Where is this?
Why does it exist… what's its purpose?
These answers… why is it… that I don't know?
A place where the sun sets and the moon rises, both low in the horizon, both of a similar proportion above the endless sea. No… not just the sea… everything is endless.
The sea and its coastline… the desert behind… the sky above, and the black maw of space overseeing it all. All of these… the endless truths that are the substance of the para-dream, Earth's dream… the dream that is the source of the Aura's power. The truths that merge that of the subconscious world with that of the para-normal.
Or is that even right?
Does the truth of this world reflect that of the nature of the Auras… or does the truth come from the space beyond? Or is it that it could be something else entirely? After all… this isn't just any place… This place is alive.
What's more… if the third passage has already occurred… why is it that it's here at all?
"Maybe… because the dream is obligated in itself to the dreamers." suggested a contained voice behind him. "Or rather, what mother wouldn't want to see her children smile?"
Ai turned around to see the only one he wished to ever set his eyes upon. That person, he had met here in the beginning, his first love. The girl without a name.
"After all… are we not children of the Aura?"
A girl he had encouraged, inspired, and otherwise longed to see. A girl that become a young woman who learned to smile.
Mew? No…not her aura code…
The one she accepted.
"Suzumi."
"Shiomi-kun."
She smiled brightly, and yet the look on her face suggested unearthly happiness, the light in her eyes echoed a haunting sadness.
"Shiomi-kun…" She reached a hand out to him. "Hold me."
Without wasting a moment's time, he took her hand in his and pulled her forward in neither a movement fast nor slow, yet as graceful as that of the sliding Aura around them, and held her in a lover's embrace.
She was close… so close. He couldn't help but allow tears of happiness come to his eyes, yet though that's what he wanted to call them, he couldn't push away the tears of regret.
For all that they were… was nothing but a dream… and as warm as she was, what he wouldn't give to have it follow him to the world of the waking.
But for now, he was happy.
They both were happy.
And in that moment of happiness together, both reached out for each other's lips with their own.
To let the tides of their Auras carry them together…
...as one heartbeat.
Chapter 1: Towards the Unknown Future
Ai's eyes prickled with the familiar sensation of one opening his eyes to the after-dream, the feeling of bliss slipping away, just as the sands trail from the hourglass in a slow but consistent march to repetition. The warmth of the dreams behind him, and the darkness and the cold truth of reality, just an eyelid away. Like it or not, he was waking up.
With great reluctance, he opened his eyes, but not to the comfort of the life he had known, but to the harshness of the path before him.
Gone now was those days of the past, those days with his friends and his classmates. Gone was his simplicity of youth. Gone was the warmth in his eyes… though it wanted to shine… gone it was with the only one he had ever truly loved.
"Mew…"
Shiomi Ai sat up and put his hand to his eyes.
Even with the comfort that came from each of their nighttime meetings, it was all the more painful upon waking. It was as though tearing through a new portion of his heart-wall each day they were apart. Just as though ripping a new formed scab from the ever bleeding wound.
At this rate… would he ever heal? Was it even possible… that kind of thing?
He knew not.
Unable to bear the repercussions of such thought further, he forced his eyes open upon the world that he dwelled.
It was not much to look at.
He and his brother, Zero, though well known throughout the Aura community for their incomparable power, were also a source of admiration and fear alike. Ai's abilities alone were enough to conjure the worst, and inspired the most. To those who knew him, he was a savior that would change their world for the better. For those who had only reason to fear, he was the embodiment of the forces of destruction that would ultimately lead to the end of existence as they knew it.
As such, for the safety of the world's populace, and for their own measure of power, the A.D.C. had relentlessly pursued the two, as both Ai and his brother were never far from the other. Though it was best to avoid confrontation altogether, their increased desire for the light code had already resulted in several uncontained instances that not even time-reversal could cover completely. Those instances… however small of brief, implanted the seed of adversity. If this world was truly to survive, it was all the more necessary to push the awakening.
