The first steps

"Time, time is always in constant movement. Be it forward or backwards. Time is to many a blessing, but to some, it's nothing but a curse. What is the purpose of time, when you cannot control it and can only watch as everyone and everything changes? As you watch as everything decays and begins anew, you realise time is nothing but a humorous reminder, that you are not in control and that you never were and never will be."

In an unknown time and location:

"So it has finally begun... the start of something great... it will change the destiny of this universe!" boomed a rather solemn voice in a place seemingly to be only made out of clouds. The origin of the voice could not be seen, only an unending amount of golden clouds could be seen.

These clouds were so majestic, that if any normal person were to see them, they would think that it was heaven they were looking at. But these clouds were definitely not heaven, for what one couldn't see, was that in the centre of the clouds, there was a dark and ominous presence. If one were able to see the entirety of the golden clouds, from the inside out, one would notice that the golden clouds looked very similar to a cage, a cage holding a dark secret.

Location: River of Greed, Faction Harbour

Time: Year 11 of the Era of Change Era: Era of Change

At the harbour, there were many buildings. Most of the buildings were damaged and in ruin, as it seemed as if an earthquake had wrecked the surrounding area. Other than that though, the dock itself was not damaged, as well as the ships.

Most ships were huge, but they had a simple design and structure. Additionally, they seemed to be made from the same materials. A different kind of wood and metal, which seemed almost indestructible. At one of the ships, in a very large luxurious cabin, a very gruesome scene could be seen.

"You pathetic fools! You dare fail and make me look terrible in front of the hall master! And now because of you, the other department leaders will see me as a joke! You deserve to die!" As this was all said, one could see a fat and round-looking man huffing and puffing as if he had never exercised in his life.

This man held a black whip in his hands, which was now covered in blood. In front of the fat, round man were ten heavily wounded individuals. They had slashes all over their bodies and faces, while most of their clothes were torn into shreds.

"Master! Please show mercy..." a weak voice could be heard from one of the individuals. It was a young-looking woman. She looked like she was in her early twenties.

If not for all the wounds, she would be a very beautiful looking woman. She had lush blond hair and beautiful green eyes, shining like rubies. Her figure was also very voluptuous, leaving little to the imagination.

"Hmph! You dirty slave! You think you have the right to speak to me! Just because I slept with you and gave you a position under me, it doesn't mean you aren't replaceable!" scoffed the fat man as he spat on the woman.

"Men throw her down to the underground mines! If she dies, then that's that. But if she somehow survives... Hehe... she would rather wish to be dead!" scorned the fat man as he sent some of his men to drag away the beautiful woman.

"Now... how should I deal with you pathetic slaves? Wait! Hmmm... interesting... someone actually managed to get into the barrier without being imprinted!"

"Hmmm... he is a beast-man... yet he doesn't seem to be like other beast men! He seems to be very handsome as well as very young. Maybe this will appease the hall master in a few years' time! A well trained handsome, young and strong-looking wolf beast-man! Yes! I'm saved!" shouted the man while laughing as he suddenly vanished.

Right at that moment, Flaven was sneakily running inside of the barrier in the direction of the harbour while having a somewhat transparent glow surrounding his body.

"Whew! Luckily grandmother taught me how to use my powers, otherwise I would have been imprinted by that array and would have informed this faction about my arrival," snickered Flaven while smiling.

"Is this what you think? Hehe, little boy?"

"Wait! Who are you and how did you find me?" tensed Flaven as he suddenly heard someone speak to him.

"Stupid little beast! You're measly trained abilities are nothing in front of me. Now... why don't you willingly submit to me... otherwise... hehe" threatened the fat, round-looking man while smiling menacingly.

"Never! I would rather die than submit!" recoiled Flaven preparing himself to battle the fat round looking man at any moment.

"That's good! I would have been disappointed if you had submitted! That way it wouldn't be fun," jeered the fat man as he glared at Flaven.

"Grandmother... Forgive me... it seems I won't be able to return any time soon," agonised Flaven felt deep down, that he would not be able to win this battle.

Location: Unending Primal Forest: Ancestors Cave

Time: Year 11 of the Era of Change Era: Era of Change

"Flaven! Where are you my boy?" trembled Melisandre with a concerned expression.

"Melisandre, we can only trust the boy..."

"I know! After what happened last time, we all became more worried about our descendants, but we can't do anything about it." sighed one of the ancestors.

"You wouldn't understand! To you they are only descendants, a further expansion of your family line." But too me, they were much more than just that! Especially after that incident! Flaven is the only thing I have left to call family!" moaned Melisandre, as tears were streaming out of her eyes.

"I couldn't save them then! I can't save even save one person now! What more do you want from me!" shouted Melisandre with the pain while falling onto her knees.

"Melisandre! You..." just as the ancestor wanted to say something again, someone else said something.

"Leave her alone Akane! You know well enough how much Flaven means to her!" warned Baren while looking at Melisandre with sympathy.

"Ever since that day, you guys were never the same. I'll give you some time to calm down Melisandre," said the ancestor gently, while walking away.

"Flaven..." said Melisandre with a weak voice, slowly closing her eyes.

"Sigh... Melisandre..." as Baren saw he couldn't say anything to comfort Melisandre he kept quiet to let Melisandre gather her thoughts.

Location: Underground Mining Area 50-G

Time: Year 11 of the Era of Change Era: Era of Change

"Hmmm... why do I feel like more problems are headed my way?" asked Steven while shaking his head.

"I would say get used to that feeling Steven. Because we are going to be stuck in this hell-hole for a while," quipped Xiang with a bitter smile.

"What do you mean with a while?" asked Steven with a worried expression.

Xiang answered by holding up five fingers.

"I hope those five fingers mean a maximum of a few months, right?" asked Steven while nervously sweating.

"No! It's a minimum of five years!" explained Xiang while shaking his head.

After Xiang said that there was only silence.

"Screw you!!! Why can't I just have a moment of peace for one second! You bastards! Why has this all been happening with me!" screamed Steven while pulling his hair.

With this, one of the first steps in Steven's adventure had begun.