《Reminiscence》 Prolouge Prolouge In between the chain of peaks, great red peeked through with brilliance. Bringing forth light that is beautiful to behold. Foretelling a sign. Morning has come to its wake. As the moon hid back to its dwelling. The surroundings solemn. A drop of morning dew fell from a leaf unto the water. Waves spread across like a spiders web, breaking the scenes reflection under. Sunlight shone through the window. Peaceful as it is, relaxing and calming. I opened my eyes and a familiar scene came to sight. White ceiling adorned with a light bulb. Looking to the right, I found the clock. Turning my vision against the desk, I shook my head. Currently, it is still 7:00 am. Seeing the time, I sighed and closed my eyes again. Time flies. It felt like it was just a moment when in reality it already passed by 30 minutes.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Knock... Knocking was heard. Opening my eyes once again, I turned my head to the right again but this time I look far beyond the desk. White paint reached my vision as the walls are completely blank. Decorations are barren and as dry as the desert. Only outlines of the door could be seen as the door itself is white too. Overall the room is covered in white. Most people will find it bland as there was no decorations nor furniture''s apart from the desk and a chair near the door. Creak. The door opened. A middle aged woman came through the door. Passing through the frame she made her way to me. Holding a tray, she laid it atop of the desk. Helping me sit up from the the bed she started feeding me. The food on the tray were food that is pretty common in this place. The taste, as bland as this place looks. Feeling the familiar taste in my mouth I just reacted instinctively and began eating. Gradually chomping through it. Seeing that I was done with the meal she grabbed one of the prescription medicines. It was laid inside a medicine box made of transparent plastic with labels on it, depending on what medicine it is. It was then fed to me along with water to down the medicine into my system. Having done her duties, she tidied up and left after accompanying me to lay in bed again. After settling my mind and body from the meal, I closed my eyes, "again". I then began to dose off. Time continues to tick. Around 11:30 am I woke up and again anticipated another ''visitor''. As I predicted, the door opened and person came in but this time it was a young man. Still carrying a tray with food in it like the middle aged woman did. After the repeated scene from the morning, I did not go back to sleep instead watched videos online. I requested it to the young man that came in with the food. Quite convenient. Looking at the time it''s already 3:00 pm. Time passed fast. I shook my head inside as I thought silently. Creak. The door opened and a man seem to be in his 30s came in. He wore glasses with black rectangular frames. His face looked clean as beards and mustaches of some sort are shaved. Apart from the things I mentioned, he basically looks like a professional overall, especially with his white ''lab'' coat. As he stepped into the he room he smiled at me. He grabbed the chair near the door and sat beside me. ... "How have you been?" He asked. Chapter 1 Chapter 1: A Slice of an end of a lifetime. "How have you been?" He asked. "Fine, likewise?" I responded. "Same as you. So what have you been up to?" "Pretty much sleeping and eating with the majority goes to sleeping." "That''s not quite good as you just lay there like a snake." "Yeah, yeah..." I paused. "I guess I''ll go outside today.." "That''s more like it." He smiled and said goodbye afterwards as he got out of the room. Watching him leave the door I sighed and shook my head as I laid back down. ''It is just some meaningless chatter for the sake of interaction especially with his position. Since, I am under his care then I''m his responsibility, so it is still very much appreciated as he is busy with other stuffs and still find time to visit.'' As I am thinking that, an ad popped up in the screen as the video was left playing. It knocked me out of my mind and continued to watch it. Since the video still progressed as we were chattering I have to rewind it a bit. Sitting there on the bed watching videos I suddenly came across a topic that intrigued me and clicked it. The video played. By the way the video was about suicide and stuff relating for you to not commit the action. The reason why it intrigued me is because it''s quite a sensitive topic to approach especially at current times, far more touchy compared to last decades. According to the video, the rate of people committing suicide is at its highest peak that has been seen in the last few years making it quite alarming. As for the possible reason, the video stated that it may be because of higher requirements and higher competitions, mental illness and etc. Also, it included in the video that since talents are not common but also not rare the companies etc are also not much of in need of it and if there is it has to be better than the current talents making so that higher competition is one of the problem. As to why they committed suicide that''s simple as talents mostly have big egos they can''t handle failure to well or the latter being afraid of suffering since they did not get the job then they have no money and have no expenses for them to live making them give up hope. It is quite unrealistic why such reasons became prominent since the last decades are not anything close this. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Then again there is ''changing times''. And since I haven''t been watching news only online videos for entertainment such as this, it''s no wonder how I don''t know the current happenings in the world plus I don''t have the time to do so. While we are on the topic, let''s reminisce a bit. I personally thought of suicide but just there and no more. I always think about committing suicide as I see to it that there is nothing more to life. Ultimately they are all just passing thoughts, just think of it as amusing yourself with something that you cannot answer and was stuck thinking about it for quite some time. I have no intentions of committing the act at all just some meaningless thinking meant to pass time. By the way I''m at my teens here, so yeah, deal with it. I say there is nothing more to life, it is because of me being an Otaku but not a weeb. I watch anime and "stuff", read wuxias and fictions so I guess thats one of the reasons why I came to that thought process. But like you have to admit life is like this: being a child; the stage where you are a retard, teens; the stage where you get delusional and horny, and adult;the stage where you marry and reproduce or just die alone somewhere in a corner of a hospital. Pretty much there is nothing except that and pleasure mixed in along with sorrow but in general it like that. ''As I do not have a goal in life (until now), I say that life is not fulfilling.'' [Authors note: By the way, there is some crucial parts that was mentioned just casually in ''his'' thoughts that plays a big role in the way his thinking and the ''knowledge and where it came from'', in the future. So yeah, just a heads up as to answer questions in the future. If you''ve read the original chapters you may know what I''m saying(writing in this case). (:p) ] Creak. The door opened which blasted me out of my thoughts. ''Damn'' I thought as I cursed on the inside. Gazing at the approaching figure, I felt quite offended as I was deep into that thought and midway got interrupted so suddenly but thats just me. Properly looking at the figure, she wore the same thing with the middle aged woman in the morning the only difference is that she is much younger, about in her 20s. ''She closed the distance between us and she suddenly laid on top of me with her hips of moving like waves above my crotch and started humping me while kissing my lips vigorously''. I thought as I watched her approach. It may be lewd and bad to think someone with that, especially at my age, but considering that I just reminisced at my teens; I guess the attitude got carried out. To be honest it''s her fault in the first place to disturb me while I was in deep thought making me quite agitated. In reality, outside that dubious head. The woman helped me out of the bed and unto the wheelchair. Which reminded how the ''fluff'' did that appear here as I did not see it when she came in. But considering I was just dwelling into the dubious thought a moment ago I ended it with me not being able to notice it. As I already know the drill from experience to the point there is no Nedd to think and just pure reflex I followed the guide of the woman in white and sat on the wheelchair. Going out of the room I saw the familiar corridors which can make people lost as the halls look the same. Weaving through it the woman brought me down to the ground floor and then proceeded to the back door. The back door was the way to the buildings'' garden. As we arrived at the garden I dismissed her and just closed my eyes. My body is one with nature right now. ''Thinking about it, the doctor said today was the same thing he said to me in this couple of days. Then I realised that, I also answered him practically the same thing in every way as today, yeah good luck there.'' ... Back in the bed I was scribbling on piece of paper with a letter beside me. Precisely the scribble was describing my daily life here at the hospital. The letter was sent by my brothers daughters, so I had to write to them back. With no topic to write into I just wrote my daily life here. Writing a dot I ended the content of the letter. And gave it to the nurse that gave me my dinner for tonight for her to send, probably will arrive at least a couple of days as they are in a boarding school and the address was sent to their house, they will have to wait and go home first before they can read it. I smiled and cleared the desk. [Authors note: The ''humping'' part is just his ''thoughts'' while writing it along with the commiting suicide himself stuff. He only included on the letter that he watched a video about suicide and it intrigued him.] ... Another day has passed. Still the same monotous lifestyle with matching events that''s practically the same. The only ''that'' that''s not the same is that I can feel my life slowly flickering like the flame of a candle under the wind threatening to be extinguished. ... Midnight. The waves that was going up and down, now became a straight line accompanied by a long beep of a machine. I officially passed away that day. Chapter 2 Chapter 2: Home. Sitting atop a cliff I opened my eyes slowly coming back to reality. ''Yes, this is my reality now. '' I muttered to myself. I then directed my gaze to what''s up front. The horizon drew a clear line across the vastness. A clear distinction is made visible from this tantalising line. It may be imaginary, a mirage, or is there in reality. Nobody really knows, especially if I''m in this position. Splash! The waves crashed at the foot of the cliff. Wind blowing against my face and carried a hint of saltiness. Plastered against my face I feel lost... ''This is my home. I have a family. I am born in this world. I am reborn''. These were things running through my mind. My soul experienced two lifetimes, its crazy but it happened. Anyways, what''s done has been done. After all, I''m a dude who already died once and because of old age at that. So, I really can''t complain for God who knows for giving me a second lifetime that has my memories intact. As for the reason... I cannot explain it in anyway possible if I go by what I learned from school. Thus, it only leaves one option. Grade 8th syndrome. You can''t really call it grade 8 syndrome as I did not experienced it but the belief and my suspicion that brought me here is related to it. