Crystal Seal

Chapter 1 - The Traveler

The memory that I could never forget.. Those flames, those terrifying creatures, each destroy all. It has been a week ever since I escaped the downfall.. No signs of Koshi, Benjamin, Feng, not even Taichi showing up..

Kai Stane recalled as he crossed his arms, laying down next to a tree gazing up to the sky. His eyes were rather tired and indeed, brought a lot of flashbacks about it. He had been escaping the downfall for about a week now. Requested by Koshi to find the others, never caught one by his very eyes. He waited for his best friends', his cousin's and his mentor's return, though they never did.

"Remember what brother Koshi taught me, always be aware of my surroundings. Stay hidden and be friends with the shadows, they will eventually guide you," Kai murmured to himself, holding his kitsune mask as a reminder.

Kai stood up from his place as he just got back from his break. Though, it does not make Kai give up on his journey. Trotting around the Mystilan Forest, he is carefully aware of his surroundings. Making sure that no creatures are there to attack him, he whispered softly to himself to be careful. The Mystilan Forest is filled with many kinds of different creatures.

As for now, Kai is in a dangerous situation, befriended with the shadows from creatures known as the Likowns. "Good, no sign of the Likowns here.." he muttered and sighed happily. Kai wanders around to find food and shelter, looking left and right, staying alert of his surroundings.

Just as Kai walked to an area filled with tall trees and bushes, he found a delicious fruit. "Oh goodness! It must be an apple. Seems like no one's around here," he said gladly, walking towards the apple in front of him. He took the apple with his palm, poking the apple just to make sure that it is safe to eat. The same time Kai placed the apple in his pocket, he suddenly felt something weird around his surroundings. The leaves bristled so fast as if they warned him to stay away, followed by the sound of the wind.

I-is it the Likowns? thought poor Kai, widening his eyes with fear. Placing the apple inside, he took his blades and covered his face with the kitsune mask. "L-Likowns, I know you are here somewhere, come show yourself!" warned Kai, stood by his position ready to attack. Instead of him attacking, he saw an arrow fell right next to him. Kai squealed loudly with surprise and backed away. "Attack!"

Kai heard the loud voice, at the same time, he heard sounds of footsteps coming near him. Before he could dodge them as the sound came closer, a young boy with yellow eyes and blue hair who seems to be around nine years old, knocked him down to the ground from behind. Kai's mask fell off from him just as he reached the ground, Kai tried to reach for it though the boy won't let him.

"Got him!" informed the young boy loudly as he got off from Kai's back, holding Kai with his hand. "Hehe, you can never escape," teased the boy with pride, the others followed the boy's calling along with poor Kai who seemed as if he saw a ghost despite how surprised and frozen he was. The others prepared their bow and arrow for Kai just in case he did something silly. "H-hey, t-this is a misunderstanding," Kai said with panic. "Silence, intruder!" ordered one of them. "Who are you and what are you doing on our territory?" asked the eldest, giving him a growl.

Kai looked around them and knew that they were archers. "T-territory?" Kai replied with a doubtful voice. "Yes, now please do tell why are you here before we chase you out," warned the eldest, giving Kai a snarl. He seems to be the leader, huh? Thought Kai. Kai tried to get up but the boy seems to refuse to do so. "I-I was just seeking food and shelter then, I found this lovely apple on the ground, it seems fresh and-" Kai replied to the question with hesitation. "Ah, you must have been stealing food from us, isn't it?" growled the young boy. "No, no, no!" Kai responded quickly. "I didn't know this is your territory, m-my apologies," he finally said, taking back his breath. Poor Kai! He must answer all the archer's questions.