War of the Heroes Ii: The Ammera Legacy

By Ryan Campbell

This tale is not for the faint of heart. I know youve probably heard that before, but in this case, its true. This is a tale of loss and love, fear and regret, hate and revenge. This story is not to teach a lesson, but to educate the people on forces beyond our control. Whether you take my story to heart or see it as a mere fictional tale, you will know the name Ammera and will come to fear it. To be truthful, its just a story. Its not like if you dont read it, youre going to die. However, should you decide to look in this book, you will find what I promised.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524557300

Ryan Campbell

Ryan Campbell is an aviator and an adventurer. At 15 he became the youngest pilot in Australia. At 17 he had a private pilots licence, at 18 a commercial pilot's licence and a year later, aged 19, he made international headlines as the youngest person to circumnavigate the world solo in a single-engine plane and achieve his dream. Now with his feet firmly planted on the ground, Ryan is planning to travel Australia inspiring young people to follow their dreams both in, and beyond, aviation. Ryan works as a commercial pilot for Aeromil Pacific, an Australian-owned aviation company. He lives in Sydney.

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COPYRIGHT © 2016 BY RYAN CAMPBELL.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/03/2016

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1 An Ammera’s Beginnings

Chapter 2 The End of Everything

Chapter 3 The Struggle

Chapter 4 Susan’s Awakening

Chapter 5 Where There’s Smoke …

Chapter 6 There’s Fire

Chapter 7 These Small Moments

Chapter 8 A Dark Secret

Chapter 9 The Realm of Dragons

Chapter 10 Ammera’s Return

Chapter 11 The Ammera Legacy

Epilogue

By the hand of sin and the lust for revenge, the Ammera Legacy will be our end. Of all these things that I fear most, I shall not fear the Ammera’s ghost

—Noracta Ammera

Prologue

The Nightmare

Darkness surrounded the city of New York, as a young teenage girl stood on the edge of a roof of one of the city’s structures and was looking down at the street so very far away; she was emotionless. Her body ready, her blood slowed to a near halt, and her breath became as still as frozen water. Her braided black hair, as if by magic, unraveled and blew in the wind. From behind her, a grown woman walked up next to her, and then a man came to her other side. Without warning, the man and woman walked off the roof and plummeted down like rocks. The girl watched them fall as more people from behind her came and walked to their doom. Black bodies then fell from the clouds as these persons’ screams could be heard. From the street below, the ground cracked open and emitted a red light. A fire broke from the ground and made the city below look like a forest on fire. The building she stood on trembled as the fire engulfed the city and turned the sky red. Crows flew among the clouds in large numbers as a voice bellowed behind the girl. I do not fear you, child! the voice came booming. The girl turned around to see the large demon-like being with ghostlike serpents on his back. The demon towered over her and caused a quake with each and every step. I will take your corpse and paint my face with your blood. The girl then snapped in rage. She screamed with all her might and caused the demon to cover his ears. The voice of the girl shattered the building, like it was made of sticks, and before long, the world cracked and crumbled before exploding under her voice, and then suddenly, she woke up in her bed. The girl then took deep breaths. The room was as cool as a freezer, yet she sweated like she was standing the sun. She then looked to the window next to her bed and wiped the sweat from her brow. In her reflection on the glass, she saw her eyes … eyes of fire.

For ages now, battles have raged between good and evil, since the dawn of time, and until the end of all … Yes, there will be a fight … one that ends it all. From the deserts of the east and the rocky north, from the arrival of the Shadow, to the Victory over Garm, this world had witnessed its fair share of battles. The only hope this world has are in its heroes. Leo, the Demon King’s son, the Great Ace; the brave scholar, Kunji, the Forsaken, the Wicked, the Unknown; Yuri, the Bridge; Phantom, the Vengeful; Asten, the Peace Bringer; Aku, the Destroyer; Rocor, the Heart of Stone; Roy; the Bringer of Hope; Hora, the Protector; Noracta, the Deifier; and Kanu, the Ascended. These people had earned the name hero amongst warriors for their bravery. However, not every hero is decorated in gold and silver and is as clean as a whistle. No … Heroes are those who have given everything to save the innocent, but with each hero, the price gets higher … and sometimes, even the price won’t match the legend they bring. Sometimes, the legend is too great.

