Raging Sea, Storming Skies

  All the way since the bright light appeared within the territory Lasan has been watching everything with eyes wide open. First, the massive chains that appeared from the clouds and the waves and attached themselves to the land. Then the strangers with fins and armour and wings and clothes like he'd never seen before. He listened to their tale with interest and eagerness as any young, curious mind would. The leaders of the two worlds seemed intimidating, but he wanted to learn more, to know everything, even if it could be dangerous. His eyes were still bright with excitement even after they left, leaving the young hero with them.

- Well, why don't you show them around?

  Lasan felt like he was woken up from a trance.

- What? Why? Me?

  Raziel's soft, mysterious smile widened a bit.

- Why not? We've been asked to show them our culture and traditions. Haven't you been learning about it and studying our history? You'll be perfectly suited to the task.

  That was very unexpected. Lasan did not remember ever telling the commander about his research. It was a little surprising that he would remember something like that about such a low ranked lion as him, but the commander did seem to know everything.

- Alright, sir. Are you sure, sir? With all due respect, wouldn't someone more experienced...

- Nonsense - Raziel interrupted him brightly. - You'll do just fine. Besides, you and I are the only ones here right now so you'll have something to do on the way back. Who knows, it might be destiny. If you believe such things - he smirks.

  Lasan bit his lip. He was still a student himself, there was so much he didn't know and had yet to learn, he didn't feel like a suitable teacher to anyone. But on the other hand, it would be a chance to test his skills and knowledge. And, more importantly, to make a new friend and question them endlessly about their world. Either way, it was decided. Lasan wasn't going to disobey the commander's word. He looked at the newcomer with, what he hoped, was an encouraging smile.

- Well then. Get started.

- Yes. Right, sir.

  Lasan considers where to start for a second finally deciding that describing the history of their kind would make for the best beginning, since the visitors also introduced themselves by telling the legend of their worlds. He turned to the snowy white lion, eagerly waiting for him to speak.

- Well then. A long time ago there was a god of dreams…

  - I'm not really sure where I was born. I don't think I ever asked.

  The young white lion stood on the hard wooden floor in the middle of the office of the commander of the Alliance. Him, the captain of the Night Watch, the Head Researcher and Lasan were all there, observing him with curiosity and a little bit of anxiety. They were told they were the mighty hero destined to defeat a colossal titan, but their looks were very deceiving. Faye had difficulty even standing straight. Their paws were shaking under them, as they took small, slow steps to try out this new thing they discovered called "walking". Before they only had to fly or swim.

- But I was raised in both places. At first I used to live in a castle in the clouds. It was beautiful. I enjoyed flying. After a couple of years I was moved to a great city under the sea. Swimming in warm currents is just as nice as flying.

  They gave a little smile to the ones surrounding them and seemed to have finished their story, as if that explained everything.

  Raziel smiled back. He had a soft smile on his face the whole time and seemed completely unphased by strangers suddenly appearing on his territory and the threat of the end of the world. Almost as if he was waiting for it. He had the face of a man satisfied that everything was going according to plan.

- Wow - Lasan said audibly without realising it. All eyes turned to him and he felt obliged to say something more. - That's very interesting. You must have learned so much about both worlds.

  Lasan was fascinated by his story and eager to ask more questions, but he didn't want to seem rude so he contained his excitement.

  Faye nodded.

- I have learned a lot. In the city of the sky I was taught history. I learned about the most important events, great generals that led their armies to victory, kings and queens that ruled the lands and protected them over the years from the wrath of the titan. Then I was schooled in the city of the sea and I have learned that a lot of the history I knew was... inaccurate.

  Their voice trails off a little as if they aren't sure how to explain it because they don't understand themselves.

- I learned about more important events and more mighty generals who led their armies to slay the heroes I have been taught about previously.

  They stop for a second and Raziel and Sen exchange a knowing look. The situation going on between the two realms seems very similar to one they've been through. A nonsensical war over an issue long forgotten.

- Um - Lasan started shyly. - Are then your parents... Do they come from both worlds?

  Sen knew why that was the first question he asked. Lasan was adopted with no memory of his ancestors and a great desire to find out who they were and what that makes him.

  Faye thinks for a second then shakes his head.

- No, I never had any parents.

  Sen looked at him empathically. Poor child. Given such a responsibility, but noone to rely on. As if aware that people were feeling sorry for them, Faye spoke in reassurance.

- But I had many teachers and trainers. I know how to swoop down on enemies and use my claws to attack. I also know magic and can cast an electric bolt like an eel. I've been trained to make poisons from underwater plants and to use dark storm clouds to my advantage.

  They seemed quite cheerful, but hard to read, really. Whether they would be the saviour the leaders said they are or just trouble was yet to be determined

  A snowflake white lion is brought onto the scene on a makeshift platform, carried by two bulky lions.

- This is our hero - says Neptune with pride, swelling up his chest.

- I would like to introduce you all to the Great Hero Forged by the Sky and Sea, Hope of Animalkind, Destroyer of Titans, The Honourable Faye.

  The young lion rose onto all fours and promptly fell of the stage, landing sprawled akimbo on the ground.

  Naptune looked a tad embarrassed, but Allana smiled with confidence.

- Don’t worry, the magic’s worn off a bit, they’ll be back to full force in no time.

  Everyone gathered watched Faye moved their front paws forwards and then backwards, attempting to swim on land. Allana’s smile stayed on her face, but lost a little bit of confidence.

- Well, we’ll leave you to it. Have fun!

  And as suddenly as they came, everyone left, leaving only the one lion now poorly attempting to raise itself back up onto it’s paws. They shook under the weight of it’s body.

- I guess you never had to walk before, always flying in the sky or swimming in the sea?

  Faye nodded.

- Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it - Lasan said encouragingly. - Try taking one step at a time. Move one paw, no, you have to lift it first. Not that high. Oh dear.