Chapter 1: The Tempest Awakens
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The the night was dark, and quite honestly a little dreary for the resting spirit which was within the blackened helm. They had been passed by for centuries, lying forgotten within a small pawn shop, doing nothing and seeing little more than the dark corner they were in. The shopkeeper had moved their vessel multiple times, but never had it been noticed. They had hoped that their unique shape and colouring would lead them to being noticed, but it seemed that this world had no interest in such artifacts. It was just their luck that those who had the potential to use them didn't even touch the horned helmet, inconspicuously placed among other pieces of armor, most radically different. In fact, they knew for a fact that every single artifact about them was not only uninhabited and nonmagical, but also that every single one was not a helmet. Perhaps that was it? Were helmets not favoured in this culture?
The spirit pondered, even as the old shopkeeper once again went about to dust off the older pieces, which much to their chagrin included themself. It would be after hours now, and so everything would be closing down once again, no more prospects to appear for another lonely night. That was when the ghost heard something most unusual. The bell to the shop had just rung, despite the fact that they knew no one entered this late. In fact, they were sure that the shopkeeper had left.
They heard the footsteps, as well as the door that was gently closed, so as not to further disturb the bells. They were wearing odd shoes, they realized, as there was a clink with every tap against the concrete floor. However, their surprise came from the fact that they felt the power that was slowly and quietly approaching their resting place. It radiated from them like a tempest, reacting to the deepest parts of their being. They realized one thing, their own power beginning to manifest like a beacon:
"This is the one!"
This sole thought was all-encompassing, as even after such a long time one finally requires their power. And then finally, they set their gaze upon their chosen wielder. An elder child, almost to the age of adulthood, her black hair almost invisible in the near darkness. Amber eyes stared into their 'eyes,' and a near-pale hand slipped out to grasp them. As soon as it touched, the spirit felt their existence change, bonding with that of their wielder. A white light encompassed their vision bringing them into the embrace of a soul.
Cinder Fall
This was something she had not experienced before. As someone with the power of a Maiden, she could sense the latent power of this world, and it is what led her here. She had felt a dormant power in the area, but until yesterday she had not been able to confirm its location. Once she knew where it was, it was a simple matter to return at a later time to steal it, no harm done, at least to her. But this white light, this emptiness, was something that scared her. She had not expected anything like this to happen, and she didn't know what to do. She looked around, seeing nothing but more white. However, as she looked back at the direction she assumed she came from, she saw a dark figure.
It was a feminine figure, just under her own height, shrouded in black mist. Besides general shape and height, only one thing was distinguishable in the black mist. The selfsame helmet that she was drawn to was situated upon this being's head, adorning them with a warlike countenance. An odd, distorted voice seemed to cross the boundary between them, catching her attention. "So, you are the one who seeks to inherit my power?" There was skepticism there, but it was accompanied by eagerness, as if this being wanted to be released, but was not sure of the means by which it could be.
She would reply, of course. How could she not, when the power she is seeking is right in front of her. "Yes, I came here with the intention of securing you. My wish is for power, and your very existence is power ripe for use." She realized that she was being blunt, but this being somehow struck her as someone who values that. "Your power will allow me to take what has been rightfully mine all along, and to strike down those people who would get in my way."
The being paused, before seemingly fading away. Even as it did so, however, the horned, dragon-like helmet remained, floating in the air where it once was. Cinder, not one to hesitate, immediately moved to retrieve it. She still felt the power floating through it, but instead of being locked and dormant, it seemed to awaken at her touch. She slipped the helmet upon her head, and suddenly she was back inside the dark store.
She didn't know when it happened, but her entire body felt both lighter and heavier. Rather than simply a repository for energy, her soul seemed to be actively flexing its muscles, her aura meter already attempting to deal with the errors it seemed to have concluded existed. What changed most, however, was the idea that, somewhere, she was not alone. She had something in her head, simply watching and waiting for the right moment.
Then something struck her. Her mind halted on a piece of information, one that it had most assuredly not gathered. A technique that was gained from interfacing with that being. A power far beyond even her own Maiden's powers, simply due to its utility and subtlety. A skill known by a simple name, and yet one that those that recognize it fear for its strength: Mana Burst.
A/N
Please read, review, and have a good day. Also, if I made a mistake in grammar, please inform me as soon as possible. I'll correct it and reupload. Thanks! Honestly, this probably isn't that good, and extremely short, but I wrote it in one night on a burst of inspiration, so… yeah.