by Doppelgangex
Becca stumbled through the growing gloom of the Smoky Mountains, fighting back tears of anger and frustration. How in the hell did she ever let herself get separated from the others on this camping trip? Now she was lost, alone, cold, hungry and tired. By now, everyone would be looking for her, but suppose they never found her? Or, suppose it was too late when they did? The beautiful blonde didn't know what to do. All she knew was that she was exhausted from walking all day. Finally, she found a mossy spot under a tree, curled up into a ball and fell asleep. Becca had no idea how long she slept; it could have been twenty minutes. It could have been four hours. All she knew was that she was awakened by a growing glow that filled the area, a grow that filled the area and came from something other than dawn. Becca shielded her eyes as she looked into the glow, trying to make out a form that seemed to be taking shape in the center of the glow. The glare gradually receded until it was a soft glow that surrounded a lovely woman who seemed translucent, as if she were made out of mist or smoke. The woman looked down at Becca and smiled. "Greetings, my child. I am the spirit of the mountains, and I have come to make you an offer." Becca was confused. "Spirit? Offer? What are you talking about?" The spirit motioned for Becca to rise, and spoke as the girl did so. "Were you to stay out here," the woman said, "you would perish by nightfall tomorrow. But I can see that you are kind, generous, and pure of heart. That is why I make you this offer. I will give you the power to save yourself, but you must take the responsibility that goes with it." "What power? What responsibility?" "I will grant you the powers of all of nature. However, you must use this power to aid others, to battle evil, and to make the world a better place.
Make no mistake. This is not an easy life that I offer you. It will be a life full of danger and peril, but also full of adventure. Make your choice." Becca stood, stunned, considering what she had just been told. "So, if I accept, I will become powerful and have to use those powers to help others, right? And if I refuse…?" "Then you will perish on this mountain and, unless another champion can be chosen, the darkness that now walks the earth will continue to grow." The lovely young woman thought about this. She thought of her family and how much they would miss her if she were gone. She also thought about leaving them alone to face the evils in the world, when she could have helped protect them from this. It wasn't long before she realized that her choice was no choice at all. "I accept," she said simply. The spirit woman nodded and waved her arm. When Becca turned, she saw before her a spread of fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables on a large woven mat. There was also large gourds filled with fresh, clear water. "Refresh yourself," the spirit said. Thoughts of all else vanished from Becca's mind as she practically threw herself on the food, eating and drinking as much and as fast as she could. In the back of her mind, she became vaguely aware of the fact that as the food filled her stomach, she felt stronger, warmer, more energetic than she ever had before. The spirit spoke as Becca ate. "You will have the speed of the wind and the strength of an oak tree. Your senses will increase, so that you may see and hear all, even that which is hidden from normal mortals. You will fly like a bird. But you will not be all-powerful." "Why not?" Becca asked around a mouthful of pear. "You will still be a mortal woman, subject to the frailties of the flesh. You may still be killed. Also, beware of sodium vapor. It is unnatural, and can temporarily drain your powers. But your greatest weakness lies in your libido."
That final statement actually shocked Becca so much that she stopped eating. "What do you mean?" "Your powers will come from great energy that channels through your body. But, this energy must remain focussed. When you become aroused, your energy is dispersed. Your powers will abandon you, leaving you a normal woman. Do you understand all I have told you?" Becca took a drink and stood up. "Yes. I do. What now?" The spirit smiled again and touched Becca's forehead. "Now, you claim your destiny." Becca felt a warm spot where the woman touched her, and then the spirit was gone, leaving Becca alone in the glade again. However, she felt a glow of power from deep within her core, and she knew what she must do. She placed her hands together, prayer position, in the center of her chest. After a second, she threw her hands upward, and a vortex of energy swirled upwards from beneath her. When it had passed, Becca was transformed. Instead of being dirty and haggard from her day lost in the wilderness, she was clean and perfect. Her torn clothes had been replaced. She was now dressed in a sexy black outfit, consisting of a one-piece, off-the-shoulder bodysuit that hugged her shapely body seductively and left her long legs bare. Black boots, gloves and headband complemented the outfit. It was accessorized by a golden belt, wristbands, and a necklace showing a pair of golden wings. A soft voice, that of the spirit woman, whispered in her ear. "From now on, you will be known as the Black Cardinal! Use your powers wisely." Becca, the Black Cardinal, took two jogging steps forward and leapt into the night sky. The cool air caressed her flesh as she soared skyward. For a moment, she pondered the dangers of her future life. Then, she shoved those thoughts aside as she gave herself up to the pure joy of this feeling of power. Whatever the future held, she would face it when the time came!