"…Wake up!"
"Nnnn.."
"Wake up, sleepyhead!"
"Nnn.. just a few more minutes.."
"…"
CHOMP.
"OUCH!" Llew let out a hysteric yelp as he scrambled out of his cocoon under the sheets, landing in a heap on the floor of aged mahogany.
Rubbing the back of his head in agony, he opened his eyes into slits and caught sight of a pink snout floating directly above him.
Strands of brightly-colored fur started to tickle the tip of his nose.
"You didn't have to bite me, Flogal," muttered the boy defeatedly.
"Well it's your fault for not wanting to get up! Now hurry up and get dressed! We're going to be late!"
"Late? What for?"
"The Coronation Ceremony, you dimwit!"
"OH!"
A sudden burst of energy rushed through his veins as he leaped onto his feet and dashed over to his wardrobe.
Meanwhile, Flogal trotted over to where a blue High Beast lay slumbering in a nest of straw and hay.
"WINGAL, WAKE UP!"
Five years have passed since Llew and his friends were rescued and taken in by the Royal Paladins. Now, a new chapter begins in the life of this unknowing child, fated to become one of the greatest heroes of Planet Cray..
…
Somewhere far off, in a chamber pulsing with a mysterious light, the hero known as Blaster Blade knelt before a frozen altar.
His helmet and sword lay at his feet, revealing a tanned face with a long, sparkling mane that shimmered gold as if it was.. incandescent. A single stripe of liquid green decorated his forehead.
Gazing at his armored palms, he frowned, worried.
"The time approaches."
A figure materialised upon the shining podium, garbed in armor of the familiar style of the Royal Paladins. Twin blades of energy sprouted from his gauntlets, burning the very air with an aura of stoic power.
Blaster Blade bowed. "Exculpate."
The fearsome man acknowledged the greeting. "It has been many years since we first met, Ezel. Many years since you first came here and received The Power."
It had been a long time since someone had called him by that name.
In a way his fate had been similar to Pendragon's. Both were men who had been called upon to become heroes in order to fulfill prophecies for the future of the United Sanctuary.
But his time as a hero was coming to an end. He could feel it in his bones. The Blaster Blade was getting heavier with each battle, as if it no longer wished to be wielded by him.
"Yes. The Power seeps out of you, in a manner that the legends do not speak of. In a manner beyond my own understanding. And I am he who rules over The Power." Exculpate continued, as if reading the knight's thoughts.
After a distinct pause, Ezel asked, "What am I supposed to do?"
…
Trumpets filled the air with their glorious melodies as Alabaster Owls soared through the clouds, carrying messages to the far reaches of Planet Cray.
Down the cobbled streets strode Llew, now a young squire, with his faithful companions at his side: the rose-tinged High Dog Flogal and her male counterpart, the mischievous Wingal.
"Get your swords here! Freshly made! Going at half-price in celebration of the new king!"
Dealers and marketers of all sorts of merchandise had set up their stalls throughout the capital and were fervently advertising their wares. The crowds surrounding them showed no signs of letting up.
"Wow, this is some crowd!" Wingal pranced around like an excited child. "I've never seen so many people in the streets before!"
"Behave yourself, Wingal!" Flogal snapped. "Remember your place. You are a dignified member of the Royal Paladins and I expect you to-"
But in complete ignorance of her words, the playful High Dog dashed off without a single warning.
Llew chuckled at Flogal's exasperated expression as he chased after his partner.
Boof!
"Oh! I'm sorry!"
It took no more than a second for Llew to recognise the source of that feminine voice.
"Salome!" He said with a big smile.
Realising that she had collided with her childhood friend, the girl took a light step back and returned the smile. "Llew! I've been looking all over for you!"
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"Nope. It was just a little bump. We're both in battle armor anyway!"
As Llew took a better look at his friend that he hadn't seen in a while, he realised that she had grown her hair out and tied it up in two cute buns. And it suited her very well. In fact, she looked beautiful.
"Um.. nice hair," he stuttered slightly. "You look great."
Salome's cheeks flushed as red as a beet as she averted her gaze slightly. "Thanks."
Wingal sniggered, only to be reprimanded by a soft headbutt from Flogal.
In a desperate attempt to change the subject, Llew took a glimpse of his rune watch. "Oh, look at the time! We better get going! Alfred's gonna be really mad if we're late!"
The girl laughed. "Let's go!"
Then, much to Llew's surprise and delight, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along as they dashed down the road to the castle together.
…
Meanwhile, in the forest right outside the Capital, the space between two trees distorted as if a mysterious force was shoving its way forcefully between dimensions.
A black ring outlined with an eerie crimson shattered the air, sending sparks of dark lightning scattering. But in an instant, it vanished. And its place was a soldier clad in white. A soldier who had been created for only one purpose.
To destroy.
The faint concept of a name was the only notion that existed within the void of its soul. And it understood that its name was Krypton.
Violet eyes gleaming in the shadows of the gentle canopy, it grasped its long blade tightly as it made its way towards the castle..