A Fading Dream

This is a tale not meant for the easily shaken. The events brought on by this war will frighten, scar, and even bring up memories thought long forgotten. I warn you, now is the time to turn away. It is okay to be afraid, for we all fear things in this life. Our mortality, our weakness, our fragility, our acceptance … but fear doesn’t begin to describe the pit of sorrow that the Underworld had created. No mere book or dreamer can ever reach the true depths of the heart of Hell, yet it is told to children like a mere bad dream. Here rests the legend of its kingdom, of its rise, and of its downfall. Here lies the legacy of man’s pain and hatred that has been dragged down beneath the earth to give God no chance of reaching them. Here is the wasteland of forsakenness that the ones who have doubted the Gods must suffer. Below these pits lie the imprisoned souls who beg for another chance at life and another chance to love God, but their impure hearts led them here, and no amount of tears will ever change that. Forced to forever walk an endless road through their entering, then into their judgment where the foreseer of their fate will place them in their anguish for eternity. Those who have deemed themselves greater than God have been sentenced to forever walk the lonely road to the black abyss. They cry for a shred of sunlight and redemption from the one they have forsaken but is over shouted by the screams of pain in the Torture grounds. These grounds are for those who see fit to detain others and cause harm in any shape or form. Truly, this is what separates man from beast, but what is deemed truly disloyal to oneself is the face of Lust. To set one’s self toward another for one’s own desire is sentenced to forever pleasure of a … demonic type. Every breath stolen, every blood given will be their own. Not even that of Anger will change your fated destination. Here, the damned rage and act out of pure despite of their own heart and what course it has given them. But what is worse than hatred is Envy. Those who dream the life of another and of material objects and possessions will be placed in the pit of Envy. There they will suffer the force of their jealousy and be given only the vision of those they have chosen to become or that of which they desire. Only a deep passion for such a thing will send them here to reap their souls to have it. To ensure that each circle is continued suffering, the Devil entrusts his lords to do his work, each as evil as the last. Horkas the Merciless rules the pits of Torture and Envy. Horkas isn’t your average demon. He was bred on destruction and needs of evil. He swore to forever punish those who entered Hell. This way, he would please his master and into one day giving him the title … Devil. Out of all those placed here, Horkas loved to hurt the one whom he once sought to be like before he was sent here. His name was Hora, and we’ll learn about him soon enough. One who was not as evil as one such as Horkas was someone you’d never expect. Leo, the Devil’s son, rules the grounds of Lust and Fear. Leo is a strong man, being born of both demon and human. He does not despise his father, but refuses to accept his way of evil. Truth be told, he would have joined his father ages ago, but after he found the grace of Jesus, he turned from his father’s path. Leo treats those he cares for as lost members of a family. He helps them grow strong in each other and avoid such temptations as that of the flesh. He also opened a church in hopes of Jesus one day returning and taking some of them with him to Heaven. Finally, the newest pair, Kazu and Maya, with their daughter Kazuyen, named after her father, rule the grounds of Greed and Sacrilege. Why the souls are tortured for eternity is all due to the unending anger of the Devil himself, towards who removed him from his home. Even the children among him know his wrath. Told you this story isn’t for the easily shaken.

In the present, within a large crowd upon a large steel-like boat, the souls, in a weak physical state but still keeping their earthly form, shiver in regret and fear. They refused to repent or learn or change and have brought themselves into this eternal nightmare. Two, however, stand among the crowd, cloaked in black. One is a woman with long black hair and beauty beyond compare. Next to her is her dear friend, equally beautiful, but by no means in style, but in body, which is also cloaked. The two then summon, with a dark art, black weapons: a samurai sword for the black-haired girl and two chains with hooks on each end for the blonde one. They smile and unleash their fury upon the masses. Caring not where each belonged, all that mattered was their need to kill and torture without mercy. The blonde child was the second-born daughter of the great evil. The girl’s name is Reign. The other girl was Kazuyen. Both of them were equal in power and hatred for humanity, in all shapes and forms. Flesh tore and screams were heard throughout the docks where the boats rested. Then, from the depths of the fire they rested on, the third daughter of the great evil arose with a large hellish beast and took the ship in one chomp, with Kazuyen and Reign barely escaping to the docking bridge before being its next meal. Kazuyen turned to the large beast, with her sword pointed at the small child upon its head. The child looked no more than seven and yet had a look of maturity. She was dressed in brown clothes, remnants of being once a slave. She had long blonde hair that was put into a ponytail and had feet as rough as the ground Kazuyen stood upon. What do you think you’re doing? the little girl, Alice, asked angrily. You know how hard this is to sort out? Don’t even get me started on when you kill them! The time it takes to account for all those missing is a nightmare! You know, I’m only thirty years old, and I already have grays!