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ''I was a virgin.'' I never tasted the forbidden fruit nor have any relationships in my past lifetime. I am considered a wizard in accordance to the code of being a virgin at 30 years old; you''ll be a wizard, reached 60s and your a sage and die a virgin; a grandmagus that has a chance to reincarnate. Now of course that was just weeb thinking in my teens but considering the situation I am in right now. Sigh... That sigh contained something so heavy, either anxiousness or even worry. But. I straightened my back and stood proud with my back like a pencil. ''Going through that analogy, I''ll just accept it that "that" dumb belief actually worked.'' I thought to myself. And I guess even though I ready passed that stage and was no longer an otaku and the like, it still somehow continued to work. Going back to where I was. I was in this world. I got born on some secluded village that is considered quite mediocre in size but is prosperous and peaceful. My mother was in her 30s when she gave birth to me so she''s already on the way to being old, it''s a good thing that she''s a housewife or else I''m a afraid of her body not being able to take it. As to why I think that, well I''m a modern man and to be here in a secluded village without developed medicine institutes and proper health care services then I doubt that my worry is meaningless. My dad works as a carpenter and is the one who''s sustaining our source of income which would be bad if he got sick so likewise with my mother I took special care of him. And as to why I''m suddenly over protective and careful about them well I don''t have that much of an attachment to my family on my past lifetime so with me being a reborn person I specially took care of them much more than others at my age, also I felt like I missed something from my past lifetime tags why I want to spend time with them as much as possible. I started remembering my memories when I was five through severe headaches and have to slowly accept and integrate them as my own. And it continued until I was ten as ''damn'' the memories of a lifetime is not a joke especially in its sheer volume. I sat up from the cliff and patted my butt. Looking back to the ''sea'' once more I turned and left. Slowly treading through the slope I stopped by a hut. This hut is made by me and the garden that''s at the front is also planted by me. The reason why I did this is to gain extra income to help my parents when they retire, leaving me no thee choice but to hide it from them. After catching a glimpse of it. I made my way back to the main road, the way to the cliff, and proceeded to go down the slope. Reaching the civilization, I saw the town not far away and rushed to get back home. Running through the streets I came to a halt when a house made of brick and wood came to my sight. It is a pretty common building here as it is effecient for the residents here and also our house is no exception just a little bit different in design as I said my father is a carpenter and has some tastes. I stopped at the front door. I raised my hand and knocked on it then grabbed the handle and opened it. I walked in the building. . . . "A building I call home." Chapter 3 Chapter 3: ATM Wind blowing against my skin, fluttering my hair as thin strands are dancing along with the rhythmic blowing of the wind. On a cliff there I sat with my legs hanging at the edge posturing a lazy yet relax look with my hands being at my side supporting the weight of my body. My closed eyes twitched. ''It has been roughly fifteen years since I came here, to say the least rather than saying aware''. But I guess it is more appropriate to call it waking up from a deep sleep akin to slumbering dragon awakening dawning, unlike the dragon full of power at its wake, instead what came was memories. Memories, that I can call my own although objectively it''s not,'' sitting at the cliff as I think of this. I chuckle and think that it''s quite an irony that me being on the cliff thinking about the memories and even apprehensive about but still accepted it as my own, a natural reaction. ''As to the reason why I guess I know'' I think as I relate to "my" dying thoughts. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. . . . The story being like this... I was born in a middle class family and can be considered passable to wealthy people''s standards and at the same time rich to less fortunate people. My family being typical and common with no exoticness what so ever in terms of overall character and identity. A family consisting of four people namely my father, mother, brother (the one dude last chapter) and me. Biography wise I was a consistent honor student from grade school till I graduated college being consistent on the top 1. I worked at an office job with a slightly above average pay but gradually increased as I got promoted. As it speaks for itself I am quite a ''good boy'' and that came into fruition. Time for me passed by quite fast repeating the same habits daily; breakfast, work, lunch break, work, go home and dinner. On weekdays where my free time is allocated I do chores in my house as I was living independently and mostly after that strenuous task I just get lazy surfing the Internet trying to entertain myself and on some occasions I will go visit my brother. It''s pretty monotuous but was sufficient. However, the point in life where I was blooming like flower in spring was the time of my teenage years. It was not because of a love budding but rather my transformation into a half-weeb (not really). It was at that time where my mind started to mature faster than my peers although it may sound a little bit weird. And. That''s basically it. The crux was that the influence of my teenage years came anew when I was reminiscing at my death suddenly remembering as to why I remained NGSB (NO GIRLFRIEND SINCE BIRTH) and a virgin. "Becoming one of those lucky people to be reborn with a participation prize of a noble title, ''grandmagus''. " Yes. That''s why. Finishing my contemplation, I opened my eyes and dust caught into my eyes delivring a horrendous pain and itchiness, closing my eyes again abruptly. As the pain and menacing itchiness subsided, I opened my eyes looking red from the war fought still. I scanned my surroundings and lifted my head viewing the sky already red orange in shade warning that night will soon shroud the world. Standing up, I patted my butt cheeks from the dust sticking on my pants. I took one last glance at that horizon whose color is hinted with gassy green (refer to green smokes from games). I started walking downhill in an experienced manner as to though I am a frequent visitor of the place. Walking along the "pathway", a village came to view. To be specific where I and my family live. ... Walking down "streets" of the village I soon found myself upon a hut made with a combination of wood and rocks mixed together. You may wonder why not cemented because it is much sturdier, cheaper and accessible; pretty common from villages. I knocked and walked in and there greeted me my mother preparing dinner. . . Chapter 4 Chapter 4: Urgent Situation! "Watch''a doin?" I asked playfully. She smiled but instead of replying to my playfulness she said, "alright you man child instead of lazing around over there help me prepare the table." I nodded in affirmation and proceeded to do the task asked. Looking at my mother, on her face there was visible evidence from the passage of time but it did made her look old rather added a motherly charm. I settled the utensils at the table and proceeded to sit at the circular table mad from hardwood. Looking at it, it is homemade created by my father who works as a carpenter during the day explaining as to why he is not around the house at the moment. Knocking me out from my thoughts, a fragrant smell of a luscious dinner aroused my appetite and I turned to look at my mother nearing the table carrying the ''dinner''. My look similar to a puppy with rounded eyes begging for the master to give it food. I supressed my salvating mouth and swallowed it back down as my body trembled slightly as a shock of electricity ran through my spine. I turned to look only to find my mother glaring at me with those eyes carrying a hint of discipline. I adjusted my mindset and turned back into proper human from being a hungry animal and waited attentively for the food to be served. My mother put down the container the food and sat at the opposite side of me, we facing each other. After a solemn prayer to express our thanks we proceeded to eating where again I turned back into a hungry animal from a human. I mean what can I do I''m a growing child, teen and a man on top of that. Halfway through a middle aged man came through from the front door with smile plastered on his face as he treaded experienced to the back of my mother which coincidently has her back facing the front door assuming a position impossible for her to see the man.