Umbran Warrior: Tyler's Tale

Chapter 1: Their Fate is Sealed

      I pass Claire in the hall, on the way to eighth period. "We need to talk affter school,," I whisper. "Two others know about us." Her eyes instantaneously widen; she quickly puts her guard back up and continues walking; as do I. During the last period of the day, I momentarily think about how I'm going to tell the two who we really are. I sigh, and await the dreaded speech with Claire as I get up to leave at the final bell.

    "So, where shall I begin?" I speak, pacing in front of a bewildered Yani and Raven. Claire stands with me, but stands still unlike me. Raven is the first to speak. "So, what are you?" I smile at that. "Don't worry, I'm just as human as you. I'm what is known as an Umbran Warrior. I undergo a contract that gives me superhuman, magial, and ethereal powers." Their eyes widen a little at that. Yani asks next. "What were those things back there?" "Those were the Birenni. which is a general term for all monsters affiliated with them. That specific type of Birenni was the Ranerai, the most common type of Birenni you'll find. They have an ultimate goal- to convert this dimension to theirs- called Nerien."

  "Which brings me to the portal I used to let you see the Birenni. You see, in metaphysics, there are three realms- Nerien, the Realm of Light, physical light not as in the 'world of good', Maelstrom, the World of Shadows and the source of Umbran power, and this realm- Earth. However, there's a catch. There's a "bridge" between all three realms that we Umbra can travel through-  Ristarman. That is where all the battles happen, because Umbra cannot go into Nerien, and vice versa."  I sigh and take a breath.  "Now, seeing as you two know about us, I will give you two choices. You are  potential threat to our kind," I pause. Yani and Raven look increasingly scared. "Don't worry, I won't kill you. You have two choices- either you an get your memories of everything you've experienced so far, or-- join us."

   Their eyes widen at the prospect of gaining the power they've witnessed. Raven, ever so brash, makes the decision first "Yes." I look to Yani. "We can't let you leave here without a decision, for any potential leaks of information." Yani looks pensive. "Well then," another pause, "Yes. I willingly accept to go under the Umbran contract. I wish to join the Umbran Warriors."

  "All right, then this weekend we will perform the ritual, and will start your training as an Umbran Warrior. I will ask your parents if they can let you both stay over for the weekend; after all they cannot know. Not even my mother knows; nor does anyone but you two and Claire." I finish. Claire and I give them our farewells and walk off in the same direction towards my house. "We have a lot to talk about. Have you discerned the element of their auras?" She asks. "Yes. Raven is lightning, while Yani is water based."  "So we'll at least have another healer. Good. We have too many Umbra getting mortally wounded. The few we have just can't take the stress." "Right. So then we have to make preparations for the ritual. Get ready for this weekend." And with that final sttement, I finish the way home.