Se'tar- another shadow realm

A/N:

This started off on another site as an impromtu thing that just kinda took off running. Said site has since shut down, and I finally got around to talking with the other people involved in this damn thing and reopened this as another RP elsewhere.
(http://rpmadnessland.proboards80.com/index.cgi)

Xana and anyone else that has announced they want to join in, this is long and lengthy, but I can't tell you where to start reading from. I'll spare the first little crumbs and jump start where our human (sean) first comes to this realm. from there out, please note that most of the stuff either is important or ties back in some way. but I promise it's worth it. Now if you really only want to know the last several sections, feel free to jump ahead.

oh, yeah... telepathy

Now, onto the next realm of intrigue....

___________

"This is the land where I'm from. Our kind has been here for millennia. It's a little different than the earth you live on. We only have about two thirds on the sunlight you have, and have two moons. We don't have polar regions, though. Like your earth, there are oceans and deserts, and creatures that have adapted to each. But there are a lot of other differences, too.

"The few humans that have come here have called this place the Shadow Realm, because of our decreased amount of light. So, we have become the Shadow Khan. Only the Shadows can come here... humans can't come here on their own. For anything other than a Shadow to come through the portals, they must be accompanied by a Shadow or be part Shadow themselves. Oh, don't wander off with just any of my kind.. not all are as nice as I have been."

***

I looked around again, feeling a chill wind whip thought the air. It wasn't unexpected - twice the moons, twice the tidal activity and stuff.... I wished I had a thicker jumper though, as this place was colder than I was used to.

"Can we go somewhere to warm up please? It’s kind of cold here"

***

"Come, my furless friend. I'll take you to our hidden city. Even though we may be creatures, it does not mean we haven't learned some things from the humans. They taught us to build, better than we ever knew how, and we've used that. Our cities aren't like yours, but they work for us."

"By the way, I go by Shetan."

***

Furless friend.... It was a strange name to have. Although, I wasn't too sure if Sean would be a good name here either. Course, I have a whole bunch of names for myself I'd made up over the years on Earth.

Shetan began to walk away from me, and motioned for me to follow. Falling into step with her was really the only thing I could do. I was alone, apart from my new friend, in a new, strange dimension, and she was the only way I was going to get anywhere around here.

She led the way across the dark plains of the Shadow Realm. It was a desolate place - no trees, little light, and so much shadow. Everywhere I looked, there were patches of darkness and eerie looking areas. I did see one tree, although its branches were dark and twisted. To my left, mountains rose into the sky, peaked with a strange light on the far side of them, like the Sun was trying to climb over them.

"That’s the Sickle Moon." said Shetan to me. She didn't say much apart from that though.

"Does it ever rise above the mountains?" I asked.

"Only in the Spring."

I nodded without making any sound. It was a long walk, and my feet weren't used to the strange substance that the ground was composed from.

"Where are we going?" I asked Shetan.

"To the City. It’s a long way though. We'll get there tomorrow by Midday if we're lucky."

***

Unfortunately, luck wasn't on their side.

"There's a storm coming. We'll need to find shelter for you until it passes." Shetan led the way to a low hill. On the far side, a small cave had been hollowed out. It was small, but cozy, just about the right size for a human. Sean crawled into it, and, after she went back to her wolf-only shape, Shetan curled up in front of it. "We'll have to stay here awhile," she said. She was still using telepathy - it was easier for her to talk like that.

From his view in the cave, Sean watched as dark clouds quickly covered the sky. Soon, lightning and thunder cracked above as a cold rain poured over the landscape. Shetan's body blocked most of the cold air, and the cave stayed warmer than Sean thought it could have. "Do these kinds of storms happen a lot in this world?"

"Occasionally. This is actually milder than some that pass through. The really nasty, violent ones come when there's a battle. Our queen can manipulate some of the weather, and prefers to give no one the advantage. So she soaks the land and has lightning flash above. But we, as a people, prefer not to fight at all. We like the peace and quiet."

The storm wore itself out after a while. Shetan got up, shook the water from her fur, and looked back at Sean. "We've lost time. The ground is a mess, so I’ll carry you until we can walk on it again. We'll have to fly and see if we can make up for that lost time. We may get back in time for supper."

Shetan shape-shifted again, regaining her wings. "Oh, and this time, don't pull so hard on the fur. It hurts. And you can trust that you won't fall off."

