Junctioner: Hylianis - Radiant Echoes (M)

So I'm finally getting around to posting this.

Here's some background on this story for you-

This is a story that has been in my head for quite a few years now- it wasn't really until high school that I actually sat down and wrote the first version of the story. Personal things happened, and I found myself unable to continue the first version. Two years later, I finally decide the pick up the story again. Things went smoothly, but ever like a chameleon, the idea took a different turn, and not to mention I didn't quite like how that version turned out. So I decided to go back and play OoT (with a dash of Brawl here and there for good measure), the main source of this epic plot in the making. And now we have the third version, which I have decided to bring out of the dark and share with everyone.

As for the story itself, this story is actually one of eight full stories that tie into an even bigger story. While that story ties more into Smash Bros, this arc of that bigger story deals more with Link and the Zelda mythos. Though the story itself actually takes place in our world in the near future, it will eventually draw in elements of OoT and MM into the story.

You may have read a story on FF.net simply titled "Radiant Echoes". This is actually that same story- the difference is due to past abuse with other users who had read either of the previous two drafts of the story, I felt it necessary to change names and places in it to avoid conflict (it has to do with the personal issues I previously mentioned, in case you're wondering). The version I am posting now is the original version of the story, with names and places left intact.

With that said, I hope you enjoy this story. Any constructive criticism is gladly appreciated. Please let me know also if you see any errors (typos, grammar, ect.) in this as well. While I try my best to proofread my work as much as possible, I am only human in the end.

Without further ado, here's the prologue.

Link and the Legend of Zelda is copyright Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto. All other characters, items, ect., belong to me.

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Prologue (Revised)

The San Francisco bay was always beautiful at night. I watched from above as cars raced across the Golden Gate bridge, blissfully unaware of the shadowy monsters lurking in the darkness. I stood on top of one of the bridge's pillars as my gaze turned to the bay below. As the light shimmered off the waters, memories surfaced in my mind- of swimming through the ocean in an alien body; of awakening in a form not my entirely my own. Most of all, of that fateful eve when everything changed.

It is often said that with great power comes great responsibility. The world is a cold and unforgiving place, where battles for power are fought and lost. In such a world as ours, you either possess power or you do not. It is a double-edged sword; though it may seem wondrous at first, it only comes at a price. Like seven others besides myself, I too am among its unfortunate recipients. Within my body flows the essence of an otherworldly Hero. There is no place that his energy does not reach; it touches every aspect of my being- my heart, my mind, my blood... even my soul. When I received this 'blessing', it too came at a terrible price- it cost me my humanity. Though my heart is still human, I only bear a vague resemblance to the person I once was.

Even before the Binding that twisted my soul, I have been struggling against other forces. At my birth, I inherited the family curse- the curse of mental powers. Oh, they were weak at first, but as I became older, the 'gift' became stronger. Power, however, becomes destructive when one cannot control it; it wasn't until I was further cursed with the powers of a Hero from another world that I truly began to understand that.

Every single day is a waking reminder of that force. As I pulled out a sword from the scabbard on my back, I gazed at my reflection and into a face I do and do not recognize. When that essence touched me, I became something more. No longer did I have just the weight of my own power crushing my spirit, but I now also had the weight of another's deeply entwined with my soul. I was like a phoenix; a being burned by its own power only to rise again once more.

I remembered the person I once was... the life I once lived. Some days I ask myself, "Where did everything go wrong? Why was I the one cursed with this power?" Yet the answer is so simple... it stemmed from a simple question. A question I was asked by the Goddesses of Hyrule themselves. Oh, how could I forget? My meeting with them was forever engrained into my memory, just as the Hero's power was engrained into my flesh.

As the moon rose higher in the sky, I closed my eyes... and remembered.

---


I was screaming.

All around me was darkness spanning as far as the eye could see. The only thing I could feel around me was the wind gusting from below as I fell deeper into the void. How I had gotten here, I didn't know. It was empty and bottomless, with no definite beginning or end. In the back of my mind, I had hoped that this was just some terrible nightmare, and that I would wake up within a few moments.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, I landed with a thud on something solid. Whatever it was, I couldn't see; it was as like standing on thin air. Staggering to my feet, I tried to regain my bearings. My gaze shifted around the void in hopes of finding something else there. All that met my sight was the empty darkness.

"Where am I?" I said to myself, "What is this place?"

A sudden gust of wind picked up around me. As my hair whipped around my face in the wind, I heard voices call my name. Three golden lights appeared around me in a triangular formation. I winced and shielded my eyes from the light. Amidst the light I could vaguely make out human shapes. It wasn't long before I began to hear ethereal voices speaking in alien tongues.

"Wha... ?" I muttered. The voices continued to speak. As they continued to whisper, I could vaguely make out my name among their chatter. I took a step back, wary and unsure of what to make of this.

"Who's there?" I asked, unassured by these circumstances. More faint murmurs and whispers filled the air. I took a step back.

"You who have been blessed by the light," three powerful female voices said in English, "You must choose...."

"Choose what?" I asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Will you live? Or will you die?"

I felt completely taken aback by their questions. What kind of a question was that? Was this some sort of joke?

"This is no game, mortal," I heard them say, "The fate of your world hangs upon this very decision."

"What do you mean?"

One of the figures- a tall being with a red tinted aura- lifted her hands up into the air. Above us, an image appeared. Visions of shadows unlike any I had seen before raged and snarled above us. Stars, suns, and entire planets became blackened husks of their former selves. Shortly afterwards, images of deformed and grotesquely misshapen monstrosities flashed before my eyes.

"A shadow now hangs over your world. Soon, it will arrive, carrying its taint with it. If left unchecked, your world will be consumed by their darkness, like countless others before yours."

"What are you saying? Are these... 'demons' going to destroy the earth?"

"Your decision will decide that, mortal."

I looked at them with confusion and fright as I listened on.

"There is but one force that can withstand the darkness- the Light of the Soul-Gatherer, Aetherus...."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"You are one of the few souls of your world that possesses the Soul-Gatherer's light."

My eyes widened. Me? Possessing a 'light'? What the hell were they talking about?

Just as the very thought crossed my mind, I felt something knock the wind out of me. As I fell onto the "floor", I saw an eerie light surround my arm. I felt as thought something was choking the very life out of me. I began to panic.

What was going on? What were they doing to me?

"Stop...," I said between gasps of air, "Please... stop...."

As soon as I had said that, the light surrounding me faded. I collapsed onto the floor, catching my breath and shaking with fear. In my mind's eye, I saw a comet blazing through the skies. I could see the eerie light that flared around it, glowing radiantly like a sun in the darkness of space. As I thought about it a little more, I realized that the light that surrounded the comet... and the light that snaked out of my body were very similar. Were they ...one and the same? I cringed at the thought.

If I possessed such a light... what did that make me? Was I... even human?

"Though you possess this light, your soul remains that of a human, mortal. While the light of Aetherus protects its host, alone it cannot defeat the darkness that encroaches upon your world. Only by combining your strength with that of our Chosen can you hope to drive it back from whence it came."

I rubbed my temples in frustration. Their "Chosen"? What the hell were they babbling about now? I was getting just about tired of their riddles; the more questions I asked, the more confused and frustrated I became.

