Chapter one: Choices of Shadow

I've been having these weird thoughts lately…

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Like are there other worlds out there? And if so, why are we on this one?

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My eyes snap open. Looking around, I find myself on my island, on the white shore. I spot someone in the water, facing away from the island. I recognize the messy brown hair and yell his name. I step towards him, ready to feel the sea splash around my feet. Instead, it pulls away and up, in the form of a gigantic wave. My brown haired friend turns to me, his back now to the wave, and reached a hand to me. In horror I leap forward, yelling at him. Just as I touch his hand, the wave crashes down on us, tearing me away from him. No matter how hard I struggle, I cannot quite reach him. I get pulled away and head up for air.

I blast up through the waters surface, gasping. I find myself again beside the shore of my island, in perfect order. I see her at the shore. She calls to me soundlessly and I struggle forward. We smile at one another, her giggling as well. Then she looked over my shoulder and her face became confused. I turn around, and my eyes widen as I see myself falling through the air. It was then the ground falls out from under me, sending me falling into a wave. The water slowly turned into sky as I see myself beside her at the shore before crashing into the water yet again. I feel myself falling through the water like air and am tipped forward.

I open my eyes as I feel a solid surface under my feet. I see nothing but darkness and step forward uneasily. The darkness around my feet leapt into the air and transformed into white birds. Their wings beat and a light shines through the floor, exposing a picture of a woman.

So much to do… So little time… take your time. Don't be afraid. The door is still shut. Step forward.

That voice! So familiar… so calming… I step forward, trusting the voice.

There is a power in your soul. When it takes shape, it will give you strength. What is its shape?

I look around at the pedestals that had formed. They each bore a weapon, one a sword, one a shield, and the other a staff. I head for the sword, knowing its power.

Power of the warrior Invincible courage A sword of terrible destruction Your path is set.

But what would you give in exchange?

This I hesitated at. I felt a strange reluctance about the shield. It was like it didn't belong.

Power of the guardian Kindness to aid friends A shield to protect all.

You have chosen the path of the warrior. You have given up the power of the guardian.

You have gained the power to fight!

Before me, some strange creatures appeared. Their skin was black, their eyes like yellow lamps. Instantly the sword appeared in my hand. I jab forward at the nearest creature. The blade caught it in the head and it faded, the others fleeing.

Alright! You got it. There are times where you will have to fight. Keep your light burning strong.

BEHIND YOU!

At this, I spun around, sword first. It caught another of those creatures in the middle. But as it fell, the ground beneath me shattered. I fell slowly down to another platform. Landing lightly, I found myself facing a door. I tried to grip the handle but my hand passed through the door.

"I can't open it…"

Hold on. The door wont open yet… First, tell me more about yourself

A flash of light startled me. As it faded, I found myself on the ship of the island. Around me stood three of my friends. I turned and strode up to the blond one.

"What are you afraid of?" The boy asked cheerfully.

"Being indecisive." I stated. The girl poked my shoulder.

"What is important to you?"

"My friends." I said softly. The red haired boy threw up his blue ball and asked:

"What do you want out of life?"

"To broaden my horizons!" I cheered.

Your adventure will begin at Dawn. As long as the sun is shining, Your journey should be a pleasant one.

Darkness overtook me once again. When it passed I found myself at yet another platform. A beam of light shot down to the platform from above. I slowly approached it, scowling slightly.

The closer you get to the light, the greater your shadow becomes.

But do not be afraid.

Sounds behind me caught my attention. I looked and found nothing but my shadow. It was stepping away from me, and growing up from the ground. I leapt back in surprise.

And do not forget.

I stumbled back from the creature forming. The sword appeared in my hand again.

You hold the mightiest weapon of all…