If not soon, the world and its dream might cease to be altogether.
Ai tightened his fist in determination; he would not let that happen! No matter his enemy, he would persevere, against whatever the opposition. For he was the one… he was the one that would determine the fate of the Auras.
But given that resolve… now that he thought of it, the A.D.C. hadn't interfered in him and his brother's movement. They were quiet. Had they given up? No… such a thing wasn't known to them. They, like he, were too stubborn to stop themselves. That alone…
That alone was cause for worry.
For now however, if they were to truly push the awakening of the Aura and its children, then they had to search the globe for pinpoint locations where the Aura was strong. These natural loci were more than just helpful… they were required. If the purpose of Auras was truly a step of spontaneous mutation within all beings for survival, then just to proceed forward with their own species was not only wrong… but dangerous.
In all of nature, instances of aura development were being recorded. Plants, animals, even the rocks and the water… the natural biorhythms of the planet were crucial… if just one factor were to push these rhythms askew, then the world's balance itself could cause not the needed salvation… but the key element leading to annihilation. And the last thing that was needed was to transform the plane of the para-dream into that of a para-nightmare.
That reason alone is enough to oppose the A.D.C. and its machine. A machine such as that, should definitely not exist. That is why the light code… should remain buried forever in its entirety.
Just in case…
At a sudden distortion in the air, Ai looked up, to see his brother phase into existence before him.
While not shocked, as they both had an unparallel grasp on advanced 'jump' ability, he did wear a questioning look. After all, he had woken well before the sun's appearance in the morning sky. If his brother was just now returning, then it was all the likely that he hadn't slept at all, given that he departed before Ai fell asleep.
"What's wrong Ai-chan?" His brother asked in his usual endearing fashion. "I much expected you to still be asleep, yet you look as though you've been awake for hours… though that deeper look in your eyes both questions me and reflect too much contemplation."
"That's true." Ai admitted openly. "Should I even bother asking where you've been? Or should I just trust that it hasn't been to cause trouble?"
Zero looked at his younger brother with a satisfied expression. He had long protected Ai, yet felt as though he had lost his brother's love for a time… instead only earning his hatred. Those worries were partially confirmed at the Academy, yet through all the trials, it only served to strengthen their bond. It was just nice to know that those worries were now behind him completely.
Which those thoughts pushed aside, he sat next to his brother and put his arm around his shoulders.
"It's because of trust that I'll gladly tell you that it was nothing more than a harmless parley with my beloved Chiroro Sensei."
"Again?" Ai tried to move away from his brother's closeness, but was unable to the steel-like clutch that existed even without his Aura's help. "Aren't you moving too much for your own good? While we can trust most everyone at that academy, there's no telling where the A.D.C.'s hidden hand may lie. It just doesn't feel safe."
At that, Zero withdrew his arm and stood up, and went across the room to the open window. "I wouldn't worry about the A.D.C. for a while… at least that's what I want to say." He turned back to face Ai. "While I can admit that I have been to the main branch recently, and that it is in no better condition than when we last left it and the fact that they have been quiet recently… I don't like it. With the A.D.C., you can never be confident when assuming their movements. I also wouldn't doubt that they've been trying to track our movements as well… but without direct confrontation our part or theirs, there's no way to be entirely certain one way or another. Such is the A.D.C. after all."
He sighed and sat back against the wall beneath the window. Unlike his normal light-hearted look, he instead wore a look of deep contemplation.
"Ai-chan… the A.D.C. isn't the only thing on your mind at the moment… is it?"
Ai caught a direct look of his brother's eyes and looked to the side, typical of past times…
"It's Mew, isn't it?" Offered Zero. "Or rather… not so much as her, but the fact of the para-dream similarity that you've told me about… and how you access it often… though we're only suppose to see it every 12 years."
Ai slowly turned his head back and met his brother's eyes once again, but said nothing.
