Morning sunlight spilled across Aeloria Village, a small settlement resting on the edge of the Second Realm's forest. Birds chattered in the treetops, unaware that today marked the beginning of a long, dangerous journey—one that would decide the fate of all seven realms.
A crowd gathered at the village gates, murmuring with worry, pride, and disbelief. Standing at the center were four young beastkin, each with a different expression… and destiny.
The Cold Cat With Unwanted Chains
Ren adjusted the strap of his travel bag as villagers whispered.
"Ren really decided to go… despite his father's wishes?"
His deep golden eyes shifted towards the village's whom were whispering.
"He's always been stubborn…"
Ren's two-color hair—black with white tips—glimmered softly in the sun. Golden eyes sharp as blades, cat ears flicking in irritation. He hated when people whispered about him. That's why he hated crowded places.
But above all, he hated the voice that suddenly cut through the murmuring:
"Ren! You're really leaving?"
His father. A man with principle, a man that stood on his word, he is being feared by the entire village.
The man marched forward, tail puffed with anger.
"This journey is reckless! Your shapeshifting power isn't stable enough! And you—"
"It's my decision." Ren's voice was ice-cold. "And I'm old enough to make it."
His father's jaw tightened.
"…This is about her, isn't it?"
Ren's eyes darkened.
"Don't bring her into this." Ren roared at his father.
A heavy silence fell. Without another word Ren turned away ready to leave.
He wasn't leaving for anyone. Not for her. Not for his father.
He was leaving because the corruption was spreading, and the Seven Realms had no time left.
The Gentle Fox of Light
Standing quietly beside Ren was Lioren, orange hair tied in a high, elegant ponytail. His fox ears twitched nervously as he looked around.
"I… I don't like attention," he whispered to himself.
"But you look super pretty today, Lio!" Olive chirped after hearing Loren.
Lioren flushed pink. "O-Olive, please don't say that in front of everyone…"
Unlike Ren's cold attitude, Lioren bowed politely to the villagers before leaving for their journey.
"We will bring back news from the other realms. Please… stay safe."
Soft-spoken, graceful, and glowing faintly with the nine-tail fox aura—he was the heart of the group, whether he realized it or not.
And in the corner, trying (and failing) not to look worried, stood Sorin, the shy half-sheep who secretly admired Lioren afar. Sorin and Lioren grew up together along side Ren, but Sorin has gotten closer to Lioren through out their time together.
When Lioren approached him, Sorin stiffened.
"You didn't have to come see us off," Lioren said gently. His eyes glazing at the shy sheep who was looking down playing with his hands like he doesn't know what he should do with them.
"…I wanted to," Sorin looked up and shot back with his eyes filled with tears while his lips were trembling, he was trying hard not to cry in front of the man he admires.
But when their eyes met. Both quickly looked away. Lioren tighten his fist because he knew if he hug Sorin he won't be able to let go of him.