The Helix's Savior Part One: Beginning of the Maelstrom

By Joshua BuchiAhiabuike

Beginning of the Maelstrom is about a quest to save our cosmos (the Helix) from the forces of evil which intend to take control of it, forces led by the unseen Lord Maelstrom. This volume tells of the earliest attempt by Alexander, a surviving member of the Ancients, to counter these evil forces of darkness. But first, he must recollect his past and harness his gifts to save the Helix.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ideas into Books: Westview
• Release date: Dec 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781628800289

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Beginning of the Maelstrom

A Novel

By

Joshua Buchi-Ahiabuike

I dedicate this book to

my Dad and Mom,

my brother Ugo Einstein,

my sisters Chioma Joy and

Favor Chimdinma.

Published by Westview, Inc. at

Smashwords.com

© 2011 Joshua Buchi-Ahiabuike

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by Westview, Inc. at Smashwords.com.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This book is available in print at most on-line retailers.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any fashion, either mechanically or electronically, without the express written permission of the author. Short excerpts may be used with the permission of the author or the publisher for the purposes of media reviews.

ISBN 978-1-62880-028-9

Table of Contents

Journal #1

Journal #2

Journal #3

Journal #4

Journal #5

Journal #5 Continued

Journal #5 Continuation 2

Journal #6

Journal #6 Continued

Journal #7

Journal #7 Continued

Journal #8

Journal #8 Continued

Maria’s Diary #1

Journal #8 Continuation 2

Journal #9

Amber Oni Training

Amber Oni Training 2

Finding the Second Crystal

Finding the Third Crystal

Entry I: The Betrayal

Finding the Third Crystal 2

Finding the Final Crystal

Glossary

About the Author

Journal #1

I write this only because I believe I shouldn’t be the only one who can discern reality. I can’t remember anything. I’ve been here for a short time since the actions recorded in this journal. I don’t know who in the world you may be, or why or how you are reading this, but just do NOT lose these papers. My whole adventure (so far) is in your hands. Now, read it if you are brave enough, but then again, you probably aren’t. If you aren’t brave enough, then close this journal right now and put it back wherever you found it for the next person. If anyone’s reading this, of course. This journal contains information on my exposure to portal gates, Mygic, my true self (who I haven’t dug back up completely), and how I am the leader of the only three people out of everyone left on Earth who can save the whole cosmos. Enjoy or fear, if you’ve read this far, go ahead and read my first entry.

May 16th, 4014

I can only recall a blue flash, a few emotional words to some people called Alexander and Bane, and then I washed up on the shore of this island. I didn’t know where I was, or if I was alone or not. All I knew that I was a stranger on a strange island. Where am I? I asked nobody.

You’re at Blackstar Island, declared an unknown girl.

That name made some gear click. I got up. Is it named after Jason Blackstar? I asked. After I inquired that, I knew it was a stupid question by the look on her face.

Yeah, dummy. Who doesn’t know that? asked the girl. She looked like everyone on the island knew that.

Well, I can’t remember anything that’s happened to me. Maybe I used to live here, but I can’t remember, I nearly growled.

So then, what’s your name? the girl asked.

Well, I guess it’s Strike. It’s the only one I can remember. I wondered.

My name is Melody, and some of my friends call me Mel. I’m a girl who sells flowers for one Terra each. I use the money I make to pay for the expenses my parents can’t pay for me to go to school, Melody introduced herself. The words just spewed from her mouth.

I reached in my pocket, and I found a golden coin. I had no idea what it was worth.

A one-thousand Terra coin! That could get you so much stuff… the girl marveled.

Well, that answered my question. You should have it- you need it more, I sympathized. She sounded poor; I was giving her something I didn’t need.

No, you should. I can manage on my own. Melody almost sobbed. It seemed as though she had met many people better off than she was. Then she found me. She probably thought I was like her, so we could get along, until I got out that coin. She was disappointed I was so much like everyone else. And me trying to give it to her out of pity made her feel worse.

