Chapter 8: Unsettling Nightmares
In Ji-hu's dreams
Ji-hu: Wha–? Where am I? Last thing I remember doing was going to sleep… is this a dream?
Unknown Voice: No this is not a dream. You arrived here due to your position as the final herald of the Rifts.
Ji-hu: What in the Sacred Sanctions? Who are you? What do you mean final herald? Are you talking about the prophecy?
Unknown: It is too early for you to know all of the details, but remember that our strength will be there when you need it. Listen well to your new teacher and you will become the most formidable rift bearer in all of existence.
Ji-hu: Is that all you wanted to say? If you called me here there must be some other reason than that right?
Unknown: We did not bring you here. You came here on your own. Whether it be due to your unconscious desire or pure chance it was not our doing.
Ji-hu: Then you can at least answer some questions right? Do you know how I can unlock my hidden potential? The others said I did some cool hidden ability before. How do I do that again, but like safer?
Unknown: We cannot teach you how to wield the rifts. We merely exist as your hidden potential. Your source of never ending aura if you will. Geni will be your guide to becoming the ultimate warrior.
Ji-hu: So then all this aura is coming from you guys? Why choose me as your vessel? You could've picked someone with a strong Sacred Art from my world to wield your aura. If it can make me this strong when I'm already weak wouldn't it be better to give it to someone worthy?
Unknown: You are worthy Ji-hu Kwon. Do not forget that We chose you. You hold a determined spirit like no other and traits that many could never hope to possess. While others do not lack in power, they lack the will to use our aura to its full potential. We trust you Ji-hu … and we know you'll do many great things with or without our help.
Ji-hu: But …
Unknown: Our time is up. Your subconscious is pushing us away for an unknown reason. It seems there is great inner turmoil within you.
Ji-hu: W-wait!? Already? I have so much to ask! I need more answers!
Unknown: You will have your answers in due time. Be patient and train. Train to protect your loved ones and the world you reside in. Goodbye Ji-hu Kwon and good luck.
Ji-hu wakes up in a cold sweat staring at the hospital ceiling
Ji-hu: Heavy breathing. What the hell was that? It was the same voice as before … but I had a whole conversation with it. So the aura Geni mentioned was them all along? If they were gonna choose me why the hell didn't … why couldn't they give me that power when I needed it the most …
Ji-hu begins to tear up as distant nightmares begin to flood his memory
Geni: Softly. Ji-hu. Are you alright?
Ji-hu: Startled. AHHH!
Geni: Shhhhhh. Whisper. The others are still resting.
The others shift in their sleep
Ji-hu: Softly. Sorry Geni, you just startled me ... I'm fine.
Geni: You can't fool a 3 thousand year old being that easily Ji-hu. Please, follow me, let's talk elsewhere.
Ji-hu: Nods. Ok…
The duo start walking down a quiet hallway
Geni's robes give off a soft glow
Geni: Ji-hu, I sense you are upset with something. I usually do not pry with personal matters as you deserve your privacy, but I cannot help but feel that something is awry. I wish that you would talk to me about it so that you may feel better. Although I'm sure you'd much rather confide in your friends.
Ji-hu: No, it's alright Geni. I can tell you.
Ji-hu explains the dream he had while leaving out the terrible memories that resurfaced
Geni gives him an odd look
Geni: Ji-hu, although I've known you for only a short while, I firmly believe that you would not be so distressed over such a miniscule dream. If anything you would be happy and curious that the ancient beings of my people spoke to you. They even gave you some answers. So, what really has made you so upset?
Ji-hu: Sigh. If … they were there the entire time, why couldn't they help me save the people important to me?
Geni gives a surprised look
Ji-hu: I … I was 8 when it happened. I used to live in a secluded area with my parents and it was far away from any major cities. One night on a calm summer evening, we were attacked by Abyssal Disasters. They broke into our home and ravaged it. Come to think of it, they weren't even vector levels, just some meager scrubs. But my parents could do nothing to stop them.
Ji-hu: We were too far away to call a hunters index for help and my dad told my mom to take me away as he held them off by himself. He tried to protect us, but they eventually caught up with us. She got hurt badly and had to toss me as far away from her as she could. I remember her screams. They used to haunt my dreams a lot. But what hurts the most is that amidst all her cries she told me to run away and never look back.