"...What do you want from me? Why did you bring me here? Why do you keep telling me these things? I don't understand any of this at all!"

I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted this nightmare to end.

"You can either live in the Light, or die in the Darkness. Which do you chose?"

"What...."

"Become a vessel for our Chosen's light. Combine your strength to conquer the darkness. Or be devoured by the shadows of nothingness with the rest of your people. We ask you again, which do you choose?"

"Are you going to kill me? What gives you the right to judge me like this? Just who are you people?"

"It is not our desire to end your life, mortal, but there is little time. Make your choice now... or we shall make it for you."

I was so terrified at this point. I got up onto my knees and closed my eyes. Was this where I was going to die? On trial for things I have no knowledge of? Moments of my life flashed before my eyes. I remembered my grandmother's warm yet enigmatic smile, eager to share her knowledge with her posterity. I remembered my parents, their smiles equally warm and full of love. I also remembered my friends, their smiling faces eager to greet me- but I also remembered other things. My parents, laying near lifeless on a hospital bed, machines their only lifeline. Planks of wood breaking apart before caving in. Items around my house moving without my knowledge.

Yes... that's right. I possessed a power. How could I forget? It was an ability I could not control... an ability I wanted to be rid of. My lack of control over it was what put them in that bed. I am the reason they were in a coma. For this reason, I wasn't sure if I deserved to live.

There was a part of me, though, that disagreed with that voice. A part of me that wanted to make up for the wrongdoings I had caused. I wanted to be redeemed. There were so many things I had yet to do, and so many things that still needed to be done. If I died....

In that instant, I made my decision. I finally broke the eerie silence that had built up.

"I... I don't want to die," I said, "I want to live!"

The light around the three figures faded, and I could see three golden women with auras tinted red, blue and green smiling at me.

"Then we shall honor your Courage, mortal."

The red and blue figures approached me from behind, and held my arms. Confused, I struggled against their grip in vain. Whatever they were... they were insanely strong. I looked on as the green figure materialized a gentle white light in her hands. In it, I could see swirls of the same eerie light I saw stream from my body moments before.

"We shall grant you our Chosen's power, o fledgling Aeon."

Aeon? What the hell where they-

Before I could think about anything else, she held up the ball of light in her left hand and thrust it and her hand into my chest. Pain unlike anything I had ever felt before surged through my body. Thoughts, feelings and visions that were not my own invaded my mind and body. As I tried to shut them out, I caught a glimpse of what seemed to be countless souls swirling around an alien tree, eager to be released. Unable to think, I surrendered to the darkness that engulfed my senses once more.

Here is the next chapter. I am still working on the next one, I should be done with it soon.
----
Chapter I (Revised)


As I slipped deeper into darkness, a vision came to me. I watched with eerie clarity as a lone traveler walked through the forest. From above this forest, I could vaguely make out what appeared to be ancient Japanese castles scattered across the moonlit horizon. Between them were dense forests, as well as small settlements at the edges of these woods. As the vision shifted and twisted itself, I could only ask myself one question-

Was this a vision of ancient times? Or something else entirely?

Above me, I could now make out bright lights as disembodied voices spoke in quiet whispers-

"...she alright?"

"...collapsed... deck... just like... others...."

Before I heard anything more, the vision took hold of my consciousness once more. This time, I could see the traveler more closely. It was a young woman, appearing to be in her early twenties. Underneath a black traveler's cloak, I could make out what appeared to be a white kimono as well as a crimson pair of dress-like hakama pants, which was fastened to her waist by a matching obi belt. Black hair trailed down from under her hood while determined eyes peered down the road in front of her. Gazing at her, I could only ask more questions.

Was she some sort of travelling shrine maiden? If she was, was she headed towards another shrine in the area, perhaps?

I could hear the furious pounding of her footsteps as birds chirped and squawked in a maddening cacophony. That was, until they suddenly stopped. As quickly as the silence had come, the woman stopped in her tracks. She looked around, eyeing all movement around her. The woman clenched her left hand tightly.

"I know you are there, demons. Come out and play."

That was when I heard the sound of something screeching. A strong wind whirled around the woman, as those same screeches from before resounded once more. At the very corners of my vision, I saw crow-like birds flying through the air toward the woman. When I looked at them more closely, I could see that they were not crows at all, but grotesque, misshapen creatures that only vaguely resembled crows.

Their beaks were sharp, akin to a pair of hooked scissor blades sitting on top of one another. Fresh blood oozed out of their "beaks", and onto equally sharp-edged feathers. These "feathers" seemed to tear through their blackened skin like spears through flesh before fanning outwards. Their talons were equally sharp and deadly, more akin to that of an eagle or other bird of prey than actual crows. As they flew around the woman, they gazed at her with glowing crimson eyes, as if eying her as potential prey.

"You who travel through our lands, corrupting everything you touch... I shall tolerate it no longer!"

Out of nowhere, a sword unlike any I had ever seen before materialized in her hand. Before I could see anything more, the vision began to blur. As I fell into darkness once more, I could hear the woman's war cry-

"In the name of the Gods, I shall banish you from this world!"

---

Unbearably bright light assaulted my eyes as I came to. I felt disconnected, like I wasn't totally there. As I began to open my eyes, the brightness became overwhelming. I tried to lift my arms to shield my eyes from the light, but they felt like nothing more than dead weights anchored at my sides. As I continued to struggle to regain movement, I watched with blurred vision as a figure approached me out of the corner of my eye.

"She's coming to...," I heard a voice whisper, "Doctor Marshall! She's awake!"

As I listened to the sound of footsteps, I found myself struggling to regain focus as well. It was like waking up from a deep sleep. That was until a shadow loomed over where I laid.

"...Miss? Miss!" When everything came back into focus, I could see a doctor leaning over me.

"Ah, you're awake," the doctor said, "How are you feeling?"

I turned my head towards him as I felt my paralysis fade. I felt strange... it was like something was different, yet I could not put my finger on what. Instead I turned my focus on my surroundings.

The walls of the room were starch white, save for a small pair of round windows to my left. Across the room in front of me were counters and cabinets of the same color as the walls, with bits of paint chipped off here and there. A strong chemical odor, like disinfecting cleansers, filled the air; it was so overwhelming that it nearly made my eyes water. The counters looked rough and aged; bits and pieces of the countertop were either peeling away or permanently stained various colors by spills made by other unfortunate visitors to this place.

"...W-where am I?"

"In sick bay, miss. I was beginning to get worried; had you remained unconscious for much longer, we would have feared for the worst...."

I sat up and rubbed my temples as I blinked at him.

"What happened? How... how did I get here?" The doctor frowned.

"We were hoping you could tell us," he replied, "Tell me, do you remember anything that happened before you lost consciousness? Anything at all?"

I furrowed my brow, trying to remember anything at all. As images of that night filled my mind, I could feel my headache begin to worsen.

"My head hurts...."

As I said that, the doctor thumbed through the cupboards. I looked at him more closely. He had a dark complexion, as well as dark hair rivaling my own. If I was ignorant, I suppose would have figured him to be from India or somewhere out in the Middle East. After a moment, though, I decided to look away. I could hear the sound of a kitchen sink running, followed by something being filled with water. Not long afterward the sound of running water ceased and he returned with two white pills and a paper cup full of water. I nodded at him, sensing his gesture of kindness as I swallowed the medicine gratefully.

