Chapter Text
Awakening
Gray. Everything was gray as far as the eyes could see in every direction. Blurs, almost like distortion were the only thing breaking up the monotony of the bleak landscape. The only other prominent feature was the silence, eerily so. Rylan tried calling about but nothing left his mouth. Shocked, the red head picked a direction and started walking, only leaving prints from his boots as he walked. He tried calling out a few more times only to be met with the same results, silence, as if the who world was on mute.
Don’t give up, just a little further
Blue eyes widened in shock as he spun around looking for the sound he just heard. Scanning in every direction all Rylan saw were the distortions and his footprints. He knew he had heard the voice, calling out in vain in an effort to hear something. Anything… “Nothing…” he thought to himself as he started walking again, only getting a few steps before the world shattered, plunging him into darkness .
Let your Light guide you
That voice again. Rylan heard it clearly this time realizing it was coming from his head. Light? He was surrounded by darkness, what light was supposed to guide him? Just as he finished the thought his foot found something solid, the darkness rising as the young man stood up revealing a stained glass platform. The mural showed a young man with red hair, a red shirt under a black vest and jeans with boots surrounded by five smaller murals with different animals.
Five unions, to grow your heart and Light, which one will you pick?
“Vulpes!” he shouted without even thinking about, exhilarated at the sound that just escaped him, grinning widely after what seemed like an eternity of silence. The other murals darkened as the one with the image of the fox glowed brighter, an ethereal stairway leading up appeared behind it. “Well, the only way to go is up,” he said to no one in particular, happy to hear his own voice again. As Rylan climbed he looked back watching the platform he was on previously fade to darkness and the stairs below vanishing as he ascended. Once he reached the top the next platform began to glow, revealing a different mural, this time depicting a man in blue wielding a disc like weapon while riding a sleek looking bike.
What power do you seek?
Three small pillars appeared in front of him, each bearing a different object. A sword, a shield, and a staff. Without hesitation he walked over to the shield, pressing his palm against its flat surface. A warmth swarmed up his arm into his body, closing his eyes. “I want to protect what’s important to me…”
The power of the Guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all. Is this the power you seek?
“Yes.” the shield disappeared of the pedestal leaving only the sword and staff left.
What will you give up in exchange?
Taking a moment he looked between the two before heading over to the sword, wrapping his hand around its hilt. Another surge went thru him, filling him with a sadness he couldn’t explain.
The power of the Warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction. You give up this power?
“I do,” Rylan replied, the sword vanishing in his grip. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he thought back, remembering a time when he was younger. “I couldn’t protect you… I’m so sorry.” As the red head fell to his knees the platform disappeared under him, causing him to descend into another free fall into darkness.
You’ve chosen the power of the Guardian. You’ve given up the power of the Warrior. Don’t be afraid though. Believe in your heart and your Light will guide you.