I looked around. It was sandy, probably a beach. If this was Blackstar Island, it didn’t reflect his personality much. Yet, at least. If I remember him well enough. Jason was a blazing soul, adventurous and wild as the lightning. He wasn’t a peacemaker. If I had remembered the right person. If that was a person. What the- I hear something, I remarked. I actually did, like a small high-pitched noise. I had no idea what that meant. And it sure didn’t sound like music.

I don’t hear anything. I wonder what it could- Melody started, when a somewhat mutant horse charged towards us. It was half goat actually, and half human. Human on top, goat on the bottom. It stood like a human. Now that I think of it, I believe they’re called satyrs. I ran at the satyr, not knowing how I could fight it. Melody yelled for me to stop, but I didn’t listen. I just kept charging towards the satyr.

When I hit it, I picked up a stick and started banging on its head stronger than I knew I could. ‘Use the Hero’s Blade! Use its power!’ said a voice in my mind. I had no idea what it meant, so I ignored it and banged away. I kicked the satyr away, then grabbed his leg. I spun around, and then threw it into the sea. That was hard. But it’s gone now, I breathed.

That was so awesome! You just went, like, bang, bang, then kick, then grab his leg, then throw! Whooosh! It was just like- Melody started babbling like some kind of obsessed super-fan.

It can’t be all that. Other people can do that…right? I asked. It wasn’t like I was anything special. At least as far as I remember. I didn’t want to establish a fan club or a 1# fan before I know anyone in the town.

You have no idea! You’re, like, superhuman or something! The last people that were like that were in WARRIOR, but they got killed by some supposed hero, Jason, but he killed the greatest people on earth! I have him classified as a villain in my book. And there was some guy called Alexander with him, Melody informed me.

WARRRIOR… it seems so familiar, but I don’t know why, I wondered. Can you take me back to civilization? I don’t know what I’m supposed to do here.

Sure, Melody replied. She grabbed my hand, then pulled me towards wherever. Okay, yes, you’d think following a random girl isn’t very smart. And I did know that. But what I didn’t know is what I would do if I didn’t. So I followed.

When we reached the city, it was much different from any city I’ve ever seen. Well, if my memories are correct. I thought cities had normal, white colored buildings, and cars driving all around on the ground. What I saw were people moving on flying cars. I looked about 1000 yards away, and saw a huge, normal, and green building. Probably a power plant. They must have taken care of the pollution problem… I believe? I muttered.

That was taken care of… in about in the 2000’s, Melody informed me, quizzically. You forgot all your history lessons, didn’t you? If you had any, at least.

I can’t remember… wasn’t that 1000 years ago? I asked.

That was around 2000 years ago. How offset are you? Melody asked.

Hey, Melody, what are you doing? You find a boyfriend already? some random boy snobbishly asked.

Hey, just leave her alone, okay? I tried to utter politely, but it was not my way. Okay, yeah, I know. It’s pretty stupid to defend someone you don’t know much about. Then again, it’s unfair persecution. That gives a reason, right? And do not answer that question.

Just leave me alone, Shika. He’s not my boyfriend, Melody breathed. Her cheeks started to turn a bright red.

Melody has a boyfriend, Melody has a boyfriend! Shika chanted. I didn’t notice this, because I was layered over with three things, and now that I recount, I felt my eyes glow. The three things were… anger, spite, and… that unforgettable rush called fury. That’s impossible… you can’t be one of them! Shika exclaimed.

Leave her alone! I yelled. Shika turned around and ran as fast and as far away as his puny legs could take him. I felt the glow end, and I got on the ground, drained. Heh… I sure scared him, I muttered roughly. You ever want to get some one else like that to go away, then just call me.

Melody asked, Where are you going to go? I don’t know if my parents have enough money to pay for you.

I can pay for myself… at least, I think, I said. And, since that horse thing attacked us, I need a sword. I looked around. Anyway, is there anywhere around here I can get a sword?

There is from the WARRIORs at the Vitasentia plant, but they’re corrupt. They suck the life out of all the things on Earth for energy. They may even start killing people. But there really isn’t any other way, Melody said.