"I remember standing out on the deck," I began as the memories of the evening fully surfaced, "I was out getting a breath of fresh air when I saw the comet trail through the sky. After that, I don't remember much...."

The visages of the trinity of figures flashed in my mind, though I questioned the validity of those events. The doctor returned an expression of puzzlement.

"That is strange... tell me, do you have any sort of history of blacking out like that?" he asked.

It was my turn to offer a confused look.

"Not at all...."

"Strange indeed...."

I sat on the hospital bed, sitting through examination after examinaion. When he was through, he could only continue to give off a puzzled look.

"You appear to be in perfect health, miss-"

"Donovan," I said, "Mireiyu Donovan."

He offered an apologetic gaze.

"Yes. Forgive my manners, Miss Donovan. Now, as I was saying...."

As he continued to talk, I noticed a pile of clipboards on the counter. From where I sat, I read the information on the clipboards. They had names of people on them, along with notes regarding them. Most of the people on that list had notes about being comatose next to them...that was, until I saw my name crossed out on that list. As I tried to piece together all of this information, it finally dawned on me. This was a list of people who collapsed last night...and they had somehow fallen into a coma. As I watched the nurse behind him remove those clipboards from the room, the words of the trinity echoed in my mind....

There is but one force that can withstand the darkness- the Light of the Soul-Gatherer, Aetherus....

They called it a Soul-Gatherer... if that is true, then did the comet somehow... steal their souls? If it did, then why am I the only one left untouched by it? Just what was happening?

Oh god no, I thought. As my expression became one of worry, the doctor interrupted my gaze at where the clipboards were.

"Is there something wrong, Miss Donovan?" he asked.

I snapped out of my reverie and looked back at him.

"No, I'm fine." He smiled.

"Well, you are free to go. If you are ever not feeling well, please come back to see me."

I returned a sad smile and made my way out of sick bay. As I made my way down the halls towards the deck outside, I noticed something on my left hand.

In the dim light, I could make out the mark of three triangles seemingly burned onto my hand.

Here's chapter two for you. Please be aware that Japanese is not my native language, so if anyone feels I used a term incorrectly or should've used something else, please let me know so I can go fix it. General feedback is always appreciated as well.

---

Chapter II

To be honest, it was a rather nice day outside. The sea breeze felt soothing as it played with my hair in the afternoon sun. Sunlight glistened on the endless expanse of ocean below, while people relaxed on the deck. Children laughed and played with one another, while their guardians watched on with smiles on their faces. This jubilance seemed to infect everyone on board the ship. As I made my way across the starboard side and to my cabin, I spied people tanning themselves on beach chairs and children playing tag with each other.

For all intents and purposes, the Aurora Night was a huge ship. At least several times a year, it would carry thousands of passengers across the Pacific to their destination. This trip was no different in that regard; granted, I as well as another was on a return trip to San Francisco, and even now, the ship remained packed to capacity. This was one of the few cruise ships today that still operated in the Pacific; in all of my travels on board, we would often make stops in places such as Hawaii, Japan, China, South Korea, and various other islands and nations within the Pacific Rim.

So,*why didn't I just fly? Well... I wasn't a fan of flying. The last time I tried flying to Tokyo, I had a near fatal asthma attack brought on by my claustrophobia. The plane didn't even get off the ground before I had to be rushed to the emergency room. It wasn't exactly what I would call a pleasant experience.

I wasn't a fan of boats, either, but the company at least is much better. Not to mention summer time was the only time I could spend with my relatives in Japan. To be honest, I used to take my visits there for granted. This year was different. This year... I sought my grandmother's assistance regarding a secret almost never spoken of in the family...

---

"Concentrate."

I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to focus. In my mind's eye, I envisioned the cinderblock in front of me beginning to levitate off the dusty floor. I held out my hand, trying to maintain some measure of control. As I heard the sound of concrete scraping against concrete, I became fearful and apprehensive. I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

"Yes, that's right."

"Obaasan...."

I struggled to maintain my concentration. My head began to pound as I began to feel beads of sweat trickle down my face.

"You are doing well, Mireiyu-chan. Now... open your eyes."

I slowly did as I was told, and looked on in shock at the cinderblock. It hovered roughly a foot in the air above her garage floor.

"Don't stop. I want you to keep holding there." My head felt like it was about to explode. I didn't know how much longer I could maintain this as I felt my concentration beginning to waver. I watched as the cinderblock began to dip and waver toward the floor in response.

"Obaasan... I can't... hold it much longer...."

"Keep holding it...."

"It hurts...."

Unable to ignore my growing migraine any longer, I held my head in my hands and heard the sound of the cinderblock come crashing down onto the pavement. I collapsed onto my knees as I was overcome with exhaustion. My grandmother patted me on the shoulder. I nearly cried at that moment.

"You did well, Mireiyu-chan. I am quite impressed with your effort."

"I did not do well," I said angrily, "I couldn't even maintain it for very long!"

"Do not berate yourself. Not even our ancestors could completely control their portion of the gift at first."

"Obaasan... you don't understand. I need to learn how to control this power! I have to learn... I...."

I found myself unable to speak as a tide of emotion swept over me. I felt terrified of this power. Truly, I did not want to have a repeat of the unfortunate events that lead to my parents being comatose. There were only two options- either attempt to learn how to control it... or find a way to rid myself of it.

"Mireiyu-chan, you cannot expect to master anything in a single night. Even a kitten must first learn to crawl before it can become a deadly hunter."

"Obaasan...."

"You cannot hope to maintain any sort of control when you let your emotions rule you like this. I understand that you are afraid of this power; I also understand what you are trying to do. It is never easy to confront something so painful. For that, I believe your heart is in the right place..."

At this point, I didn't know what to say. She was right. She was totally right. I absorbed everything she said with a mind numbing clarity. At that moment, I finally took the blinders of emotion off and saw this situation for the ridiculous scene it was.

"You are right, Obaasan," I began, "I am forgetting myself...."

"The power you possess is a dangerous one. Master yourself and you will master your power."

She helped me up off the ground.

"Let's stop here for the now. We will continue again later." I felt a smile creep up onto my face as I wiped the tears away and made my way out of the garage.

---

I opened the door to my cabin as the memory of that visit remained fresh on my mind. Out of everything she taught me in regards to my "gift", that had to be the most important lesson she imparted to me. In the summer that I had spend with my family in Osaka, I attempted to practice that same level of self-control that she had advertised as much as possible.

My concerns, however, remained.

As I walked closer to my bed, I began to feel dizzy. That strange feeling I had been experiencing since my awakening in sick bay gripped me with such force that I nearly collapsed onto the floor. At that moment, I caught a small glimpse of what it was. It was power unlike anything I had ever felt before. It was barely noticeable, but seemed to become ever so slightly stronger. I could feel it in every part of my body- in my heart, in my arms, my legs...my soul. I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to drown out the alien sensations flowing within me.

Moments later, the episode ended. That strange power receded from all awareness as I collapsed onto my knees. I felt drained and weakened as sweat dripped down my face. The enigmatic sensation became as it was- an eerie resonance that continued to pulsate endlessly. Regaining my footing I glanced up at the mirror to my left.

