Shifters

Amnesia

"You!" an unknown voice spoke, "Have you any idea what you're about to do?"

Standing on the opposite end of the speaker, a figure shrouded in grey energy akin to the colour of storm clouds itself, wore a dreadful grin as they held what appeared to be a singular orb of darkness within their grasp over a swirling vortex of chaotic energy.

"If you were to cast him down now, then our future would remain uncertain!" the speaker emphasized.

Grin disappearing as they loosened their grip on the orb of black energy, a sudden feeling of discomfort attacked their consciousness forcing them to face the now emotional, teary-eyed onlooker.

"Please!" the unknown voice pleaded continuously, "Don't do this! There has to be another way! Haven't we already lost enough?"

Somewhat affected by the speaker's words, the figure hesitated briefly as thoughts of their actions no longer seemed to be aligned with the path of righteousness. Taking advantage of their uncertainty, the unknown speaker dashed forward, hands blazing a fiery red as they tackled their target to the floor. Struggling as both grey and red energies collided, the figure shrouded in stormy aura managed to land a heavy blow, gaining themselves a moment of respite. Forgetting their earlier uncertainty, a decision was quickly made in their mind as the unknown speaker rushed towards them with a newly produced blade covered in flames. Shuddering as they knew what was about to transpire, the figure, who now emitted fog-like mist mixed with slivers of electricity quickly chucked the orb towards the vortex.

Piercing through the fog with absolute conviction, the unknown speaker looked up at them with confusion as their blade protruded from the figure's heart, "How can you still smile given the circumstances?"

"Because," the figure relayed, blood spurting from their lips as they spoke, "Sometimes, sacrifice is needed to achieve one's ultimate goal."

Horrified by their opponent's words, the unknown speaker desperately searched their defeated enemy's hands for the orb. Finding no trace of it, they switched their gaze over to the vortex, which now glowed a violent shade of stormy grey as the black orb of energy rolled gracefully into it.

Knowing they would be too late, the unknown speaker flung a hasty ball of fire at the spatial opening before screaming, "NO!"

Collapsing to their knees as the figure succumbed to their wounds, the stormy grey energy that once enveloped them scattered into the ground below, scarring the earth with an irremovable mark.

Smile still plastered on their lips as they relished their final moments the figure lisped, "It's too late. Now that he's escaped, it's only a matter of time until he returns, and this time, he'll lead us to victory."

"Victory you say," the unknown speaker repeated, voice trembling in anger, "And what if he brings about the next calamity? Will your place in the next life be enough to compensate us all for the destruction he may bring forth?"

"Perhaps my judgement may have been foolhardy, however, it's too late," the figure replied, staring blankly into the now dawn-coloured sky as their body began to convulse, "He's already gone!"

Unable to hold their rage in any longer, the unknown speaker indiscriminately released all of the fiery energy within their body, decimating the surrounding area as they screamed, filling the air with the sounds of their unrestrained anger.

* * *

A warm feeling filtered through the air as a gentle breeze caressed his skin. Filled with the endearing warmth of soothing energy, a sudden weightlessness took ahold of his mind as though he himself was floating amidst a sea of pleasurable affection. As he snuggled into what felt like heavenly bliss, a sudden turbulence threatened his comfort as the cocoon of warmth cracked irreversibly before abruptly collapsing. Sensing as the light faded to a darker setting, the boy opened his eyes only to be greeted with an immense darkness that spanned infinitely in every direction. Serenity replaced with chaos, his limbs, which felt as though they'd been packed with lead, remained unresponsive, much unlike his clothes however, which flapped crazily as though they were caught within a hurricane. Groaning as a wave of lightheadedness attacked his conscious state, the boy grew even chillier as the abrupt appearance of a moist, mist-filled air suddenly enveloped him. Before he could even begin to wonder what was happening, the hairs on his arms rose instantly as a brilliant streak of light traced its way alongside him. Following it was a deafeningly, thunderous roar that left his eardrums in a state of monotonous ringing.