25 years ago
Rustling trees and night owls are all that could be heard on this deep crimson moon night. Traveling in an area such as this can give one the feeling of impending doom. Still there are those that would brave such landscapes, under such conditions.
'Crash!'
'Thud'
'Snap!'
"Ahh!!!"
Creatures of all kinds can be seen running… in just one direction. A group of old sages witness this scene, all wearing faded cloaks that had long since seen the sun as this group has been waiting a century for this moment. There is a legend foretold about a crimson moon. The future… of all creation on this desolate planet, will be up for grabs now.
***
Present day- Lunar Forest
Far from any city, the moon shone down onto a desolate figure. The air was crisp as a fresh apple with cherry scented petals floating on the light breeze gently landing in every which way. The image cast into the peerless waters of the lake, of which the moon lit up making those still waters seem as a perfect mirror, a pair of almost doe eyes which held the color of the rarest of crystal reflected back. The owner of those eyes had stark silver hair that flowed like water cascading to her heels down her back, flawless fair skin, and a shapely body that rivaled the gods. Kneeling on the cold, grassy ground as she peers into the lake, she was wearing a light purple gown that flowed like a fairy to her feet, it had long angel bell sleeves with a princess cut neckline.
A single tear could be seen falling down from those eyes, why that was, only time can tell. As she peered into the flawless reflection, images of times past and times to come flowed into her mind. One such image struck her to her core, she hoped it would not come to pass as she shifted her gaze away and stared at the moon in longing.
***
In a high rise building in a remote city
"Have you found her yet?" A man in his late 40's with a stone expression glanced at his subordinate.
'Slam!'
Shattered glass went flying, strewn across the dimly lit room. There he sat scouring over maps and documents that were scattered in disarray on the mahogany desk. Pins and markings on every sheet, showing the diligent manner in which his search had been proceeding. His subordinate shivered in horror at the news he would have to relay, a cold sweat formed and threatened to drip mercilessly down his back.
"N… no master, we have scoured for years across the world and have never found a clue. Are you sur…
"Of course I am sure! Keep searching…" The man cut him off abruptly as his gaze turned cold.
'Bang'
'Thud'
That subordinate now lay in a pool of his blood, his body convulsing on the floor as his eyes dimmed of any trace of life.
This man is one of the most powerful men in the country, he is known for his ruthless tactics and not a soul can refute his order. His name is Wu Wei.
Wei came across a legend as a child, his fascination with it turned from a child's wonder to an overbearing obsession. It foretold of a day that the balance of the world would be at risk, there were two paths that could be crossed, depending on the choice of a single maiden. He swore he would have that power to decide one day, to take control of the world as his own, and have all that he would want in this world.
***
Entrance to Lunar Forest
In the underbrush of the forest, light steps could be heard at a steady pace. The majestic scene of a shimmering silver mane, crystal colored horn, and powerful legs danced through that forest. This race of beings of myth but the truth of them has never been revealed. They don't come from our world originally. Their race has long been dying because of a curse placed long ago. This creature has survived for 30 years and to his belief, he is the last of his kind, despite this, even in this modern age he still searches the land for any of his kind.
Lately his dreams have been showing him images of a girl, her flawless face has long been burned into his mind. Qilin Jun was relishing this night, searching as he was, he still marvelled at the vast skies above him. He was raised by a sage in an old village, she cared for the boy while revealing his heritage and teaching him to control his magic and preserve a human image. The day she died, he mourned for weeks.
"Jun… you must find that girl. She is your destiny and the last hope for this world. You have trained for years for this day. Do not forget everything you have learned here. This old village, be it far from modern cities, hold the heritage of this land. The combat and magic training you have been given these last 30 years is all for this day. Be at peace, yet vigilant, there are dangers and many other creatures after the legend. Do not forget."
The woman's last dying thought gave way to his ears that night. And thus, with that his journey began. With no direction, he just started walking. Two days later the dreams flooded his sleep, delving further into his mind of the legend he must complete. Packing what he could in preparation, he set off, with many thoughts in his mind.
***
Outside upper realm entrance - sky
The mythical clans and races that have been told for generations in stories and myths, truly existed at one point as the most powerfully known rulers on this world. The reason behind their rule was to keep a balance between the realms. Lower realm held humans and lesser races whose power was limited. Upper realm held the powerhouses of the balance scale, these races ruled over the lower realm, preserving balance and magic.
One such clan was the Ao clan, a dragon race whose job was to be a sort of guardian, every so many centuries they would send their strongest down to the lower realm. Typically it would be to help the people living there, this time, they sent their crown prince, Ao Ji, to find a girl and guard her on her journey. The reason for sending their beloved son was because in the upper realm he is second to none in terms of power.
Ji flew through the sky in his dragon form, tasting the rare freedom of the night sky. The rare times in the lower realm he can be himself is at night, humans tend to fear the mythical creatures in these modern times. Magic has long been forgotten in most of the new society.
Watching the blur of lights, movement of people that appear like tiny ants scurrying about, brought a serene scene to Ji's mind. 'How wonderful it must be to not have the fate of the world on your shoulders from birth.'
*Sigh*
"Well at least I get this freedom for a while." He mumbled.