Is that why they attacked you? Kazuyen mocked Alice. Alice hissed at Kazuyen and then turned her attention to Reign.

And you, didn’t Yamako stick her neck out for you? Alice shouted at her. How many times is this now? I can’t remember because I left after the third time!

It’s because you left that it happened, Kazuyen mocked her once more. Alice growled, and the beast below her moved to snap at Kazuyen, but she stood her ground as the beast snapped a few inches from her. Alice and Kazuyen stared at each other with hate.

You here to threaten me, child? Kazuyen sneered with anger. I have enough of that from my mother, she sneered. The beast then descended back into the lava, but half its face poked above the surface. The little girl was eye level to Kazuyen. Take your rage out on someone else. The little girl laughed. Kazuyen cursed her in an old tongue.

I just find it hard that I have to be the one to remind the adult to behave. The little girl Alice smiled with her reply as the beast below her growled. You know what happens when the damned don’t go to their rightful place. Kazuyen scoffed at her.

What should it matter? Kazuyen argued and pointed her sword at Alice. We are demons, we are not taught to be fair.

"You are not taught to be fair. Alice folded her arms in protest of her comment. Alice then looked at Reign and watched her sigh, while Kazuyen paused before lowering her sword. Unlike you, many of us weren’t born to live here."

And unlike me, you’re soft, Kazuyen growled. You are born from pure evil, yet you deny your birth like it was dirt. You wanna be pissed at who you are, don’t take it out on us.

You’re right, I should probably take it out on people who are already suffering. Alice said. How about I find Kila-sheer and rip him to pieces?

You spawn of a bitch! Kazuyen cursed her.

Hey, cool it! Reign said as she suddenly got in front of Kazuyen. You know it’s not worth it. Kazuyen then took a deep breath and began to calm down.

You know, I thought your father raised you better. Alice sighed at Kazuyen. Kazuyen clenched her fist in a growing rage.

You know, living is a curse forced upon us, and yet here you are believing it’s a blessing, Kazuyen replied to her.

Living is the very reason you can do these things, Alice argued.

And the very reason this war has started, Kazuyen snarled before grinding her teeth. I never wanted to be a weapon.

If you went with us, you’d know that you’re not. Alice tried to support her. Reign sighed and put her hand on Kazuyen’s shoulder.

You know, she’s right, Reign said. Suddenly a man dressed in the rags of a slave came down from the rocks behind the docks. He was tall and had short blond hair. His eyes matched Alice’s and Reign’s. He then leaped onto the port and landed behind Kazuyen.

Of course she is. She does actually listen to me and Yamako. Leo smiled at them. Leo then looked around and saw that a ship was missing. What happened to the ship? He looked at Reign, who looked disappointed in herself.

It’s okay, Leo. Alice jumped to port from the beast. Dean has it in him. Leo sighed and walked between Kazuyen and Reign.

Haven’t I told you two to stop this? Leo rubbed his head. All these years, and you still don’t respect the damned.

This isn’t a prison! Kazuyen argued at him in anger. These people don’t deserve our pity!

I’ll remember that next time you die. Leo chuckled and caused Kazuyen to pause and think. I don’t care where you come from or who you are. We are all given a second chance. Leo then turned to Alice and smiled. Alice, take the ship to Reina, she’ll sort them out, he said.

Yes, Leo. Alice saluted like a solider before jumping back onto the beast’s head. Leo then looked to Reign.

I want you to go back to the village, Leo demanded. Yamako isn’t taking the heat for you this time, you got that? he said with a scornful voice. Reign refused to look at him, for she knew he was disappointed in her.

Yes, Leo, Reign said softly.

Come on, sis, I’ll take you, Alice offered her. Reign quickly leaped onto the beast’s head. Leo then looked at Kazuyen as the beast rose out of the lava and climbed on the pillars. The beast then leaped from pillar to pillar until it could only be heard in the distance.

As for you—

Just save it. Kazuyen began to walk away from him. I don’t need any lecture from you that I haven’t already heard. Leo then appeared in front of her like a ghost and made her halt. Out of my way, Devil spawn. Leo gave her a smile.

So that’s why, Leo said with a grin and folded his arms.

That’s what? Kazuyen sneered at him.

You’re jealous of us, Leo said as he poked her forehead.

