Author's Note: Hello everyone and welcome to TAC (short for the Auraceon Chronicles), which is my first fanfiction ever, honestly. I'm really looking forward to composing and completing this story, as well as improving my writing skills along the way. I would appreciate all (if any) reviews, whether they're positive or negative, so if you feel that there's something I should change or improve on, please let me know. :) Hope to see you around!
Prologue: The First Scars
It was as though the whole ocean had been poured out on her back.
Thunder boomed until even the ground shook with fear, lightning blazing mercilessly across the blackened sky and illuminating the world for just a split second before the world became dark once more.
And yet, the rain fell.
Each drop was like a hailstone pelting her on the head, scolding her for her actions while the sound and sight of the sky voiced its clear disapproval. But she ignored it, her turquoise hair and red uniform already soaked to the skin.
She stood in a small clearing in the middle of the jungle, the turbulent storm gusts tossing the trees around her to and fro like they had a mind of their own. A crack of thunder echoed through the atmosphere, and in the distance, a tree went up in flames. As it toppled to the ground with a loud crash, the rain put out its fire, and all was wet once more. Despite this, the girl did not stir.
"I'm sorry I made you do this," she said, after a pause.
There was a rustle in the undergrowth, and the figure of a boy emerged from the shadows.
"You don't have to apologize," he replied simply. The girl remained silent, not even turning to acknowledge his presence. She tilted her head upwards, letting the rain wash over her face.
"If they find out, though, you'll be in trouble too."
The boy stepped out into the clearing, a flash of lightning revealing his own drenched hair and similar attire.
"Yeah, I know. But I'm not going to regret it even if I do."
The girl nodded, keeping her gaze on the sky. Another rumble resonated through the clouds before she tensed and lowered her eyes.
"He comes," she stated, reaching for the device at her belt as she had so many times before.
The crunch of foliage emanated from the shadows before them, the leaves of the trees rustling under a sudden gust.
"I didn't actually think you would show up," a voice commented from the undergrowth. Its owner's silhouette became visible at the very edge of the clearing, stepping into it just enough to be noticed. The girl narrowed her eyes, but otherwise did not react.
"I thought you people were true to your promises," the stranger went on. "Tell me, what caused you to turn tails?"
"I'm not turning tails from anyone or anything," she retorted. "I'm here to stop you."
The shadow uttered a small chuckle at her words, clearly amused.
"Is that so now? I think you and I both know the real reason for your presence."
She bared her teeth, pulling the device free from her belt.
"If that's what you think, fine, but I'm not letting you get away with what you've done."
"What're you going to do?" he challenged softly. "Capture me with that toy?"
"No," the girl responded, undeterred. She glanced down at the blinking red dot on the screen of her handheld. For a moment, she simply frowned at it, the weight in her heart preventing her from making a move. Then she sighed, "I'm sorry...everyone," and switched it off. The screen flickered to nothingness as she jammed it back into place and faced her enemy with a hard expression.
"Let's go," she said, and thunder shook the skies.