《From zero: the dark descent》


 Chapter 1: before

    The sun peeked through the curtains, casting soft golden beams across my room. The morning air was crisp, filled with the cheerful calls of birds and the distant hum of cars as people hurried to work. Suddenly, the door burst open, and two little girls came charging in like kittens tumbling over each other in play.


    "Azrael! Azrael! Wake up! Wake up!" their voices chimed, high-pitched and brimming with energy. Groaning, I slowly opened my eyes to find Viella and Alyssia shaking me relentlessly, their giggles echoing in the room. My shoulder-length hair stuck out in all directions, frizzy from the night''s restless sleep. "Viella, Alyssia, stop, please¡­" I mumbled groggily, sitting up to rub my eyes and stretch. "I''ll get up, okay? You''re so very lucky I love you two¡­" My voice was still thick with sleep as I reached out and patted their heads. Almost instinctively, they leaned into my touch like affectionate kittens. "Now get out," I said with mock sternness, waving them toward the door. "I need to get changed." They giggled, exchanged mischievous grins, and skipped out of the room. Just as they left, my alarm clock blared to life. I sighed, reaching over to silence it. "Always those two, waking me up before my alarm," I muttered with a slight chuckle. Dragging myself out of bed, I quickly changed and brushed my hair, smoothing it into a neat ponytail with a side part. I caught my reflection in the mirror¡ªgroggy but presentable¡ªand headed downstairs, the scent of pancakes pulling me like a magnet.


    In the kitchen, my mom was humming softly as she stood by the stove. The golden light from the windows bathed the room, making everything seem warm and inviting. "Good morning, darling," she greeted, turning to smile at me. "How did you sleep? I hope it was good!" The sweet aroma of pancakes hit me in full force, and I fist-pumped the air in excitement. "Is that my favorite breakfast?!" I sped down the stairs, throwing my arms around her in a hug. "Thanks, Mom! You''re the best!" She laughed, returning the hug briefly before gently nudging me away to tend to the pancakes. "Go take a seat, silly. Breakfast is almost ready!" I plopped into a chair at the table, watching as Viella and Alyssia came bounding down the stairs, drawn by the same irresistible smell. "Mum! Is that pancakes?" they asked in unison, their eyes wide with excitement. "Yes, my dears," Mom replied with a smile, patting their backs and guiding them to the table. "Now go sit next to your brother; it''ll be ready in just a moment."


    They flanked me at the table, Viella on my left and Alyssia on my right, chattering excitedly. Suddenly, their conversation stopped, and they turned to me with unusually serious expressions. "Big brother," Viella began, her tone uncharacteristically solemn, "have you ever had a girlfriend?" Alyssia leaned in, her voice eager. "Yeah! Have you?" Their question caught me off guard, but I maintained a calm expression. "Well, I''ve had a few," I admitted, raising an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?" The two exchanged nervous glances before answering in unison, "We both like these boys, and we wanted to know if you could help us ask them out!" For a moment, I sat there stunned, the chirping of birds outside filling the silence. I never expected them to bring this up, especially not at their age. After a pause, I nodded thoughtfully. "Well," I began slowly, "the best way to ask someone out is to just be direct. Be honest about your feelings. But," I added with a small smile, "if you''re too nervous, you could always ask a friend to help." Their eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much, big brother!" Alyssia beamed. "Yes! Thank you!" Viella added, her smile stretching from ear to ear.


    I pulled them into a hug, ruffling their hair playfully. Moments like this made me forget the chaos of life, if only briefly. After breakfast, I ate my pancakes quickly, savoring the sweetness but aware of the clock ticking. I hugged my mom, gave the girls a quick pat on their heads, and headed out the door for school. The morning sun bathed the streets in a soft golden hue, and the air was still cool from the night. Walking down the road, I took in the scenery¡ªthe rustling trees, their leaves a vibrant green, and the occasional flowerbeds blooming in the gardens of the neighboring houses. It was peaceful, a moment to clear my mind. That peace, however, was short-lived. A group of my classmates passed by, their chatter and laughter shattering the tranquility. I sighed, shoving my hands into my pockets, and kept walking. Eventually, the school gates came into view, a gathering of students buzzing with conversations and morning energy. As I scanned the crowd for my friends, I felt a firm hand clap down on my shoulder.


    "Yo, Azrael."


    I turned to see Ryuu, my best friend, his jet-black hair messy but somehow deliberate, and his piercing blue eyes as calm as ever. He always looked like he was carrying the weight of the world but cared little about it. "Ryuu!" I greeted, patting his back. "You good?" He gave a small shrug, his voice low and steady. "Yeah, of course. I always am."


    His expression was unreadable as usual, but I smiled anyway. We fell into step, chatting about the mundane until Ryuu gestured toward the lockers. "Mind coming with me? I need to grab my books."


    "Sure," I replied. "Gives us something to do before class." As we walked through the school''s hallways, the sound of footsteps and chatter echoed off the walls. Suddenly, loud shouting came from behind us.


    "RYUU! AZRAEL! WAIT FOR ME!"