***

Riding was a scary affair. Fly was something beyond that. She'd asked me for my trust, and it was the best I could do to give it to her.

After all, what choice was there?

Still, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of well-being from the creature - I couldn't help but trust her.

We weaved our way through the sky, swooping to catch the thermals, and whistling through the air.

Night drew in fast, and with it, the dark colour of the normal sky was washed away, and with almost no warning, the stars came out. Not one at a time like they do on Earth - in the shadow lands they all just light up suddenly. The sky was filled with them - millions upon millions of stars. The night seemed somehow brighter that the sky, with the stars lighting up the heavens above me.

"Look down, Human. There's the city."

***

From his view, the "city" didn't seem like much. All that lay below were stone and rock formations. Sean didn't think it was much and ventured to say so.

"I did say our city was a hidden one, did I not? Just because you don't see much doesn’t mean that nothing is there. Keep watching." The beast trilled a high note. Suddenly it wasn't just cold grey stone. The stones lit up with colour, and main walks looked like they were covered in gems. It was simple, but lovely for something in this realm. The view was fascinating.

Shetan landed in front of a wide path. The buildings, up close, definitely were not like the ones back in the human realm. They had been created from the raw stone that was in the area, and had been made to suit whatever Shadow lived within. "We come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. Some look like humans, others like animals. Even ones the humans have called 'halfers', due to the fact they look part human and part beast, live here."

She led the way down a side path to a low building, and then pointed up. A huge building lay up ahead. "That is the queen's palace. You'll have to meet her tomorrow; she's the only one who can give you leave to stay here. This is my place, but it's a bit small for both of us. I'll take you to a friend's for the night. We'll meet after you awaken in the morning, then go up there." She looked at the building above, then quickly took several streets to a decently sized house. After a moment's talk to the creature that lived inside, Shetan looked at Sean again. "No matter what, don't try to go anywhere until I come back tomorrow. The city isn't the safest place to wander if you don't know it. You'll be safe here."


***

"Ummm, OK" I said to Shetan. She seemed to sense my fear, as she walked up to me, and placed a hand on my arm.

"You'll be OK" She said. And like I said before, I trusted her.

She left, and I was alone in the house with its strange owner. He was a solitary figure, sitting in a large chair of curling wood, like some ancient, terrible throne, deep in the corner of the room. I wasn't sure what he was, or what his name was.

"I'm Sean," I ventured.

"Welcome Sean. I am Laror. Shetan tells me that you come from the Earth Plane. It’s been a very long time since one of your kind came here. We get the occasional Human, but not from Earth."

"My race has no knowledge of this Plane, or any other for that matter. We seem to be an isolated culture compared with yours."

"Yes indeed, and its a good thing as well. Humans are rarely open- minded enough to venture far from their own reality."

I puzzled for a moment at his comment, trying to make sense of it. Were there Humans of Earth who could leave the Plane, or was he talking metaphorically?

I decided to leave the question for a later time. I looked around Laror's home, trying to see anything I recognized from Earth. It was a strange place, but not as strange as it could have been. There were lamps which burned oil on the walls, although the oil itself was a deep green hue, making me thing twice before going near it. There was a large fire place in the middle of the room, with a bucket of logs and another of what seemed like red coal next to it. It was the warmest part of the room, as I was still quite cold from my flight.

I decided to sit myself down in front of the fire, and warm up a little, but Laror had another idea. He motioned with his gnarled cane at the far corner of his room. "I want you to bring me that box, Human - I have something for you."

Not wanting to displease my host, although at the same time slightly terrified of what this gift was, I did as I was told. The box was new it seemed, made of soft-wood, but very heavy. It was over a meter in length, but then quite thin. It reminded me of the old violin case my old music teacher used to carry.

I brought the box with some difficulty to Laror, bringing it down to the ground with a heavy crashing sound which evoked a metallic ringing from inside it.

"Thank you, Sean. Now, open it."

I found the clasps on the far side of the box, next to Laror's feet, and turned the box around to face myself. Pulling the lid open, the contents of the box shinned up at me. At first, in the bright light which issued from it, I thought it must have been some kind of treasure - jewels or gold. As the light settled, it became something different. The box was filled with 6 swords. They looked like katanas, although what they were doing here I had no idea.