Geni listens intently with a calm gaze
Ji-hu: Heavy breath. I couldn't move. I was too scared. I was too shocked. Or maybe deep down, I was too angry at the world. The world for harming my wonderful parents. The world for bringing the Disasters to our perfect home. In the end, before they could get to me a hunter arrived and dispatched the Disasters. Apparently there was some kind of test being carried out that was being monitored by the hunters. They let some of the Disasters get away by accident. My dad and mom both died and I was abandoned because I had no other relatives. I was an orphan for a little while before Meihua and her uncle adopted me. They're so nice, you know? They welcomed me into their family so easily. And for how badly Meihua's parents treated her she still opened her heart out to me. We bonded pretty quickly and she helped me forget. Forget all the terrible memories. I'd like to think I helped her too.
Ji-hu: So yeah. That's pretty much it. If I had a fraction of the power I wield now I could've stopped all of those Disasters. And it kinda hurts to know I could've prevented things. Although I am glad I met my friends. They made life easier.
Geni softly hugs Ji-hu
Ji-hu gives a surprised look but doesn't flinch at all as the freezing cold that usually surrounded Geni was now a comforting cool
Geni: I apologize for being so forward, but it seemed you could use some comfort.
Ji-hu leans into the hug and tears up
Geni: For someone so young to go through something this traumatic. I'm glad you found solace in Meihua and your friends. As for why you weren't given the power you needed at your darkest hour. I cannot say. The ancient beings you most likely spoke to were the ones who gifted us our rift abilities. They are older than anything we could possibly imagine.
The two let go of their embrace as Ji-hu wipes his tears
Ji-hu: It's alright Geni. I got over it a while ago. It's just … the talk with those beings reminded me of the past. They got me in a bad time. I'm just glad Meihua and the others are safe. If I lost them too I don't know what could've happened to me.
Geni: I believe you'll need my help to prevent those unwanted events from happening. It seems we will have to begin your rift training a lot sooner. The outbreak happening currently is a lot worse than I anticipated. For it to still be going on even with your world's powerful warriors fighting. It is worrisome to say the least. I've decided to train you alongside Ms. Eui and although I do not know her training methods, we should be able to succeed in spreading out our time.
The duo long since stopped in the middle of the hallway
Ji-hu: Geni?
Geni: Yes Ji-hu?
Ji-hu: How did you know what a hug was?
Geni: Softly laughs. Embracing one another for comfort isn't just an Earth custom Ji-hu. Although I did research on human customs when you left for the training facilities.
Ji-hu: Oh haha, yeah I guess you're right.
Ji-hu pauses in remembrance
Ji-hu: Smiles. You know you kinda remind me of mom in a weird way. You act a lot like her.
Geni: Oh, my apologies. I hope that my appearance does not bring any more bad memories.
Ji-hu: No no. You got it all wrong. It's a nice memory. You know it's kinda like a reminder she's out there watching me. I just hope I can make her proud.
Geni: In my opinion, I believe both your parents would be more than proud of you Ji-hu. You've overcome quite a lot at your age.
Ji-hu: I appreciate it Geni. I'll make you proud too.
Geni: Surprised. I'm sure you will Ji-hu. Let us head back, it is still late and I'm sure you would like some rest that doesn't involve speaking to ancient gods.
Ji-hu: Haha. Yeah I could definitely use some regular sleep. And Geni?
Geni: Yes?
Ji-hu: Thanks.
Geni: Your welcome Ji-hu.
The duo walk back to their sleeping quarters
Morning
News Anchor: We're tuning in live as the mysterious surface outbreaks have finally settled. Rescue operations are still underway as the damage to multiple structures has caused civilians to become trapped underground. We will keep you updated on the rescue operations.
Meihua: Ugh. Please turn that off, it's way too early..
Atlas: Mei it's literally 10 a.m. How are you not awake?
Meihua: What?
Meihua looks over to the clock to see it tick to 10:03
Meihua: I must've been more tired than I thought. Where are the others?
Atlas: Well Romy is getting checked by Nagato and the other two are grabbing some food rations.
Meihua: Any updates on the Disasters inside the base?
Atlas: Most of it is clear, but some sectors still got the buggers wandering around. We'll be out and about soon.
Meihua: I'm glad it's finally over. Wait, what have you been doing?
Atlas: Huh? Oh I woke up around the time Romy was leaving. My body hurts too much so I just started watching the emergency broadcast for news. You actually didn't wake up for a while even after I turned it on.