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The man was like a snake as he slowly slithered into my mother and wrapped his hand slightly around the bosom and hugged her. I saw my mother smile at that brief moment but her eyebrows twitched at the scene. Experiencing, her hand reached out to the waist of the man and with a grip akin to a sharks jaw she pinched his waist making him cry out loud. "You and your tricks, you father and son duo are always teasing me" she poutingly said accentuating her motherly charm. After that ugly cry the man burst into laughter after hearing what she said. "Haha, but we all know that you like it if not how could I even marry you in the first place if it wasn''t for my constant teasing, " he said while grinning foolishly that the edges of his mouth reached all the way up to his ears. I smiled and nodded in agreement at that point thinking out loud ," I probably inherited his suaveness." ... After that small dinner episode the family sat on the living room discussing the good news brought back by the pillar of the family. "I was suggested by my manager to accept the position of being his assistant. That will make my work drastically change from a simple carpenter to the one who supervises the carpenter, isn''t it a good news to behold, " he said expectantly as he peered through my mothers still pouted expression from the ''dinner episode''. Her expression softened and a surprised expression gradually replaced the former sour mood she was in as she continue to listen to my fathers news." That''s really a good news specially regarding for our son whose going to be 16 and you know what that number meant, coming of age and is now allowed to study at the capital," she said almost losing her composure. I felt warm inside seeing that my mother truly cares about me." "mhmm... hmmm..., " my father nodding at the statement coming from my mother, ''a good wife indeed that just prove the quality of my suaveness that managed to charm this woman,'' he thought while that stupid grin is once again resurfacing unto his face. I sensed on what he''s thinking so I raised my hand and smacked down hard at the back of his head waking him up from his fantasies. "eherm... Now that''s settled I think its time to go to sleep," she said while looking at the clock and then turning to give a glare to my father who on the contrary shuddered feeling her piercing gaze. I nodded in affirmation. ... I got up unto the bed and started hearing ''papapa'' sound from across my room where my parents room lies. I sighed and shook my head as if it''s a common occurance and I just got used to it, but what can you do with only wood seperating the rooms. I proceeded to lie in bed, my hands at the back of my head. I closed my eye and I cleared my mind slowly accessing ''my'' memories and scan through them. ... I opened my eyes and got up to fix the bed. Peering through the window the sun is still on its way in rising to its peak. Once I got out of my room I saw my dad facing the mirror with both of his hands at his butt cheeks applying medicine to 2 terrifying balloons of pure soreness. Maybe the result of last night, his face still carrying a sliver of fear and and pain painted all over his face. I grinned as I walk up to him and said, "hey dad, quick question how''s the beating last night?" I asked as I imitate the grin on his face last night. Looking sullen he answered, "not looking too good here son, she gets worse each time and what''s horrifying is that she did not stop up until now and only let me off to prepare breakfast" then he shivered. "Then don''t go overboard in teasing or else you''ll be much better off being impotent," my mothers voice was heard through the kitchen carrying a hint of playfulness in her voice. Proceeding to the kitchen I met mother who wore a satisfied smile from last night''s torture and I shivered from seeing it. I greeted her while thinking, ''of that were to happen to me'', as I felt a shock running through my spine. Hastening my actions I approached the table and settled the dished and utensils and proceeded to call my father at the living room inviting him to eat. The family sat at the table eating merrily and happily as if the last experiences was just a passing thought. Helping my mother clean up the mess I readied myself and accompanied dad on the way to his work. Halfway through the journey we separated as I go to the cliff where I was at yesterday. Not too far away from that cliff there is a hut made of straws and wood with a small vegetable garden. By the way, thus is my work as I puffed up my chest nodding as I approached the garden. After the days work I was a bit of a hurry to go back home as we''re gonna be a having a small feast to celebrate my father''s promotion as he was going to accept it this morning so I skipped my hobby of going to the cliff and watching the sun set. Back home I saw the table already filled with 3 dishes much grander than the other and right after I sit, father came through the front door and joined the table after settling his tools. And the house was filled with joy and laughter. Ah, I love my family. After the sumptuous feast which finished late at night I proceeded to my room and caught a glimpse of my father handing money to my mother and on the topic of discussing the money being a cash advance and to be used for my schooling. I entered my room and slept like a log. ... Late at night I suddenly found myself awakened by my father with my mother behind him both with anxious looks on their faces. That was also the time I realised that the ''ding dong'' sound I heard during my sleep was not my heart beating but rather the village bell swinging in full alarm. I hasten to get up from the bed and followed my parents through the backdoor... Chapter 5 Chapter 5: Captive. Day. Forces amassing in an expanse armed and ready to persecute to those who oppose it. Ferocity filled plain as murderous intentions are surfacing in the minds of this veterans, clad in black. In front of these men there stood a luxurious carriage, windows facing these brave men. Covered by curtains, a voice was heard seeming to give instructions to the men while hiding the bearer of the voice. One of the men stepped up to the carriage assuming their leader while he received an bag in the size of a pouch. Clink. Clank. Sounds of chains was heard. Cries of despair came from an aged voice with an obvious sound of whip being lashed out. Night. Chilling wind brushes upon the grass. The moon reflected on the clear crystal waters of ocean. Sounds of waves akin to a children lullaby is heard. But then. Deep in the jungle there lies danger lurking and as it slowly approach the wake of a village. Sounds of hooves overcame and metal clashing became distinct. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Completely silencing the gentle sound of nature and replaced it with the flames of burning bloody cries. Despair and fear slowly shrouded the air. The chilling winds now carry a hint of smell of death. The reaper bearing its scythe ready to reap the restless souls. ... As we opened the door we were greeted with blinding lights as our eyes have not yet adapted to the sudden change, we felt slightly noxious. Without waiting for the family to recover, we simultaneously felt chills in our hearts as foreboding danger bested its fangs against us. As we came to be, it turns out to be coming from the torches and lamps carried on the side by people who wore black sitting atop of their steeds. The suspicious people already surrounded us with that being not only us but the entire village as it may seem, as I saw one of the man reporting the current situation. "Gather them up, tie them and bring them at the centre. " The leader of the people spoke with a voice akin to metal crashing unto each other. As helpless as we are, we abided and followed the wishes of the mysterious people. We were brought at the centre. Walking our way here, I saw and hear people panicking and screaming with the streets being turned upside down, it was an utter chaos. At the centre we were grouped up with the other captives and fear is visible upon their faces. Children crying, adults sobbing, elderly whimpering is what I saw, terrible. As time passed by, more and more people got rounded up joined the party of captives and this repeated process continued until dawn. By the way I was incomparably nervous especially when we got ''ambushed'' by the back of our house but still you have to admire their thoroughness of not leaving any path or way to escape. As the time grew longer the nervousness I felt transformed into numbness and bring a feeling of familiarity. Going through my ''memories'' it is similar to where I was still in high-school where when I''m in front of a crowd I get frightened and nervous until it turns into numbness and brings "calmness" into my mind. Of course, my nervous system is still frantically working (nervous) and with my heart beating wildly completely opposite to the calmness of my mind which helped in occasions where my grades was in the line. Ah, memories. Back to the topic. ... In between the towering mountains the sun playing hide and seek is on the verge of coming out from its hide and instead seek at the people below this great red. The crown of this king is already visible bring an air of a royalty. It is a sight to behold that can make a common people be breathless not to mention those nature lovers. Mysteriously, it brings liveliness to my worldright now bringing incredible warmth even though it is still had not reached its peak. ... Still kneeling on ground my father suddenly kneed me on my back. Having an eye contact conversation with my mother he leaned against me and whispered something to my ear. My eyes widened until they were 2 full moon opposite to the rising sun. Tears started to roll down my cheeks. My eyes turning blood red with small veins clearly visible from it. In the end, I closed my eyes and meditated clearing my head. I referred to my ''experiences'' from my ''memories'' and made the most rational decision at this moment that will make my life turn upside down in an instant. Some people may find this decision unreasonable and inhumane in the end I already died and know what death is like. . . . Neigh.... . . . Chapter 6 Chapter 6: Flee! Neigh.... . . Sounds of horses woke me up from my deep thought. I lifted my head and their came to view, men in black from yesterday still posing mighty and emitting a bloody and ferocious aura. Now that it''s almost morning their builds are now visible unlike last night, they are burly men which positioned themselves at the front forming a seemingly indestructible wall that surrounds a castle. Skinny men are vaguely visible at the back of the group. And there are also included women who wore tight fitting suits with a black thing on their necks loosely fitting it''s shape. In general, they are diverse. Im the background I saw a line of people with malnourished bodies as I just realised them. Thinking of what they may be basing on the chains I felt chills in my heart. The burly men at the front suddenly urged their horses to move to side forming a path at the center. Shaking the earth as they move as to though they will create cracks and fissures every step they take. I really wonder how the horses can carry them and also wonder how high of the quality of the horses to be that sturdy. As I thought, a young man came out of the carriage that has been silently following as if it is not there, to the point that if you don''t take a look you won''t notice it. The young man looked to be 16 years old with delicate facial features akin to a lady. The young man has a fair skin and has a slim build with his hair being cutted in a mushroom. He walked to the path that had just been created by the burly men with elegant steps but showing the contained stable foundation every time he step. Soon, he found himself in front of the men and his lips parted as he turned his head to the side scanning the surrounding. "As you may guess, that I am probably included in this heist or whatnot but trust me I am not but am merely a messenger. " He then turned his body, back facing us captives and paused for a moment. He said, "you may be utterly confused right now as to what''s happening right now but then again I suggest that you should just abide this people as it will be better for you." He turned his head to look back giving us captives a stare that made us feel oppressed, for some reason, as this young man was like a delicate flower that''s still blooming. Facing back to the carriage he proceeded there with those stable steps of his and got unto it. As soon as he sat in the carriage, it started to move as the curtain flowed down the window marking the end of the episode. "And by the way, if you are much obedient than those people lining up, maybe there is a chance for you to be treated quite ''fairly''." The young man added inside the carriage. As the carriage left, a line of dust trailed after it making its exit to be grander, as when the dusts settled the carriage already vanished from our field of view. