The Time-keepers

"So, uh we didn't really have much of an introduction earlier," Kai said as he was led down the corridor by the woman, "my name is Kai Nightshade, nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too Kai," the woman replied, her tone calm and steady, like that of a drill sergeant, "My name is Selara Veydris." They walked down the corridor until finally, Selara stopped in front of a pair of giant elegantly crafted doors, and bearing inscriptions in languages Kai could not decipher. "Prepare yourself, the others can be a bit.....active to say the least." Selara warned as the doors opened up, seemingly on their own.

Kai stepped into the room and immediately his jaw dropped. The grand hall seemed to be both ancient and futuristic at the same time, it's architecture bending in impossible ways, as it seemed to shift between multiple eras at once. The walls shined with a faint pulse of an unseen energy, while the floor below felt oddly weightless yet firm. In the center of the hall, Kai noticed five figures, each radiating with their own unique aura around them. Selara walked ahead, her stride fluid and confident, as she took a seat at the large round table in the hall.

The first figure to catch Kai's attention was a towering behemoth of a being, his entire body seemed to be made up of jagged crystalline formations of various colors, which shifted around as he moved. His aura exuded a sense of immovability, like a walking mountain. His deep-set eyes glowed with a soft white light as they locked onto Kai. "So, this is the whelp that killed a Leviathan?" His voice was rough, like grinding stone. "He doesn't look like much."

"That's rich coming from someone that looks like and overgrown gemstone. What's your point?" Kai snapped back. A low rumbling filled the room before the giant let out a sharp laugh. "Ha! I like you already kid. We will get along just fine." He raised one of his massive arms as he pointed to himself with his thumb. "The name's Lorith. Lorith Shardveil. Don't expect me to cradle you whelp, you either grow stronger or shatter under pressure, simple as that. You break something, I fix it....or break you with it. Depends on how I am feeling."

Before Kai could retort, a blur of motion zipped around him. He barely turned in time to see a sleek, cat-like woman land gracefully next to him. Her with fur that was a blend of golden amber and a deep sunset orange, striped with streaks of brown and umber. Her tail, long and whip-like, bore a darker honey-brown tip which flickered playfully. "Well, well, well, fresh meat. And here I was, thinking that we never get any entertainment around here." She tilted her head, her ears flicking as her emerald green eyes stared right at Kai. Kai slowly leaned away as she brought her face closer to his, "My name is Elyssar Nythis, but you can call me Ely. I'd say its a pleasure, but that depends on how fun you turn put to be." "And what exactly do you mean by 'fun'? Kai said, raising an eyebrow. "Oh don't worry, you'll find out" Ely said as she grinned, flashing her razor sharp canines.

A soft hum filled the air, as Kai turned to see the next person sitting next to Lorith at the table: an elegant woman with majestic snow-white wings folded neatly behind her back. Her presence was sere yet piercing, her expression was of quiet calculation. Her shoulder-length golden hair shimmered, flowing like a river of gold. "Saphielle Mythralis," she introduced herself with a nod, her voice like a whisper carried by the wind. "I study, I perfect and I teach. You may have won your first battle but skill without knowledge is wasted potential." Her skin was fair with a rosy hue, similar to that of a human. Her sapphire blue eyes seemed to analyze every aspect about Kai the moment they landed on him. Kai felt a chill run down his spine as he met her gaze, "Yeah....I look forward to working with you too."

The last figure leaned lazily against a pillar, his silver skin gleaming under the strange light in the chamber. His hair was wild and messy, flowing in waves like liquid mercury. His scarlet ember-like eyes flickered with mischief, but his aura radiated a sense of effortless deadliness. "Zyren Duskbane," he said with a smirk tugging at his lips. "Fastest, sharpest and the deadliest fighter you will ever meet, also the most handsome. Try your best to keep up rookie, not that I think you can."

Kai narrowed his eyes. "You're pretty cocky." "Not cocky, rookie. I am confident" Zyren said as he pushed himself off the pillar, his movements as smooth as a phantom. "Unlike some of us, I prefer to prove my worth that ramble about it."

At last, Selara stood up and stepped forward, her long black hair flowing like silk, her amber eyes glowed with quiet authority. She had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, simply observing, but now her gaze locked onto Kai with something that felt stronger than scrutiny. "Selara Veydris" She said, her tone strong and sharp. "I am the one responsible to lead our team into battle against any being that threatens well being of the realities. I was the one who saved you." Kai felt a flicker of something in his chest, curiosity, gratitude or maybe even wariness. "You may be weak right now, but we all will help you realize your powers and solidify you as a strong Time-Keeper and a formidable foe to the Temporal Leviathans.

Lorith let out a low rumble. "If he survives the training that is." Elyssar smirked, "Oh I hope he does, it's no fun if toys break easily." Saphielle nodded," He nears the potential, but we shall see if he bears the endurance." Zyren grinned, "Dont worry rookie, we will make a fine warrior out of you, and an even better Time-keeper." Selara turned back to Kai, "Kai Nightshade, we formally welcome you as the newest Time-keeper, lay down your life for us and we shall do the same."

Kai inhaled sharply, looking at the strange, god-like being before him. "Where do I start" Kai said after a pause. "First I shall guide you to be able to manifest your Temporal Aura," Selara said, crossing her arms across her chest, "after that, my comrades shall guide you to improve your combat capabilities as well as your use of temporal energy.

Kai realized nervously that whatever was coming next, won't allow him to get much rest, if any at all.