Meihua: Fair enough I guess. Is there internet?
Atlas smacks face
Atlas: Ugh I could've been on Utube. Hold on lemme check.
Atlas: Yeah the internet is up.
Atlas puts in his ear buds and starts watching a video
Meihua: Hm. I asked if the internet was up, but there isn't much to do.
Meihua looks into her reflection and sees her eyes glowing gold
Meihua: Uh. Atlas can you look at my eyes real quick? I want to make sure I'm not losing my mind.
Atlas: Huh? What's wrong, your eyes look fine.
Meihua: Huh? My eyes aren't glowing gold?
Atlas: Uhhhhh no stupid. Your eyes are the normal color. Maybe you are going crazy.
Meihua: I swear I'm looking at my reflection in my phone and they're glowing gold.
Atlas: Lemme see.
Atlas goes over to Meihua's bed and checks her reflection
Atlas: Oh, yeah that is weird. I can see the glow in your reflection.
Meihua: This is slightly concerning. I should probably tell Geni about this.
Atlas: Yeah they're down the hall near the area we busted through. Imma sit here and wallow.
Meihua: Suit yourself.
Meihua starts to head down the hallway and sees a room with a line sticking out of it
Meihua: Oi Ji-hu, Geni!
Ji-hu: Rise and shine Mei!
Geni: Good morning to you Meihua.
Ji-hu: Just give us a sec, we're about to get our rations for the day.
Meihua: I actually have to talk to you Geni.
Geni: What is the problem? Did something occur with Atlas?
Meihua: No, he's fine. It's my eyes.
Ji-hu: Why? Your eyes look fine to me.
Meihua: They glow a bright gold in my reflection.
Ji-hu: Keke liar.
Meihua: I'm serious Ji-hu.
Ji-hu: Smug tone. Really? Then prove it.
Meihua walks over and shows her screen to them
Ji-hu: Holy. What the hell is going on with your eyes.
Meihua: Told you.
Geni: That is certainly interesting.
Meihua: I wanted to ask if you think this is part of the prophecy Geni.
Geni: Well the prophecy wasn't extremely specific. It was not as if the prophet could predict every minute detail. Although this could have something to do with your "sacred art" as you call it.
Ji-hu: You think it's an upgrade of some sort? Do you have like better vision now or something?
Meihua: No, but now that you mention it, Nagato said he had a theory that we would all eventually undergo Divine Ascension. He also said that you could already be starting to "evolve".
Ji-hu: Wait, why didn't anybody tell me?
Meihua: Well to be fair we haven't exactly had the time to tell you.
Geni: She brings a valid point.
The person handing out rations motions for them to take their share
Ji-hu and Geni grab some extra trays for Atlas and Romy
Ji-hu: Well I guess you're right. But now we have time. So tell me please.
Meihua: To sum it up, since we're all part of the prophecy and are supposed to be great warriors, Nagato believes we're all going to "power up" like in a video game. He thinks that our rate of growth is going to become exponential.
Geni: His theory would be correct when it comes to Ji-hu, but I have no way to confirm how much potential the rest of you have. None of you have an aura like Ji-hu's, however, your roles in the prophecy stand clear. Each of you will aid each other in quelling the Abyss.
Ji-hu: Maybe they're auras you can't see?
Geni: That could definitely be the case. I was never an aura reader to begin with, just a rift bearer.
Ji-hu: Well you're not like hurting or anything right?
Meihua: No, but I was worried that it could have been something worse.
Ji-hu: That's good. We don't need anyone else getting hurt.
Geni: Let us head back to our resting quarters. Hopefully young Romy is alright now.
The trio start walking back to their room
Ji-hu: I wonder what we're gonna do after this is over.
Meihua: Huh? We'll probably begin our training. We never even started training with Ms. Eui.
Ji-hu: I guess, but don't you guys also have to mo-
Ji-hu: Wait, do you think our house is ok?
Meihua: Well … I don't really know. Our house is pretty far from Hq, but it's large so maybe?
Ji-hu: Right. Well, we're gonna have to move all our stuff into our new rooms. Or at least the essentials.
Meihua: Yeah I don't have much to begin with so moving shouldn't take too long. Although Atlas will probably take a while.
Ji-hu: Heh. Knowing him he's gonna bring his entire PC setup with him.
Geni: I must ask. What exactly is a PC?