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ... I was left utterly confused and soon fell into a state of deep thought unknowingly. By the time I finished contemplating I heard a scream from the back of the party. Turning my head I saw a head flying with blood gushing out of its major artery blasting it off the end like a rocket. The head still has an expression of deep thought and seem to be dozing off by the words from that young man however instead of doing him good it turned against him and got killed. As I saw the scene I felt like vomiting as my stomach churned. Gradually I could not hold back and vomited and there came out what seems to be our dinner last night still with bits and pieces, it''s disgusting. Then a voice interrupted my moment. "Alright b*tches, now if you don''t want to be like that motherf*cker there then pay careful attention unless you want your heads to be harvested like cabbages," as one of the burly men upfront point to the headless body drowned in its own blood pool. As he said that people immediately came back to reality shuddering in fear as they actually forgot for a moment there on what situation they were in. Another burly man came upfront and looking at his build, he is much taller than the rest and has a waist as thick a tree trunk completely shaming his subordinates in build aspects. He opened his mouth and said with a voice akin to thunder, "let''s make it brief and concise, you have to options; first is surrender and be sold as a slave or second just die, miserably, " with an evil grin on his face. People shuddered from the thought but then I remembered what my father told me prior before the beaheading scene happened. I stuttered and started shaking wanting to turn my head but on my peripheral I caught my dad shaking his head indicating to stop my fruitless attempt in persuasion. As the man was about to speak again to receive his answer behind my back I heard a roar belonging to my father''s. Tears started falling from my eyes again as I know what''s gonna happen next. Men from the village hearing the roar stood up and started ramming their bodies towards the nearest person clad in black. Some started biting the neck of the black men causing blood to gush out from their arteries. Some got together and untied their bindings and started to brawl against those people and some even managed steal weapons from them with their eyes all being blood red with only murder in them. The crowd of captives ranging from children to old and women except for the men whose bravely fighting the people started to fled in different directions. Like an ant colony that had been stomped on and got destroyed making the ants squirm all over the place. "I take it as you chose the second option eh... Then let me grant your wish." He said and pulled out his machete out from its sheath raised it up into the air roaring and the group of people finally started to mobilized its full force. The thing that my dad whispered to my ear was an emergency execution of the village specifically to ensure survival in the most critical times like this. That''s the reason why the village has an unusual lack of protection or any sort of defences due to the guards of any sort of not being much of a help. Considering that it''s a small village and is quite isolated in the sense of knowledge in defending. It really is much more logical to say that the decision is right since time like this one only occur when theirs bandits or raids as for wild animals unusually there are none, even a bird is not present in the perimeter of our village, being one of the reason why the villages knowledge is isolated. As I was running frantically to our house to retrieve our families keeping as directed by my father, I hear the man speak again making me almost trip at my steps. "Run, run, run, you ants, in the end your still ants and being stepped on is your destiny anyway!" Further hastening my steps I reached the house and dashed straight to my parents room grabbed a wooden safe and continued to flee using the backdoor we used last night the difference is that the path of escape is clear with no obstruction making me dash through the forest weaving through and through the trees. As for my mother I dared not to think that she will flee like the other wives of those men as she is even fiercer than my dad. Thinking of that, I smiled as I think back to our bond that has been built through time. The joy and sorrow we shared it all until this moment where it will vanish from the face from earth but will never be erased from my heart and soul. Having reached at that point the sorrow I felt lessened a little. Squeezing through the last bit of power on my legs I arrived at the cliff where my usual hanging spot is. Slowing down, I walked towards the edge of the cliff and stood their straight. Heavily breathing I turned my head towards the direction of the village with thick smokes covering the sky of it and from this position it seemed like the village itself was the bonfire of a party. Thinking the contradiction of what actually is happening, I steeled my resolution and turned to the sea. Shedding my last tear, I bent my legs and sprung forward while I turned my body in a 180¡ã angle with me now facing the direction of the village again. I saw the view slowly vanishing in a down to up transition as I was finally feeling the pull under me. . . . I slowly closed my eyes relaxing myself as I let myself fall down to the sea... Splash! Chapter 7 Chapter 7: Escaped! Splash! The surface of the water visibly rippled. Water droplets spread everywhere. Its scope just keep on relaying, fully exhibiting its property. Swimming the body of water I dove down. I suspended in place like a submarine at park. Deep underwater I feel all my thoughts vanish for a moment creating a space in my mind of me in solitude. Free from worries and those burdens. The moment only lasted for a few seconds. But is like a century to be there. Its quiet terrifying if you think about. There is no sound, no color nor it is desirable to be there. I trembled underwater. Shortly after I felt my breath gradually running out I began to swim upwards to resurface. ... From the surface of the water a head popped out followed by the body. The owner seem to be still dwelling on his thoughts. I cleared the water from my face and opened my eyes. Beginning to go ashore, I moved my legs and arms in full swing creating graceful parabolas. Ripples behind me signify that I disrupted the quiet surrounding as noise became obvious. Contrary to the noise vanishing, the sound kept on rebounding and bouncing around the surroundings creating echos. But then I realised that was just from my ear ringing from the cannonball I did, really what an idiot. It is quite relaxing to be in fact as it made my head became clear as if it had been reset. Arriving at the shore, I got off and stood at the edge. Lifting my head, sunlight shimmered at my face bathing my face with natural warmth. Knocking my idleness out of the way, I proceeded. Counting my steps, about five to seven steps I arrived at a small campfire. It is obvious that it had just been burnt out about an hour ago. Probably someone used it last night. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. As familiar as I am at the campfire I quickly found where extra firewoods is laying and get a couple of them dumping them into the campfire. I also picked up a pair of stone on the way. Getting unto my knees, I directed the pair of stone near the campfire and started smashing the stones surfaces at each other at an angle. Smelling a burnt smell I redirected the direction of the stones to a dried leaf hanging on a dried branch among the firewoods. Sparks flew and the leaf caught on fire. The fire started spreading like a virus affecting the other branches or firewoods gradually creating fire to the campfire. It is like bringing a dead person back to life through CPR or get the heart running back by chest compressions. Seeing the ongoing fire I stood up. I reached my hand to the hem of my shirt and started removing my shirt. Conveniently grabbing a long branch that''s full of branches I buried it unto the ground by stabbing the tip to the soil. Hanging my shirt unto a branch and securing it near the side of the fire, I then proceeded to take off my shorts and did the same thing. Doing that action, now I stood almost butt naked with a boxer only as protection. Luckily there is no other people at this secluded ''part of the forest'' as if someone where to see me right now they''ll think that I''m an exhibitionist. Sitting on a rock beside the campfire I kept my vision on the fire and my clothes in case the branch fails to support my clothes and get burned, that would be bad as I don''t have another pair of clothes leaving me with only the boxer if ever that happens. Seemingly lost looking at the fire, wind suddenly blew and the fire danced with the wind. I on the other hand shivered a si felt the chill and coldness. Awakened from my thoughts I turned my head 180¡ã and surveyed my surroundings. I am in a forest and am pretty deep inside of it. Surrounded my towering trees with there branches extending out to meet the other covered the sky and only small portion of light only passes through that thick hide of leaves in the form rays. Having done that and been bored in finding nothing, I again directed my vision to my clothes and the fire as I doze off again. Thinking about it now, I realised how I managed through last days trial. ''I guess it''s because of them, huh''. I smilingly thought to myself, as images of my father and mother flashed through my mind. The smile that also is not a smile is still plastered unto my face as I replayed what happened yesterday''s jurisdiction. ... Splash! I hit the waters surface as I felt the pain creeping on my back as I opened my mouth to scream but water flooded into it making me choke from it. My mind is starting to get clouded as my last bit of energy was used up from the sprint and with the addition of the impact I feel overwhelming fatigue. Feeling the urgency, I turned my body into a swimming position with one hand hugging the wooden box and the other balancing my body as I started to stroke out my limbs and swim. Because of the adrenaline rushing I managed to somehow increase my speed and was not able to stop when needed and bumped my head into a rock. But instead of being a child I manned up and did not cry out and endured through the