Arrival in Feudal Japan

Felix sat cross-legged in the familiar comfort of his treehouse, staring at the glowing puzzle box on the floor between him and Maya. The latest piece they had found seemed to hum with energy.

“What do you think it’ll bring this time?” Maya asked, her sketchbook balanced on her knees. Sketch purred lazily at her side, oblivious to the magic in the air.

Felix shrugged, but his heart raced with excitement. “Only one way to find out.” He placed the piece into the puzzle. The box flared with light, and before they could blink, everything around them began to swirl.

In an instant, the glow faded, and Felix felt the warm breeze on his face. He blinked, disoriented, taking in the new scene before him. A bustling village, wooden houses, and the scent of fresh rice filled the air. Felix reached down, noticing his clothes—a tunic and a short sword at his side.

“Maya...” Felix whispered, tugging at his tunic. “We’re not in the treehouse anymore.”

Maya, now wearing a flowing linen robe, clutched Sketch close. “Felix... we’re in Japan. Feudal Japan, if I’m right.”

Felix glanced around. “You’re dressed like...”

“An artist,” Maya said, her eyes scanning the scene. “And you’re a samurai.” She pointed at the sword hanging at his waist.

Before they could process it all, two villagers hurried past, speaking rapidly. Felix caught snatches of their conversation: “... the message... must reach the shogun... before nightfall...”

Maya’s eyes brightened. “That sounds important.”

Suddenly, a stern-looking man approached. “You! The young samurai and the artist. There’s no time to waste. You must deliver the message to the shogun.”

Felix and Maya exchanged a glance. Their adventure had begun again.