Are you kidding me? You’re going to raid an entire power plant YOURSELF!? Do you have any idea how much trouble you can get with the authorities? Melody asked.

So? I don’t even know the authorities. I’ll go along without them, I said triumphantly. What? I like being a rebel. Adds a little excitement to your life.

Melody smacked herself in the forehead, and dragged it down, the universal sign for a lot of things, so you probably understand what it means. Aw, come on! If you aren’t coming, I’ll go myself, I implored in a calm, uncaring manner.

Melody looked back, and growled, Alright, then. But only for you. But, no matter what, I am NOT going in that building.

But only for- Never mind, let’s go, I was puzzled. But I put it aside. What in the world could that mean? Oh, well. It may have been rude to ask, so I didn’t. So, Melody. Are you ready for this? I asked.

Maybe I am, Strike, but I’m probably not, she answered.

Eh, close enough. Let’s go! I yelled.

I stealthily sped towards the power plant in the middle of the city. It was quite hard, and I nearly got caught by a guard. I sped past him with that glowing eye power. I still didn’t understand that power, but it made me better in some ways. I ran into the door, and was instantly jabbed in the chest by some person. ‘Where might Melody be?’ I thought to myself.

And who might you be? asked the man. My eyes instantly turned red, and I growled. Oh-Oh, I’m sorry, my liege, the man exclaimed. I looked at him quizzically. Yeah, you’re a first-class WARRIOR!

Oh, yeah! Missions… sorta… just get to the head, you know? I improvised.

Oh, yeah. I understand it. I was once like you, then I failed a mission and got demoted, the man sighed, longing for the fame again.

So… I need a weapon… mine is gone. Got… broke in a battle, yeah! I improvised once again. I nodded frantically. Okay, I’m sorry. I’m just a little frantic, cause if… our boss… catches me without a weapon… he’ll…- I started to say.

Demote you and punish you. Yeah, I know. Let me just sneak you into the weapon vault, the man said, and then led me into a room.

‘Do not let this man’s kindness fool you. Once he realizes you are not a WARRIOR, he and all his companions will try to kill you. Take him out, now!’ A telepathic voice spoke in my mind. I looked at the poor WARRIOR guard. I’m sorry, WARRIOR. I breathed. And with that, I smacked the man in the side of the head with the side of my new greatsword.

I ran out, and alarms rang, Alert, intruder!

Oh, I’m screwed, I whispered to myself. I looked around, and guards started charging from each direction. I held my sword in hand, and looked straight at the guards. LEAVE ME BE! I yelled. A wave of energy came out from my sword as I slashed it downwards, and it knocked over one WARRIOR. I fell on the ground, drained.

A man in thick armor walked over to me. You’re lucky that you’re a civilian, kid. We won’t send you to jail this time. But you ever try a stunt like that again… he said as he pulled out a glowing red longsword,… this blade’s gonna slit your throat. I gulped and backed away. I won’t let it happen again, I said, not sure that I actually meant that, and took off.

‘You coward! You have the strength to take them all down!’ that voice in my head said. You know something? Shut up! I answered myself. I looked forward, only to see Melody standing there, waiting.

What’d I tell you? You can’t invade an entire power plant alone like that! she scolded.

I looked down in mock shame. Well, I know now. It’s a lot harder to get in than I expected, I muttered.

I knew you’d reach that conclusion, she smirked.

Then maybe you should have helped me! I’m not giving up on being a rebel, I roared.

What in the world, Strike!? You nearly got arrested right then and there, and you still want ‘excitement’? she asked, mad.

I nodded, and shrugged. Aw, come on! I wouldn’t be able to take it if my life was boring! I innocently said.

Ugh! You know something? I’m gonna go easy on you, because you can’t remember anything. They WILL kill you if you do that again! They have those Rakos, and weapons, and Mygic, and extra Vitasentia- she stammered.

I heard something that made a gear start spinning. Wait a second, rewind to the Mygic part. What is that? I asked.