Long black hair trailed down my back as green eyes stared ever fearfully back at me. My green tank top, drenched in sweat, clung to my lightly tanned skin. I watched as stray droplets of sweat trailed down my flat nose. As I continued to look back at my reflection, only one thought crossed my mind.

What was happening to me?

Ooh - intriging!

Keep going!

I most certainly shall.

Things are going to start getting very interesting very soon, so keep reading!

Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.

Chapter III

"Mireiyu, are you okay?"

I turned around to see my traveling companion gazing at me from the door to our cabin. He was a tall African-American around my age. His frizzy black hair was styled into a small afro that made him look like a watered-down version of a 1960's pop singer. If it weren't for the navy blue business suit he wore, I probably would have thought he was one of the Village People. However, he was a good friend of the family, despite his overprotective ways. Dark eyes gazed back at me with an expression of concern.

"Beano!" I replied, "You startled me!"

"Sorry about that. Did something happen? You look like you've been to hell and back."

I smiled at him. It might as well have been hell. The image of the three golden figures creeped up into my mind like a cockroach that just wouldn't go away.

"I'm fine now, thank you," I replied.

As he set his things down on his bed, I decided that it was time for a change of conversation.

"So what happened to you? Were you out auditioning for the YMCA again?" He laughed.

"Not quite. Actually, I just came back from sick bay, trying to find you. Your grandpa is worried sick about you!" I sighed. So much for a change of conversation. Honestly, it didn't surprise me to hear that my grandfather in the States had caught wind of my "accident"....

"Did he call you, Beano?" I asked.

"Oh, he called me alright. He gave me an earful- kept on going on about how I should be keeping a better eye on you, that it was my fault you collapsed, blah blah blah...." I frowned.

"I'm sorry...."

To be honest, I loved my family. I know that he was simply trying to look out for me, but I resented the need to be watched all the time. He was probably paranoid that I was going to get together with some guy or run into some kidnapper on the boat or something. I'm seventeen, not twelve for crying out loud...

"Eh, it's not your fault, Mireiyu. You were just outside sightseeing, yes?"

"...Something like that."

"I think he was just being paranoid about your asthma. Just be more careful next time, okay?"

"I was just outside getting some fresh air...."

"Your grandpa wanted me to come along to keep an eye on you. You're the only family he's got, you know...." I sighed.

Thanks for reminding me why you're here....

"I know... but...."

"But?"

"Nothing. Forget it... I'm sorry you got yelled at...."

"Mireiyu, there's no need to get upset. Look, I have a great idea, why don't we- hey, is that a Triforce on your hand? I didn't know you were into Zelda!"

"I'm not...," I replied while eyeing my hand indignantly, "I don't play video games."

"Then why is that on your hand?"

"That's what I'd like to know."

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?"

"I'm fine. Really."

I flopped down onto my bed, uninterested in carrying this conversation any further. Glancing outside I noticed that the sun was beginning to set. I began to feel tired; perhaps it was the bed.

"Want to do something later?"

Or Beano asking questions incessantly.

"No."

"'Kay. Ricky invited us to dinner, but if you're too tired to come...."

"...You know he's going to drag us back to his cabin," I began, "With that annoying, obnoxious, idiotic brat of his...."

"He's not that bad. He's just... well...." I flashed a tired grin.

"You don't seem to sure about that."

"Whatever. He's not that bad."

"Hmph."

I turned over.

"Alrighty. Well, I was going to give you a present, but if you're going to be a sourpuss all night...."

"Wait, what?" I asked, dumbfounded. From out of his bag, he pulled out a small Domo backpack. Like a fangirl seeking a collector's item, I eyed it greedily. I mean, it's Domo- who wouldn't want a backpack in the shape of a little brown fuzzy thing with large pointy teeth?

"I'll just have to keep this cute, fuzzy bag all to myself. What a shame...."

I clenched my fist in frustration.

"Fine," I relented, "Only if we make our stay short. Their kid is insufferable!"

"Sure. But you won't get the bag until after we get back."

---

The dining hall of the ship was always a rather hectic place to be at around this time. Maybe it was because of the flood of other people who wanted to get seating before everyone else. Honestly, looking at the crowd of people around us as we made our way through the dining hall, I wouldn't have been surprised if that were the reason. The walls around us were red and gold, while golden lights hung over each booth that we passed by. The rich aroma of exotic foods filled my nostrils as the sounds of mass people talking filled the air. I reeled behind Beano as we made our way across the sea of filled-up tables.

I didn't like being around a ton of people. It made me feel... claustrophobic. I felt my chest begin to tighten as we made our way to a couple sitting at a table at the very back of the dining hall.

"It's about time! Any second longer and we might have lost our table!" Said the blond-haired gentleman known as Ricky.

His gray-blue eyes peered at us impatiently as we all sat down at the table. He was wearing a black business suit that was nearly identical to Beano's. A small pair of glasses rested on his nose, reflecting the bright light that illuminated our table.

"Sorry about that, Ricky. We weren't sure if you had already found us a table or not," Beano said.

"It's alright. I am rather surprised to see that Mireiyu was feeling well enough to come," Said Ricky's girlfriend, Samantha.

She had long red hair, with piercing emerald colored eyes. She dressed in a luxuriant green dress, which stopped right above her knees. Golden earrings dangled on both of her ears, reflecting the light in much the same manner as Ricky's glasses. She smiled at me.

"And here is our little trooper," She continued, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I lied.

I really didn't want to be here. I wanted to get out of this hot, stuffy hall filled with people. As they sat and talked, I reached into my bag and shuffled around for my inhaler.

"You know, you're the talk of the ship, Mireiyu," Ricky said, "You were the only person out of the dozen or so that collapsed and didn't fall into a coma!"

"Yeah, I guess so...."

"How is it that you were the only survivor?" I'll be damned if I know....

"Just lucky, I guess...." I really needed my inhaler....

"Honey, please. The girl's been through enough. Let's just have a bite to eat and talk about that another day," Samantha interrupted, "Is that alright with you, Mireiyu? I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything...."

"That's fine...." As I grabbed my inhaler, I got up from my chair.

"Excuse me...." I muttered quietly as I darted away from the table in search of a restroom. I didn't like using my inhaler around other people, not to mention how uncomfortable I was feeling. There was another reason as well. That eerie feeling within me sprang up stronger than ever, like a hawk swooping in on its prey from above. Nearly tripping on my way to the restroom, I ran inside and hovered over a sink. As a suffocating feeling overcame me, I took a breath from my inhaler. The awful taste waded through my mouth and throat as I nearly doubled over again and gagged. I looked back up at the mirror.

Well, I was slightly better than I was earlier.

I was wearing a red, asian-styled long dress convered in cherry blossoms and lotus flowers. My hair was cropped up to one side and pinned there with a lotus-themed hairpins. That feeling, however, drowned out all concern for my appearance as I began to feel nauseated. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block it out once again. This time, though, it did not recede. Seconds felt like eternity as it began to manifest itself stronger than ever. That was when it happened.

