Fragile Forever (On Hold)

            Okay, so all you people reading my story, I’d really appreciate it if you commented your honest thoughts. I really need the feedback.  O.o

It still gave me a shock to look in the mirror and see no reflection.

            My master removed it near the beginning of my training, but it still made my skin crawl. Memories of old folk tales can do that. However, my master claimed it aided in my retention of chi’ang. As it was, I preferred not to even acknowledge the fact that I bore certain striking similarities to the necromanchi-a touchy subject with my remaining parent.

            I glanced back into my room, casting my gaze over my sparse possessions. After today, nothing would ever be the same. After six years, Sagemaster Kaze had announced my group of candidates ready for ascendance.

            “Candidate Piper?” a voice sounded from behind the translucent rice-paper screen. I started.

            “Candidate Piper?” the voice repeated.

            “I’m coming,” I called.

            “Breakfast is nearly served. I suggest you not be late,” the temple servant said before walking away down the corridor.

            A sudden movement from the garden caught my attention.

            “Hello, Master Skylark,” I called to the bird. Then I reached slowly behind the screen and picked up a handful of birdseed from a bowl. The bird cocked it head at me, hopping closer curiously.

            Crouching down, I held out the hand with the birdseed and slowly opened it up. The skylark blinked and hopped right up to my hand, then dipped its head down to take some seed.

            With a lurch that began in my gut and rolled up my body, my vision wavered, distorted and disappeared completely. For a split second, I was looking through the skylark’s eyes at myself. Then, in a bright white flash, the discomfort stopped.

            A scorching, sand-imbibed wind whipped across my huddled body and drew my attention back to my surroundings. Thousands upon thousands of kilometers of arid desert rolled out in front of me, whilst I stood atop one of the only rocks as far as I could see.

            In the distance, a low, black form was emerging. With it came a droning thrum that rattled the sparse tussocks of grass and dislodged stones. Growing steadily louder and larger, the black shape approached swiftly. Its distorted form separated and refined itself into a vast array of even larger shapes.

            “Battleships,” I breathed.

            An army of airships numbering at least a few thousand. Armed, blatantly and obviously, with a mammoth collection of devastating weaponry.

             The piercing scream of approaching missiles shattered the pseudo-calm. Waves of gut wrenching energy distortions wracked my body. My mind-sight rippled and cracked. A scream surged up my throat, but before I could vomit it out-

            -My world exploded in a maelstrom of ashes and dust. Ripping apart my body, the whirlwind dragged me through space and time before-

            -Depositing me on a lonely, dusty street.

            The houses were derelict, warped and twisted. Shattered glass glistened on the street. In some houses, fire flickered in their rooms, bringing light to the lonely night. Up ahead, a couple of stooped, hulking figures stalked the darkness.