Chapter one official! This is already turning into a debate/theory kinda fic and I love it.
Once again, high praise for Major Session for this great beta session!
- Chapter 1: Taylor!
Taylor's sleeping face was pinched with distress, rendered almost lifelike on the platform below her. Whoever created it had amazing talent. Still, the idea that someone had done this with her image was also more than a little creepy.
Taking another step created a clear sound, almost like a flute note, which vanished into the abyss surrounding the glass pillar. The sound didn't fade though, didn't diminish. No, it went so far and just stopped, as if passing beyond the edge of the world. Looking about her Taylor thought that might even be true; because as hard as she tried, she couldn't see anything else in the dark. Nothing.
That's when that voice came back, as calm and encouraging as before. Taylor whipped her head around, hair flying about her as she looked for the speaker, but no one was visible. No one appeared.
"There is power within you." It said softy, echoing both around and inside her. Taylor shivered at the absolute certainty in their voice. It seemed so far away she couldn't make out any details but so close it was inside her head. Who the hell was this? Was a cape messing with her?
"Hello?" She said into the abyss. Some part of her wished no one would reply. This entire thing was already surreal.
"If you give that power form, it will protect you." The voice hinted. Taylor swallowed. She opened her mouth to start being a bit more demanding with her questions when suddenly the platform shook.
Taylor fell to the surface with a grunt. Somehow, without any glass breaking, three pedestals arose from the platform. When the shaking ceased Taylor looked around with wide eyes.
The new objects, plinths really, appeared to be made of white marble… or something just smooth. With a grunt Taylor pushed herself to her feet and slowly turned to stare, for each plinth held a glowing item, a weapon, on its surface.
A sword, a shield and a staff; all floating gently without means of support.
"What path will you take? All paths lead forward. Don't be afraid." The voice carried out to her again. Taylor nodded and then feeling foolish for nodding to a vague, disembodied voice, walked over to the sword. The blade was slowly turning in the air. Reaching out she grasped the blue grip.
She pulled it out its spotlight and examined it. The yellow guard was embroidered with a red circle with three small black circles within. One black circle was large and two of the smaller circles sat atop. The double edge blade was soft white on one side and grey on the other. No matter what way she pointed the shades never changed, as if the light came from with the weapon itself. As she held it in her hand properly the voice whispered to her once more.
"The power of the warrior. Great power and courage. Terrible destruction and burden." It said quietly. Taylor quickly dropped the sword back in to the light. It fell a little before it floated back into place. Taylor wiped her hands on her jeans. Which now she looked closer were miraculously clean, none of the… filth… had come with her. All her clothes were clean, but she still felt dirty. Violated. Shivering she hugged herself.
Returning to the present Taylor recalled the voices words. Terrible destruction? She wanted to be a Hero. The truly heroic kind, like Alexandria. Causing destruction wasn't how Taylor imagined going about it. Though… it may have its place.
"Are you there? Please let me go. I need to get home." Taylor pleaded aloud, hoping the voice would answer. Nothing stirred. Taylor felt panic flood her. Was it just her imagination or was the darkness a bit closer? Taylor took a deep breath and thought.
Maybe it was an automated voice? Maybe this was a Tinkers lair? Inside her locker. Why not? She had no other rational explanation. If she held on to the idea that this wasn't really… real… then she could handle it. For a little longer.
Walking quickly over to another pedestal she looked at the second item. A black shield turned slowly. Once again the three circle symbol was branded on to front in red. A pattern or logo she mused. She reached out grasped the handle.
"The path of the guardian. The shield to protect all. The power to push away all." Taylor frowned as she released her grip. Less alarming but whilst the ability to protect people would be welcome if it meant pushing everyone else away... This wasn't the path that promised happiness in the end. One left.
Bracing herself, Taylor walked across the glass likeness of her face, which was still extremely weird to her. Taylor examined the last weapon. A staff with the three circle symbol as a blue head piece. It was more three dimensional than the other two. Looking at it she saw it resembled a head now. A mouse? Shrugging to herself she grasped the handle.
"The power of the mystic. A staff of wonder. A staff of ruin." Taylor gulped and gently let go of the death stick. She turned in a full circle to see if anything had changed. Nothing. The voice was as absent as when it first appeared. What did it say before?
Taylor looked straight up at the blinding light that illuminated the platform.
That she had to choose? Choose a path?
What path would she take?
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More chapters soon! Thanks to my readers at SB for following me over.