pain as I stretch out my hand and grab unto the rock. Bending my elbows I sprung up and surfaced the water. I first laid the wooden box, at the edge of the shore before I proceeded to climb. Which by the way took forever to drag my wasted body out of the water and as soon as it left the water my body is placed in a form of ''T'' pose with legs apart from each other. Finally knowing that I reached my destination my consciousness began to receed and darkness crept unto me making me pass out on the spot. . . . Time passed for God knows how long, my body twitched. I felt my consciousness coming back after a long dream. Realising that my body was my body laying downwards and immediately turned without ruining the ''T'' pose which was kept through the whole process. Breathing in and out and tuned my bodies condition. I slowly sat and sudden pain came from my back. I cursed as I remembered what happen and although I understood that falling from that high of a cliff is not good but I thought at least it would fade after my rest. Feeling the pain vanishing I stood up and realised my clothes is already dry. Quickly estimating in my mind I suspect that I have been out for at least 5 hours or so. Looking around I found myself at a cave that surprisingly stretched towards the mountain. A pity I did not know how long it goes as I just had suspected that there is a cave here as I am always hanging around the cliff and noticed about how the waves create some sound or echos; although it''s faint it is still possible to discern and never really confirmed it until now. Basically my dive ''slash'' fall back there was leaving it all up to faith as I just prayed that my suspicion is to be true. Looking at my back, I faced the sea and noticed that its already morning. I suddenly heard a growl in my stomach as I think of breakfast. Leaving my hunger aside, I decided to check first on how long the cave go. Picking up the wooden box, I proceeded. I walked. Walked. Walked. Walked. And. Still walking. Walking. Ahhhhhh! Chapter 8 Chapter 8: Journey. I screamed as it was driving me nuts on how long this damn cave is and due to the fact that I can''t go back and get my efforts came fruitless frustrated me. In the end, I gritted my teeth and pushed through. ... After god knows how long I finally caught sight of a wall that had been shined with light. My mood instantly brithened and my pace picked up as I excitedly raced through the remaining distance. Reaching the wall I raised my head and looked up and found a hole where the light came through. The hole is not big but is enough for me to pass through. I quickly climb the wall reaching the mouth of the hole and lifted myself up to resurface using one of my unused hand as I was holding the wooden box in the other. Having got out of that endless tunnel I soon found myself in a forest. Surveying my surroundings I quickly chose the tallest tree and climed upwards. Reaching the top, I could see the vast wilderness. Licking one of my fingers I raised it up and feel the wind. When I caught which direction the wind was blowing I immediately directed my vision there. Anxiously I was trying to find our village but instead there greeted me a line of thin black smokes emanating from speckles of black remains of the village with the village itself being wiped out from the face of the world. I subconsciously hugged the wooden box that was still in my hands, although it made my climbing much harder I still brought it up. Tears rolling down my face, dampening my dirty face I cried my heart out. Shouting my mouth off, I did not care if someone where to hear me, and I was thinking that, strong wind blew unto my face making me swallow back my scream. Being halted halfway through my scream, I silently cursed. ... The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Calming my nerves I held my emotions back. Feeling my body loosened I breathed out. "I am sorry". I whispered. ''From now on, I, Titus swore to bring you justice.'' I quietly swore in my heart as I made it my life''s goal with failure means death. Literally and figuratively. And after my vow I felt vindicated and a rock from my chest was finally lifted. I am now a different person but still the same. I am a man who had died and had been reborn. I am a man with two lifetimes and I never felt so unfamiliar up until now but with my vow ''reshaped'' my whole being. ''Now I, Titus White, will walk into a path full of thorns and uncertainty. '' ... Climbing down I then proceed to find shelter for the time being. I walked to the right from where I am and saw cave that''s possible to make my dwelling. I arrived at the cave and when I inspectioned it, I found it habitable. Rembering my still empty stomach I headed back out to find some wild grass, fruits, crops or vegetables. Also, not forgetting in gathering firewood from fallen branches of the trees before I made my way back to my cave dwelling. Back at the cave. I started the campfire and using a bamboo that''s been broken and split in half by a sharpened rock. And getting water from extracting them from the cacti which is living with the rocks on the steep rock wall my cave is from, I put the water into the bamboo. Placing it above the fire, I waited for it to boil. Munching on a fruit, I put on the crops that I dug out along with the wild grass and vegetables to the now boiling water. Now that dinner was served I devoured it so fast that I did not even get to feel the hotness of the food. I was so hungry that I almost mistaked to bite at the bamboo. I rested my body unto the wall while rubbing my stomach in a gentle manner as my face showed that it was a satisfying meal. Although its not a sumptuous meal it is more than enough for survival as the food I picked came from nature itself making it quite high in energy content. After a while I began to dose off. When I woke up the sun is already setting. Looking at the campfire it already used up the whole stock of branches. Looking to the side of it there is still left over crops from lasts meal as it was mostly composed of wild grass and vegetables and the crops being only put in bits just to add variety. I stood up and headed off to restock the dried out fire wood. Coming back, it was already dark outside so without another moment I hastenely got a fire going lighting up the cave. Putting the crops on a stick I placed them atop the fire while I began planning in my head on what to do next. I ultimately decided to go the capital first then proceed to plan the rest there as the plan vary depending on the situation I will find myself upon arriving there. After eating the barbecue and positioned myself to the edge of the cave and put out the fire. Unlike the last cave which looks more like a man-made tunnel than a cave this is a naturally formed cave and is rather short in depth just enough for me. I dozed off with only replenishing my energy in mind. Waking up, I cleared the campfire and other signs of habitation and did not bother having breakfast as I proceeded opposite of the direction of the sea where the capital is located. Arriving at the halfway point in my estimation, I stopped by a slow and gentle flowing 2 meter wide river to take a break. Noticing that the sun is about to set and still I haven''t eaten anything. I repeated the procedures from yesterday and lit up a campfire, cooked food, ate, and go to sleep as it was already night by the time I finished while resting atop of the tree, my body on a stable branch. Morning came and the first thing I thought of was bathing as bathing was not an option I thought of yesterday as hunger consumed my thoughts and I was fatigued from walking the whole day. Quickly I got unto the river and jumped posturing and assuming the form of a cannonball. Splash! ... Boom.! I was awakened from my recollection of thoughts left by my adventure yesterday by a sudden sound of boom and breaking of something, the ground trembled along with the noise. The first thing I did was sprung up and raced towards my clothes and quickly put it on. Surpringsily quite some time has already passed and it''s already dry its just that I was dozing off and did not realise it. Shaking my head, I then proceeded to the origin of the noise taking cautious steps towards it... Chapter 9 Chapter 9: Uneasiness. Deep in the afternoon. The sun is at its peak. Rays of light passing through the clouds lighting what''s under. Wind blowing in the leaves, rustling noises from the leaves became evident. The surroundings solemn. Tall trees stood around me. Weaving through the standing trees I made my way through with my destination the origin of the noise. Afraid to alert on what''s beyond I was pretty mindful in my steps. Avoiding any sound enducing action as much as possible. I don''t want to end up in a situation that would endanger my life even before I even started my vow. I can''t make that stupid mistake. As I approached voices of angry voice shouting became evident. Creeping further there I saw clumps of shadows. Upon further investigation by getting closer to them while maintaining at least 10 meters away from them. Tip toeing I made my way from a nearby bush to another that was closer to those people. Peering my eyes through the gaps of the bush I saw some person shouting at another group of people but I can''t seem to quite hear it properly. In the end, I ended up focusing all my attention to the scene while perking my ear up. "What the f*ck are you peasants doing destroying the Lords properties!" Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "And now your still dilly dallying when you fuckers are at fault!" "Start fixing!" Then sounds of hurried steps emanated. Stomp! As I was hearing those series of curses and angry shouting, my interest reached it piqued. At the same time "unease" started feeling in my chest for some reason, making me even more determined. Turning my attention back to the person shouting, I saw a meat mountain. Belly folding and stacking on top of each other while secreting bodily fluids from all those shouting. It almost made me vomit on the sound. I was clear that my gag reflex was on point in its decision to start acting up. Although being 10 meter apart from him, his sheer size is enough for me to clearly see what''s not see and hear those juices that created noise as he move. Immediately I turned my head away like a bolt of lighting turning my "full" attention to the people that had just been scolded. Grumpingly, they got to work as soon as the meatball left. While working gossips started from the group but their hands never stopped working, obviously afraid of the meatball. Since such gossips are low in audio I can barely hear it. Forcing me to move closer, so I did. I stopped about 5 meters away from them. What they are talking are now clear from this distance. "Yo, that stupid clearly knows that''s its his fault but still blamed it on us." "True, clearly it is because of his mountain size ass that the wheel gave in after we bump into a rock." "That''s right, the is not even that big just the size of a fist but it still made the wheel break." As they were stabbing the back of the meatball, I was keeping my head down. But under the Bush I was nodding my head vigorously totally agreeing to those poor scapegoats. Although I was not there to personally witness it, its clearly obvious as you can tell how heavy the meatball as the earth trembled when he walked out of the scene just a moment ago. Suddenly as I was bopping my head up and down an idea popped out of my head. "Reverse psychology". I whispered. Although the I idea I thought of carried a great risk when I made a single mistake in the execution I would end up dead. Great risks, great rewards as they say. The main thing that made me determined to execute of this just thought off plan was the unease I felt back when I was still 10 meters away from them and to be honest I still feel it now. ... Amidst of the noise created from a hammer whacking sudden rustling in a bush nearby the group of people from a moment ago. Shik. The men working was very alert as they were able to discern the sudden change in their environment. They immediately sprung up and started their working tools into weapons while some of them even had hidden daggers hidden in there trousers. Shik. They soon found the right Bush and started to slowly surround it. Maybe the person hiding new he was been found he just gave up and started walking out of the Bush. Slowly. ... A thin pale looking young man wearing tattered clothes stood in front of them... Hand raised above his head. Chapter 10 Chapter 10: Lies. I came out of the Bush empty handed. In case you''re wondering where the box went I threw it on the way at some point or used it as a firewood to be exact. As for the contents of it, it was the whole savings of our family in their lifetime. The reason why they tasked me get the box in the first place as they still placed the hope that I will survive and use it to live and fulfil their dream of me going to a university. "Uhm..... ". I tried to sound as nervous as possible. The men stopped their work and turned their attention towards me. "Who are you? " one of them inquired in an intimidating voice. Then there was silence. .............. Suddenly, I broke it. I screamed like a pig being slaughtered. I prostrated myself to the men who inquired me a while before. I kneeled in front of them, constantly banging my head against the ground. Doing that scratches started becoming visible and blood gradually started flowing out as the action goes on. The men clearly looked puzzled. Seeing their confusion I grinned as I bang my head again. Upon seeing that I am still continuing and is creating an uproar, one of the men kicked me as I was rising back up making me crouched again. The mens expressions changed from confused to sadistic joy as they started grinning devilishly. But, that also quickly changed as fast as they changed in the first place. I wiped their stupid expressions from their faces as I grabbed the leg of the man who kicked me.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I grabbed it as if my hands were vices. They caught up to it and that''s what caused their expressions to change. Their laughing faces is slowly turning into anger. Seeing that they are getting angry with me, I quickly stated my purpose. "Please help my family! Please!" I pleaded. The anger again diminished and confusion took over in the faces of the men. "What f*ck are you talking about?" "Please, save them! Save them from the raiders..." I paused. "They are going to kill everyone in our ''village''. " The man at front looked back towards his comrades and exchanged eye contacts one after another. After a while. "Alright lad we''ll save your family but only them as you said that they are raiders". Looking at me he continued, "as you can see that we are most likely outnumbered so you will be the one to grab your family out of the mess and we will be the ones who will support you in retreating." He paused. "Are you okay with that? As we are already risking our lives here so, there''s nothing more we can offer, this is already risky for us outsiders." He consoled after he stated their involvement to me. My head still down, I slowly loosened the grip at the man''s leg. Then, I stopped the sobbing and lifted up my head with an expectant expression. " Really? " I asked with a disbelieving expression and some uncertainty on my face. " As we said lad, it''s your choice whether to accept it or not?" He said as he looked back again to the men at the back. "Yes!..... Yes!" I nodded my head vigorously. As I said that, I quickly got up into my feet and made a hurried gesture towards them. Hands pointing towards the forest I made them make haste. "Come. Come. We must hurry or else we will arrive too late." The men started again with their eye conversation and they nodded in unison. Following where I was pointing they started to head over. ... Leaders POV ''Tsk, let''s see where this goes you damn brat!" "Help your family eh, it makes me want to vomi. What do you want me to do, kill myself?" "This stupid brat really took the bait. A pity though that we still have to walk with the lies, f*ck we to be fast before the fatty finds out!" I then eyed the men to hasten. End of short POV (no more in the future, promise) ... I quickly followed and overtook them to take the lead. We then made our way through the jungle. But, little did they know that there is a saying. ... "The hunter hunts the prey but unknowingly the hunter suddenly became the one hunted by the prey." ... "The hunter hunts the prey. It continued until one day, The hunter is being hunted that he had to pray. Oh, how unfortunate for the hunter it is to suddenly have his life painted grey." It is a poem I composed while I was prostrating to the men. I actually made the poem while I was banging my head to the ground again and again as I was bored on when will they act. For the fact that the lines got longer and longer which is equal to how long they react. ''Tsk... Slow f*ckers, can''t even decide to trick a brat for them to kill in isolation!'' And at last they finally acted by kicking, halting my poem to end there... . . . A grin flashed across my face and then as quickly at it surfaced, it disappeared. Chapter 11 Chapter 11: Confrontation. The jungle sounds bellow an intimidating tone adding to tense atmosphere. Footsteps accompanied with leaves rustling is evident. Taking a step is like having a rock to pit weight in my legs as it is becoming hard as we progressed. Closer and closer, I slowly led the men to where I have been previously wandering. Using the same routes by retracing my journey we made into a sudden halt at the cave I temporarily dwelled in. "Hey, brat don''t you tryna lead us into a trap. Not to mention even having an idea in the first place as you know we can kill you right now." Anger slowly seething in the men''s expressions. Feeling the impending trouble I prostrated myself again and snot started coming out from nose. Squealing I made their anger halt in rising but it is still there. " Please don''t. No! NO! I do not dare... It''s just that we are still quite far as our village is secluded. Please have mercy!" "Just a little more and we are already half way please bear with me." Snort. Then laughter was heard. I was kneeling down so I raised my head abruptly. Apparently the laughter came from them. Displaying a confused look on my snot covered face, I asked them. " W...What.. S.. so fun...ny?" I asked stuttering,afraid of offending them. "Come on lad, we were just joking! We just thought that are journey is a little depressing and quiet. I mean like come on, we are helping you save your family." Said one of them. "Yeah, just that look on your face is telling us that you''re so anxious about it." Said ''another one'' of the men. "You should have seen that look on your face! Ahhh.... Its hilarious as f*ck!" Said again of ''another one'' as he was wiping the tear on his face. I smiled a little robotic. The smile that came out of my mouth was strained. It clearly showed how uncomfortable and anxious, fearing that my cover was blown. After all, I am not a match of these men, and the only way to defeat them is through strategies. "O.....kay". I replied with a completely uncomfortable expression. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "So, where exactly is this village of yours lad?" Inquired one them with a serious look back on his face. "Just a little further and a little climbing..." I answered nervously. "Climbing?" Asked one with a raised eyebrow. "Y.. Yes. As you... See I was using an escape route to get away from the r... Raiders." I replied almost choking while saying it as I feel my heart jumping all about. "Then that''s bad, we have to hurry then as climbing will add more time to our journey." Said one. "Yeah! We have to hurry and quicken our pace as we might not be able to reach them." Added one. "THEN LET''S GO!" I shouted disregarding them and ran through the dense forest quickly. The man upfront shook his head and sighed. Turning his head towards his comrades, he made eye contact and faced away after. A grim look flashed through the man upfront and the latters eyes passed through murder. Then they followed after me, running. ... Arriving at the tunnel I stopped to wait for the men. Stomp. Hearing the running I turned around to look. I saw them somewhat exhausted from that running I mean considering that I have walked and spend a day to travel from here to there in my journey, the distance is quite far. Arriving in front of me the man upfront waved his hand indicating to pause for a moment. With their chests heaving up and down, it is obvious that they are out of breath and are breathing heavily. On the other hand, I am no better than them with my legs shaking. I could have fell into the hole where the entrance of the tunnel is, if not of me having to endure through all this. ... After a moment of brief rest, our group started moving again. Making sure I took the lead, I hastened my movements and got down as fast as I can. "Hurry!" I urged the men. Then I ran as fast as I could. The men having no choice got down and followed through. With my back facing the first one that got down as I ran, I missed the sharp glint in the man''s eyes. But it quickly faded and the rest of the ''five man group'' got down in the tunnel. Their feet started to move, as they started chasing me down. As for me? I was already out of sight and only a clump of dust is what they see. Having to take into consideration on how long the tunnel is, I managed to go through it and climbed the cliff afterwards even before the men arrived. "I''m climbing first to get a better look at the situation!!!!!!!!!!!" I yelled and then proceeded to climb. I did not care if they heard that or not but as far as I am concerned it is a tunnel a long one at that, it would be weird if they will not hear it amidst the repeated echos. Supposedly, it is pretty hard to climb especially the cliff is this steep and having the kind of body I had. But with the power of rushed adrenaline I managed to come through and even quicker at that. All the more to my advantage as I got ready to prepare. ... Peering my head through the cliff I look down. Gradually footsteps of people running became evident. "Up here!" I yelled at them. Slightly startled the men redirected their gaze away from the ocean and looked up. I waved my hands at them and yelled. "Climb here fast. THERE IS STILL HOPE!