Ji-hu: Oh, um it stands for personal computer. I don't know if you had anything like it but a computer is an electrical device used for storing and processing data.
Geni: That is quite Interesting. We do have technology similar to that. The tablet that Eui used earlier is similar to our own. They work similarly as well. Although our power sources came directly from spatial rift energy.
Ji-hu: Hm. That's weird. Our species are quite similar although we can't really see what you really look like under all those stars.
Meihua: Smacks Ji-hu. Oi don't be rude.
Ji-hu: Ah, sorry Geni I didn't mean too…
Geni: Do not worry Ji-hu. My race did not actually look far too different from the Abyss.
Both Ji-hu and Meihua look at Geni in surprise
Meihua: Wait, what do you mean?
Geni: My race as rift bearers shared quite a few similarities in appearance with the stars. Although not to the degree I appear. We also did require sustenance. And although my face looks like it is covered I can still see as if there is nothing there.
Ji-hu: Huh. The more you know.
Meihua: If you don't mind me asking, what was your civilization like?
Geni: It would be my pleasure Meihua. If I were to make a comparison, we are more similar in both appearance and culture to your species than any other species in this galaxy. My race was also an extremely technologically advanced species.
Ji-hu: That explains why you look so human. I seriously thought you were a hunter instead of an Abyssal Disaster when I first saw you.
Geni: Well you aren't exactly wrong Ji-hu as I am still affected by the Abyss.
Meihua: Was your planet large?
Geni: My planet was quite large. It would be around 1.5 times the size of your Earth.
Ji-hu: Man, I can't imagine life outside of our world. It's kinda hard to believe even though we've been fighting monsters from underground portals. Haha.
Romy: Hey!
The trio look onward as Romy and Nagato appear near their room
Ji-hu: Romy! You doing good now?
Romy: Yup! Nagato says I'm good to go and I'm not feeling hurt anymore!
Meihua: That's great to hear. I'm so glad it wasn't anything too unrepairable.
Geni: You did a wonderful job young Nagato.
Nagato: Oh, thank you for the praise! It was really nothing. I'm just glad I could help.
Ji-hu: Heh. Hey Geni you sure he isn't one of the chosen? Chuckles.
Geni: Well actually he is very similar to the description of one of the warriors, however, there are still some discrepancies that make me unsure.
Nagato: WAIT WHAT? TELL ME TELL ME PLEASE! I WANNA BE A GREAT WARRIOR!
Romy: Laughs. Calm down Nagato I'm sure Ms. Geni will explain.
Meihua: Sometimes I forget you're still very young.
Nagato: I'm not that much younger, I'm only 14.
Romy: WAIT, YOU'RE YOUNGER THAN ME?
Ji-hu: I knew you were young, but 14 is insane. You're ranked so high up I thought you'd at least be 17 or 18.
Nagato: Well they don't call me a prodigy for nothin!
Romy: Man, that's so cool. You're ranked high and you're super young!
Nagato: Anyways, what's my counterpart in the prophecy like?
Geni: The only observable differences are strangely enough your height and your abilities. Everything else seems to match you, young Nagato.
Nagato appears to pout
Nagato: I'll grow taller! But, I guess if it didn't talk about my abilities then it probably isn't me.
Ji-hu: Oh chin-up I'm sure you'll be helping us anyways since you're so dang strong.
Meihua: Ji-hu is right, Nagato. Your skills will be of great use when we fight the Abyss.
The intercom blares interrupting the group
Commander Cho: The current outbreaks have been sealed and reconstruction of the facility and outer structures have begun. Please return to your posts and await further orders. Eui, please bring the priority targets to my office for instructions. I repeat, current outbreaks-
Atlas bursts out of the room
Atlas: Freedom at last!
The group looks at him
Atlas: Oh hey guys. You get the food?
Ji-hu: Yup. Everyone gets one tray. Uh, sorry Nagato, we didn't grab one for you.
Nagato: Oh that's fine. I got my fair share earlier today. I had to wake up earlier to check up on the patients.
Atlas: Man you work hard dude. Gotta teach me some tricks.
Ji-hu: Wait, I just realized.
Meihua: What?
Ji-hu: Where the heck is Eui?
We find Hunter Eui resting on the floor seemingly passed out for some strange reason
Paxis: Shakes Eui. Hunter Eui please awaken. I know you aren't hurt.