"Take them out please," asked Laror. Following his orders I emptied the contents onto his rug-covered floor. Each of the swords was incredible. I'd never actually held a real Katana before, only seen pictures, or in movies. They were heavier that I had expected. Each of them was magnificent. Sheathed in brilliantly carved carapaces, each glowing with runes and symbols. When the box was empty, Laror took his cane, and gave the bottom of it a hard shove. A false bottom popped open, revealing a new part of the box. It was small, and inside were a further two katanas. These weren't magnificent though, they were worn, and very, very old.

"I want you to take a good look at these," said Laror. "You can take one of the upper ones, or one of the older, lower ones. Feel free to choose any."

My first reaction was to reach for the new ones, with their shinning sheaths, and glimmering, decorative gemstones. Something held me back though. I took one of the old swords, and held it up to the light. The sheath was worn, and dull, with its once glorious decorations long since lost to time. But it was lighter than the others by a large margin. I pulled the blade out, hearing a high pitched note sing through the air as I did so. The blade itself was almost black with grime, and its edge was covered in patches of rust as well. Yet there was something about the sword, some inner fire which danced through its entire length.

"May I choose this one?" I asked the master.

"You don't want one of the new ones? They're far more impressive." He seemed to be edging me into something.

"No, this one will be great, thanks." I replied. A large smile broke his old lips.

"Well chosen," he told me. "That sword was wielded by Ratha the Great in his quest to destroy the Yilven on the far side of this dimension. It’s over twelve thousand years old, and came to my possession only a century ago. It will serve you far better than any of these others would."

"It killed Yilven? Who was he?"

"Yilven was the greatest sorcerer ever to walk these Planes. He carved an empire out of the free worlds, one at a time. But that sword didn't kill him. Yilven still walks these worlds, and his power is ever growing greater. He lost his empire centuries ago, but soon we think, he will wage an even greater war upon the Universe. Even your own world is unlikely to be spared from it.

"Listen to me, Sean. Whenever a Man of Earth come to this Plane, he always seeks his adventure. Yours came very early. Destiny seems to like you Men of Earth, although no one knows why. You can take that sword, and with it, you must continue Ratha's quest to slay Yilven."

I stared at Lorar for some time, horror running through my blood.

"But not quite yet I feel!" He laughed out loud. "No no, young one, your destiny will not need be sought for a while yet. You should get to know this place first - learn the ways of the Shadow Realm. Shetan brought you here for this reason - to seek one of the Swords of Destiny. Had you chosen a different sword, a different adventure would have been yours, but it seems like you are one for the grand life."

"You should get some rest, Sean. Shetan will be here for you in the morning. You have a lot of adventure before you. Now, goodnight."

Laror left the room, walking up the stairs to his single-roomed floor above me. I was perhaps to shocked to say anything, or do anything either. I lay my head down on the rug, and fell swiftly asleep.

***

"Wake up, Sean. If you aren't awake and up in the next minute, I will tickle you till you get up and beg for me to stop."

The voice echoed in his mind. Sean bolted upright. And was surprised to see an almost human girl in front of him. "Shetan??" The girl nodded. "Shape-shifter. That's right." He got up and remembered the katana he got the night before from Laror. He handed it to Shetan.

"It's a Destiny sword. It is the one Ratha carried, just like it was when I brought it to Laror years ago. Ratha gave it to me before he died. And now it's yours." She handed the sword back to Sean. In the few moments she had held it she had cleaned the grime off it and somehow made it look like new. But it still had a bit of a worn look to it.

"We need to go and see the Queen. Isis ought to know that you now hold this sword. No doubt she'll put you in training until you have full mastery of the sword arts and how to use this specific blade. C'mon, it's still a walk to the palace."

Shetan led the way through the streets until they were back where the Shadow had shown him the palace last night. A screech ripped through the air, sounding almost identical to a hawk's cry. A large shape landed right in front of them. Sean was suddenly looking at a huge phoenix, pure white, with wings that spread several meters wide. Black eyes looked down at them, and a faint circle of gold curled above them, hidden in her long feathers. A knowing look was in her eye. "Welcome to our world, human. I am Isis, the Shadow Queen. I am proud that you got the sword."

***

Sean collapsed to his knees in front of her. Her presence was awe-inspiring; her scent carried on the air, and tickled his senses. He wished he could have looked up at her, but he didn't have the strength of will to do it.

"Tell me, what is your name?" she asked.

"S-Sean" he managed.