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, to the point of my voice turning horse. One of them was about to reply back at me when I retreated my head back, leaving the man''s mouth wide open. Seeing their ''leader'' hanging they started to lead the climb afraid of being mistaken of making fun of the man. The leader seeing his comrades started climbing, the look of his face turned ferocious and climb in an agile manner like a monkey. As to why he can do that, the anger he felt fueled it. Overtaking them the man smiled and turned to look up towards the edge of the cliff and up to the sky colored blue. But, the view did not last long as a boulder with the size of three heads visible from up top falling down right to the man''s face. Baam! A thud was heard as blood started spraying out everywhere dyeing the man''s comrades vision to turn red. One of the men whose vision was red, stunned, looked up again but unlike their leaders the sky he saw was red as his face was covered in blood. The blood is still warm as their leader just died a moment ago. Not long after, he snapped out of his daydream as he started to scream. Another boulder was on its way to his face following through the same fate his leader did. Baam! Like wise his head bursted apart. The rest of the men now that had just got out from their stunned state is now once again shooked. ... Baam! Baam! Two noises sounded as two bodies fell to the entrance of the tunnel then to the sea, both bodies having cracked and incomplete head. Splash! Splash! . . . Chapter 12 Chapter 12: Killing Spree! Splash! Splash! The simultaneous sounds of water caused the remaining of the men to wake up from their stupor. Faces that is slowly contortions because of rage they screamed like mad animals. Their climbing speed was no longer as lax as before instead slithering on the cliffs like snakes. Their sudden change is what I anticipated but nonetheless it still surprised me when I saw them accelerating towards me. ... The wind blows harder and harder as time gradually progressed. Atop of the trees, the branches started to shake back and forth. Leaves started falling from their respective branches dancing along the increasingly violent wind. The clouds spreading, arms wide, stretching across the sky. Their color slowly dyed the sky gray. The increasingly gloomy atmosphere wether the gods intended it or not can never be more fitting to the current situation. ... Pebbles flying like projectiles as I move on the grounds surface, I tried my best not to trip or create some dumb mistake that will make my sacrifice vain. Frantically going through my nervous system, all of them are working from crazy to crazier fast. Its a good thing though that I''m level headed despite the situation, the practical thing of me being overly nervous about everything that made me finish my studies unprecedented in the history of my school. (refer to chapter either 5 or 6 to why and what) Already familiar with the route I dashed through the burned streets. Passing along the charred buildings made my chest well up with heavy emotions. Arriving at the village hall where my father works I hid under the black remains of the buildings. It may not be as safe as it was in the past, but this charred stone walls will do for now. "BASTARD!" "COME OUT YOU RUNT!" If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I GONNA F*CK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID YOU A*SHOLE!" The three of the men shouted in alterations. I flinched but did not budge on my spot and continued to quietly hide my presence. "The damn bastard tricked us!" "F*ck, it is supposed to be the other way around!" "The boss even died, we will get skewered by the damn pig if we don''t get the runt when we get back!" Two of the men are speaking as the group eyed their surroundings cautiously. "Don''t worry though, in the least he can''t take us all, he just caught us by surprise that''s all!" One tried to boost the morale of his comrades. "Yeah!" The other two followed up with mad roars. ... Feeling the movements behind the wall I sprung up with full effort on my legs as I reached out my hands in open palms against the wall and pushed it, HARD! I pushed it so hard that my petty hands could not take the force and started bleeding. However, the plan worked though. The reason why I waited in the village hall is that it is the biggest and is up to renovation, which has been cancelled because of the ''raid''. And I also anticipated for them to gradually approach the village hall as the village layout is rectangular with the village hall being at one end opposite of the entrance with the sides being the settlement of the villagers and trading at the center. Taking out the two men who got crushed by the wall, I saw there mush remains under the pile of rocks. I shuddered at that thought because if the wall failed on me and collapsed even before the men came then I would be the one lying mushed. Supposed that I did not take any of them then I would have ran behind as they where distracted from the wall falling and hoped otherwise of what''s going to come. It''s a good thing, that only one remained, although he came out unscathed from the wall. We eyed each other and I slightly positioned my self approximately 2 meters away from him. While circling around, I payed much less attention to the man in front of me and only used my peripherals to eye the mutilated corpse as to not make it obvious to the other party. Finally arriving at my footing I dove to the ground and grabbed a knife out of the corpses hand along with a stone from the pile and dashed straight ahead to the man. The man already coming to the front of me slightly was startled, nonetheless he increased his speed. To be honest this scene is just like when two lovers are converging at each other, just that both are not reuniting but instead has killing as the goal of the convergence. No happy and lovey dovey music, just an epic one or I would hope so. Seeing, that our distance is one meter less apart from each other I threw the stone, which was the inconvenience of my running as I was holding a knife in my hand and have to accommodate the rock as it needed to be carried with two hands, towards the man upfront my face. The stone is not as big as the ones thrown at the cliff but it still is a head big in size having a significant weight. Seeing the stone being thrown at his chest the man has two options one is to catch the stone or let it hit you, with having to evade out of the options as I knew that at this distance that option is elimated unless we are much farther from each other. Like come on, he is not some superhuman like from those wuxias and animes it''s just he is burly than normal men but that doesn''t help at all in this situation. The man chose the first option which is the one I hope that he would pick. He tried to catch or should I say block the stone with this hands. Slightly anticipating this move was the product of thinking of how will a human react if something is thrown at him so suddenly. Seeing the opportunity I hoped for, I dashed straight at the man with knees out heading towards his crotch. It may be despicable to hit your fellow genders genitals during a fight but who gives a f*ck when your life is at stake. I kneed his nuts so hard that it turned scrambled without the need to cook it. He screamed like a pig, actually it''s quite degrading to a pig comparing the man''s scream to theirs as his is more monster-ish. He got into his knees in the midst of this his screaming. But, without even waiting for his hands to reach his crotch from the rock I threw he passed out. Much better for me. Going around him lying on the floor I sat at him in forceful manner. Crack! The sound of a ribcage being broken sounded. Still not satisfied I severed the man''s neck with the knife. Holding unto his hair, I carried his head after I rested and slowly go back to the carriages. Retracing my steps, I made my way slow and steady. Composing myself from that bloodshed. I''ve watched gorey animes and movies and other stuff but having to experience it yourself is disgusting. It''s a good thing that I held my vomit because of the blood that spurted on my mouth while I severed the man''s neck. Although it is terrible, I am quite thankful as I used that time to gargle it and get my throat get use to it to avoid further trouble on what''s coming next. Resulting to the me now that seems to be un affected by the bloody smell nor taste as the nose and mouth have the same passage, the throat, which I targeted. . . . Chapter 13 Chapter 13: Justice and REVENGE! "Haha son, you said that those sons of b*tches tried to fight your team eh?!" "Yes, father but all it was was a futile attempt. Ah, its quite mortifying to have our losses cut as we have to kill the men and only captured the women and children." "You already did a good job son, daddy''s proud of ye!" Sounds of happy and joyous conversation is heard from inside a carriage. Apart from their topic being killing and slavery, the over all mood is light and harmonious. .... I opened my eyes and proceeded to open the door with my ''free'' but not, slightly occupied hand. As to why I closed my eyes, well, I was listening for confirmation of my unease and the suspicions that was aroused with it. Truly, it was considered worth as I heard what I wanted to hear. Apparently, the other carriages and the slaves has already been out for quite some time as they were tight in time to deliver the ''goods''. I heard the information from the father and son duo. Also the important thing is that the supposed son has a voice similar to the young man who said those bullsh*t during the raid. It made my blood boil and at the same time steeled my determination more as supposed that the only bodyguards are the ones I killed and these bastard duo doesn''t even realise that the noise of carpentry from the people working outside stopped as the two are dwelling into their fantasy. