Chapter 1: The Harbinger Awakens
It's 2013, in Japan on an island called Okinawa. It's mid fall, the sun is shining in the sky, leaves of different colors falling from the trees and onto the roads, with a nice wind. Then a vehicle passed by, it's a school bus with students going on a field trip to NOVA Core Museum. In the bus all you hear is different and loud conversations amongst the students, but only one student was quietly sitting in the back by herself. A 16 year old girl named Felicity with short black hair and glasses in a school uniform reading a book called: The discoveries of the universe.
"Look at her, she thinks she's better than everyone."
"I heard that her father is sleeping with the principal, so she can get whatever she wants."
"Yeah I heard about that, I also heard that she's dating the science teacher, that's why she's been getting perfect grades."
"Ugh, like father, like daughter."
"I know right, what a bitch."
After hearing their conversation, Felicity quietly squeezes her book and takes a deep breath. The school bus has arrived at the museum. Upon entry they are greeted by the tour guide of the museum.
"Hello everyone my name is Arthur and I'll be your tour guide though the NOVA Core Museum. For any questions, please hold them until the end of every section. And at the end tour, you can explore to look at things that pique your interest more closely. Now then let's begin the tour."
Throughout the tour the class was led to see space gear, different spacecraft, they were able to be engaged in presentations from astronauts and scientists, and so much more . However, there was only one thing that caught Felicity's attention, that was the giant telescope in the center of the museum.
"Alright everyone, that's the end of our tour, does anyone have any questions?"
No one had any questions because some of them weren't paying attention and some of them just didn't care.
"Ok then, feel free to explore the museum if you like to look at more and if you have any questions, ask any of the educators near you. Enjoy."
As the class spread out into groups, Felicity went to the telescope. She stares at it with excitement while waiting for the person ahead of her to finish using it.
"Whao, incredible."
Now it was her turn. With steady hands and a quiet breath, she adjusted the telescope, and began looking through the solar system with anticipation. One by one, focusing on every planet to experience them live rather than reading it from a flat diagram in a textbook. After that she was still unsatisfied,so she decided to try to go further, so she adjusted the telescope and gaze beyond into the stars to find a new discovery. Through her search she saw it. An asteroid floating through space, but this one was different from the others. It had streaks of blue, purple, and fiery orange trailing behind it, leaving behind an embers glow. Felicity was amazed but then while looking at the asteroid, she adjusted the telescope to get a wider view and came across another massive star.
"This is amazing, I can't believe I actually found one"
With its bright blue color, it stood out amongst the stars and since its a rare discovery Felicity almost couldn't control herself from jumping up and down from excitement. But as she was staring at the star, she noticed that it was flicking and that the asteroid was heading in that direction. At that moment her expression shifted from her cheerful curiosity to terror.
"Excuse me, ARTHUR!!"
Arthur walks over to her side.
"Yes, Miss…ah."
"Felicity"
"Right, so what can I do for you Miss Felicity?"
"I need you to see this, look."
"Whao, look at that, what an amazing discovery. Congratulations on finding this unknown phenomenon."
"Thank you but that's not what's important right now. What I need to tell you is that, that asteroid is going to hit us, it's going to hit earth."
"What are you talking about? It's far away from us."
"You have to believe me. IT'S GOING TO HIT US!"
Arthur takes a moment to look at Felicity and he can see how frightened she is. Not only that, her whole body is trembling.
"Ok calm down, stay right here. I'm going to get our top scientist and we will sort this out."
Arthur quickly leaves to find their top scientist. While waiting for him to come back, Felicity tries to calm herself with lots of deep breaths. After a few minutes of waiting, they returned.
"Miss Felicity, this is our top scientist Professor Blaine."
"Nice to meet you Miss Felicity."
Both Professor Blaine and Felicity shake hands.
"Now Arthur told me about the situation, told me more about this asteroid that has you so terrified."
Felicity took one big deep breath, to calm herself to explain, because if she talks while panicking she won't be able to get a word out.
"Please Professor, take a look at this."
Felicity adjusts the telescope again for the Professor so that she can see the asteroid. While the Professor was looking, Felicity told her the same thing that she told Arthur.
"I see. Miss Felicity, I can assure you, there's nothing to worry about. Based on the asteroid's direction, it won't even come near us, it will float right past us."
"That's what I thought too at first, until I saw this."
Felicity adjusted the telescope's view to the massive flickering star.
"Do you see that, it's a massive star and it will soon explode. I've been studying astrophysics, so I know the signs. The changes of brightness, mass ejection and flickering. The way it's flickering, I believe that it will cause a supernova, right when the asteroid is about to pass. And because of that, the shock wave from the explosion will cause the asteroid to change its direction and start heading towards us."