Melody spread her arms wide out, and said, Look closely around. See all those multicolored balls flying around with wings? They’re Mygic. These days, people with true magic aren’t alive anymore. So they make artificial Mygic for us non-Ancient blooded folk to use Mygic. The natural ones, like the ones around us, are stronger than the artificial, but if a non-Ancient blooded person touches them, they disintegrate. I brought my hand up to touch one. No, don’t, Strike! I can’t take it when someone kills a Mygic! she cried.

I brushed my fingers onto it, and it hovered around me and gave me a caring push. I think it likes me. I said. It was pretty obvious. I mean, I thought if it disintegrates, it escapes, so it must like me. But I was completely wrong. And I thought I was wrong, too.

Then I looked around. Many onlookers were crowding around us, yelling, He’s touching a Mygic! It’s not disintegrating!

One yelled, It’s fake, I know it is! There’s no way he has Ancient blood in him!

Another said, You-you-you’re an-an Ancient! You’re a descendant of the Ancient Ones!

Melody screamed. I looked around. More Mygic were floating around me, touching me carefully to see if I was safe or not. When they didn’t disintegrate, they all started buzzing around me like I was their king or something. It felt good to be unique.

Well, then. Hey, guys, you can go, I told them.

The Mygic then did something extraordinary. They made a movement almost like nodding, then said something. Our ancient lord for whom we have waited for so long, only call upon us, and we shall return. And then they all fluttered away, except for the first one. He was red with pinkish wings.

Is this a Fire Mygic or something? Because it’s red and all, I asked. And what did they mean by ‘ancient lord’? I asked again.

What are you talking about? The Mygic didn’t say anything. Are you going wacko or something? Melody asked.

Yes, they did! They said, ’Our ancient lord for whom we have waited for so long, only call upon us, and we shall return’. Are you going deaf? I answered. Some people just are weird. But Melody acting like this? Really weird.

I think the true powers of the Ancients were not all put down in our databases, and one of them was being able to communicate with Mygic, Melody said.

Okay, then. If they can talk to me, and I can talk to them, then let’s see if this works. Hey, you Mygic! I’m gonna name you Flare, I decided. The Mygic nodded. Hey, it worked! I yelled. It was pretty exciting, being able to talk to things other people couldn’t. And then again, it can get pretty creepy. Everyone stood quiet.

Melody broke the silence, saying, The last few Ancients were in WARRIOR, but the VERY last one was some man called Alexander.

I looked up. Is Alexander my real name? I asked myself, or is it really Strike?

Of course it’s Strike! Alexander lived 1000 years ago! Melody answered.

I nodded, then thought, ’I’m not Alexander. I can’t be. I’m only 17.’ I looked towards Melody. Okay, Melody, I changed my mind. I want the most normal life you can possibly give me. I’ve been thinking too hard the last day or two. I can’t tell. Time’s all jumbled in my head. It was true. I could barely tell if it had been a month since I had landed on the island, or if it had been a day.

Ever since then, I’ve been living here. I’m not sure how long exactly I’ve been here. I’m living with Melody’s family. I’ve been holding myself up with that 1000 Terra coin, but I don’t think it will last forever.

May 19th, 4014

What happened to me in the events of this entry are what started my true adventure. What started my battle against Maelstrom himself. It all started like this: Morning, Melody. I yawned, waking up.

Really, Strike? We’re in different rooms, and I can still hear you. And it’s not morning yet! Go back to sleep, she groggily murmured.

I tossed and turned, and I knew that there was something around me that I needed to see. I went to the window, and saw a burning fire. I opened the window, and jumped out. It wasn’t all that terrifying. Well, it wasn’t at all. I was about only 4 feet away from the ground. I looked around, and walked up to the flame. There was a man standing in it. He held out a majestic sword, with a hole in the middle. It was golden with red on the hilt. There were three blue spikes protruding on each side of the blade from the area where the bottom of the blade and the hilt met. The blade was blue inside and the edges were gold. The hilt had traces of blue. How are you- I started to ask.

