I headed out very early in the morning, long before the sun had risen. The world was quiet, wrapped in a blanket of mist and silence. The lake beside me shimmered faintly under the fading stars, its surface smooth and still, like glass. I walked along its edge, my footsteps soft against the damp earth. The air was cold, brushing against my skin like a whisper. I didn't know where I was going—I just knew I had to move.
I walked for hours. Seven, maybe more. My legs ached, my throat was dry, and the landscape around me had changed completely. Trees gave way to rocky plains, and the gentle murmur of the lake faded behind me. I was far from where I came from. So far, I didn't even know if I could return. But something inside me kept pushing forward.
Eventually, I stumbled upon a wall.
Not just any wall—a colossal structure that stretched endlessly in both directions. It was ancient, cracked and moss-covered, towering so high it seemed to scrape the sky. I tilted my head back, trying to see the top, but it vanished into the clouds. Climbing it was impossible.
I walked along its base, searching for a way through. Hours passed. My feet dragged, my body screamed for rest. Then I saw it—a small hole, barely wide enough for someone my size. I hesitated. The edges were jagged, rusted, and cruel. But I had come too far to turn back. I dropped to my knees and squeezed through. The metal sliced into my arms and legs, leaving thin trails of blood. I winced, but didn't cry. I didn't scream. I just kept going.
On the other side, the world exploded with color and sound.
People bustled through crowded streets, their clothes vibrant and strange. The air was thick with the scent of spices, roasted meats, and sweet pastries. Music drifted through the air, mingling with laughter and chatter. I crouched in a bush, hidden from view, watching in awe. Among the crowd, I saw faces that looked like mine—similar features, familiar expressions. My heart raced.
I crept forward, stomach growling. A man in red armor tossed aside a half-eaten piece of bread. I snatched it up and devoured it.
"Sweet," I whispered, crumbs falling from my lips.
I wandered further, clutching a crumpled flyer I had carried for days. I dropped it on the ground. "I've returned it. Time to head home," I said softly. But just as I turned to leave, I saw them—children my age. They looked like me. Not exactly, but close enough. Their eyes and hair were different, but something inside me knew: they were family.
"Mom and Dad will definitely miss me," I whispered, and followed them.
They entered a massive arena, circular and grand, with seats rising like waves around a central stage. At the highest point sat a platform, elevated above the rest. Figures in regal attire watched from above. I couldn't see their faces clearly, so I focused on the stage.
Dozens of swords were embedded in the ground, each one unique. Children stood around them, waiting. The crowd roared, drowning out all sound. One by one, the children stepped forward and pulled swords from the earth. As each blade was lifted, flames erupted—beautiful, controlled, mesmerizing.
Then came a boy whose sword ignited with such intensity that the entire stadium was engulfed in fire. Yet no one was harmed. The crowd cheered louder than ever.
Smoke filled the arena, thick and blinding. Something inside me stirred. I climbed onto the stage and reached for a sword. I tried one, then another. None would budge. I pulled with all my strength, but the blades refused me.
Then the smoke cleared.
Silence fell.
"Is that a thief?" someone shouted.
"What's going on?"
"Look at his clothes—he's clearly a commoner!"
"What is a commoner doing here?"
The boy with the flaming sword approached and punched me. I couldn't dodge. I fell, gasping for breath. My eyes drifted to the elevated platform—and I saw them.
A man in the center. A woman beside him.
Though I had never seen them before, I knew—they were my parents.
I tried to speak. "Mmmuuuuu…" But their faces stopped me. My mother looked disgusted. My father's gaze was filled with fury. My heart shattered.
"Aaaarrrgggghhhh!" Another child struck me. Then another. Soon, they all joined in. Fists rained down. The crowd laughed.
"Why… why… aren't elders supposed to protect children?" I thought, before darkness took me.
I awoke in chains.
Pain pulsed through my body. One of my arms was broken. The chains dug into my skin, cruel and unrelenting. A guard dragged me like an animal, ignoring my cries. When I fell, he didn't stop. He kept pulling.
We reached a massive red door, gilded in pure gold. He shoved it open and threw me inside.
I struggled to stand. And then I saw them—my parents.
"How dare you ruin this festival!" my mother screamed.
"Mmmuuuu…" I tried again, but my father's glare forced me to bow, broken arm and all.
"I apologize. Please… spare me. Show me your kindness," I begged, trembling.
"How dare you come here?" my mother spat.
"I should kill you. You nearly disgraced the entire clan," my father growled. The air thickened—I couldn't breathe. My mouth foamed as I choked.
"Papa, what are you doing?" a small voice rang out. A little girl burst through the door. Instantly, the suffocation vanished.
She ran to my father, arms raised. He lifted her gently.
"Mama, what are you doing to him?"
"Oh, nothing. That thing was just irritating me a little," my mother replied, smiling.
I watched as they beamed at her, their faces glowing with love.
"Why? Aren't I your child too? If you were going to make me suffer this much… why give birth to me?" I thought, tears burning my eyes.
"GUARDS! TAKE HIM TO THE SECRET CHAMBER. HE SHALL BE FLOGGED FOR A YEAR STRAIGHT!" my father commanded.
I didn't resist. I didn't scream. I became lifeless.
The chamber was dark. Cold. Each day blurred into the next. Pain became routine. I stopped counting the lashes. I stopped counting the days. I stopped counting myself.
After my punishment ended, they threw me out like trash. Somehow, I found my way back to the house I once lived in. It was still standing, but hollow—just like me. I collapsed inside, unmoving. I didn't eat. I didn't speak.
Luckily due to my "sister" pleading them to save "this stranger"[her brother], I was spared and immediately I was returned home….