"That's an interesting theory, but that won't happen. Miss Felicity, we have already discovered that star a while ago and we have been observing it since. And with the data we've gathered, the estimated time for that star's explosion will be four years. The asteroid would long pass and will be far away to be affected by the shockwaves."
"But Professor I—"
"Miss Felicity. I understand your concerns, but we have the best scientists out there, along with top technology and government in case something goes wrong. Have fate, everything will be fine.
Felicity takes a deep breath to calm herself.
"You're right, thank you Professor Blaine."
"No Problem. I'm very impressed that you did all that calculations to make a theory in such a short time. Your teachers must have taught you well."
Felicity expression changes to bashful.
"Well yeah, I also read documentaries and watch videos of scientist studies of outer space."
"It clearly shows. Out of the scientists I've met, none of them were able to do what you did. I see great potential in you, how would you like to take time from school and be recruited to ASTRA (Advanced Space-Time Research Agency)? Do that and not only will you get hands-on experience, but you will get the opportunity for a job there after you graduate. What'd you say?"
Felicity burst with joy.
"YES, YES, I WOULD LOVE TOO!"
Both of them shook hands.
"Then it settled, welcome to ASTRA, I'll be seeing you in the next 2 months."
"THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!"
"It is a pleasure to you. Oh, I almost forgot, I think you should give the asteroid a name."
"What?"
"It is very unique, unlike anything we've seen. I believe other scientists will study and collect data on it. So before anyone claims that they found it, I'll go spread the word and make sure that you get all the credit."
"Thank you so much"
"No need to thank, this is your discovery, you earned it. Now, what will be the name for your own phenomenon?"
Felicity takes a moment to decide what will be the best name for her very own discovery because she knows that this will be the history books.
"Genesis"
On that day, the asteroid was introduced to the world as Genesis. But what the world didn't know was that Felicity's theory turned out to be true. Three months have past, the star exploded causing a supernova and changing Genesis direction. Just as Felicity said Genesis is coming. The distance from Genesis to earth is far, it took over two years for it to enter the solar system. As it entered, it hid itself in the sun's glare, and because of that scientists weren't about to detect it. By the time they were able to, it was too late.
Five months before the coming of Genesis, at Okinawa's military base. Government officials running down the hallway to the Operation Command room, as they enter, complete arguments from government officials and scientists.
"WE NEED TO EVACUATE ALL OF THE CIVILIANS TO THE BUNKERS!" said the Lead official of the Department Of State.
"THERE'S NO TIME FOR THAT! What we need to do is evacuate all the higher ups, officials, scientists, inventors, engineers and their families. Said the Scientist Director.
"So you're saying we should just abandon our people?!"
"It's the only thing that we can do. We need to make sure that there's people left to live for humanity."
"But if we sacrifice the majority for the minority then it goes against everything that we stand for. We'd be nothing more than SAVAGES!
"ENOUGH!" Said The President whose face is unknown.
"Based on our dire situation, I have to agree with both of you. It's true that we have to start evacuation, but there's no way we're just going to leave our citizens to die without even trying to save them."
"What do you propose we do Mr.President?" said the Lead official of the Department Of State.
The President was silent for a moment.
"Begin preparations for the evacuation of the higher ups and after that get me in contact with every President, Senator, Representative, hell anyone you can get in contact with. There is no other option, we only got one chance to save everyone."
Meanwhile on the coastline of Okinawa, the golden rays of the afternoon sun spread across the white sands, turning the ocean into a giant, glittering jewel. The waves rolled lazily onto the shore, humming a quiet, endless song that a seven years old boy named Hayato Amari had heard every day of his life. To him, it was the sound of home.
He believed that this place was special. He stood barefoot on the back porch of his grandparents' beach house, the wooden planks warm against his feet. His white hair caught the sunlight, creating a soft halo that contrasted with his dark brown skin. The salty ocean breeze ruffled his hair, making it stick up in messy spikes, but he didn't mind. He liked the way the wind felt against his skin; it made him feel light, fast, free. The crisp white collared shirt he wore fluttered slightly in the breeze, the small patch on the sleeve bearing the insignia of his grandfather's old fishing union standing out like a badge of pride.
His bright blue eyes locked onto the horizon, watching as the sky slowly melted into the ocean. He had seen it a million times before, but still, every evening, he liked to come outside and just… watch.
Behind him, the sound of tiny footsteps and laughter filled the house.
"Careful, Hikari," their grandmother called from the kitchen, her voice warm yet firm.