"Not how are you. How am I," the man answered.

Well, yeah, you can say that yourself, but you’re not me. Oh, I get it! You’re one of those people trying to ‘mess with my head’, aren’t ya? Well, now I know. I bet this fire’s fake, too! I said, believing I had outsmarted him. I waved my hand through the flare, and felt my hand burn. I drew it back instantly.

If you were more cautious, you’d know not to touch fire, the man growled.

Okay, what do you want before I slice your head off? I asked, angry.

Take my sword. After you do, I can explain everything, the man said. I looked at him, confused. You must believe in me. Only then will you not be burned, he added.

I touched it and felt that burning sensation again. I concentrated on believing the man wasn’t lying, then stuck my hand in. The man held the sword out, and I grabbed it. I quickly brought it back before the flames could burn me again. What I then realized was that the sword changed once I touched it. It was just an elegantly made silver sword. No fancy attachments like the first one. Another man appeared beside him.

It is not time yet, the new, armed man commanded. The first man looked up at him, then tackled the second while grabbing me by the collar of my shirt. Listen! I have your memories! Your name is Ale- was all he could get out before the first man held out his hand. A blue portal opened up and sucked the second man up. He was nowhere to be found. Then the other one disappeared.

Do not forget me… I heard his voice murmur as it faded away. Now that I think about it, there’s one strange thing. The man’s voice sounded exactly like the voice in my mind.

Is my name Alexander? Is it? ANSWER ME, ANYONE! I yelled into the heavens. It was traumatic, someone telling me that my name is not what I think it is, and it starts with Ale. Was my name Alejandro? Alex? Alexander? Alef? How was I supposed to know? I had no memories that might have led me back to where I belonged. I was in the wrong place for sure, though. Am I who I think I am? Or am I an illusion to myself? I asked myself, void of all understanding.

What are you talking about? You must have been dreaming. There’s no way a normal mortal can stand there in a fire, and not be reacting in some way. Melody replied to my tale. She enjoyed being the voice of reason in the conversation.

That’s just it! I don’t think he was a normal mortal at all! He said he had my memories. I don’t think a normal mortal can have your memories. And he gave me this sword, too! I can prove it wasn’t a dream. When I brought my hand up, the sword was gone. What happened? It was in my hand! I wondered aloud.

What’d I tell you? It was just a dream, Melody said. She nodded like a know-it-all would.

Agh! Why don’t you ever listen to me! I yelled. I just turned away and walked out of the room. I was pretty mad that no one was listening to me. Right when I had finished going down the stairs, the sword appeared in my hand. It’s back! I ran outside. Okay, what happens next explains why I didn’t immediately realize I had gone the wrong way, and I should turn back since I wanted to talk to Melody.

The most obvious thing outside was that I couldn’t see anything. Something was blocking out the sun. I could only see a really dark purple. There was a swirling storm, and it was emanating from an area not too far from me. I ran towards it as an instinct.

Rednaxela, I have been waiting for you, bellowed the source of the evil storm. I would soon learn his name was Maelstrom.

Who are you? I asked. I was pretty afraid of someone who had the power to summon this much power. Why are you doing this?

Rednaxela, I am Hsad, but much more widely known as Maelstrom, the man said. The storm ceased when he thrust out his hands. I have come for you to give you a choice.

Maelstrom, what is this choice? I asked. I had no idea what he was talking about. I looked around me, and saw flattened houses, flattened trees, and dead people.

My choice for you is to join me. I can show you how to harness the power of the Mygic you are recognized by as king. I am their TRUE king. Join me, and you may become my prince, Maelstrom said.

You have killed many by this nation-wide dark hurricane. I will destroy you for this, I said. Yeah, one thing. One thing you may have realized, and you probably will with time, is that I say impulsive, idiotic, dense, stupid things a lot. It’s a known fact by me. And don’t blame me. Blame Mr. Alternate Self who Lives in my Head. Unless it gets personal. Then it’s just me doing/saying stupid things.