In my mind's eye, I saw a young man. He wore what looked like a long, green sock-like cap on his head. Blond bangs hung over both sides of his face. Long, tapered ears graced the sides of his head. What looked to be a green dress and a white undergarment convered his torso. Leather gloves covered his hands and forearms while matching leather boots covered his feet up to just below his knees. Across his chest was a leather strap. Hanging from that strap on his back was what appeared to be a scabbard and a shield, with the hilt of a sword peeking out of the scabbard. His eyes remained closed, giving him a serene apperance.

That was, at least, until his face contorted into an expression of pain mixed with confusion. He began to mutter something; whatever it was, I didn't know. His language was nothing like any on Earth. As he continued to speak, I made a startling realization. His language was similar to the language those three golden figures spoke...or perhaps even the same; I wasn't entirely sure. I felt a burning sensation on my left hand. I looked at the back of my hand, and nearly screamed. The three triangles shimmered gold, with the lower right triangle glowing the brightest. As I turned my gaze away from my hand, I looked at his hand...and saw the same mark shimmering just as brightly.

"...Mireiyu?"

I found myself jarred back into reality and saw Samantha standing in front of me. I glanced around and saw that I was not in a void, but back in the restroom. Her gaze was one filled with worry as I felt both of her hands on my shoulders.

"Are you feeling alright? You look like you saw a ghost...."

I laughed nervously.

"No... I was just feeling sick is all. I'm alright now," I lied.

I wasn't fine. Things were starting to get weirder and weirder by the minute.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Totally."

"Okay...."

She and I walked back to our table, and together with Ricky and Beano, we ate dinner.

Oh - cool! So she has the Triforce of Courage? This is so intriging! Awww, why'd you stop? I wanna read more, now! Keep going, it's so good!

I shall reveal nothing.

I would have written more, but alas, it was getting late, and I needed my sleep. That, and my hands can only type so fast!

Things will get even more interesting shortly. I shall have another chapter up in a couple of days.

Thanks again for reading and commenting!

A word of warning to you guys- due to recent employment issues, updates to this are going to be less frequent. I will try and keep this updated once a week at this point, but I cannot guarantee when I will update. Many apologies to my current readers.
---
Chapter IV

By the time dinner was over, it was already well into the evening. I stumbled into our cabin, my body eager to rest. As I sat down on my bed, Beano sat down across from me and began to speak.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Tired...," I mumbled.

I could tell that sleep wasn't very far away.

"You certainly look like it. You nearly fell over several times on the way here."

"Did I?"

"Yes... now, are you sure there isn't anything wrong?"

I sighed. I really wasn't in the mood to talk; I just wanted my sleep.

"Look... can't we talk about this tomorrow? I've had a rather rough day...."

"From what Samantha told me, you seem like you've been having a rough night, too. Why didn't you tell me you were having an asthma attack?"

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as my tired mind tried to think up some sort of excuse for him.

"I can already tell by your silence the reason why."

"Beano... it's not that! It's just...."

"It's just... what? Look, I care about you just as much as your Grandpa does! I look at you right now, and you look like you could fall to pieces. I've never seen you like this before...."

Now I was beginning to become upset.

"Beano... I don't think you really have any idea what kind of day- and night- I've been having."

"Really."

I vaguely nodded.

"Well, whenever you want to talk about it, I'm here. Oh... and I'm sorry about putting you up to dinner earlier...."

"No, it's okay... I was being rather grouchy then anyway...."

"I had no idea you'd been feeling sick, Mireiyu. You should've said something!"

"I wanted to," I replied, "But I can hardly understand... what's going on myself...."

"What do you mean?"

"I guess I've just been tired all day, Beano...."

"Alright. Well, get some rest, hun."

As he got up from his bed, he snapped his fingers as if realizing he had forgotten something.

"Oh, and here."
He reached into his bag and pulled out a small brown fuzzy Domo backpack.

"Here. A deal's a deal."

He handed it to me with a smile. I returned a tired smile of my own as I gratefully took the bag from him. With what little energy I had left, I walked over to the nearby bathroom, got into my pajamas, and gathered my dress as I walked back to my bed and crashed for the evening.

---

I awoke.

Instead of the comfort of a bed, I found myself standing knee deep in water covered by mist. The mist carried on for what seemed to be an eternity as gray skies loomed overhead. I found myself dressed not in my pajamas, but in the same clothes I had been wearing before dinner- a simple green tank top and a black mini skirt. I looked around in hopes I would find another soul in this strange place.

"Hello?" I called out.

My only answer was the resounding echo of my own voice. As I looked around, I could see a faint light in the distance. Perhaps another person was here? I ran toward the light, seeing no other option. As I came closer and closer to the light, I could also make out the shape of a cherry blossom tree. It wasn't long before I reached the tree. Catching my breath, I looked around the tree some more. All I saw was the tree... and the eerie light hovering above it. Running my hand over the rough bark I decided to make one last attempt to find another soul here.

"Hello?" I called out once more, "Is anyone here?"

That was when I heard a faint sound, which seemed to get louder and louder until I could clearly make out a male voice.

"Arameda...," The voice said.

I felt a chill down my spine as I tried to determine the direction of the voice. Looking around... I could find no one around me; it was as though the voice came from everywhere at once. There was another question that lingered at the edge of my thoughts then, too.

What did he mean by "Arameda"?

"Please... don't be afraid," The voice said, more clearly this time, "I won't hurt you."

Now I was very much freaked out.

"Who are you?!" I shouted, "Show your face!"

That was when I felt a presence manifest itself. Before I could react, I felt something grab me around my shoulders. Immediately, I struggled to remove myself from the grip of who- or what- was holding me from behind. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see it was a pair of gloved hands.

"Please don't run away," The voice said calmly, "I didn't mean to scare you."

I became more frantic.

"Let me go!" I shouted, "Please don't hurt me!"

I began to sob. That was when I felt the grip of the figure lessen itself. My knees buckled under me and I tumbled down to the waters below. As I felt and heard the water around me splash everywhere, I could hear soft footsteps walking towards me.

"It has been so long," The voice said, "Since I have seen another soul...."

As I got back up onto my knees, I laid my eyes on the figure for the first time. A strangled gasp escaped my lips.

It was the same elf-like man in green I saw from before.

---

A scream escaped my lips as I bolted forward. The sound of something crashing against the wall resounded as well. I got up to turn on the light, and saw the broken remains of my alarm clock on the ground. I covered my mouth as I realized what just happened.

"Mireiyu?"

I turned around to see Beano looking at me, "Are you okay? You looked you were having a nightmare...."

"Yeah... I... I think I'm alright now," I lied.

I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be 'alright' anymore. I grabbed my bathrobe and walked out of our cabin and down the halls to the outer deck of the ship. A whirlwind of emotion swept over me and I couldn't help but feel tears stream down my face.

Obaasan, I thought, I wish you were here....

Ooh - really good so far!

I understand that you're busy, and I'm sure so does everyone else, so don't feel bad.

Keep going - don't give up!

Chapter V

My hair flailed around me in the wind as I made my way to the deck of the Aurora Night. On the way, I could hear people talking; a couple of times, I heard my name mentioned in their conversations. I snorted in disgust as I carried on, doing my best to ignore the hearsay and gossip while I made my way through the cascade of white and blue walls and railings. I had too many things on my mind- too many questions without answers. As I reached my destination I learned on the guard railing and gazed out at the endless ocean beyond; an ocean I dared not gaze at for the past three weeks.

