AN: It's honestly been awhile since I've done any writing but I'm super eager to get back into the swing of things. After finishing before the storm I finally decided to put some of the Ideas I had down on paper. This chapter is basically the prologue setting everything up. So let me know what you think, So without further ado enjoy.

Chapter one: Dawning

The world was eerie and still, fleeting and prominent but all together non existent. Finding what she needed was like distinguishing a single thread in an infinite tapestry. Pulling the wrong one resulting in the unraveling of all, and suddenly the progress of which once had been hopeful slips through doomed fingers. Fleetingly rising reaching and resultly whimpering for more.

The dreamscape was always a process of trial and error. Things colliding and clashing, but never quite conjoining in how one hopes.

I had long promised myself that I wouldn't fiddle with things intrinsic to me, and the other versions of me. One must accept their own fate. Know matter how dim and dispiriting it has become, it's mine and mine alone...But I can't help meddling in hope of bringing to bear a, no. An improved time.

If I can start them off on a better path without forcing my hand, then would that truly be a sin. The decisions would still be their own, my knowledge would simply be a safety net to give some-precise nudges in the right direction. What could truly happen? When one's reached limbo of time there no other way out except back through the wormhole.

She hovers shimmering in and out existence. There one moment a figment of twisted imagination the next. A face of disgust covers her face as she observes the dreamscape around her. There's a tension in the air that wasn't present before. It causes goosebumps, a bead of cold sweat to drip between furrowed brows. The tension continues to increase, as if it were a string on a guitar in which continues to be tuned. The tension in the string so strong it's only seconds away before the tension snaps, causing the string to curl in on itself.

BOOM

Lighting strikes a large vibrant tree, cause a chain reaction as an inferno combusts in the surrounding air. The dreary landscape brought to life with shadows of flames. The only pure light that does not induce shivers with thoughts of the flash and click of a camera. As the fire dances it burns brighter igniting the entire grove itself, as if it were alive. Giving new meaning to wildfire. All brought on by a coincidental flash then a strike from the sky.

Well there's your sign. She diverts her attention away from the ever changing scape. Flicking between the threads of reality.

I won't fail them...as I failed my-before. There's too much to all be explained simply. Somethings are no accident while some are pure coincidence. I will take it in strides and interfere in minuscule ways. Their will power will still be intact, I have to be sure not to cause a paradox.

Things become clearer as the thread in question is finally firmly grasped.

It's refreshingly paced further back in time. Making it easier to make adjustments that are truly "my" no her own .

The thread tingles, golden in the cimmerian dreamscape. As if it sensed the desperation she held. It glimmered not only in color but of pure longing reflected in deep cerulean eyes. Eyes which peer into this world of time and hope, a third eye observing. Privacy becomes a necessary sacrifice.

"This one I'll make it, I'll do my best for all of us. My last chance, may you learn from my failure. May I guide you whenever you need it."

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She looked down at the application with discontent all its own. It seemed to be mocking her. How a simple piece of paper could send her mind into an over geared clock was no mystery. Overthinking every little detail was the brunettes pastime. Her brain was continuously ticking even though the space was overcrowded. Gears upon gears grinding together into one massive headache.

"I don't know why I took this form from the counselor, it would take a miracle to get accepted in the middle of the year." She berates aloud.

Casually she maneuvers herself away from the desk, tinkering with her polaroid camera. Disheartened she throws herself on the bed and stares at the ceiling longingly. A deep sigh escaped her lips, hesitantly she looks back over at the neat desk, she usually kept it spotless. A few rolls of film lay on a shelf above, along with an assortment of photography books. Absentmindedly her blue eyes drag back to the paper.

Maybe I should just fill it out? I mean what's the worse thing that could happen, they say no… reapply next year?

Turning over she runs her fingers along the riveted blanket. Dragging along the smoothe fabric, tracing the blue diamonds. Taking a steadying breathe she shakes her head as if coming to a decision.

I'll just wait, and focus on finishing up the school year here. Where things are simple, before I move on to somewhere... familiar.

An old image crosses her vision of two young girls smiling brightly. Who carried on without a care in the world.

I could finally get the courage and call… no I- what would I even say?

A strand of hair falls flat on her forehead, teasing her eyelashes. She releases a harsh breathe, blowing it away.

Whatever it's not like my photographs are that good or anything, better to focus on that than anything else.

Continuing to labor in her thoughts, her eye draws toward the acoustic guitar at the end of her bed. Itching for some kind of release. Thin fingers quickly wrap around the neck and pull it towards herself. A practice strum releases a low note, a baritone sound. Feeling relaxed for the first moment of the day she continues to strum along, without a real song in mind. Only thrumming along to her own tune until a loud thwump echoes at the door, causing her to jump.

"Max it's time for dinner, wash up and join us downstairs alright?" A muffled female voice states.

"Alrighty I'll be down in just a moment mom." She replies.

Waiting until she hears the telltale creak of the steps, of her mother retreating down the stairs. Does she get up. When suddenly a sharp pain invades her skull, her vision flashes giving away to darkness. It lasts for only a split moment. So fleeting if it weren't for the pounding in her head, she'd think it was nothing. In her small fit she jostles the guitar in her hands hooking into her book bag hanging on her desk chair. Causing it to fall to the wood floor spilling its contents all over the floor.

Clearing her head, she presses her fingers to her temples.

What the hell was that? Did-did I just get up to quickly? Maybe I should take it easy.

Looking at the school papers and magazines on the floor she kneels down, and begins stacking and sorting the various materials. When a corner of a photography magazine catches her attention.

The image on the cover is breathtaking, especially if you were a space buff. The contrast was high and stark in comparison to the full red harvest moon gracing the cover.

I actually got a chance to see this, it was totally wicked. I hope one day my photos will gross international magazines… as if.

A smile tugged at her lips as she moves to put it away, when her thumb uncovers a recognizable name.

"Mark Jefferson; Mentionable works and life as a professor at Blackwell Academy." It reads.

Blue eyes bore into the magazine absorbing every little detail. Finally after an awkward amount of time she finishes gathering the rest of the materials, and shoves them back into her green bag.

As she makes it to the door she hesitates for the final time, turning her attention back to the application on the table.

I can't miss out on this opportunity. I have a great portfolio, and any extra time studying at Blackwell can only be beneficial to me.

With a rare boost of confidence Max strides to the desk. Uncaps the blue pen. While holding the cap between her teeth she scribbles down the last few necessary ink blots. Quickly grabbing a manila envelope she slides the documentation inside. Along with a usb and some copies of her portfolio. Flattening the prongs and hastily writing the address down, as if she's afraid she'll clamp up and won't finish.

"Come on Max don't make me come up there and get you." Her mother shouts up the stairs somewhat threateningly.

"I'm making my way down mom!"

A true smile dones her face as she slams down the pen, and clutches the envelope underneath her arm. She grips the door bustling through and on down the steps.

"Blackwell here I come."

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Oh how soon she'll be thinking otherwise…

The thread of tapestry wiggles as if sensing the changes. As if knowing how one simple thing could change the course of so many people's lives.

Calm down she coo's into the thread of time, just a stumble in the right direction. Things are only just beginning.

EN: I really wanted to elaborate on how simple things could totally change the story, I might bring in the other timelines from LIS. What really sparked this was the idea of Max and Rachel actually meeting, so look forward to that. Thanks for taking the time to read, have a great day.