"I see. Then you were there again? Last night?"
Ai nodded.
"And Mew?"
"Yes." Ai replied softly.
"I see."
Ai broke the eye contact and looked down as though the ground held some significance of importance.
"Well, there's no point asking what's on your mind. It's more likely than not that it is due to your unique aura match with Mew that allows you the connection, as well as the fact that our attempts to awake the world's Aura have allowed that much more of the para-natural world to bleed into the waking world. Though… these are just theories. As for the pain which they cause, I'm afraid I have nothing to offer."
Ai nodded again. "It's ok. I'm just happy to see her… even if it is just for a little bit at a time. Even if the smiles don't last until the dawn.
"Enough of my worries… brother, you should get some rest before we establish the locus point tomorrow."
Zero nodded as he lay upon his futon. "Some rest would be helpful…"
Ai stood and crossed the room to his brother, and set the blanket upon him, as he was already asleep.
Then he left the room and went to the outside, to let his brother sleep uninterrupted, as well as to get reacquainted with their objective… even if it was an assault upon his memories…
The crisp air… though refreshing, also sent a chill through his spine, as he looked up to the overshadowing mountain with awe. Yes, it was here, at the Mountain Temple that they stayed, accepted graciously by the master who called this place home. He, the one who had provided the Academy a testing ground as well as tests themselves, was of the first to acknowledge Ai's abilities, though this was not known to Ai himself. As it was however, Ai did know that one such as he could only know far too well the importance of their objective. It was that reason alone that there was an overwhelming trust and security.
He knew of any place, here they were guaranteed success. A success that was crucial to their future, and to the future of the Aura.
He only hoped that the nagging sense of foreboding was just due to his imagination.
But considering his path… would that be enough?
He hoped so.
It was a calm morning, one in which the sun was low in the sky, with the moon not far in its proximity. Both of which hung just above that of the ocean below it in the picturesque setting. Such a view brought the one who beheld it a smile, as its resemblance to the fabled para-dream was indisputable.
But this was not the para-dream… it was not even close.
The man couldn't help but chuckle at the desolate lands that surrounded him. Unlike that of the dream, there was no such thing as the soft sands of the desert here. Instead, this was a place of harsh reality.
Here, the land was growing, the fire that bore this land quenched with that of the sea in the constant push for the formation of new lands. Fire and water… where the ocean and the Earth's blood met in a continuous battle for dominance over the over, neither losing or gaining upon the other. Where clouds of steam replaced the hope of fog, and the noxious fumes of the poisons of the land leeching out in a selfish act of purification, regardless of who might suffer above.
This was the reality of the planet… where growing and change was far more important than that of a dream.
But this place specifically was more than fitting for the time to come. Here… in the heart of the Ring of Fire. This is where it would all begin…
Just then, the man raised his square jawed face to the sky above, where a new sound had been steadily growing to replace that of the feuding elements. It was low, but a clearly unmistakable thumping sound against the air. From the way it was growing steadily louder in intensity, it was certain that they'd arrive soon.
Just as planned.
At that, the scan-com at his side came to life heralded by the static of the intercepted transmission.
'….Th- … Is..l..nd… A….C… Con..l…. Un….ss….s……'
'I repeat… This is the Island A.D.C. Air Control. You are flying into restricted air space. Transmit acceptance codes and state your business.'
'Copy that Control. This is the air shipment copter Delta Epsilon Alpha, from the A.D.C. Main Branch California. Destination Hawaiian Island Branch Pacific Research Center, Division NRGC (Non-public Relations Government Classified).'
'Set Confirmation cleared… however, there's nothing about this in our records… I-'
"Nor should there be even after the delivery," spoke the man into the device which he had held to his mouth. "Please delete this conversation after retrieval of transport helicopter, stated and signed Alpha code X750."
'Of… of course, Dr. Watabe… Helicopter is cleared for landing in docking bay 13.'
