Za Hoshi Yabun: Prologue

There was complete and utter darkness, one that permeated the body, the bones, the blood, the mind. And to a point, it filled the soul with a madness so calm, so alluring, that to the weak-minded it was the ultimate form of sanity. Fortunately, the form that stood in the center of this seemingly endless black sea knew the truth of the enveloping shadows. They stood alone, aloof, ignoring the temptations that pounded at every sensation, at every pore of their being. It was their own choice to come here, their own decision to give their fate to the ancient ones, those of whom mankind had forgotten, or chose to ignore. Soft laughter, some kind, some maniacal echoed around them, trying to consume them. They fought. Finally, the voices were silenced by a voice that boomed with authority, though it was a soft whisper, "Enough." Another form appeared out of the darkness, clothed in a simple robe of white that seemed to have no end. But no matter how one looked, one could not clearly see the creature's face. It twisted and malformed to imitate so many of those who were gone, lived, or were yet to live that it baffled the mind. The person who awaited the judgment was familiar with this 'face' and knelt before it with a high respect, head touching the unseen ground. "You came to this place a fortnight ago, and gave your very life into the hands of those around you. You came here seeking release, escape, are we right?"

"That is correct," the knelt form whispered.

"You are tired of the life, the time, you now live in, yes?"

"Yes, I am sick of everything. I hate it that almost everything that I touch dies. That even though I try to help them, all they inherit is misery. I wish for it to end."

"You were originally brought here to choose a reality, a world, of your choice. One in which you could choose a new life. But you gave this choice over to us, did you not?

"Yes, I gave my fate over to the ancient ones, to whom I have served faithfully."

"Once you are placed in you new home, you know that you cannot return?

"Yes, and I readily accept that fact."

"That you forsake and leave forever everyone you had ever loved?"

"There is no one left to love," a tear twinkled, the only light in the impending gloom, that dropped like a falling star before breaking into a burst of smaller stars. The many-faceted creature walked closer, "You're guardian will check up on you occasionally to check on you progress. On the day he deems you well enough to stand on your own two feet, he will leave you until the end of days. Is that acceptable?" The kneeling form shook like a leaf in the wind, "That is acceptable," they gasped. "Finally...you do realize that you retain your eternal life that you have achieved during your past lifetime? That you will live until the earth crumbles and time fails and when all things fade into nonexistence?" A wry smile touched the pale lips of the passive individual, "Unless I am killed by the sword."

"Unless you are killed, which we doubt will happen," the ancient being replied. The head on the ground pressed on it further, "I am thankful for your confidence in our skills."

"Just do not doubt them yourself, Child of Sin, as you have so named yourself. You will need your own trust in your soul in the time to come." No answer came from this 'child', but remained kneeling on the ground. A visible sigh made the white-clothed body waver, though it could not be heard, "Rise, beloved of the old ones." The person rose from their submissive position, and a light appeared from a magic circle that took shape. It lit the body of the one who stood in the center of its light, giving color to something that had sat in the silence of the shadowy realm.

The being was tall and lithe, with whitish skin that shone like ivory in the pale brightness. Their hands were long and slender, capped with claw-like nails that hung lazily at the hips. Long silver-white hair fell like a curtain around the person to the ankles, covering the current state of nudity that they were in. It even covered their eyes as they hung their head. Leers of lust and appreciation came from the darkness around them, while other soft voices tried to silence the ones who would jest at the person so vunerable in their mist. The other being remained standing just outside the ring, studying the one that lied within the glowing band's borders. Shaking its head it held out its hand, though it did not show underneath the shower of white fabric. A sword appeared in front of the naked form, and a pendant suddenly hung upon their breast. "Take what is yours, child, and live well." No words came from those pale lips as their owner reached out and grabbed the blade hovering in front of them. As soon as the slender fingers touched the hilt of the floating weapon, the circle of light suddenly became a fantastic array; with four points stretching to the ends of the earth, and a pentagram at the center beneath a pair of moon-kissed feet. A blinding light then enveloped the area, twisting into the form of a great bird before flying away. For a time, the robed being stood alone, staring at where the other person had just stood. Then another form faded from the darkness, yet this face you could see. It was old, and weary; long touched with the worries of the world. His grey hair fell long past his shoulders, but his silver eyes flashed with a vitality that would amaze most people. But a great concern was etched deep within his searching orbs, "Do you think..."

"All will be well," the other being spoke, "your descendent is strong willed and has a fighting spirit. It's the only reason they have lasted this long. Your child will not be so easily broken. Just wait and watch, good things will come, you'll see." The old man bowed before he disappeared once more. A soft prayer echoed even after he was gone, "May the gods be with you, my hoshi yabun..."

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