"Got it!" Hikari chirped, pulling the ball out triumphantly before hurrying to her brother's side.
"Nii-chan! Catch!"
Hayato turned just as Hikari, his five year old little sister, came racing onto the porch, her small hands cupped around a shiny blue ball. Her long, snowy white hair swayed behind her, catching the last rays of sunlight that contrasted with her dark brown skin. She was dressed in a simple white long sleeved dress, which only made her bright blue eyes seem more striking as they darted about, filled with childish delight.
"Why are you yelling?" Hayato frowned, raising an eyebrow. "It's just a ball."
"It's not just a ball," Hikari huffed, holding it up to him with wide, excited eyes. "Look! It's sparkly!"
Hayato squinted. "It's just plastic."
"No, it's magic."
Hayato sighed, crossing his arms. "Magic? You think a shiny ball has powers?"
Hikari nodded very seriously. "Mhm. I bet if we throw it in the ocean, a sea dragon will come out and give us treasure!"
Hayato couldn't help but laugh. "There are no sea dragons, Hikari-chan."
"Maybe not for you," she said, cradling the ball like it was the most important thing in the world.
Before Hayato could tease her more, their grandfather stepped onto the porch, stretching his arms after a long day in the shop. He was tall and lean, his tanned skin weathered from years of working under the sun. His short gray hair was neatly combed back, and he wore his usual olive green fishing jacket over a plain white shirt.
"Hayato," Grandpa said, adjusting the old watch on his wrist. "Did you finish stacking the new souvenir boxes?"
"Yes, Grandpa," Hayato answered quickly, though his attention drifted back to the sky.
Grandpa followed his gaze, smiling softly. "Waiting for your dad's plane again?"
Hayato flinched. He hadn't even realized he had been staring at the sky hoping for something.
"…No," he muttered.
Grandpa didn't push him. Instead, he patted Hayato's head before walking back into the shop.
The souvenir store was small, but it was full of life. Shelves lined with colorful seashell necklaces, hand carved figurines, and tiny bottles of sand made the whole place feel warm and familiar. Tourists would visit often, drawn in by the inviting glow of lanterns strung outside and the friendly chatter of their grandmother as she welcomed each customer.
For Hayato and Hikari, this was home.
Hayato and Hikari had been living with their grandparents for as long as they could remember. Their mother had passed away when they were too little to fully understand why. The details were blurry, but the sadness lingered in the quiet moments like when Grandma would suddenly stop humming while cooking, her eyes distant, or when Grandpa would sit alone on the porch at night, staring out at the sea as if waiting for something that would never come back.
Their father, Colonel Amari, a high ranking officer in the U.S. Air Force, was previously stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, as part of a top secret collaboration with the U.S. Space Force. His work was classified, shrouded in secrecy, and though he sent letters when he could, his presence in their lives had become more of a shadow than a reality.
But to Hayato…
It just meant he wasn't here.
Dad used to promise he'd visit more often, that he'd find a way to bring them to the base someday. But those promises always fell through, lost in the never ending calls of duty and responsibility.
And so, their grandparents took them in, raising them in the small, sun kissed village by the sea. While their grandparents managed the shop, Hayato and Hikari often helped in small ways Hayato by organizing and stacking inventory, and Hikari by greeting customers with her radiant smile. They gave them a safe home, a warm family, and a childhood by the sea.
Hikari didn't seem to mind much as long as she had her toys and Hayato, she was happy. But Hayato, even at seven, knew better.
Sometimes, when he looked at the sky for too long, he couldn't help but wonder
If Dad works with the Space Force, does that mean he sees the stars?
Does he ever wonder if we're looking at the same ones?
Hayato let out a small sigh, shaking off the thought. Right now, things are peaceful. And even if it wasn't perfect, this is our home.
Hikari sat beside him, still turning her "magic" ball over in her hands.
She hummed softly to herself, completely lost in thought.
Hayato watched her out of the corner of his eye before nudging her lightly with his elbow. "What are you thinking about?"
Hikari blinked and looked up at him. "Mmm… nothing."
Hayato smirked. "Liar."
She huffed, puffing out her cheeks in protest. "I'm not lying!"
"Then tell me."
Hikari tapped her chin dramatically, as if she were deciding whether or not to share some deep, world changing secret. Then, she grinned. "Okay, but only if you promise not to laugh."
Hayato held up a hand in mock seriousness. "I promise."
She held up her ball again, eyes shimmering with excitement. "I was thinking… what if this really is magic?"
Hayato rolled his eyes. "Hikari…"
"No, listen! What if" she scooted closer, lowering her voice as if she were about to tell him something top secret, "if I make a wish on it, something amazing will happen?"