"Sean. Your Destiny has just begun in this land, but you can not hope to fulfill it yet. Great strength and power is needed to wield a Sword such as that." Her attention shifted. "Shetan, take this man to the Keen Monastery. There, he will learn the values of the sword. After he has been taught, return here, and we will talk further."

"Yes, your Majesty." Shetan said. Her head was not bowed. Somehow, she had the strength to look even the Queen in the eye.

"Protect Esmarry," ordered the Queen, as the great Phoenix took to the sky.

At last, her presence was lifted, and Sean stood up again. "Who's Esmarry?" he asked Shetan.

"Esmarry is the sword you carry. Should you lose it, this land will be destroyed. All our hope is in that sword. And its bearer."

He gulped silently.

"But come. We have been asked to travel to the Monastery, and we had better do as we are commanded by the Queen."

Shetan lowered herself to the ground, and as she did so, her human appearance changed from man to beast again. She became darker in colour, feathers appearing from her skin, and she became a great bird, deep white in colour. She seemed a smaller version of the Queen herself.

"Come, Sean, I'll take us to the mountains. It’s a long way, but I'm fast."

They took off, and flew from the city.

***

It was harder to hold on with the bird shape than it was with the winged wolf. And Shetan was right: she was very fast in this form. Sean found he had to keep close to the Shadow's back to avoid being swept off, and that he couldn't talk much. Shetan, however, had much to say, and kept a steady stream of telepathic conversation going as the ground beneath them passed in a blur.

"The Keen Monastery is just a starting place. There, you will learn what the basic uses for the sword are, and the magic that it holds. You will build and learn to channel your energy. Magic surrounds you in this realm, whether you realize it or can use it. You will learn the raw basics of dealing with this magic, but it won't be easy. It should take no less than two years, of our time, to master the basics you will get taught here. From there, there a few places you may go to continue your training. Eventually, you may even get the chance to train under the Phoenix herself."

"Why do you look like her? Like your Queen?" Sean couldn't say it out loud very well, but the Shadow caught the question anyway. They were now high over a set of massive peaks, a mass of rock that looked like it couldn't be moved in centuries.

"That's another thing you'll learn in time. But it will be a while yet before I can explain those reasons to you, and have you fully understand them." She swooped down, and came to a level stalling position. "Look down, Sean."

He looked. A small valley spread out below him, and it didn't look like it belonged to this place. A long, low building lay below, surrounded by gardens, of all things. Colours were everywhere. Deep shades of red and blue faded into every shade of pinks, browns, greens, and purples he could recognize, and many other colours he didn't know existed. Shadows worked in the fields of colour, and as Shetan descended, the human could see many more around the building. They landed in front of a gate that was hidden in the rock.

A cloaked figure opened the gate and stepped out. Although about the right size for a human, it was obviously a Shadow. A lipless, scaled muzzle poked out from the hood of the cloak, and slit-pupiled, glittering eyes peered warmly out at Sean. "Welcome, mortal human. To what do we owe the visit?" The Shadow had a whispery voice, calm and peaceful. It extended a clawed hand in greeting.

"Our queen, Isis herself, has requested you to train him." Shetan spoke aloud for the human's benefit. Then she leaned closer to the beast-monk. "He holds Esmarry, the sword. But that is not to be shared too far. Evil ears listen all the time."

"Sean, meet Kyruno. He will be your main teacher here. Don't worry, I trust him as much as I trust my Queen. And I'll visit often. Train hard, and never let the sword out of your sight. Never."

Shetan lifted her wings, and in a split second was out of sight. In the spot she had been standing, a lone white feather lay on the ground. Sean forced down a moment's worry. No place left to go, but forward, he thought. He picked up the feather and followed the Shadow inside the walls.

***

Feeling infinitely apprehensive, Sean walked into the Monastery. The landscape changed as he did, transforming from the rocky mountain, to the grass and gardens of a world within a bottle. Kyruno led him through the garden, which was perhaps 3 miles long, and 1 wide. On either side, the land arched upwards, and at a very discreet line, the grass suddenly gave way to the mountain peaks on either side.

To the right of the garden’s centre, a large building of wood was constructed. It was Japanese in design, with multiple tiered roofs covering one another. Outside, the grass was slightly brown, where hundreds of feet had seemingly walked, and walked recently.

"Go in. I will await you here." Kyruno told him.