Jealous of what? she barked at him. Leo sighed. Don’t you know what I am? She sighed and walked to the edge of the docks. I’m everything your father wanted … and more. She sat down.

But nothing you wanted. Leo walked up next to her. You know, I was there when you were born.

How many times have you told me that story? She scoffed.

You were so little and cute, didn’t know light from dark …, he said as he sat down with her. But you did know your father, you knew your mother, you knew what family was. Your father saw you as the one good thing he did in life. Your mother promised to forever love and protect you. I promised to do everything in my power to keep my father from you. Kazuyen took a deep breath and sighed. You may not have the life you had before, but you still have family … and that is something you’ll never lose.

Something tells me I already have, she said. The two sat there and looked at the lava boiling and took in the smell of torture and suffering. It took a while, but Leo came to a conclusion about something.

Do you really not like your life here? Leo asked her.

I don’t know, she replied. I don’t like this war between our people, and I hate seeing my parents caught in the middle of it all. If I could change one thing, Leo … it’s my face. If no one knew who I was, then maybe they wouldn’t fight over me.

Even if you changed your look, there’s no guarantee the fighting will stop. Leo sighed. In fact, I think that might be worse. Because then, they would search every inch of this place and probably the surface. Leo and Kazuyen thought about what to do, if they could do anything. But if you were killed …

Good luck with that, she scoffed at the idea. I don’t have the same weakness as my mother.

True, but they don’t know that. Leo winked at her. What happens to people who die in Hell?

They go to limbo, she replied. Sort of, one’s personal Hell. You think I’d be safe there?

It would certainly stop the fighting, but you wouldn’t have the life you wanted, Leo said sorrowfully. Unless … you didn’t really die. She looked at him with confusion. What if I took you to a place far from here, a place where even you can’t be found? Would you like it? Kazuyen thought about his proposal but didn’t know what place was safe. Suddenly, Kazuyen got a massive headache. She screamed in pain as her eyes became like fire.

Kazuyen! Leo said as he picked her up. You’ve been spending too much time down here. He examined every part of her before letting her go. It’s coming back up. Leo sighed which made Kazuyen go into fear.

What do I do?! Kazuyen’s mood quickly changed. Leo pondered.

I’ve tried my best to suppress it, but you know my powers have limits. Leo clenched his fist.

Please don’t …, Kazuyen begged and began to cry.

I pray this is made swift for you, Leo said before punching her in the gut. Kazuyen coughed up blood. A shadowy figure then began to walk toward Susan in the distance. Leo then sorrowfully removed her armor. As the shadow drew closer, Kazuyen begged Leo to stay.

Please … don’t go, she cried.

I won’t. He tore open her shirt and removed it, along with the rest of her clothes. Leo then looked upon her battered and scarred body. From neck to toes, this girl was marked by lashings. Kazuyen then stood there naked as she grabbed Leo’s hand for strength. The shadow figure stopped in front of them. It towered over Kazuyen like Leo.

We shall go another round, the shadow spoke as it then magically summoned a fire whip in one hand and an ice whip in the other. You will not be the creature that will bring about the end! he said before whipping fire at her body. Kazuyen fell to the floor in pain, but she still held Leo’s hand. The shadow then whipped ice at her; she flinched in agony. You are not a destroyer! Leo helped Kazuyen slowly to her feet before the shadow whipped her down again. You are not an Ammera. Kazuyen stood up in tears before she screamed as the shadow continued to whip her naked body for what seemed like forever. After a few minutes of torture, the shadow stopped and Leo stood her up. Leo looked into her eyes and saw them return to normal blue eyes.

That’s my little trooper. He then picked her up and carried her to the large tower that marked the center of the Underworld. As Leo carried her off, the shadow’s face peeled back like a mask and showed the face of a Japanese man.

