Prologue
Welcome fellow furs to the prologue of the World Ends with Us. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review.Whenever a creature is at death's door, it will do all it can to survive. So, pray tell, why should a world be any different? Is it such an unbelievable, extravagant idea that the world you tread upon is as alive as you are? Well, news flash, it is. All worlds breathe, all worlds have hearts, and all worlds fear their demise. In times where their end grows close, they will always find a way to protect themselves. Usually, this entails them to grant abilities to some of its inhabitants. I still don't know if those on the receiving end of this 'gift' were lucky or unlucky. All I know is whenever someone is different, whether born or made, they will always be treated as if they're dangerous even if, in reality, they aren't.On one particular world, where society is simultaneously medieval and modern, two gifts were given. One was given to those who were born at certain times, and the other was given to some who were supposed to die. Those that were born on the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox, fall equinox, during a solar eclipse, or during a lunar eclipse were called Occulted. Occulted ranged in types depending when they were born. The types were Blade, Energy, Healer, Wall, Hinderer, and Synergy. Occulted usually won't come into their power until their late teens. Shadow-claimed are individuals that were exposed to one of the many elements to the extreme that should have left them dead, but they survived and gain the ability to utilize some of that element's power. It is uncertain whether or not they actually die and then come back, or if they nearly die and are pulled back into the realm of the living.Blades, those that were born on the summer solstice, specialized in weapon magic. They were generally skilled in all weapon classes, and could essentially master each one. Blades typically stuck with magic that enhances or enchants their weapons and attacks. Blades are born with
abnormally exceptional strength, reflexes, speed, and other physical attributes, but it still remain within the limitations of a normal mortal body until they come into their power. Blades are marked with an orange ring around their pupils.Energies, those that were born during a solar eclipse, specialized in offensive magic. They use spells and incantations to call upon the elements of the world. Some prefer to focus on one element and master it, while others choose to learn to access the power of a variety of elements. It is said that once an Energy masters an element they can call upon an entity of that element, though such an occurrence has never been witnessed before. While Energies don't have to use a wand, staff, or a scepter, doing so will allow them access to their power much easier than without. Energies are born with gold specks within their iris.Healers, those born during the spring equinox, specialize in healing magic. The spells they use can heal wounds, replenish energy, and remove ailments. They also have an intricate knowledge of edible plant life and some minor knowledge in alchemy. While usually lacking in physical strength and offensive magic, they are far from helpless. Most learn a form of martial arts to help defend themselves. Healers are usually born with enhanced mental capabilities, such as enhanced memory and abnormally fast calculating capability. Healers are marked with an emerald green ring around their iris.Walls, those born on a winter solstice, specialize in defense magic. Their magic can only affect themselves. Their magic can make them nearly invulnerable for a short time or give them the ability to strike a foe with the force five times stronger than the combined force they themselves were attacked with during a set period of time. Like Blades, they can use any weapon, but usually just choose mastery of one. They are usually born with a high pain tolerance and a thicker build than other Occulted and Nonocculted. Walls are marked with a white ring around their pupils.Hinderers, those born during a lunar eclipse, specialize in damaging magic. Their magic can sabotage their foes. They can cause their foes to become more susceptible to physical and magic attacks. They are born with the ability to know their foes' weaknesses. At the very least they know two separate martial arts, however they usually know more. Their magic however doesn't cause direct damage to anything they use it upon. Hinderers are marked by silver specks within their iris.Synergies, those born on the fall equinox, specialize in support magic. Their magic can be cast onto others. It has a variety of spells. From raising physical attributes to completely nullifying elemental damage. Their magic even can enchant weapons with elemental properties. There are born with photographic memory, much more developed than a Healer's memory. Usually, they have an advanced skill in alchemy. They are born with an usual ability to spontaneously learn skills, techniques, or spells that they are attacked with. Synergies are marked with a red ring around their iris.Each type of Occulted have access to psychic abilities, however they can only use psychic abilities that compliment their type. Walls and Synergies could create telekinetic barriers while the others couldn't. A Hinderer could use telepathy to alter their foes perception while blades can only use it to witness their opponents next move. Healers could use telepathy to take the pain away from their charge. All Occulted grow in strength as their bodies and minds progress. In fact, if their bodies are underdeveloped, their power will be severely restricted. There are several neutral spells that every Occulted as the ability to learn, including spells that conjure weapons of nothing, but the closer it relates to their type, the easier it is learn and master.Shadow-Claimed are only made through natural forces. If a living person is involved, they won't become Shadow-Claimed. This includes Occulted as well as Nonocculted. If multiple elements are involved with the near death of an individual, they will gain the ability to use the element that cost the most damage. Shadow-Claimed are physically marked on their bodies of which element the possess, usually in the place the element came into contact with.There are rumors, or maybe they're legends, of an Occulted born with the abilities of all types and of an Occulted that became a Shadow-Claimed as well. While such an occurrence isn't impossible, it certainly is unlikely. When and if this occurs, the world won't have much longer left. These two individuals will be gifted with unique abilities, previously unknown by their brethren. While Shadow-Claimed and Occulted are both treated worse than nongifted individuals, Shadow-Claimed have it worse. Occulted are subjugated and prejudiced against, but Shadow-Claimed are viewed as demons and devils, and many religious individuals wish for them to be put to death. Shadow-Claimed are little more than slaves. Occulted are viewed as lower class citizens, but even so there are several laws to keep them 'controlled.'1. All Occulted must wear a badge symbolizing which type they are.2. Once their powers come in, all Occulted must register with the WOA: Worldwide Occulted Agency3. Once registered, all Occulted must take a mandatory one to eight year class to learn how to use their abilities safely4. No Occulted is to ever harm a nongifted by any means.5. Any Occulted doing so, will be imprisoned with little or no contact with anyone until further notice.6. Any orphaned Occulted will be given to the ruling family of the country they were in when found.Occulted are based of Valt's Tempori, however, as you read, there are many, many differences between the two. I have asked, just to make sure if I could write about this, and he gave me permission to do so.