He looked at Kyruno, and nodded slightly. The steps of the building were worn from the weather, and the wood was warped where thousands of feet had trodden on it. Still, it was smooth, polished by the elements, rather than roughened. The inside was lit with only candles, and these were very few, and far between. The walls of the room couldn’t be seen, as the only part illuminated was a single stretch of floor, only a few feet wide. After that, the world dissolved into darkness.

"Come!" A voice barked through the darkness in front of him. Sean jumped, startled by the order from the silence. Obediently, he walked swiftly through the gloom, until he came to a large seat. Sitting within it, was the Abbot of the Monastery. He was ancient, wizened, but his eyes beheld a deadliness that was not to be mistaken.

"What is your name, Human?"

"Sean," Sean replied.

"Hand me your sword."

He did as he was told. Taking Esmarry from his belt, he held it in the palms of his hands, and presented it to the Abbot.

A sharp pain inflicted itself into his side, making him drop the sword in surprise.

"Fool. Have you not been instructed to protect that sword at all costs!? Would you hand it over to a stranger you have never met!?" the Abbot demanded.

"No..." he wavered. He replaced the sword on his belt.

The Abbot snorted his contempt to the Human. "Go to the chest at the side of the room, and take a robe from it. I will not have you dressed in that fashion here."

Again, Sean did as he was told. He walked swiftly to the far of the room, trying not to do anything further to displease the Abbot. Pushing open the lid it the chest, he saw that there were many robes within. All seemed identical in size, shape and colour. Without hesitation, he pulled out the top one, and threw it on, over his clothes. It was far too big, and draped over the floor behind him.

"Now!" said the voice of the Abbot from behind him "Go back to your instructor. He will show you around."

Sean didn't reply, but walked from the building, following the bright light coming from the open door, far, far away. At last, he got back out into the sun. Kyruno was waiting for him.

"Hmmm," he said "Those robes will be with you for a long time. Make sure to take good care of them."

"But, they're far too big!"

"They are now, but give them time. They will grow to be accustomed to you."

He lead Sean away from the Monastery building, which Sean learned, was referred to as the Temple. They walked over a mile from the building, nearing the edge of the Monastery’s magic, where the grass gave way to snow. "Here is where you will stay," he instructed. Motioning with a hand, a small hut appeared. Sean went in, and inside, he found a single bed, and a shelf on one side of the wall. On the other, was a stand, and resting on it, a large but very dull Katana.

"That is your training sword, although you will not need it."

"Thanks," Sean replied.

"I will let you get some rest. Tomorrow, at sunrise, I will begin your training. And please remember, whoever asks, do not surrender Esmarry."

"I won't. Thank you."

Kyruno left.

***

Kyruno woke him in the predawn grey. It was early, but it wasn't the time to sleep in. It was the first day of training.

The morning was spent exercising- that was the mild word for it. Sean ran for what seemed like miles, around the dirt paths through the gardens and by the outer wall. His legs felt dead by the time that was done. Then Kyruno sent him to haul heavy water buckets from a stream that crossed near one corner of the monastery, and over to where other shadows could use it for the plants they were growing. Then practice with a long staff and a wooden sword. "We want you to know what you're doing before you use the real thing, " his trainer commented. "And you need to know how to use more than just the sword. Staff work helps later for spears, which are often used in battle here. It also keeps an attacker away from you, where the sword could let them too close."

The simple midday meal seemed hardly enough by the time Sean could take a break and eat. Afterwards, magic training took place. Kyruno taught him a few things, how and when to use them. That took most of the afternoon. “As time passes, I'll also teach you what some of the runes on your sword mean, if I can."

Evening came, with a momentary visit from Shetan. He showed her the feather he'd picked off the ground. "Use that to reach me. If you ever need my help, hold onto that and send out a mental plea for me. I'll hear you and be there." She gave him encouragement for the next few days. "I'll be back in a few days. Isis needs me to do some things. So I'll be back soon."

She left in a flash again. The human watched for a minute, then slipped back to his hut. He was very tired from that day, and there would be more again over the next several days.. and probably the same for a lot longer than that.


***

Sean found the next few days very lonely. He was tired to the point of exhaustion every day, when he staggered into the hut that function as his home. Each day was different, but mostly, he did the same things. He would exercise, train, and try to master his own magical side.

