Kitsune leaped gracefully from a tree, landing on the ground with a quiet but fierce determination. She was known for her vulpine appearance — freckled, tanned skin, long, curly red hair tied back in a messy ponytail, and striking emerald-gold eyes. Standing at around five foot six, she wore a green, rose-patterned half kimono that fell to her knees. With a wave of her hand, she summoned a glowing starball at her feet. Stepping onto it, she took off into the air and disappeared through a portal. Behind her, a massive dragon, flames curling from its mouth, followed in hot pursuit.

Xxx

A fireworks show was in full swing over the harbor, illuminating the sky with vibrant colors. The carnival was alive with lights, games, and rides, including a Ferris wheel that stood tall over the water. In one of the Ferris wheel's cars sat Deku and Miko, taking in the spectacular display.

"Beautiful," Miko sighed, gazing at the fireworks with pure wonder. "Reminds me of the New Year celebrations back home. And the Demon Tournament to choose the ruler of the year is coming up."

Deku offered her some cotton candy, smiling. "Want some?"

They shared the cotton candy and watched as the fireworks reached a fevered finale. Miko, in her excitement, threw out a hand, causing a soft glimmer of gold dust to spark in the air.

"Yes! Here comes the finale!" Deku laughed.

Suddenly, a dragon swooped down from the sky, snatching Miko out of her seat. She screamed as the dragon carried her higher and further from the Ferris wheel.

"Miko!" Deku shouted, springing into action.

The dragon soared over the bay, pulling Miko along. She struggled against its iron grip, shouting, "Let me go! ARE-TO!" Chains of energy wrapped around the dragon, loosening its hold. Miko fell into the water below and quickly swam to shore, shaking herself off as the dragon circled back, ready to strike.

Xxx

Nearby, Shoto and Dynamight had just won a game.

"Boom! Victory!" Dynamight roared, a wide grin on his face.

"Not bad," Shoto said, giving him a nod. Dynamight held up his prize, a huge stuffed fox, and smirked.

"Man, if only I had a girl to give this to," he muttered.

Shoto chuckled. "You could always give it to Miko."

"Nah, she's not into foxes," Dynamight laughed, but his expression changed as he saw Deku running toward them.

"Heroes! Trouble!" Deku called out.

"Where's Miko?" Shoto asked, already on alert.

"That's the trouble!" Deku responded, leading them toward the harbor. Dynamight clenched his fists, a fiery determination lighting up his face.

Xxx

They reached the pier just as Miko, now riding on a spiritual lion summoned by her RANGU Lotis, leapt across the waves, trying to evade the dragon, which continued its relentless pursuit. She looked back, gasping as it unleashed another blaze of fire. In a swift move, she flipped onto her back, threw out a DANA — a water-based Lotis — striking the dragon's snout, but to little effect.

"Lay off!" Miko shouted, flipping forward and speeding up, aiming for the safety of the pier.

She dashed past her teammates, the dragon close behind. Dynamight was first to react, jumping high to blast the creature but narrowly missed. Shoto followed up by freezing a path over the water, halting the dragon just enough to allow Deku and Tokoyami (Tsukuyomi) to jump in. Deku extended his staff, hitting the dragon squarely on the nose, forcing it back with a resonant impact. The dragon staggered, then tumbled into the bay with a loud splash.

"Whatever that thing was, it's out of the picture now," Deku said, catching his breath.

"But…why was it after me?" Miko asked, a mix of fear and confusion crossing her face.

Xxx

Later that evening, Miko sat with the heroes in the tower's lounge.

"Thank you, guys, for saving me. I don't know how I'll repay you," she said, offering a grateful smile. "Maybe I could make lunch for you all? Or at least help with it!"

Kitsune leaned against the back of the couch, smirking. "Same old Miko — offering to cook when we all know you're more suited to baking!"

Miko laughed and ran over to hug Kitsune. "Nee-san!"

"Let's make sure you stay out of dragon trouble from now on, okay?" Kitsune teased, wrapping an arm around her.

The team exchanged glances, each ready to face whatever came next — together, as heroes.