The only light in the dark alley I was in came from the dampened light behind closed windows in the typical high dark grey buildings of the city called Najai and their reflections thrown back from my shining armor; the pride of my family, as I am. It is known even in my culture that there are no heroes, but this object, given by the highest ranking speaker of my people, is proof that I come close.

It should not surprise then, that firstly I wear it with all my pride and secondly others are prune to set their wishes and hopes upon it. Even shady ones in the mentioned alley.

“Before the winds take it, we will have a share of your steel, hm?”. Was said by a rather small creature, hovering on its big belly right in front of me, I was more amused than scared. These little feathered dragons with their tiny arms and birdlike heads but long, always moving tail came to my mind as something cute rather than dangerous.

Still, I knew that the Arkyl species is known for its terrifying transformations into massively bigger beings. Said that, the question was if they would take the narrowness of the alley into account as me, the Arkyl and its two Lefa (Ledyil Faralorn) companions actually already mostly filled it. When they warned me to be careful of these places, they never mentioned that I could smell the breath of the crooks that would hold a knife in my face. That too, while the other one can barely fit next to me. Or maybe the stories are told in the context of larger cities, where two people could walk next to each other without embracing.

“So you say.” I respond in my trained jolly voice, as you should never show fear to your enemy. “But you are already only at arm's length.”

It was not an exaggeration and I still had not laid a hand on the weapons I carried on my massive frame. Not to brag, but I was quite the character that time and looking my part of the role I was given. Therefore with confidence and wonder was how I mustered these three that had picked me as the one to rob today.

“You are talking with a warrior of the Owa-Janachu, mightiest magicians of the north. If I may ask this question: How come you chose me?” I must have made an impression as the three exchanged glances. But not in a nervous way I recognized which made me further question their knowledge of my people.

“You are not just a thief running around with this armor Tobu?” The one on my left side held a knife up as if not sure how to attack. “A warrior are you huh?”

“Yes.”

As the attacker on the right made their move, shooting with their small axe for my head, my astralean self took hold of the timewave around them. I felt my life flow through me as I left the time to move around them so much slower that I could snatch the weapon out of their hand with ease while dodging the attack with a short sidestep.

“You weak existences”. I snatched, my eyes burning from the anger of being attacked in this city, my four arms were prickling with power as tension tightened my muscles. The Arkyl still looked at me with relaxation, the other was stepping back, fearfully looking at his companion moving in slow motion. “Your lives are hereby forfeit to me!” The anger of a Tobu is strong you know, and mine is the fastest fire of all. “And I will punish you as I see fit!” The last word I said baring my teeth, gripping my two swords on my back while my lower arms took the knives on the belt around my waist.

“Hold, Jinu of Time.” The Arkyl now said calmly, “I have expected you.”

I eyed him, as my flame was already beginning to fall apart after being fueled so suddenly. I left my hands at my weapons and snarled. “The word Jinu should only be known by folk that know of me and my mission around these parts. Is this some kind of joke? Is this a new greeting I am not familiar with?”

That gave the rest to the Lefa with the knife and they made their way out of the alley by jumping high upon small balconies and finally on a roof, where they left my field of vision. I was not surprised by the jumping power of the Lefas legs, moreso irritated by the noise it made. I had not expected this to happen today and maybe that was also where the irritation came from. The Arkyl seemed to also be amazed by the sudden departure of the Lefa. “Answer me.” I demanded, but this time in a calmer tone.

“Sure,” the flying one said, “but it is not me you can expect answers from. I am only the messenger supposed to bring you to the place you seek. Follow me.” And they turned around, gliding through the air in a also irritating manner. My family had not warned me that something like this could happen, actually had been quite reluctant at all with information before sending me on a journey that had taken me three months. Now I was in the area of the Jikay’Iny, a people full of contradictions and weird traditions.

While following the strange messenger, I was reminiscent of my doings on said journey, saving others left and right. In the manner of a hero I admit proudly and a warrior as well. Maybe this task would be something to strengthen the reputation of my people even more.