The magic training was the easiest. All he had to do was concentrate, not to move. Magic was an alien concept to humans, and Kyruno had told him that the first few weeks would be devoted to trying to break the bonds of Humanity which held him away from the magical nature of the universe. He would lecture endlessly, teaching new philosophies, and entire new ways of thinking. Sean’s view of the universe was being warped, changed, pulled apart from the inside. He'd yet to find a way to stick it back together again.

He found himself struck with insomnia for the most part. The physical part of the day was the hardest, but he was left at the end, questioning everything he had ever been taught. His world was falling away, and nothing was underneath.

"Do all humans have such shallow views of existence?" Kyruno had asked him. He hadn't be able to respond.

Esmarry was with him where ever he went. The Blade was firmly attached to his belt, and he was sure that no one would be able to steal it from him.

Shetan was as good as her word however. After being absent from his life, but not his thoughts, she returned. He didn't recognize her at first, as she approached him in her human form. She walked slowly across the grounds, weaving her way through the dozens of training Monks, until she reached him. Leisurely, she folded her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"I've missed you." Sean said.

***

Her eyes looked upwards into his own. They hinted something, although he couldn’t quite see what.

"Ha" she said, pushing him away. "I thought you would. I'm glad you didn't need to call me though. Your stronger than I thought."

"Sean has gained much strength." Kyruno said, walking up to her. "He makes progress. Constant, although slow. His physical conditioning is only just beginning to show, but his magical is brimming quickly."

Sean looked at his teacher. He knew better than to question him, but also, he felt that the master must be wrong. He knew he wasn't making any magical progress yet.

"Show me your sword, Sean." Asked Shetan. Sean’s hands went to the hilt, and gripped it firmly, as if anticipating an attack.

"Show, not give. Please."

He pulled Esmarry from its sheath. The blade had not seen daylight for some time. She seemed warmer, brighter. The worn look was fading, being replaced by a vibrancy, and a strong vitality of life. She glowed with a white sheen in the sunlight. The hilt suddenly changed as well. As the blade touched the sun, the ancient hilt seemed to come alive. The wood tightened, became stronger. The runes carved into the sheath came to life as well, etching themselves deeper, and carving themselves afresh. In some places, the wood split open, revealing the tips of tiny gemstones, hidden within.

"She's coming back to life." Shetan said. "You’re doing well."

***

"I don't understand. I haven't gotten anything from my training yet, have I?" Sean was a bit lost.

Shetan was understanding, though. "It may seem that nothing has happened during your classes. But even though you can't quite feel it or see it, the magic of this place has already begun to work on and through you. The sword's own magic, laid into it when it was first created, is responding to what's within you. It draws off the power within you, and you, once you've learned how, can use the sword's own power to help what you have already. But only an experienced mage could use that sword to its full potential without it backfiring on himself. For now, Esmarry's power has only reacted to your potential, renewing itself, and being active to its surroundings. Its bond with you will keep it hidden from prying eyes, for a while. But the more power awakens within it, the easier it will be for an enemy to trace the source. Soon you'll have to start learning the basic spells.. among them a cloaking spell, to hide your power and that of the sword's. You've come a good ways, but still have very far to go."

Sean sheathed the sword. It looked beautiful now, and was fairly light after the practice he'd had lately. But he also knew better than to hold it out in open sight for any length of time that wasn't necessary. And the loose robes, though fitting much better than they were, were still roomy enough to hide the length and bulk of the sword. He caught the next thing Shetan said. "Kyruno, can you spare your pupil for the rest of the day? There is much I need to tell him."

The Monk hesitated. Clearly, he didn't like the idea of his training being interrupted. Sean waited, hoping, but said nothing. If there was anything Kyruno didn't like, it was begging and excuses. "He may have the rest of the day off. But training is the same, first thing tomorrow. And don't make a habit of it." He turned and walked away.

"Come on, let's go. I'm taking you outside the walls for a while. Everyone needs to get out occasionally, although most of the monks stay within. It's just safer right now.

"Yilven is on the hunt again. One of his generals was seen roaming the darker areas of this realm, and it seems that the Dark Ruler is trying to gain more followers. I was sent to bring back that general. That's why I was gone." Shetan dropped a few feet into a shallow gully on the mountain. "I wasn't able to catch him. He was gone by the time I got there."

