VN Project Prologue Story

I couldn't stomach this anymore. With each failure, millions would die. With each success, my friends would die. No matter what I decided, and how hard I tried, the end would always destroy all I worked for. No matter what I sacrificed and all the good I do, in the end, I could only watch as the world began to burn once again.

I've lost count to how many times I witnessed this end... I could only clench my teeth as I gazed out to my home, awaiting to meet its end as it had before. Sensing my disappointment, a young boy with silver and blue colored hair, wearing the same white and gray trimed bodysuit I wore, approached my side like a phantom, gazing out on the holographic projection.

"We are not spared from this destruction. It will only be a matter of time before we meet our end." Judge spoke out coldly as he stated the facts in his cold and high pitched tone. I stayed silent, already having this conversation several times before. Judge, like all other sprites in the Dreamlands, spoke more like servitors than actual human beings, cool headed, logical, and free of emotions. It no longer surprised me to know that Judge would be unphased to meet his end.

"Will you attempt to jump back like before," Judge asked, looking toward the planet from the display. Just as he finished his question, fire erupted from the state of Nevada, releasing large plumes of black smoke. Clenching my teeth at the discomfort, I stood up as I watched the fire spread out throughout the state.

"Two million just died," I answered, shaking in heated frustration. "Two million, and more will keep dying. More will die until those accursed beings awaken to kill the rest off!"

I knew what would come. Every single volcano would wipe of a good chunk of the population; those that remained would be at the mercy of the awakened gods. Each and every time this happened, I could only sit back and watch as the monstrous abominations would finish the planet and turn its attention to the Dreamlands.

"I estimate the next eruption in twenty seven minutes at 37.7167° N, 118.8842° W." Judge answered dryly. Of course, I already knew that. Long Valley Caldera will erupt along with Valles Caldera and several other volcanic sites throughout the world.

I closed my eyes, no longer bearing to look at my dying home. "How many more times must I endure watching this..." Judge kept looking on, commiting to his assignment as Namma wished it.

"Will you return once again?" Judge asked, never peeling his eyes away from the world. Walking away from the monitor, I came across my own reflection against the wall. I had not aged, yet the bags and sleep lines on my face gave definitive proof that I was exhausted beyond belief. My own black hair was significantly long and untamed, it's length reaching down to my lower back. Despite all the suffering, my own chestnut brown eyes held its courage, still burning with the brief hope that things could change.

"I'll go back as many times as it takes... I will not allow this to happen ever again," I answered, looking away from my reflection. My conviction was still strong, though, I did not know how much longer I could withstand against the misfortune.

"Are you familiar with time leaping?" Judge need not ask at this point, I was all too familiar with the rules for time leaping. My memories, experiences, and skills would be projected back to myself in another time.

"All to fucking familiar. Let's get this over with." More than eager to get this done, Judge turned to me with a passive face.

"As a precaution, things will not be the same as before. Any event you alter will have significant impact in the timeline and can hinder progress..."

"I know already! But it's better than this..." Holding back the frustration, I knelt down to Judge in preparation. "I'll save everyone... No one will have to die..."

Before I could finish, Judge's small hands pressed his two thumbs at the center of my forehead, wrapping the rest of his hands on either side of my cranium. My mind began to weaken in and out of conscious thought.

"Lady Namma wishes you victory... Jonas," Judge quietly spoke out. I had managed to catch Judge's final wishes, before I lost all thought.