Prologue I

Oceania, by vivi scarlett-sedai

A polymorphic assassin, a bloodmage, a strange biomorph, a Healer, a berserker and a telekinetic. And they didn't tell Sarge who is what out of the eighteen 'lads' recruited (Sarge's Lads includes four young women and a man in his mid-forties). They aren't the best. But they're all we have. Will Oceania fall or survive? Alternate universe.

Disclaimer: The world of Oceania is mine. Kyo is not.

There is a blue-green planet, touched with wisps of white, spinning slowly in space. It is the third in line from its sun. Look a little closer. The continents, islands of Oceania are much akin to those of Earth, its twin in a parallel universe. Look still closer. A country of Earth? They are much the same, but with subtle differences. Oceania is a highly magical place.

A vampire buying steak, a gryphon walking down the main road, a small orange cat making his way through side streets and back alleys to a house on the outskirts of town. He slips through the cat-flap in the back door to the kitchen, transforming to a young man with scarlet eyes and messy orange hair.

His mother turns from the beginnings of dinner. "Oh, Kyo. You know you shouldn't go out in the streets as a cat." She sighs. She does not want her son's secret to be discovered until he has full control and can protect himself.

Let us look at this young man.

At a cursory glance, he seems no different to an Earthian of his own age but for his unusual colouration. He is dressed in cargo pants and a black T-shirt.

Now, a more accurate examination will reveal hidden weaponry. He has a plain dirk through his belt, and several daggers concealed about his person. He moves gracefully, like a trained dancer. Or an assassin.

He is seventeen years old.