Hayato smirked, leaning back on his hands. "Like what? A sea dragon giving us treasure?"
Hikari gasped, nodding rapidly. "Yes! Or maybe it can make us fly! Or turn invisible!"
Hayato chuckled. "You've been watching too many movies, Hikari-chan."
She pouted. "You don't know! It could work."
He shook his head playfully. "Alright, fine. What are you gonna wish for then?"
Hikari opened her mouth to answer but suddenly paused, her excited expression softening into something more thoughtful. She lowered the ball onto her lap, tracing small circles over its surface with her tiny fingers.
A few seconds passed before she finally spoke.
"For Dad to come home."
An awkward silence filled the room for a brief moment as Hayato poured into his thoughts to find the right response.
"Nii-chan?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think Dad will be here for my birthday?"
Hayato hesitated. Then, forcing a smile, he ruffled her hair. "Of course."
And for now, that was enough.
That afternoon, Hayato and Hikari set off on their familiar walk down the shoreline, a ritual they rarely missed. The beach stretched wide before them, sunlit and gleaming, the waves lapping gently against the sand as if welcoming them back.
Hayato walked a few steps ahead, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. The warm sand pressed between his toes before giving way, leaving faint footprints that the tide would soon erase. Hikari skipped behind him, humming softly, her small hand occasionally tugging the hem of his shirt whenever she wanted to slow him down.
The sea breeze carried the smell of salt and the faint cry of gulls circling overhead. Tide pools glistened in the light, tiny ecosystems of crabs, starfish, and darting fish. Hikari squealed suddenly, dropping to her knees at the sight of a group of crabs scuttling sideways near the edge of the water.
"Look, Nii-chan!" she called, her voice full of excitement.
"You'll scare them off," Hayato said with mild disinterest, though he lingered to watch her.
Undeterred, she extended a small hand. To his surprise, one of the crabs climbed onto her finger. She giggled as its legs tickled her skin.
"You're good with animals," Hayato admitted quietly.
Hikari flashed him a mischievous grin. "And you're not?"
He shrugged, but the moment softened him. The world always seemed quieter when it was just the two of them by the sea. No teachers, no whispering classmates, no disapproving eyes. Just the surf, the sky, and Hikari's laughter.
As the sun dipped lower, streaking the horizon with orange and violet, they followed the sandy trail back home. Palm fronds swayed above them, rustling in the breeze that carried the promise of evening rain. Their grandparents' home came into view as a sturdy wooden house weathered by years of salt and wind. Golden light glowed through its windows, flickering as the curtains shifted.
Grandmother stood in the doorway, small in frame but commanding in presence, her gray hair pulled into a bun with loose strands framing sharp, perceptive eyes. Her hands, strong and worn from decades of work, rested on her hips.
"You're late," she said, her tone balancing firmness with care. "Your food's getting cold."
The siblings stiffened, then broke into smiles when she added, "I made katsudon."
"Katsudon!" they shouted in unison, racing inside.
The house smelled of soy sauce, rice, and fried cutlets. Their grandfather was already seated at the table, carefully pouring tea into ceramic cups. His weathered face carried years of wisdom, but his grin was boyish as he gestured for them to sit.
"Before your grandmother thinks I ate all the food without you," he teased.
"I wouldn't be wrong," Grandmother replied dryly as she set down a pot of hot broth.
Dinner was served. The katsudon crispy pork simmered with egg and onions in savory-sweet broth steamed in bowls that seemed to radiate comfort. The four of them joined hands briefly before eating.
Conversation flowed easily. Grandfather launched into a story about a tourist who tried to haggle over a keychain. Hikari burst into laughter at his dramatic reenactments, while Grandmother shook her head, hiding a smile.
"Did he buy it in the end?" Hikari asked eagerly.
"Of course!" Grandfather puffed out his chest. "I might've given him a tiny discount, but only because he looked pitiful."
"You're too soft," Hikari teased, sipping her juice.
"Don't tell anyone," Grandfather whispered conspiratorially. "It'll ruin my reputation."
The warmth of the scene filled Hayato's chest, but his mind wandered back to the endless sky and sea. He barely noticed himself staring off until his grandmother's voice pulled him back.
"Hayato, eat," she said gently. "A wandering mind won't fill your stomach."
He nodded, but she watched him carefully.
"You've been quiet lately," she continued, softer now. "What's on your mind?"
He hesitated, chopsticks frozen in his hand. "The sky… it's so big. Makes everything else feel small."
The table fell silent. Grandmother reached across and took his hand. "That's the gift of the sky. It reminds us how vast the world is, and how small our problems are in comparison. And no matter how big it feels, you'll never be lost as long as you know where your heart and family are."