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ''(As for the group of men, they are too confident or rather I am more witty as I am the protagonist in this story bitch, when in reality I just took advantage of them being human with human responses and reaction that made my plan work in the first place).'' That silly thought brought a little smile into me as I opened the door of the carriage. Sensing my arrival the two bastard stopped to look and their faces paled so hard that they where as white as snow. What''s unbelievable though is that the son who is already white has still the capacity to go whiter. Raising the head in my one hand I threw it at the footing of the two. While I played with the knife in my hands. Seeing the head and my bloody appearance; face full of blood, bloody body, scratches and bruises everywhere and conjugated blood from my wounds especially from the palms of my hand which was caused by the time I pushed the wall, the bastards shook in fear and the elder started begging me. ''What a bunch of cowards!'' I thought in my mind. I then proceeded to sever the heads of both bastards which was harder than I thought because although they did not have the guts to fight back especially to the flower boy who already fainted as he peed in his pants, the knife used is small and since I have to deal with one awake first I had a hard time as the pitiful knife is too small for the neck of the meatball of a father then the flower boy. I specifically put an effort in finding a box that''s enough to store the heads of the ''bastards'' and tamed the horse which was on the outer premise of the scene happen feeding on grass. Cleaning myself from the river I then mounted on the horse. I got a saddle from the inside of the carriage and apart from this all the items in there are useless and the bank cards are also useless as I can''t use them so might as well burn them along with the remains. Speaking of remains, the corpses of the five was left to rot without proper burial as people who will visit which is highly unlikely that they are killed in action during the tragedy. As for the freshness well, the village burned is still fresh and apart from the one headless body lying in the open all the other corpses is less suspecting. In general no one would bother with them even with people visiting has no time nor evidence, fingerprints? Uh, I highly doubt as this is clearly a less developed world than my previous one. ... Taking the box full of head I rode the horse valiantly in my elegant clothes from the closet of the deceased flower boy accentuating my ''suavness''. Leaving a clump of dust behind the burning carriages, two in specific, I left with my mission accomplished. The only thing that''s left is the escapees and those slaves which I don''t have the time as I am already tired both mentally and physically. I''ll just let the authorities deal with them when I reach the city, supposed that the ''escapees'' and slaves are being delivered more likely to the city, just that with smuggling they go under the eyes of the authority. Having the advantage in speed because of the volume in people despite their head start I will arrive first in the city allowing me to inform them about the matter. Also, I will be guiding them on the apprehension like an angel would do. . . . And maybe, I will get a bounty for the ''bastards'' head... Epilogue Epilogue The moon is starting to fade as darkness recedes light replaced the surroundings putting an end to the hazy and dull atmosphere. The chickens cackling their throats off. The sun pinned in between the window sill. Warm light is starting to flash through the clear glass. Plop. Plop. Birds pooping at the roof are starting to make an alarm as sounds of thuds is starting to create an uproar. Ahhhhh! A man screamed but the voice was muffled because of the window covering the outside. Still screaming the man opened the window and the scream of a lion broke the silence. Startled by the cry the birds that had taken nesting on the man''s roof in a flock started to fly out one after another. The mans scream started to gradually lessen but the anger on the man''s face is still evident. It is clear that he is not impressed at what the birds did, to the point of him yelling. "Stupid Birds!" He then threw a stick from god who knows where towards the birds that si starting to form a ''V'' formation for migration. Even though the man knew that it was useless to do the things that he did, he still continued as a way of venting his anger. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Inside a small house. Hearing the screaming, my eyelids twitched. I slightly opened my eyes and drowsily tried to get out of bed. Creeping towards the edge of the bed I sat up and closed my eyes for a moment. Rubbing my eyes, I started to wipe my saliva at the my cheeks that already has been dried up. Slapping myself I got up and got unto the bed. Walking towards the window, I opened it and peered through outside. Specifically I turned my head to the right and saw the man who has grumpily surrendered to his fate. He sighed as he resigned through the tragedy and slowly walked back away from the window closing it, as he is afraid that the smell will get in his house. Seeing the man''s misfortune I sighed and shook my head. I then raised my head to look at the sky that is still not fully light up. Closing my eyes for a moment, I chuckle afterwards, thinking back to the man''s reaction. It is quite funny and also is sad if I was on his feet. I mean it. Like, bird migration is dependent on the changing of season and seasons only change four times at that. Who would have thought that the migrating birds made a toilet out of the man''s roof, if you think about it four times a year and you get that one time out of all the houses, of course you''ll feel bummed. Closing the window, I did so as the wind may carry the ''poopy'' odour inside my home, then proceeded to the kitchen. I prepared my breakfast and ate it while it''s hot. Then, I washed up and proceeded to the bedroom. Opening my closet a black and white uniform hanged from the rack became visible. I blanked out for a bit as I started remembering that I am finally fulfilling my parents dream. Having that thought brought smile to my face as I quickly changed into it. Looking at the mirror I practiced the suaveness that my dad left me, as I posed in front of the mirror. It''s weird but it brings warmth into my heart. Having finished my morning routine, I got out of the house without forgetting to lock it. Creak. ... After walking about ten minutes. A big gate greeted me and I dosed off. Despite my surroundings already started to get busy I am somewhat lost in my own little world as I am feeling a big relief and a sense of accomplishment that I can be proud of. ''Something that I can say, a gift, to my parents.'' I thought as my I eyes started to moisten but I suppressed my coming urge to cry. Not because of sadness but because of joy. An indescribable joy! Sensing the presence of the gate I noticed something, with my eyes closed. It emitted an air of superiority akin of that to a lion. It brings pressure to the people who enters it making them docile. Going out of my thoughts I focused on the gate and its presence especially at the aura it emits. Turning my head around me I saw people with the same uniforms as me passing through that gate seem unaffected. I sighed. ''I guess it is just that I''m nervous... '' Shaking my head, I proceeded to take my very first step into the College. ... Oh by the way the reward I got from the head of the ''bastards'' is what I used to buy the small house that I dwelled. It may not amount to much but buying a house and a lot in the capital is expensive especially when it is near the commercial area and school as where my humble home is situated. It''s a good thing that its already mine and don''t have to pay rents for anything. . . . My parents dream. My dream. Our dream. Our memories together will forever be in my heart as I will always relive through it keeping them close to my heart. The experiences we had gone through together... Will forever be remembered as at those moments I am always, . . . "Reminiscing" Afterword Afterword (Not really): A style I can call mine. Thank you so much for accompanying me in this journey. It''s been quite a long one eh. For me, actually. But in actual days it''s has not even been a month yet. But certainly I enjoyed every bit of this journey. The stepping stones, in order to improve. It brings me relief to have accomplished something and had jot lost interest in it and actually on the contrary of things so me being anxious about a thing. Although, this may sound unnecessary but during the summer I was bored and tried all things like programming but given up halfway only learning html (which by the way helped me a lot this school year as our first lesson was bout HTML), the same thing goes with other hobbies like making music such as practicing guitars or on Fl studio and stuff and got bored of it and given up and drawing which I intereted by my father but of course since I have no motivation what so ever to practice myself I never get to advance my skills with my standards going up because of exposure to other artists works. The rest of the summer was spent on watching YouTube and other Internet things and stuff and ''reading''. Which if which Chinese novels (wuxias and stuffs) and was attracted to them. After school started, I then began being bored of waiting for updates and being unproductive and then the idea of writing came to mind. And here I am. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I finally had done something and enjoyed it at that. And also it made me want to practice. You drawing skills again and am just waiting for my saving so pile up for me to buy a stylus as I am attracted to digital art the first time I saw them rendering me unable to go back to the traditional way of drawing with a pencil and charcoal (pencil). Also, it compliments writing because of book covers and maybe even pictures of the scenes if the day ever comes. I say that because this is only the beginning and I already have a piled up plot ideas for my next stories. Dont worry it is not as shitty as this I promise or at least I think basing on my ''evaluation'', hehe. ... I also have to point out that along the journey of this story of mine I decided to rewrite it, right? Then so I did but only after the first chapter. As to why!? Well, you may have noticed that the chapters 3 to 8 something are similar to the original chapters in fact the same with the exception of some tweaks here and there. (Refers to old chapters) I realised that my conclusion that I was overspeciying things is not wrong but it only applied to the chapters 5 and 5.5 where it was not related to the background or thoughts of the MC and excluding chapters 1 to 4 which are entirely different as it was focused on thoughts to relay the story making specifying normal as it is working similarly to IRL (or at least my thinking is the same way). ... Having that out of the way thank you so much again for your support! I did even think of having more than a 50 total views of my story adding to the fact of even having a follower at that. It makes me want to thank you more but again I am a student, a junior high school student, meaning I''m BROKE AS HELL! So you have to deal with this shitty ''afterword''. . . . Again, thank you so so so so so so so much for your support! BTW, I will not bother to correct and edit the mistkaes here as it will make it less sentimental and will take away the fact that I wrote this without thinking and just straight out of the heart. ?? Please do, be on a look out for the new story. I will first have to stock up with chapters, in order not to make my first mistake when I wrote this story and got my scheduled cramped up again with school activities rendering me to have a hard time to write chapters, before I will post the story. Happy Reading! ??