"Can I do anything? To help you?" Sean didn't like the idea of what one of the generals to the enemy would be like. Some of the nicer Shadows were scary enough. "Just learn for now. That's the best way for you to help this world. Train and learn to the best of your abilities, even though your teacher may seem a little harsh. It's for -"

"My own good." Sean finished. "I know. It just gets - confusing, sometimes. This world, everything within it. It is so new to me." He felt a hand on his shoulder, and Shetan looking at him. "You will get used to it. And I'm not the only one here to help you. There's friends everywhere, if you know where to look." She turned toward a nearby crevice in the rock. "There's another critter I want you to meet. This one you don't have to be scared of. Actually, I think you may like her."

"Shu? Shunea, are you in there?"

A cute, furry little head poked out of the hole. Beady little eyes looked out at the two humans. The small body that followed the head was nothing quite like what Sean had seen yet.

It looked like a squirrel, but not quite. Its bushy fur was emerald, and tiny silver claws tipped paws that gripped the rock carefully. Its nose never stopped moving, nor did the fuzzy ears. It caught everything scent and sound, Sean was sure. It jumped from the rock onto his shoulders, constantly investigating the new being.

"She's just curious. Shunea wouldn't hurt you, even though she does have a liking for tickling as she sniffs around. She can come visit you, at the Monastery, if you want. She doesn't speak like you and I can, but she is very intelligent and always knows what is happening."

The little shadow stood for a minute, chattering at Shetan in a squeaky voice. "She says you need to learn to stand still better. You keep moving, and she can't keep her balance like that." The human Shadow smiled. "No offense meant, of course. She's just very bold about her opinion."

***

Sean had the distinct impression that over the next few months, Shu was following him. If ever he stood bolt still, as she had instructed, and looked around, he could catch a glimpse of her little silver claws, half hidden most of the time.

Esmarry was still his most popular companion, spending 100% of her time at his side, which was more than he could say for any other being he knew in the Shadow Lands. One day, Kyruno left Sean for the whole working hours, telling him to cut a log in half with Esmarry. It was tiresome, as no matter how much he battered the wood, it refused to break under the ancient blade. He hacked away for a whole morning, until Master Tal found him, sweating with exertion, sitting under the shade of his hut.

"You'll never break it with that kind of stroke." The master intoned.

"It’s just a log though - what the heck can I be doing wrong!?"

"You think the God-slaying sword hasn't the power to break a log of wood? You think the wood is too strong, or the blade too weak?"

Sean just shrugged. He wasn't in the mood for a lecture.

"Fighting with a Destiny blade is not just about swordsmanship. It’s far more than that. No sword can stand to a Destiny Blade, and nothing can resist her strength. But all her strength is locked in you, not in the steel of the sword. This is your first lesson in Magic. I can see that you've had more than enough training to understand the magic has to exist - or the world could not exist either. Now, you have to unlock your mind."

"It’s a little harder than that, Master Tal." Sean said to the Master.

"Not as such. You just need to use your own magic to make the sword sharper. The log is protected by a spell of its own you see - you have to overcome it."

"Kyruno could have told me this..."

"On no, that would have defeated the whole idea. First, you have to understand that the log can't be broken by normal means. That was the point of him telling you to hack at it all morning. Now that you have your own proof that you can't break it, you've got to discover another way."

Master Tal walked over to the hut, and sat next to Sean in the shade. He bent close, and whispered a small, single syllable word in the young mans ear. "Kyruno asked me to tell you that. It’s your first spell."

Sean repeated the word under his breath. Nothing happened though.

"It’s a very simple spell, but it’s effective. Each and every spell has an emotion which corresponds to it. This one is a slight feeling of aggression. Not strong, just slight, mind. You have to remember the feeling, and concentrate on it, then think the word of the spell. Once you've used the spell a number of times, your mind will become accustomed to it, and you'll not have to recall the emotion when you use the spell. But a lot of practice is needed before it will become second nature to you."

Tal got up lightly, and walked away, without saying anything further. His job was done. Sean quite liked Master Tal - he was younger than the other masters, and not nearly as bitter. He had seen perhaps less of the world than they had, and so the years had not worn him away. Perhaps he had a different temperament though - something that meant that the hardships of life wouldn't hurt him - like an invisible suit of armour.

Sean stood up. He didn't really need to try to recall a sense of 'slight aggression', as that was already gently simmering inside him. He drew Esmarry fiercely from her sheath, as he did so, uttering silently the spell. As the sunlight touched the sword, she seemed to burn with fury. Fire danced through the steel, coursed through his own arms, burning with strength. The blade seemed to become thinner, infinitely sharper. With a surge if energy, Esmarry smashed into the log, her magical aura annihilating the worthless protective spell the log had.

