be some really big prank or something."

Armulyn looked at her sympathetically. "I understand your skepticism, milady. But I assure you, this is no prank. You have stumbled into a world that is not only different but perilous. The Fangs of Dang keep the people in check with their weapons, and anyone who opposes them or Gnag is swiftly dealt with. Tis a dark time for Aerwiar."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Elisheva remarked.

Armulyn shook his head in disbelief. "You truly are from another world, aren't you?" he muttered under his breath.

Elisheva was taken aback. "What do you mean, another world?"

Armulyn looked at her seriously. "You are in Aerwiar, my dear. This is not your world."

Elisheva's eyes widened. "What? How is that possible?"

Armulyn shrugged. "I don't know the details, but I do know that the willow door is a gateway between worlds. And you have just passed through it."

Elisheva had been about to protest when she saw something that made her stomach lurch. She watched as a group of Fangs ate a passing rodent. Not even the best costume designers or make-up artists could pull that off!

She looked around carefully. Noticing that there were just something that couldn't be accomplished. Those exotic looking creatures in crates that acted, ate and smelled so… alive.

Now greatly alarmed, Elisheva shook her head, trying to make sense of it all. "Oh… right, I ate expired jam on toast and now I'm seeing things." She rambled. "And now would be a good time to wake up!"

Armulyn smiled wryly. "Believe me, lady, 'tis no illusion. And if you don't watch your step, you may end up in more trouble than you can handle. I would suggest you start with your necklace, lest the Fangs confiscate it for themselves."

Elisheva sternly closed her hand around her necklace. "My late mother gave this to me. And the symbols you see on it represent my faith, it's an important part of who I am, the same for my father and brother." She gently opened her hand a little to show him.

Armulyn looked at Elisheva's necklace with interest, then nodded knowingly. "I see. Nevertheless, you should be careful with that around here. The Fangs of Dang are known to take any valuable items, especially those with sentimental value."

Elisheva's eyes widened in concern. "What should I do?"

Armulyn thought for a moment. "You could try to hide it under your shirt. That might keep it safe for now. But you should be careful not to draw too much attention to yourself. It's best to blend in as much as possible."

Elisheva nodded, grateful for the advice. She carefully tucked the necklace under her shirt, making sure it was out of sight. "Thank you," she said with a smile. She didn't want to lose a link to her mother.

Armulyn smiled back. "You're welcome. And remember, keep your wits about you. This world can be a dangerous place, especially for someone like you who is new to it."

Elisheva nodded, taking in the warning.

Well if she was in a whole new world, the best thing to do right now was play along.

Later, she's walking along the streets and she overhears snippets of conversation about that dark lord Gnag villain.

As she listens, Elisheva begins to piece together the larger story. Confirming what Armulyn warned her, there certainly was a Great Evil that had surged and waged a Great War on pretty much everybody. This evil was a nameless evil, whose name was Gnag the Nameless. He ruled from high atop the Killridge Mountains in the Castle Throg, and he had a burning hatred for the High King Wingfeather of the Isle of Anniera.

From the sound of it, Gnag and his army had marched westward and conquered the Shining Isle of Anniera, where the good king and his people had fallen. Unsatisfied, Gnag had built a fleet and sailed across the Dark Sea of Darkness to the continent of Skree, where he had ravaged the land for nine long years. It was during those nine years that the Fangs of Dang had occupied Skree and imposed their brutish rule over the people.

Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of everything she had seen and heard. The picture that emerged was one of a regime that used fear, violence, and economic control to maintain power over its subjects. She wondered how the people of Aerwiar were able to go about their business with such a threat looming over them. It was a world vastly different from the modern day Manhattan she knew.

She took in the sights, keeping a watchful eye out for any signs of trouble. She saw a group of Fangs patrolling the streets, their greenish scales gleaming in the sunlight. She felt a wave of fear and revulsion wash over her, and she knew that she had to keep a low profile if she wanted to avoid drawing their attention.

Some of the Fang sentries glowered or sneered at the sight of her, but didn't much else.

As she turned a corner, she came face to face with a group of rough-looking characters, their faces twisted into sneers. Elisheva's heart pounded in her chest as she realized that she had stumbled into a dangerous alleyway.

"Hey there, pretty little thing," one of the men said, his voice thick with malice. "What brings you to this part of town?"

She could feel their hot breath on her face, and she knew that she was in trouble. Elisheva did the only thing she could think of at the moment: to run.

The brigands chase her down the street, Elisheva leapt over crates and random objects as though they were hurdles to avoid her pursuers.

And as if by a chance or fate, she bumps into a merchant, who having seen how fast she ran, hired her as another courier. "She'll do."

Bewildered but grateful for both the opportunity to help her family and escape the crooks, Elisheva accepted on the spot. Elisheva breathed a sigh of relief having narrowly escaped the clutches of the terrifying brigands. As she tried to catch her breath, a voice behind her said, "You're quite the runner, my dear."

Elisheva turned to see the stocky merchant with a twinkle in his eye. "I could use someone with your speed and agility, if you're interested. I have a shipment of goods that needs to be delivered to the port just an hour's length from here, and my regular courier is out sick."

For a moment, Elisheva hesitated still wary from her encounter with the brigands. But then she thought of her family and how they needed the extra income. True there'd be no way she can use the currency she saw here back home, but if she bought some things from here and sold them off for a good price… yeah this could work.

"Okay," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'll do it."

The merchant grinned, clapping her on the back. "Excellent! I'll pay you generously for your services, and you'll get to see more of Aerwiar than most outsiders ever do."

Elisheva nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. She would do it all for the sake of her family, and for the chance to get a better view of this place.

That evening, Elisheva returned home with extra food and coinage, surprising her father and brother with two pizzas. Naturally, she couldn't use the currency in her world so she bought things (such as rugs, or other things) in Aerwiar and learned to barter them in her home.

"Pizza!" Zev was delighted, knowing this kind of food was a rare treat.

Samuel chuckled at the sight of Zev's excitement. "Well now, this is a welcome surprise. Where did you get the money for this, Lish?"

Elisheva smiled, feeling a sense of pride in her accomplishment. "I got a temporary job as a courier for a merchant. He paid me well for delivering his goods to the neighboring area."

Samuel's eyes widened in surprise. "That's wonderful news, Muffin! I'm so proud of you."

Zev, meanwhile, had already dug into one of the pizzas, his face smeared with sauce and cheese. "This is the best pizza ever!" he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Elisheva laughed, feeling a sense of joy and relief. For once, they could enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about their financial struggles.

As they ate, Elisheva couldn't help but think about the strange new world she had stumbled into. She wondered what other surprises and challenges lay ahead, and whether she had what it took to face them.

But for now, she was content to savor this moment of happiness and togetherness with her family. And she knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together, with love, courage, and a sense of adventure.

To be continued…

Author's note: That's my first chapter for the moment, but that portal and everything there won't remain a secret to Samuel or Zev for long.