After the supernatural like experience that Gabriel experienced, he had to take a moment in his room to process. So much took place in a short amount of time. He began to question so many things from that encounter. “It must have been a dream, it couldn’t have been real… But it did feel real, very real. But why me? What made Kirin choose me to be his champion? And a White Tiger? I know about Emperor Jin but the Grand Marshal of the West? I have never heard of him at all. Maybe mom might know! Actually I need to tell her about my experience and see if she can make any sense from it.” Gabriel was speaking to himself trying to make sense. Gabriel left his room and headed downstairs to talk with his mother.

You see Gabriel comes from a family of very unique and extraordinary people, yet very mysterious. They are also a very spiritual family, a family that have a lot of experience with mythological experiences. Gabriel’s mother, Isabella, is extremely knowledgeable and is his best source to explain his experience with Kirin. Now other than the Alba family being spiritual, what is known about this family is that they are a Hispanic family and own a private property in the grasslands. They are a private family and do not interact with the rest of their town very much unless it is for business. With their large property the Alba family have a farm where they raise animal and vegetation to provide for the town of Marlewood.

Unfortunately, Gabriel’s father was captured about three years ago and his mother, Isabella, has had to take over the family business and become the head of the household. It hasn’t been easy for them, but his mom for some reason has not lost spirit even through the hardships they have faced. Isabella has workers that assist her in running the farm so that she can still focus on Gabriel and the household.

Once Gabriel got to the first floor of his house, he headed to the kitchen where his mother was cooking lunch for the workers. As he entered the kitchen, Isabella noticed Gabriel and provided a warm smile to him. Isabella is a warm and sweet individual. She is known for her love and caring nature that best describes what a mother is. As soon as she gave Gabriel a warm smile she asked him “What’s wrong Gabe? You look a little pale.”

How the heck did she notice? I haven’t even spoken and she can already notice that something is wrong with me. This what Gabriel was thinking to himself as soon as Isabella questioned him. “Well actually there may be something wrong, depends how you see it.”

Isabella stopped what she was doing in the kitchen and put a concerned look on her face. “Gabe what’s going on?”

“I had this dream, well at least I think it was a dream. I was in a forest and as I went deeper into the forest, I was a hearing a growling sound. Then there was a portal and it took me to a cave. This cave had so many gems that were bright and beautiful. Then I saw a Jade Orb on a pedestal. I grew curious and approached it, but as soon as I approached the Jade Orb, I felt wind coming from inside the cave. I was confused because how could their be wind inside a cave? But then a creature came rushing out of a dark tunnel and that wind I was feeling came straight at me. This creature was a White Dragon and it wrapped itself around me growling. Obviously I was scared cause a freaking dragon is surrounding me. So I told the dragon I was not looking for any problems. Then he told me to not worry cause he’s not my enemy.” Gabriel was talking so fast that his mother had to get him so water so he could hydrate quickly.

“Thanks mom. Ok where was I? Oh right, so right after he said that, I was like this has to be a dream, this can’t be real. Then the dragon said it wasn’t a dream but real, something about me being in his domain. He knew my full name which was strange, like how did he know it? Then he was talking about choosing me as his champion, which I kinda understood but not really. He said he was an Elder Dragon named Kirin, and he is a powerful mythical creature from long ago and now resides in the spirit realm. He needs a champion to represent him in the natural realm to fight his enemies. Apparently he and dad have the same enemies cause he said it was the empire. Something about Emperor Jin being the champion for the Yellow Dragon and Jin wrecking havoc in the natural realm.” Gabriel stopped, took another sip of water trying to hydrate his throat in order to wrap up his story.

“Kirin mentioned that there are other champions who hold power sacred treasures. Oh which by the way, he said the Jade Orb was his sacred treasure, and if I get the Jade Orb then he and I will become one. It sounds like it’s located on Crimsonleaf Mountain, maybe that’s the cave that I saw in the dream. Also who is the Grand Marshal of the West? Kirin said that he is the champion for the White Tiger and that the Emperor must have already tasked him and his men to retrieve Kirin’s sacred treasure.” Gabriel stopped and finished his water, waiting for his mother to respond.

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Isabella was shocked to hear everything that she was hearing. It was a lot of information to process all at once. It didn’t help with how fast Gabriel talks, almost as if he’s running out of time. She stood there for a moment, analyzing everything that Gabriel said. “Gabe how about we take a seat in the living room, there’s some things I need to explain to you.”

“Alright… Sure…” Gabriel responded as he and Isabella headed to the living room.

