“When power is granted to man, corruption and tragedy are born.”

This popular quote, by philosopher and Nexian Scholar James Radell, perfectly sums up the brief but monumental history of the Nexus. Much consideration is given to the specific date that the first Alphas appeared. Though unconfirmed, it is believed that these four individuals were given their powers at the exact same time, on December 21st, 2012. This date is also significant due to a popular urban legend at the time, that the ancient Mayan civilization predicted the end of the world on this day. In a way, it did.

Sometime in the latest hours of the day on the 21st, four pillars of light shot up into the sky. Edward Ambrose, a native in the cold heart of Alaska, was gifted the ability to create and manipulate fire around him. In Miami, Rachel Smith gained power over water. In Hong Kong, Bai Jian (Bai Xiao’s older brother) could suddenly shift earth with his bare hands, and in Sydney, Australia, Kevin Williams unlocked the ability to create blasts of air with his hands.

Unsurprisingly, the appearance of these supernatural beings caused fear and uncertainty in the people of the world. Organizations the world around tried everything from bribery, coercion, or even kidnapping to secure the Alphas. But their power had only just started developing, and these four alphas defied every effort that others put forth to control them.

They began sharing their power with those closest to them, forming what would later be known as Nexuses. An Alpha could, with seemingly no effort, share his or her power to an underling. Though not nearly as powerful, this member of the Nexus could use their Alpha’s element to defend and protect them, giving them security. They could also act as an instrument of their will, to reach out where they could not.

For a year or two, it seemed that this wiggle in history would be smoothed. The various organizations bent on acquiring the power of the Nexus recognized that the Alphas were untouchable, and retreated. Unanimously, the governments of the world decided that they could do nothing to control the Nexuses, and declared them exempt. So, free from the constraints of the outside world, the Alphas gathered their families and focused on growing.

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The next tragedy to come from the Nexuses, which had almost been forgotten by the year 2017, was the Nexus war. Edward Ambrose and Rachel Smith, both expanding their influence and clashing borders, finally decided that enough was enough, and began attacks in earnest. The shockwave of this violence was devastating, both physcally and socially. Much of the midwest was destroyed, either scorched by Ambrose’s men, or flooded by Smith. It was even rumored that Bai Jian was sworn to aid both sides, in an effort to urge them to wipe each other out.

Just when the world feared the total destruction of their peaceful life, reprieve came in the form of a new Nexus, the Soul Nexus. In the midst of a pitched battle, a small group of monks appeared, and laid waste to the Nexians on either side of them. They fought fairly, but viciously, and refused bribes from all. Edward Ambrose finally saw no sense in continuing the wars, and withdrew his crippled forces. Rachel Smith wasn’t far behind.

Bai Jian, however, furious that his plans were foiled, invited the leader of the Soul Nexus to Hong Kong for peace talks. Unsuspecting, Tao Kun agreed to this meeting. When he arrived, his followers were killed, and he was close to being imprisoned. However, he retaliated at once, striking down the Earth Nexians and even killing Bai Jian himself. To this day, nobody knows how he accomplished this feat.

The death of Bai Jian cemented the power of the Soul Nexus, and peace was quickly achieved. Tao Kun and his Nexus drafted several laws for the Nexuses to obey, and all parties agreed at once. With the real fear of death facing them, and the inability to conquest unchallenged, the surviving Alphas were forced to back down. They were free, but shackled. As such, they each retreated to their original homes, growing quiet once more.

The year is 2020. Nearing the third anniversary of the tragedies of the war between Fire and Water Nexus, the world is especially nervous. Perhaps the barbaric times are beyond them, and they can finally live on in peace. With the Soul Nexus to act as a police force and keep the others in line, there is hope. But nobody can yet quite forget the raw terror they felt, nor the millions lost in the Midwest.

[Author's Note]

Hey everyone, this is a novel I've been looking forward to for some time. Thought I'd share this little intro chapter I wrote, just so there's something to sort of lead the way and draw interested readers. Also an explanation, I suppose.

The novel itself launches on April 11th at 10AM. Hope to see you guys then!