Maelstrom smashed his fist into his hand, and a gust of dark energy came out from him. Then you shall die. My Mygic minions, attack! Gusts of the Mygic I knew and loved came towards me, but they were of different varieties. They were purple and twisted, and they shot incredibly powerful and diverse types of magic at me. I was burned, scorched, and nearly dead when they were done.

My friends, Mygic, please come to me now. Please answer me… I murmured. I heard buzzing, and a multitude of Mygic crowded around me. They melted into my skin, and then it all went black.

When I regained consciousness, I saw Maelstrom, nearly defeated. Is it possible… that the Mygic have unlocked something I didn’t understand? I asked myself.

Curse you, Alexander. CURSE YOU! And on that note, Maelstrom disappeared. I fell on the ground, and fainted.

May 20th, 4014

I woke up in Melody’s house, a Mygic fluttering over me. Thank you, my son, I said. I have no idea where the ‘my son’ part came from, but I do know I said it.

My father, you are truly the first true Ancient. I understand that you in this untrained form cannot handle many Mygics’ power. I was chosen to stay with you and with the other Mygic that you meet, the Mygic said. I am a Skill Mygic. My skill is Fire.

Like I thought, I replied. I put my hand out, and the Mygic melted into my skin. I felt a high surge of power. Fiery power. One thing I also realized was that my eyes were red. And not bloodshot, my eye color was red. So, now what shall we do? I asked Flare.

We must figure out how Maelstrom is working somehow, he answered.

I looked around. Outside was calm. There’s no sign of the dark storm. He covers up his tracks really well, I admired. Now don’t get me wrong. I do not, emphasis on ‘do not’, admire destruction. I admired the way he covered his tracks. Just clearing that up for you. Before, during the storm, there was destruction all around. Now, for whatever strange reason, everyone was going their way like nothing has happened. It was eerie.

There has to be some clue. Some way for someone to know that Maelstrom’s been here, I muttered. I saw a purple shard of crystal. I jumped out of the window and grabbed it. Is this a material part of Maelstrom’s storm? I asked.

Maybe. I will have to examine it to be sure, Flare replied. He hovered over it, then said, This is very strange… Maelstrom seems to have not used his own strength for the storm. This is a piece of the power source.

So this is the only clue I have, I commented.

I am here, bellowed the man in thick armor from last morning.

Why are you here? I have a person to track, I muttered.

I’m here to help you learn, he answered. He held out his hand, and a portal opened up. It started sucking me in, and it was terrifying.

Who are you, and why are doing this? I asked him.

The man answered, Follow, and I shall explain.

I remember cursing and being thrown into the portal, then something weird.

I remember being in a blue hall, and I was being pushed along. Do not fear, my father. You will be safe with me, Flare assured me.

For some reason, for a second, I was reassured. Then I thought,’ How can one Mygic protect me from… this?’ The warrior stood there. Why are taking me here? What did I do to you? I’m going to kill you if you don’t tell me! I roared with growing anticipation.

The warrior scowled, and a field of energy appeared around him. I am the Warrior of Light, second only to Light herself. I am the leader of you heroes, and you shall not disrespect me or I shall end you, he hissed, withholding the anger that burned within him.

I drew the blade that flaming hero had given me. Bring it on, Warrior of Light! I challenged. I rushed at the Warrior of Light, and tried to bring my sword down on his head. He brought up his sword to block, which was glowing blue, then slashed my chest. Aah! I yelled in pain. A gust of power burst out from around me, and my clothes changed. I got armor like those WARRIORs had, except it was gold, and I got a black cape. My sword changed, and glowed blue like the Warrior’s. I slashed at the Warrior, and saw a bunch of people around us. I brought my sword down, and tried to regain my stature.

To do so, I breathed, You’re going to answer me now.

A bright, tall woman was standing near them. I know I chose well when I chose the third in command, the woman commented.

The Warrior looked at her in shock. You must reconsider, Light- the Warrior stammered. He probably just thinks badly of me because I nearly defeated