As soon as it was over, the spell faded. The log was shorn completely in two. Sean stared at his sword, which still burned with glowing agony.

"So" said Tal returning. "You did it at last."

"It wasn't actually that difficult..." said Sean.

"Of course not. Not after 2 months of teaching." said Tal with a smile. "There's a lot more spells I have to teach you before Kyruno gets back. Lets get started shall we?"

***

Master Tal was a patient teacher. He quickly became Sean's main magic teacher, showing him spells he could use and making sure they were well known. Kyruno continued with the physical training, as well as trying to open his pupil's mind further to the attributes of the Shadow Realm. But the true spells and the teaching of them were passed on to Tal, who happened to also be the head mage of the Monastery.

Six busy months had passed since Sean had come to this world. Shetan showed up one day, in her winged wolf shape, carrying the little Shu. The tiny Shadow left the comfort of Shetan's back as the bigger beast went to the dark gloom of the Abbot's hall. Moments later, Kyruno and Tal also entered the hall.

Sean waited, trying to be patient. He hadn't been invited, and it worried him that something must be going on. But he knew better than to try to find out now- the Shadows would consider it rude. And he did not want to make any of them angry at him. He tried to wait it out by playing with the Shu, who loved to hang around now.

She nudged his hand, whistle- squeaking a question. He realized that he'd stopped scratching her ear. "Sorry, Shu. I'm ok... just concerned. I don't like not knowing what is happening around me." He tapped his shoulder. The little shadow jumped up, settling softly near his head. "I wish I could understand you fully, like I can Shetan. Well, you and every other Shadow that only speaks the animal languages. It would be easier than guessing or having to have others around to tell me for you."

"I think we can handle that."

Shetan's voice drifted through his mind. Sean turned to see his friend and both his teachers standing slightly behind him. He'd been so occupied talking to Shu that he had totally missed the others' exit.

"We're taking a few days away from here, Sean. You, Tal, Shu, and I. It's time to put your training to the test, and to also get out of here for a while. We all need some time away."

Sean smiled. He liked the idea of an adventure, and one seemed to be coming. Then Shetan added one more comment.

"Isis may be joining us later."

***
The message of the queen’s name sent a small shock through Sean. The White Phoenix had not been seen or mentioned for several months now. Her image had once been a present force, and now, she had faded away, becoming a dreamy power than no one could ever hope to rival. She was untouchable in thought.

They walked the way through the Monastery, passing the buildings and trees that Sean had come to know so well. He was beginning to feel at home here as well. So soon it seemed, it was time to leave.

"We'll be coming back here right?" he asked Shetan.

"Well that's entirely up to you of course. I guess it depends how far your training has progressed. Maybe we won't even be alive this time tomorrow, so who knows?"

It was a cold thing to say, but somehow Sean had been expecting something alone those lines. The Monastery was a different place from Earth. In this place, your skills determined your chances of survival, and nothing else.

"I have something for you, Sean." said Shetan. She shifted into her human appearance, standing taller and far more powerful that she had before. Midnight black hair flowed down her back, and on her belt, her own sword was sheathed. Something else was hold there as well, which she detached, and handed to Sean. It extended in length and slightly in width as she held it out, transforming it to its natural size.

Sean held out his hands, where she places the item. It was a simple staff, fashioned from plain, hard-wood, 7 feet tall. A deep, powerful aura of magic echoed within in it. As his hands touched the wood, it deepened in colour, and then softened, turning from murky brown to fait ivory.

"It’s your Mage staff. You'll need this if we're to proceed far. It will help you focus your magic."

He looked at Shetan, their eyes locking together. Before, in all the times she had appeared to him in her human form, she had been young, child-like. Now, she portrayed a new appearance - striking, deadly. He was sure that he liked it.

They reached the gates of the Monastery, the ones which had defined his past existence for the last 6 months. They had been the long standing edge of this world which he was still coming to understand.

"Please, Sean, lead us." asked Master Tal.

Stepping forwards, he pushed open the barred railings of the gates, and stepped forwards from the old world, into the older one.


_____
First leg of training done. Highlights- he can use magic now, has a badass sword, and has made interesting friends. now it's time to see if he survives. from here on out, RP interests, pay attention.