Eui: Ughhh. 5 more minutes Commander Cho.
Paxis: I don't have time for this Eui. You have a job to fulfill and I have to find my apprentice.
Eui sits up extremely quickly
Eui: What just happened to me.
Paxis: What? I found you lying outside this section of the infirmary with a bunch of dead Abyssal Disasters. Did you not do this?
Eui: No I definitely did do all of that, but… why was I knocked out?
Paxis: I cannot answer that for you. I was clearing out sector 5 of the Hq so I wasn't able to see your massacre.
Eui: I never pass out. Even from a tough battle. I don't even remember when I blacked out.
Paxis: I know. Which is why I find this ordeal troublesome. Shall I bring you to the operational side of the infirmary?
Eui: Nah just lemme-
Eui tries to stand up, but immediately falls back down clutching her head
Eui: Aghhh. My head is killing me.
Paxis: Alright, I'll teleport us to the infirmary so hold onto me.
Eui: Hmph. Fine I guess I owe you one.
Paxis: Just doing my job Eui.
Eui grabs onto Paxis' cloak and they both teleport to the outside of the infirmary finding the shutters open and people walking out
Paxis: Nurse! I need a nurse.
Random Nurse: Yes? Oh my. Sir Paxis and Ms. Eui are you both alright?
Paxis: I'm fine, but hunter Eui seems to have either fallen ill or has been affected by some sort of ailment. Please take care of her. I need to find my apprentice.
Nurse: Um Sir Paxis? I believe your apprentice arrived here with the young warriors and a weird Abyssal creature.
Both hunters give her a looks of surprise (Paxis has his mask on just assume he looked at her)
Eui: Wait a sec, that must be Geni, I sent her to the infirmary earlier. Oh thank the Sacred Sanctions, that must mean the kids are safe.
Paxis: Where are they currently?
Nurse: They're down that hall and all the way to the left. I believe they are resting currently.
Paxis: Thank you nurse. Whispers. Eui I'll take care of your students and Ms. Geni, please rest.
Eui: Alright alright fine. I owe you two then.
The Nurse helps Eui and walks off to a nearby room while Paxis goes to the warriors and Geni
Paxis: This must be the door. Hopefully they're awake.
Paxis: Knock Knock. Hello, this is Hunter Paxis. I'm here in replacement of Hunter Eui to escort the priority targets to Commander Cho.
Ji-hu: Opens door. Hello sir Paxis we were actually just waiting for Ms. Eui.
Nagato: Sir Paxis! I'm so glad to see you!
Paxis: I as well young Nagato. I'm guessing you know of their situation?
Nagato: Yup! They already gave me all the details.
Paxis: That makes things easier. You can follow me as I take them to Commander Cho.
Meihua: Wait, what happened to Ms Eui?
Romy: Yeah! Wasn't she supposed to pick us up?
Paxis: It appears Hunter Eui was affected by some sort of ailment. I found her unconscious near a large number of deceased Abyssal Disasters.
Atlas: Man she went down swinging.
Paxis: No, I believe she handled the Abyssal Disasters fine. She may have an nonchalant attitude, but she is by far one of the more dangerous hunters in our Index. She would not have fallen easily to anything below a low Calamity level disaster let alone the meager vectors that surrounded her. I believe she was affected by something else.
Geni: That sounds terrible. I do hope she makes a speedy recovery.
Paxis: I brought her to a nurse before coming to you all so I believe she will make a full recovery.
Ji-hu: Well that's good at least.
Paxis: Were any of you injured?
Atlas: Yeah but Mr. Miracle over here fixed us up real fast.
Meihua ruffles Nagato's hair
Meihua: He saved Romy's life, Sir Paxis.
Nagato: Stop it guys! It wasn't that much. I just did what anyone would do!
Meihua: Not anyone Nagato. Your ability is incredible and so are you.
Atlas: Yeah gotta give credit where credit's due. Kid lives up to being a prodigy.
Romy: I don't think anyone can be more glad than me bro!
Ji-hu: He's just like he was in the interviews.
Nagato looks away blushing
Nagato: You guys. You're making me embarrassed.
Paxis: My you did quite a lot while I was away didn't you.
Nagato smiles brightly as he receives praise from his mentor
Ji-hu: Ugh, too bright.
Paxis: Well if that is all for the questions, please allow me to escort you all to Commander Cho.
Everyone nods and starts following Paxis out of the room