Chapter 1

AN AMMERA’S BEGINNINGS

The year is 2075 and the world has seen much change. Not just in the people, but in itself. The world is now filled with peace and tranquility. No battle, no riots, no wars, but it wasn’t always like this, before the age of peace had come, a final war was waged. A War of the Heroes. This wasn’t a battle of man versus man, but of man versus beast. From the depths of the sea rose a creature known to the world as Ammera. The Ammera looked as a human but fought as a monster. Alone, he ripped through armies and destroyed cities with a single swing of his sword. The world didn’t know how to handle such a power, but one man did. He wasn’t like any normal person, as his skin was gray and his hair was blue. He and his allies pulled together to face this Ammera threat. The names of the heroes were Rocor, Roy, Peter, Justin, Ray, Leo, Gem, and of course, the aforementioned gray-skinned man. His name was Kanu, but the world knew him best as the Blue Wolf-Ninja. Mankind watched these titans battle and witnessed a fight they thought existed only in stories. Magic powers of ice froze the sea and land in the fight while fire burned through it. The ground below shook as if the Earth battled too. People saw what looked like an angel battling as well. Many of them thought God had joined the battle as lightning came from dark clouds and struck the field of battle. It was truly a spectacle like never before. It was as if the future of the world hinged on the victory of Kanu and his allies. The Ammera was powerful and dangerous, but from what people could make out, there was no way they could beat this monster. That is, until the son of the Ammera came to fight against him. The power and skill of these two were like nothing anyone had ever seen. In one final act of desperation, the heroes poured their powers into Kanu, and he unleashed a blue flame like an ocean of fire onto the Ammera. The blast sent him back to the sea and sealed the monster away. As the heroes took a knee to rest, they noticed the son of the Ammera was gone. No one had seen where he had gone and many hoped he did not stop his father just so he could take over the world himself, but that wasn’t the case. The son of the Ammera simply left to pursue his own goals on this planet. However, this battle had damaged the world beyond repair, and even the people finally believed the end had come. The planet had cracked, and the air was thin everywhere. The sky was covered by the dark clouds. The ocean had become all but barren. The world could no longer sustain life. However, one being came down as if from Heaven and offered to save the world from this disaster, that is, should the one who fought the Ammera work for her in return. No one knew if they should trust this being, but Kanu stood before her and asked which one of them she wanted. The being said, You. She pointed to Kanu. Kanu turned to his allies and gave a final smile. A deal was made, and she used her powers to heal the world and allow it to grow, but not just any growth—the Earth was enlarged three times its original size, and the people had new ground to cover. Islands rose from the sea and land stretched out from land and the continents drifted from each other and reconnected. The life of animals returned, and cities crumbled under the shifting ground. The ocean was now far from reach and the new world bore new dangers to face, but at last, the world was alive again.

As the world was born anew, people in different countries began to question what was real and what was not. Was there a God who controlled the fate of the battle that took place, or is this work of some other being? What is an Ammera? Will it return? What future is laid before people in this new world? What was clear was that humanity needed to adapt. What was clear was that humanity needed to change. The days had grown longer and the night much darker. For the first time in human history, humanity worked together to survive. They rebuilt cities with new technology from numerous resources, and the new air allowed mankind to be full of energy and health. Humans came back stronger than before and, for once, acted friendly toward each other. With this new world, the borders that divided people were removed, and hands were shaken to welcome new kin into the fold of humanity. Mankind worked hard to reclaim this world for their own goals. Twenty-five years had passed since that fateful day, and the world no longer knew war. The United States, Mexico, and Canada, along with all of the West, was turned into one island as new land formed around them. The West was now governed by twelve men and women of each country. The same went for the East, as China, Russia, Korea and the other countries became one, with the land itself expanding around them. Each and every future decision was made only in the hopes of never allowing another war to happen. Though the world had renewed itself, something lingered in the darkness. Something few only know of and believe. Demons rose from the ocean and the land and attacked the homes of people and higher ups. Fearing another battle was on the way, military called forth men who were willing to fight for their home, but this simple call led to the reveal of the new creature. From the East they came and from the West they aided. Naked men and women fought against the demon threat on both sides of the world. They matched the demon’s strength and ferocity, but how? Did the world change the people of the world into savages? No, but they weren’t that far off. These people have lived on Earth far longer than anyone had ever known. These were Mellekunos—men and women who could become animal-human hybrids. After they had successfully drove back the demon horde, mankind became afraid of the Mellekunos. What if they turned on them? Would they be a greater threat than the Ammera? One stepped forward, the one who led the Mellekunos in the West. He clothed himself and stood before the Council of Twelve. He chose to no longer hide and watch the world turn on its own. He felt it was time for mankind to know who they were. He wanted no land or money, not even a place on the table. He simply wanted a place where his people can rest and live in peace in the world they had created once more. He wished only for peace. The Council of Twelve spoke and decided that they could stay, if only to continue to aid in the coming demon threat. The people were no longer called Mellekunos, but became Melko. While the West and East learned to live in their new world, the North—Alaska—however, had become uninhabitable. Harsh winds and freezing cold broke down man and beast. It was as if God blew ice wind all day, every day. The South of the world fared no better, as land rose from sea. Black and barren, hot and dry, it was as if dozens of volcanos were constantly erupting. The only country that remained unaffected was Japan, and that’s a story for another day. But for now, I am here to tell you of the battle that shook the Earth greater than any battle before. This is the story that will tell you of a new monster … and its name was Susan.