Hikari, mouth still full of rice, added earnestly, "Besides, you're the biggest thing in my world, Nii-chan."
The moment passed with laughter and teasing, but Hayato carried her words with him long after.
Later that night, the house grew quiet. Hikari's giggles drifted faintly from her futon, where Grandfather spun another of his endless stories. Hayato stepped outside, drawn by the sea.
The night air was cool, carrying the scent of salt and hibiscus. Moonlight turned the waves silver as they crashed in their steady rhythm. Leaning on the porch railing, Hayato tilted his head back to watch the stars scatter across the sky like lanterns.
His thoughts turned unbidden to his parents. His father Colonel Amari was far away, sending only stiff, distant letters. His mother's memory was even fainter, lost to him since her death when he was four. He clung to fragments: a smile, a lullaby, the gentle touch of her hand. Would she be proud of how he cared for Hikari? Would she think he was enough?
The ache in his chest pressed heavy, but his grandmother's words echoed back: You'll never be lost if you know where your family is. He exhaled slowly, letting the sound of the waves ground him.
"The world is big," he whispered to the night. "But as long as we stick together, we'll be okay."
Life in Okinawa followed a rhythm of simplicity. Mornings began with grilled fish and rice, the scent of tea drifting through the house as Grandfather read his newspaper. Hikari filled the home with laughter, her toys scattered across the tatami.
The souvenir shop kept them busy through late morning. Shelves of seashell necklaces, wooden carvings, and jars of beach sand lined the walls. Hayato arranged everything neatly while Hikari greeted customers with bright energy. He felt proud when the shop looked inviting, though he preferred the quiet of afternoons.
That was his time to slip away to the beach. Sometimes Hikari followed, bounding along behind him. Other times, she stayed home, leaving Hayato alone with the tide. He often perched on a rock, staring at the horizon, wondering about the lands beyond it.
Would he ever see them one day?
Evenings painted the village in gold and violet. Fishermen returned, mothers called their children home, and the smell of cooking seafood filled the air. To Hayato, it all felt safe. Unchanging. Permanent.
But change was coming. He didn't know it yet.
One evening, while scouring the beach for trinkets to sell at the shop, Hikari darted toward the water's edge.
"Nii-chan, look!" she gasped, cradling something in her hands.
It was a seashell, smooth and pearlescent, shimmering with hues of pink and violet.
"Do you think this belonged to a mermaid?" she whispered reverently.
"Maybe she lost it while swimming too fast," Hayato mused.
"Then I have to keep it safe!" she declared.
Back home, their grandfather examined the shell with practiced eyes. "A treasure worth protecting," he agreed. With careful hands, he crafted it into a necklace for her. Hikari beamed, clutching it proudly as if she truly bore a mermaid's secret.
That night, she chattered endlessly about her future adventures as a treasure hunter. Hayato sat quietly, smiling at her excitement, though his gaze kept drifting back toward the endless night sky.
Later, on the porch with his grandfather, Hayato asked softly, "Do you think the sea ever gets tired?"
Grandfather chuckled, puffing his pipe. "No, boy. The sea never rests. It just keeps moving, no matter what happens."
Hayato stared at the waves, then admitted, "I feel out of place sometimes. Here, I'm safe. But at school… people stare. Whisper. Like I don't belong."
Grandfather studied him with a thoughtful look. "Your mother used to feel the opposite. She loved this island, but it was too small for her heart. She always looked at the ocean like it was calling her. She was a wanderer."
Hayato swallowed. "But I don't feel called anywhere. I just feel… stuck."
His grandfather rested a steady hand on his shoulder. "The wind doesn't push its guides. Sometimes you don't know where it's leading you until you get there. Your mother's spirit is in you too. You carry it, even if you don't realize it yet."
The breeze stirred the lantern above them. For a moment, Hayato thought he could almost feel something familiar in the air like a presence, warm and unseen.
Before the weight of it grew too heavy, his grandmother's voice called from inside. "Hayato! You'll catch a cold sitting out there."
He turned back to the glow spilling from the doorway, where Hikari hummed softly as she arranged flowers in a vase. The warmth of the home tugged him back from the edge of his unease.
Grandfather rose with a grunt. "Don't worry too much about where you belong. Like the wind, we go where we must. What matters most is sharing the journey with the people we love."
Hayato nodded, stepping inside. The scent of tea and the sound of Hikari's laughter wrapped around him. Maybe Grandfather was right. Maybe home wasn't about where he fit in, it was about who he shared it with.
For now, at least, that was enough.