As Gabriel and Isabella made it to the living room, they sat in modern gray 3 sectional couch. Gabriel stared at his mother waiting for her to explain his “dream” to him. Isabella cleared her throat and said “Gabe what you had was not a dream… it was real. Kirin was right. Where you were was his domain. Do you remember the old tales your father and I used to tell you about when you were a kid?”

“Yeah I do about mythical creatures and gods. Dad used to show me pictures and artwork for me to understand it better.”

“Yes… Well they are real, but reside in the spiritual realm. They manifest through what are known as Sacred Treasures. These items are an extension of these mythological entities. If a human were to acquire one they could possess the powers of said entities. While some may use it for good, others use it for bad. This has been a war of good and evil that has been taking place for a thousand years now.”

“Wow that long??? Why has it been happening for this long?” Gabriel’s curiosity grew as he asked this question.

“Unfortunately it has Gabe. The Empire has been the evil that the good has been fighting throughout time. That’s why your father was captured by the Empire… because he was fighting against their evil.” As Isabella was saying this, she frowned when speaking about her husband. Gabriel noticed her face and frowned alongside her.

“So dad was trying to be a hero and the Empire took him away from us. Because of them, we haven’t had dad with us for three years.” Gabriel was getting upset, the emotions were rising the more he thought about it.

“Even with your dad gone, I know he is still alive and well. Your dad is very strong, he was and still is a huge threat to Emperor Jin. Which leads me to what Kirin said about him being a threat to the Empire.” Gabriel snapped out of his anger and listened intently. “Kirin is a powerful creature that can shift this war to the good side. Like I said your dad was a threat, and now if they capture Kirin’s sacred treasure it will be over. But the mere fact that Kirin chose you to represent him as his champion is a testament. to how special you are Gabe. The last time Kirin had a champion was close to five-hundred years ago. They say he is very specific with whom he wishes to represent him.”

“I’m special?” Gabriel asked but in a sarcastic way and started to chuckle. His mother followed suit, which helped lighten the mood.

“ You really are Gabe.”

“Okay mom I get what you’re saying but who the heck is this Grand Marshal and White Tiger?”

Isabella went from smiling to a concerned look. “To put it to you in simple terms, he is a very dangerous individual. There are four Grand Marshals in the Huanglong Empire who report directly to Emperor Jin. Each Grand Marshal is given a cardinal position. The Grand Marshal from our cardinal position is, Grand Marshal Silas Ren. He is the champion for the White Tiger, Baihu. He is not a carefree man, he takes his position very seriously. Failure is not an option for him, excellence and victory is priority for him.”

Gabriel became very concerned when his mother said this. All Gabriel could think about is how this is the guy who is also looking for Kirin’s sacred treasure. While Gabriel was motivated, he was in no way ready to face someone this dangerous like Grand Marshal Ren. “Mom how the heck do I even get the sacred treasure with someone like Silas Ren chasing after it as well?”

“Sweetie this mission is not a solo mission. This will require a team, especially giving the circumstances with the Empire involved. You’ll need backup.”

“Yeah that’s what Kirin said but who?”

“I have an idea. Maybe it’s time for you to call some old friends.” Isabella got up excited.

“Wait you’re on to something mom! You think they’ll be willing to help?” Gabriel stood up as well sharing the same emotion has his mother.

“Of course, they are your best friends.”

“Yeah you’re right. I’ll call Fabian and Kyra right now! Thanks mom, I knew you would help me.” Gabriel hugged his mom and went upstairs to make the call to his best friends since childhood.

As Gabriel headed upstairs, Isabella remained in the living room. All of a sudden that positive energy she was exerting when she was Gabriel was sucked out of the room. Suddenly, one of her workers showed up. “Ma’am this sounds like a difficult mission for Gabriel. Especially his first one and the fact he has no fighting experience. I know Fabian and Kyra have some experience when it comes to missions, but do you really think they will be of any help to Gabriel?”

“I understand your concern Dave, but there isn’t much we can do. Gabe will have to learn as he goes through this mission. Fabian and Kyra may not be experts but I have faith they are capable of handling this mission alongside Gabe. Remember, this is what we’ve been waiting for, and now it’s happening.” Isabella responded to Dave with now a more commanding posture and serious face.

“Shouldn’t one of us go to support?”

“No. As much as I would like to, his father would not approve of us getting involved. I do have an idea as to who could help him. Actually, he’s been waiting for this moment just like us. He should be the perfect mentor for Gabe and his friends on this mission. I’ll give him a call and inform him of the situation.” Isabella sounded confident in her words.

Isabella then thought to herself… Finally we can make our move.