Ten years later. Arizona—one of the few Western states that remained unchanged with the arrival of the new world. This state has also remained unchanged from what was now called the Dark Age. When technology had infected the other states and colonies, Arizona wished to remain in the glorious state as it was over one hundred years ago. The people there do, however, grow in knowledge and spend a majority of their time looking for a way to better serve their home and make it the most powerful empire on the face of the earth. The citizens had formed not only a state defense, but as well as a militia composed only of their kin. This group is also led by the renowned soldier who proved his mettle when demons long ago attacked this state, with an unknown name and wielding only a sword and a shield bearing a cross, the people called him Brother Kyle—for not only was he a strong and a great leader, he was also one who had faith in the Lord and his plans. He had now become a symbol of how no form of evil will ever faze the great and soon-to-be-holy land that is Arizona. But not all followed what their home had become. For within were those who would rebel against the faith. In-fighting among the masses broke out and led the cities to ruin. Brother Kyle led the people in defending their newly holy grounds. When the smoke cleared and those who opposed the Lord were gone or forced out, the people then called him Father Kyle. Peace was at last restored.

For ten years, there was peace, and Arizona was forever changed, but for now, we focus on a school newly named Young Angels—a high school devoted to bettering the lives of kids and helping them achieve a good job and a loving family. There was no cursing, no disrespect, and no unhealthy food. For many children, this was a paradise, but for one such teen … this was hell on earth. All around the school, the name of this girl had struck fear in each student and sparked anger in every teacher. As they gossiped, poked fun of the girl, and deemed her a monster among angels, the girl didn’t seem to care. Her thoughts were never about them and never will be, for her mind was far afloat. Her name was Susan. Susan was a five feet tall, half-Caucasian and half-Japanese. She had a small waistline from lack of eating, but she also had plenty of exercise. She had green eyes and long black hair always worn in a braid. She carried a satchel that contains all her needs for the day. She wore the Japanese school uniform each day and remained silent. Susan wasn’t like most girls. She was tougher than most teens here and more skilled at certain things. Susan never sought to use beauty products or anything to help her looks. If anything, she thought of only being herself. She believed her behavior and looks should never change. Susan was a strong girl and didn’t let people bully her. She has a reputation for becoming violent with others. Even in sports, she would outshine the other girls and even boys. She could hit a home run if she wanted, she could dodge every ball if she chose to, and she could hit a spike in volleyball if she so pleased. Despite this, however, she was not popular around the school. With all her talents, she lacked social skills. Even focusing in class was hard, given she was usually active. The thought of doing nothing but sitting was something she couldn’t stand, but she made do in class and passed like any normal child. She was taught by her father to focus herself and go for whatever goal she saw fit. Her adoptive father was a military man. He was retired now and decided he should take up shop in a good place to raise his family. He was also the one who found Susan on the doorstep of his home. It had been late at night, and he had just asked the woman he loved to marry him. She said yes, of course, but before they could celebrate, there was a knock as his door. He opened it to find a baby girl resting in a basket at his feet. There was no note or any sign of someone leaving. He decided to put the child in an orphanage, but his fiancée had another idea. Why don’t we take care of her? she had asked him. That means all our money is going to go to a child that isn’t even ours, he pointed out to her. But if we love her, then she will be ours, she said with a smile. Reluctant to, he, along with his fiancée, promised to always love and protect her. The man then gave her the name Susan, after his grandmother. The years when she was only a child were the best years of their life. Susan was happy, willing to help her parents do anything, and always making their day bright. It wasn’t until she got into high school that things got strange. She favored the low road as her means of achieving what she wants. She would take to working out as a way to ease tension she’d built up during her school day. Her dad even helped her know how to take down someone by teaching her self-defense that he learned from his years in service. Though things changed with Susan, she was still the girl they knew—that is, until her next birthday. On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, Susan began to experience pain. It wasn’t your average sort of pain. It was as if her body tried to snap itself in two. She awoke and screamed and got the attention of her parents. They rushed her to a hospital and got her seen by a doctor, but by the time he looked at her, everything was back to normal. That is, except for her body, which had then become that of a