Now I remember why I came here to begin with. I removed the glove that I had recently begun to wear on my left hand. Staring down at the mark on my hand I couldn't help but feel a certain sense of loathing; in the recent days since these strange events began, I had begun to regard the mark as if it were some cursed stigmata. Yet I still wondered what it actually meant; every time I would walk around without my gloves on, I'd get pestered by random gamers asking me if I was a Zelda fan.

It would be a lie if I said that I had never heard of the games; I had family, both in Osaka and in the States that were utterly obsessed with them. I've even had friends on both sides of the world who stayed up until dawn just to get their pre-ordered copy of the latest edition. (I didn't exactly see the merit in doing this, but I also wasn't a gamer, much less a fanatical one.)

I wondered if perhaps there was some sort of item or symbol in the game that looked just like it...?

I buried my head in my hands, unable to believe that I had considered something like that. Zelda was a game- a child's plaything. It's fiction... and fantasy. This mark has nothing to do with anything in a video game, and neither do my visions of strange elves in green.

"Are you alright, miss?"

I turned around to see a young man standing behind me. He was tall- I'd say six feet tall or close to it, with brown hair and eyes. He wore a white t-shirt and some gray swim shorts. I returned him a startled look.

"I-I'm fine," I stammered.

He laughed.

"Did I scare you?"

I shook my head.

"No... just s-startled me...."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

I said nothing as I tried to look away. That was when I felt him try and grab my hand.

"Hey, what's that on your hand?" he asked.

"It's nothing," I replied tersely.

He seemed to utterly ignore my response as he continued to ask more questions.

"Hey, is that a Triforce on your hand? Are you a fan of the Zelda games or something?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't play video games."

"Really? I would've thought by that mark on your ha-"

"Look, whatever you thought, you thought wrong. Now, would you please go away? I'm really not in the mood to be bothered, sir...."

"Whoa, there's no need to be rude! I just asked you a question!"

I was beginning to get rather fed up at this point.

"Look, I don't know you. You don't know me. Now, let's just go our separate ways and pretend we never saw each other, okay?"

I started to walk away, but before I got very far, he stopped me again.

"Hey, wait a second... you're the girl that everyone is talking about!"

"What of it?"

"You're the talk of the ship, you know... everybody seems to think that you're responsible for what happened to the others."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, flabbergasted, "Look, whatever they told you is a lie. I have no idea what happened that night!"

"Oh, I think you do," He retorted, "Now, tell me what you did to them!"

"I did nothing to them! I have nothing to do with them, or what happened!"

"Liar! Whatever you did to them, undo it!"

"I didn't do anything to them! How many times do I have to say that to you?"

That was when he punched me. I fell onto the ground, now utterly terrified. I held my hand up to my face, and felt warm blood slowly running down my nose and face. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young woman and her friends rush over to us.

"Connor, stop! She didn't do anything to you! Just leave her alone!" She yelled at him.

"She put my mother in a coma... it's all her fault!" He retorted.

"Connor, nobody knows what happened! There's no way she could've done anything to them, let alone our mom!"

"Stay out of this, Jenny!"

He shoved her onto the ground. Everyone backed away, unsure of what he would do next. That was when he pulled me up with my left arm and screamed at me some more.

"My mom won't wake up because of you... it's your fault!"

"Please stop! Let me go!"

He slapped me across the face.

"I won't stop! Not until you undo what you did to my mother!" He yelled.

As I struggled to remove myself from his grip, I felt something awaken within me. That strange force that I had been feeling returned in full force, but this time, it was different. At the very core of this energy, I felt a consciousness awaken.

In my mind's eye, I could see the familiar face of the elven figure in green. For a brief moment, his eyes were closed, his face calm and serene. That was, until I saw his eyes open and his expression turn to one of anger. He let out a near-deafening cry before I found myself jarred back into reality. Strength not entirely my own flowed through my arms. I watched with horror as I twisted my attacker's arm against my will. I struggled to regain control of my body, yet it would not obey. My body now bent to the will of another, and I was reduced to little more than a mere passenger watching from within. I gazed on in horror as the mark on my hand shimmered gold before a powerful flame ignited from my hand. The smell of charred flesh filled the air as the man tore away his now burned arm from my grasp. I could see the elven figure in my mind, his face blank and expressionless. My face became a mirror of that same expression- an expression without any tangible thread of remorse.

As I felt the figure's presence fade, I heard him speak in my mind.

Forgive me, Arameda... it was the only way....

I felt control return to me. As I regained my senses, I gazed at his arm. His flesh was charred black, and he continued to cry out in agony. I felt my heart race as a sickening feeling exploded in the pit of my stomach. Though I could feel my chest begin to tighten, I could do nothing more but stare at the man. My expression mirrored the man's own expression of horror, while everyone looked on in shock and disbelief. All I could do was fall onto my knees and cry out in terror as security arrived at the scene.

---

"So you say he assaulted you?"

The doctor asked. I sighed as I conveyed my tale for the third time. I had spent roughly the past two hours being questioned by officer after officer regarding the incident. Eventually, they brought me to sick bay to have the doctors there treat my injuries. Even now as I sat on the familiar hospital bed, I held a white ice pack to my face.

"For the last time, yes!"

"Did you say anything to trigger this, Miss Donovan?"

"No! All I was trying to do was get away from the guy!"

The doctor paused briefly.

"You do realize that the young man you claim assaulted you has sustained third degree burns on his arm, right?" I remained silent. I wanted to run away and hide. There was no logical way of explaining what happened; what happened was impossible. There's no way that could've happened. Even now, I could feel that consciousness sitting there, waiting patiently.

"Do you think I'm making this **** up, too?"

"No, miss. But I would caution that you stay in your cabin for a while- at least until the matter is fully investigated."

"Fine. Am I free to go now?"

The doctor nodded.

"Be careful, miss."

As I made my way out of sick bay, I broke into a run. Upon reaching my cabin, I turned to lock the door. I was thankful that Beano wasn't there. I slid onto the floor as I let out quiet sobs. Only one question filled my thoughts-

What was happening to me?

alright, I've only read up to halfway thru chapter two, and I need sleep

but I wanted to provide criticism on a couple of things before I ran off. ...and I hope this little detail doesn't throw off a lot of your story...

Originally Posted by Veyrael

"Did something happen?" I asked. He sighed.

"I am not sure if I should be telling you this, but...you were not the only one who saw the comet and collapsed. Others saw it as well, but..."

"But?"

"Unlike you, they remain in a vegetative state; we have already had them flown to a hospital in Honolulu." My eyes widened.

So...others saw it, too?

if everyone that saw the comet except for her collapsed and remained in a vegetative state, how does anyone know anything more than the fact that a bunch of people collapsed mysteriously at the same time? - everyone that would be able to make that connection would be in a vegetative state too. maybe a handful of people saw that some of these people happened to be looking up at the sky right before they collapsed - but the odds of them making the connection that that's what caused them to collapse are slim. I read the first three lines of chapter V (the thread keeps popping up to that post whenever I open it in a new tab ><) and I don't see people talking about her like this. the doctor may suspect something's up, but wouldn't have any evidence. otherwise, the scuttlebutt would be about the people that collapsed, not "the girl that didn't collapse," (or did you mean the girl that woke up?) because they wouldn't necessarily make the connection that she should be in a vegetative state too.