'Roger… Helicopter out.'
The doctor smiled grimly at the sound of confusion from the voice of the pilot from the transmission.
"After all… that name is famous."
With that, the Doctor returned his communicator to his belt and began the trek back over the hardened lava-fields as the transport helicopter passed overhead. The complex was not far from his present location, and laid nestled deep within the crown of the Island Geologics.
A complex easily as large or larger than that of the main branch.
The Doctor pushed open the double doors as he and a team of lab technicians streamed into that of the loading bay, where of the moment, a large sealed container was being unloaded from the cargo compartment of its transport. For an outsider, its purpose even upon close inspection would be an unknown, as it was completely devoid of any controls or ports of connection. In truth, if anything, it looked like an oversized sealed coffin.
While his team began the inspections of the seal, he himself walked over to the transport team, specifically towards a man of similar build with a face less worn, and a military crew cut. A man whose smile widened genuinely as the Doctor approached.
When closer, the two clasped forearms in a genuine professional greeting of both respect and admiration.
"I must admit," stated the pilot with his deep voice, "that I was momentarily put back when I heard you over the transmission Dr. Watabe. After all, you and your brother were so alike that the differences are easily forgotten if left alone." They let go and he seemed to get remorseful. "It is a terrible loss to endure. To lose family…"
"Do they know how it happened yet? I have not been privy to the full report as it would distract me from my work were it put in my hands."
"No… though it is suspected that it was due to Zerodyme's 13th code segment… considering the severity of the damage to the Main Branch with your brother's signature Aura modification."
Dr. Watabe put his hand to his brow in thought. "I see… He was foolish in the end. For him to trust his body to the 'strength' of an Aura… when instead, it opened him to that many more weaknesses. But he only went wrong at the end. Until then, his machine was the only way to go. A machine which will soon bring the Aura users to their knees."
"But the machine does nothing… can do nothing without the codes of light and darkness. Even if it could, there's still Shiomi Ai and his brother. It is doubtful that there exists a machine powerful enough to override there combined strength."
"Heh." Dr. Watabe smiled with a chuckle. "If there exists the slightest weakness in the make, even the strongest of structures will crumble with just the right impact."
"But how to extract the weakness when the only thing apparent is already gone?"
"That is easily obtained… in fact; you just brought me one of the key components to the project. It is crucial that that piece remains our trump card." He looked at his friend with a cunning expression. "I trust that you kept it secret from the Main Branch?"
"Yes… it was difficult to acquire and to maintain, especially in secrecy. But I trust you. That is why I am willing to follow you, just as I did your brother."
Watabe nodded, and then turned to his technicians who were monitoring the component. "Take that to the chamber. Make sure that it is maintained to the fullest." He stopped and turned to his friend. "Walk with me."
At that, the Doctor turned and left the room, his friend close in tow.
"Where are we going? And why of times did we hold that at the main branch for so long?"
"My dear friend… timing in this business is everything, especially when the slightest suspicion could be the moment of weakness in our structure." He paused at a certain door and placed his hand on a scanning panel. "Besides… you mentioned the machine earlier?"
He nodded.
"Then let it be known, that here," The door opened to another room, which had a sealed door at its end as well. "We have always had the code of darkness." He let the next device scan his eye and then he entered his personal code. "As for the light code?"
The door opened to a conical shaped room, where the ceiling was high above, and the floor level was far below, but with various machines and equipment forming a core in the center of the room to connect both floor and ceiling with a spine of technology. As for their location, the platform resided on the outer edge of the room that encircled the entire thing, with hundreds of computers and monitoring stations, as well as holographic projection laser tracers that seemed to be drawing a giant double helix DNA Code around the 'spine'. No less than fifty technicians were hurriedly at work checking the systems and uploading data into the machines.
There was a haunting look of satisfaction on Dr. Watabe's face, reminiscent of his brother's madness.
"As for the light code… as of today…
"It is ours."