New Beginnings

Chapter One: Helmets

In the great tree of Ga'Hoole, the newly-appointed Guardian Soren was admiring his appearance in a small puddle of dew that had collected in his hollow, having donned his Guardian's helmet for the first time. The young Barn Owl had dreamed of being a Guardian since he was a hatchling, and sometimes found it hard to believe his dream had come true. He was so busy admiring his reflection, he didn't notice a Spotted Owl sidling up to him.

"Admiring the view?" She asked.

"O-Otulissa!" Soren gasped, embarassed. "I was just..."

Otulissa giggled lightly.

"I don't blame you." She smiled. "I must admit, you do look rather dashing in that helmet. Hopefully, I'll look just as good when I become a Guardian."

"You sure will." Soren smiled, before realising what he had just said. "I-I mean..."

"I know what you meant." Otulissa giggled again.

"I-I just hope I can live up to it." Soren mumbled, changing the subject. "You know, being a Guardian."

"From what I've heard, you are more then worthy of that helmet." Otulissa smiled. "Ezylryb told me what happened. How you saved the Guardians, and killed Metal Beak. Very impressive."

"Thanks." Soren flushed. "But really, I just did what any decent owl would have done."

"Can't argue with that." Otulissa agreed. "Well, I must return to my chaw. See you later."

"Yes." Soren stuttered. "Later."

Smiling, Otulissa took off, flying down the branches of the tree. Soren watched her descent, a dreamy look on his face. The Spotted Owl had that effect on him. Soren had been enamoured with her since they first met. But, being a novice to romantic relationships, he had no idea what to do with these feelings.

Elsewhere, in a craggy mountain range, the Barn Owl Nyra had led the Pure Ones, a band of Tyto Owls dedicated to conquering the owl kingdoms, to a large cavern on the side of a craggy peak.

"Pure Ones!" Nyra boomed, her voice echoing across the cavern walls. "We have lost a battle, but we shall win the war! For daring to defy us, the Guardians will suffer dearly!"

The Pure Ones' attention was suddenly diverted by a new arrival. A young Barn Owl wearing an ornate helmet sauntered in.

"Who is that?" Asked the Long-Eared Owl, Jatt.

"And why is he wearing Metal Beak's helmet?" Inquired his cousin, Jutt.

The owl was indeed wearing the helmet of the Pure Ones' deceased leader.

"Blasphemy!" Screeched another Pure One. "Let's make him pay for such affrontery!"

"Silence!" Bellowed Nyra, before turning to the newcomer. "Kludd. It is good to see you survived. And now you wear the helmet of Metal Beak."

"Not by choice." Kludd said quietly. "I wear this helmet because I must, not because I want to. My face was burned when I fell into the fire."

"Is that all?" Nyra smirked. "Or was it fate?"

"Fate?" Repeated Kludd.

"Yes." Nyra nodded. "I always knew you had exceptional promise, young one. And seeing you with that helmet, there is no doubt in my mind that you were meant to take Metal Beak's place, as our new leader."

"Leader?" Kludd said quietly.

"Him?" Snarled Jatt.

"He's just a kid!" Jutt spat.

"Fool!" Nyra sneered at Jutt. "This 'kid' has more to offer our cause then you and your dimwitted cousin put together!"

Jatt and Jutt cringed before Nyra's gaze.

Nyra turned to face Kludd.

"Well, Kludd?" She asked. "Will you consent to becoming our new lord and master?"

Kludd considered it for a moment. Being the leader of the Pure Ones meant that he could have the means to exact revenge on his brother, Soren.

"I will." He nodded.

"Excellent." Nyra smiled. "Pure Ones, bow to our new leader. All hail the new Metal Beak!"

"Metal Beak! Metal Beak! Metal Beak! Metal Beak!" The Pure Ones chanted.

Under his helmet, Kludd smirked. He had finally gained the greatness he had hungered for all his life. His next desire, the death of Soren, was within reach...

To Be Continued...

(Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole and all associated characters are the property of Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.)