...and the other thing:

Originally Posted by Veyrael

"It is not our desire to snuff out your life, mortal. But there is little time. Make your choice now...or we shall make it for you."

I don't know if you intend to explain what was so urgent about this or not (or rather, why exactly the goddesses hadn't attempted to do this sooner before this matter got so urgent.) and, well, you may have already explained it - I hadn't read that deep. but just in case, if you hadn't planned on explaining anything, you may think about something you can do to add a bit more backstory to explain this. right now as is, I feel like I've kinda been left hangin'. it's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you bring everything full circle at some point.

I hope that helps your writing, and I hope I didn't screw up your plan too much :X

As far as the prologue is concerned, that will be explained later on in the story. There is actually a lot of backstory to this that I haven't explained, but I really wanted to set the scene of the story with that prologue before I really delved into that. Most of what I've written here is mostly to set the scene for the arc after this one.

Thank you for pointing that out to me. I'm actually nearing the end of this arc of the story, so I will keep that issue you brought up in mind when I go through and do my editing on the story. That wasn't exactly something I had thought out when I started writing that chapter. In all honesty, that aspect of the story is a very minor one in the overall scheme I have in my mind.

Once again, thank you for your input, (I totally love it when people give me concrit like this, it really helps my writing!) and thank you for taking the time to read my twisted little tale. If you see any other glaring errors in the story, do let me know so that when I do my editing on this, I can go through and weed most of them out.

Do keep reading, though. There is a method to my madness here.

Wow, it just keeps getting better and better!

I don't think this is madness - I think this the work of a genius!

Keep going!

Originally Posted by Veyrael

As far as the prologue is concerned, that will be explained later on in the story. There is actually a lot of backstory to this that I haven't explained, but I really wanted to set the scene of the story with that prologue before I really delved into that. Most of what I've written here is mostly to set the scene for the arc after this one.

awesome. I just wanted to make sure - sooooooo many people do forget to tie up their loose ends.

I'll read on when I have more time ^_^ you're welcome! if anything, I should thank you - I enjoy stuff like this.

This chapter was really hard to write. Once again, if any of you see any glaring errors, do let me know so I can correct them. Without further ado, enjoy!

---

Chapter VI

For what seemed to be an eternity, I laid on my bed and enjoy the blissful silence. Beano had not returned to our cabin- for that, I was thankful; I was not entirely sure I could explain what just happened without having a nervous breakdown. I held my head in my lap as my hands remained tightly wrapped around my knees in a fetal position. My eyes were tightly closed, the events of the evening replaying themselves with startling clarity. As I sat there motionless, I couldn't help but feel a familiar fear creep into my thoughts.

This was just like what happened to my parents - all over again. And just when I was starting to get my "abilities" under control as well....

A loud knock on the door tore me from my thoughts. My eyes snapped open in surprise as a second knock resounded through the air. That was when I heard a familiar voice.

"Mireiyu?" The voice asked, "Is Mireiyu Donovan here?"

I continued to stare at the wall in front of me, too afraid to answer the door. While the voice on the other side held an urgency that I couldn't ignore, I couldn't will myself to go and confront the individual on the other side.

"I don't know if you're in there. The doctors in sick bay said you would be here. Look, I really need to talk to you... I understand that things have been rough for you the past few weeks. Ever since those people fell into a coma, everyone's been on edge- including my brother. Our mother was among the coma victims, Mireiyu...."

I could hear the person on the other side of our cabin door begin to sob; just listening to her speak was making me emotional as well.

"That comet... did something to those people. It did...something to our mom- and I... I know it did something... to you. I... I have to know... how... how did you... survive? Did it... have to do with...?"

The sobbing became louder as I heard a light thump on the wall nearby.

"Look... I'm not angry at you! I know I should be. I... I can't explain it. Please, Mireiyu... if you're there... I have to know... I...."

Her sobs became louder and louder as I heard something thump against the door.

"Please... I already lost my mother to a coma... don't take my brother away from me too... please...." Tears welled up in my eyes as a looming silence filled the air. Moments later I could hear footsteps walking away from my cabin door. As they became more and more distant, I opened my eyes.

I had so many unanswered questions that I desperately needed answers for. What was happening to me? What is this power I feel inside of me? Who -or what- was that presence that took over my body during that accident? And why... is it that I possess them? Why am I the only one who awoke from a coma? That was when I recalled the three golden figures from that vision.

They said... they said I possessed a "light"....

"You are one of the few souls of your world that possesses the Soul-Gatherer's light. Though you possess this light, your soul remains that of a human, mortal. While the light of Aetherus protects its host, alone it cannot defeat the darkness that encroaches upon your world."

At the very hinge of that thought, another revelation came to me-

"Become a vessel for our Chosen's light. Combine your strength to conquer the darkness. Or be devoured by the shadows of nothingness with the rest of your people...."

"We shall grant you our Chosen's power, o fledgling Aeon."

That ball of light... that ball of light that they shoved into my body... was that....

Was that someone's soul? If it is... am I being... possessed by something? Is that spirit taking over my body?

No, I thought, Dear God no! I don't want to become a slave to another will! This is my life, and I want to live it as I choose!

At the very hinge of that thought, a glint of inspiration came to me. Grandpa... he can read auras. I think he's even performed Shinto rituals to cleanse people of evil spirits. Maybe... maybe he can help me! He might be able to figure something out!

For the first time in weeks, I smiled. There was some light at the end of this dark tunnel. Perhaps there was some way to rid myself of this thing after all.

...But would I be able to survive until we reached San Francisco? As powerful as this thing is... would I be able to fight it if it tried to take control?

A grim sense of determination came over me as I sat up on my bed for the first time in hours. I've made my share of mistakes- what happened earlier today would be my last. For the sake of my family, as well as my sanity, I would not let this thing win. I will do whatever it takes to control this thing.

For you, Okaasan... and you, Otousan.

---

I awoke.


Pain as I had never experienced before seered through my body. I could barely breathe as I felt every single part of my body erupt in pain. Collapsing on the floor, I struggled to regain my footing amidst the agony. A scream escaped my lips as I frantically began to search for Beano. He wasn't sleeping in his bed! Where was he? The air in the room became thick and suffocating as I continued to frantically search for Beano. Amidst the pain, I began to feel nauseated.

Desperate, I quickly threw on my bathrobe, ran out of our cabin, through the halls, and out onto the outer deck. As I hung over the railing, I looked out at the horizon. Everything was surrounded by a thick mist; beyond the full moon in the sky, I could see little else outside. A blanket of cold hung in the air, seeming to want to suck the warmth out of everything around me. I held my arms around my body tightly as another wave of pain shot through my body.

I felt as though my body was being torn apart from within. As I struggled to continue to breathe, I could feel that terrible force that I had come to fear manifest itself in ravaging torrents of energy. With every heartbeat, it grew stronger. I squeezed my eyes shut in an attempt to block out these alien feelings.

Dear God, what is this? I thought amidst the pain. In my mind's eye, formless shadows raced through the floors of the Aurora Night. They slid through the walls, corrupting and blackening everything they came into contact with. As I watched them approach a sleeping child in a bed, a voice tore me from my trance.

"Mireiyu?"

I recognized that voice....


"B-Beano?" I asked, seething at the next wave of pain running through my body.

That was when I felt it.

An eerie light streamed out of my body, snaking its way around my torso. It wrapped around me, until all that was left was a fiery, enigmatic aura. I heard Beano's foosteps sound louder and louder with each step he took towards me. I heard something else as well- an inhuman growl. From within me, I could feel something pulling at my consciousness. Another wave of pain rushed through my body.

"No, Beano! Get away!" I screamed admist the pain.

The world around me faded away. Instead of the misty deck of the Aurora Night, I was greeted with the sight of the cherry blossom tree once more. Like the deck of the Aurora Night, it too was covered in a thick fog. The knee deep water was icy cold, and it made my body shiver. I felt something looming behind me. I turned around, and was greeted with the sight of the elf in green. His blue eyes gazed at me grimly, while his expression was one of sadness.

"They are here, Arameda...."

"Who-"

"The shadow that consumes worlds. You are in danger here." My eyes widened as I recalled what the three figures said.

"A shadow now hangs over your world. Soon, it will arrive, carrying its taint with it. If left unchecked, your world will be consumed by their darkness, like countless others before yours."

"No...."

He approached me, his expression unchanging.

"You are not yet ready for this, Arameda."

I looked at him with confusion and fear.

"What are you-"

"Forgive me... for what I am about to do...." He raised his hand up as the mark of the three triangles shimmered gold on his hand. I began to lose focus. Everything around me faded into black as my body exploded in agony. As I slipped away, I could hear his voice speak to me more....

"When you awaken... I will explain everything...."

---

Thus ends this arc of the story.

I have a question for my readers out there- Would you rather I simply jump to the next arc of the story, or would you prefer it if I wrote an intermission chapter in third person?

Let me know in your comments what you think!

I think you should leave it in first person and continue. Doing an intermission might dissapoint other readers, because certain people like to just jump into the story.

It's your choice, but I think you should go right into the plot! Keep going; amazing job, V!

And now we begin Arc II of Junctioner. Let me just say that things are going to get quite fishy for a bit. Literally. >:3

Without futher adieu...

---

Chapter VII

I was drowning.

Alien energy ravaged my body, leaving me powerless. There was no place that it did not touch; it was in my arms, my legs, my heart... my blood. It felt as though this power was tearing my body apart from within. Yet it also held me in thrall. This power was an ancient power- primordial and vast. It was pure, formless energy, beckoning to be used. At the very center of this power was another will. It was this will that commanded my body in my place as its very power threatened to consume me. I could hear a voice calling to me from the darkness, trying to break the hold this boundless power had over me.

As I slipped deeper and deeper into nothingness, images flashed through my mind.

A monster attacking Beano and I. My body impaling the creature on a sword. People running in panic, screaming in utter terror. Demons prowling the boat, blackening everything they came across. People becoming blackened husks of their former selves. People falling into the corruption the monsters represented. The light within my soul seeking their shadow. Monsters screaming as their shadow became purified by light... and the most startling sight of all.

The Aurora Night burning in the twilight.

Distantly, I felt the sensation of pain and coldness as I heard the sound of something crashing into the water. At the very edge of my awareness was the elf-like figure in green. He swam through the torrent of energy toward me.

"Arameda!" He yelled at me.

Before I could react, he seized my arm, and pulled me with him towards a light. As the light consumed all awareness, I heard him speak once more.

"This is not where it ends, Arameda. We will not die here- not while I still possess my Courage!"

---

At the very edges of my awareness, I felt something pull at my mind. My mind felt hazy and disconnected, as though I were not entirely there. Flickering at the edges of my vision was a strange fish-like creature, vaguely humanoid in appearance. Before I could really get a good look at him, though, physical sensation returned to my body. The sound of crashing waves and seagulls grew louder as I came to. Water splashed up against my body as I tried to lift myself up from the sandy beach. Above me, the sun blazed in the sky, much as it had always done before the eve of that fateful night. I slowly got back onto my feet, groaning as I did so. That was when I noticed where I was.

I was standing on the shores of a small tropical island. Palm trees dotted the beach, their leaves swaying in the ocean breeze. As I looked around, I noticed a formation of what looked like boulders in the distance. Long grass grew everywhere, save on the beach itself, which was comprised of fine white sand. A sense of dread filled my heart as I frantically looked around the beach.

Wha..., I thought to myself, Where am I? What's happened to everyone?

My heart sank even as I found no other survivors on the shore of this island. I backed away from the shore, unable to maintain my composure any longer. I wrapped my arms around my shoulders. But just as my fingers made contact with my skin, I jerked them away.

My skin felt strange. It was moist and scaly, like that of a fish. I gazed down at my fingers, only to see that they were covered in scales as well. Leather gauntlets covered my arms up to my forearms. I recoiled in shock at what I saw next.

"No...," I muttered out loud, staring at the blade-like fins jutting out of my forearms.

My hands raced to my throat, and I felt a leathery choker-like collar around my neck. My voice sounded aquatic, as if there were water stuck inside my throat. I coughed in an attempt to rid myself of any water that might have caused it, but to no avail; it sounded just as watery as it did when I first spoke. The moment my fingers ran themselves over my face, I let out a blood hurdling scream.

"What is this?" I screamed as I felt my new beak-like nose, "What's happened to me?"

The more I gazed at my body, the more horrified I became. Just what have I become? That was when I heard a laugh. From the deepest recesses of my thoughts, an equally aquatic sounding laugh tore me from my panicked thoughts before speaking.

What's the matter, Arameda? Never seen a Zora before?

"Wha...," I said, stupified.

I looked around for the source of the voice's owner, but found no one. That laugh sounded again. I was beginning to get angry. First, I wake up on a deserted island out in the middle of nowhere. Then I find out that I've somehow been turned into a deformed fish creature. And now I'm hearing voices.

This had to be the worst day of my life.

Now, now, the voice chastised, I'm fairly certain all of my Zora friends would be quite offended at you calling them "deformed fish creatures".

Now I was really mad.

"Who are you?" I yelled, "Where are you hiding?"

That was when I found myself standing not on a beach, but in that hazy place under the cherry blossom tree. I looked at my hands, noticing they were normal human hands once more. But leaning against the tree was a fish-like creature similar to my appearance moments before. He gazed at me with glossy black eyes as a smile played on his lips.

"Come now. There's no need to get upset with me-"

"Upset?!" I yelled, absolutely livid, "You turned me into a freak of nature, you... fish!" He laughed again.

"I know you're upset about this, but I really had no choice in the matter here. Had I not donned my Zora Mask, we would have died in the ocean a long time ago."

"...What are you saying? I don't understand at all!"

He shook his head.

"I did promise I would explain everything," He said, motioning with his left hand, "Have a seat. You're going to be here for a while."

Still loving it!

Can't wait for the next chapter!

Chapter I has been revised.

For those of who have read the previous version, please go ahead and take a peek at it. Shaelyn, this should definitely take care of any issues that might have been remaining with that chapter.