    Before we could react, a loud crash reverberated down the corridor. We turned to see Shoji sprawled out on the floor, having collided with a wall during his sprint. His face was scrunched in pain, but he still wore a goofy grin. "S-Shoji¡­" I facepalmed while Ryuu sighed, his expression somehow even more unimpressed than usual. He extended a hand to Shoji. "Sometimes, Shoji, I wonder how you function," Ryuu said flatly. Shoji grabbed Ryuu''s hand and, to no one''s surprise, caressed it dramatically. "Your hands are pretty rough, you know!" I smacked Shoji''s hand away, groaning. "That''s enough, you weirdo. Thanks to you, we''ve got to double-time it to class." Shoji sprang to his feet, his energy seemingly endless. "Oh yeah! Class! Let''s go!" And just like that, he took off running again. I sighed deeply and looked at Ryuu, who was already pulling out his phone to check the timetable. After a minute of scrolling, he found what he was looking for. "PE. Looks like swimming today."


    I groaned in defeat. "Seriously? I didn''t bring my trunks. Now I''ll have to wear the school''s spares. You know how small those things are." Ryuu chuckled softly, a rare occurrence. "You never remember, so why even complain?"


    I shook my head. "Let''s just get this over with." The swimming pool was situated on the edge of the school grounds, the gray-tiled building modest in size but still well-maintained. As we walked in, the sharp scent of chlorine filled the air. The bell chimed just as we stepped inside, and the teacher''s sharp eyes landed on us. "You two are just in time," he said, his tone calm but firm. "And Azrael, isn''t it unusual for you to be cutting it this close?" I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed. "Sorry, sir. It won''t happen again." We joined the rest of the class, where Shoji was already waving frantically, his energy as infectious as it was disruptive. He whispered loudly as we approached, "Finally! You guys took foreverrrr." The teacher, clearly reaching the end of his patience, sighed heavily. "Shoji, this is your last warning before I send you out." Shoji saluted with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Aye, sir!" His antics earned a round of annoyed groans from the rest of the class. "Shoji," I muttered, grabbing his shoulder, "you really need to take a chill pill."


    "Never!" he declared proudly. "I will let my energy freeeee!" The teacher snapped, his voice echoing through the pool area. "Shoji, out! Refocus room, now!" Shoji didn''t even look upset. He skipped toward the door, humming a cheerful tune, leaving the teacher rubbing his temples in frustration. "Everyone else, get changed," the teacher ordered, sighing. We filed into the locker rooms, and as expected, the spare trunks were far too small. I sighed as I slipped them on, muttering to myself about the school''s inability to stock normal-sized clothes. That''s when Shoji suddenly appeared, squeezing through a small window at the top of the locker room.


    "What the hell are you doing, Shoji?" I demanded, staring at him in disbelief. He grinned as he dropped to the floor. "I''m climbing in. What else does it look like?" Ryuu, who had just walked in, raised an eyebrow. "Shoji, you''re supposed to be in the refocus room." Shoji shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe, but I figured I''d give it another go." To my shock, Shoji managed to charm his way back into class after Ryuu suggested he apologize. Moments later, he was back, as energetic as ever. After school, I said goodbye to Ryuu and Shoji and made my way home. The walk was as pleasant as it had been that morning. The golden afternoon sun painted the houses and trees in warm hues, and the breeze carried a hint of the coming evening. When I arrived home, I was greeted by Viella and Alyssia, who came running around the corner. "Big brother! We missed you!" Alyssia exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.


    "Yes, we missed you soooo much!" Viella added, nuzzling against my leg. I smiled softly, crouching to their level. "How was your day?" Alyssia lit up. "Well, we went to the park with Mom, but then a weird man came over, and Mom started acting all funny." Viella gasped, nudging her sister. "Alyssia! You weren''t supposed to tell Azrael!" Before I could ask more, Mom appeared in the hallway, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "What''s going on?" I looked at her, my tone sharp. "Mom, who was that man at the park?" She hesitated, her eyes darting toward the girls before settling on me. "Azrael, let''s talk about this later."


    "No," I snapped, my voice rising. "I need to know now." Her face softened, but there was sadness in her eyes. "He''s¡­my boyfriend, Azrael. I wasn''t ready to tell you, but¡ª"


    "Boyfriend?" I cut her off, disbelief and anger bubbling up. "Dad hasn''t even been gone three months, and you''re already moving on?"


    "Azrael¡­" she began, but I didn''t stay to hear her out. I stormed upstairs, ignoring her calls, and slammed my door shut. The hours dragged by as I sat on my bed, my hands clutching my hair. Anger, disbelief, and sadness swirled in my chest, each one louder than the last. Tears I had fought to hold back now streaked down my face, dripping onto my clothes. Dad. It had barely been three months. The grief was still raw, a constant ache in my chest, and now this? My own mom, hiding a new relationship from me.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.The soft knock on my door pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts. "Who is it?" I asked, my voice hoarse and uneven. I quickly wiped at my face, trying to sound composed. "It''s Alyssia¡­" Her voice was small, almost timid.


    I sighed, taking a deep breath before replying, "You can come in."


    The door creaked open, and Alyssia poked her head around the corner, her eyes filled with worry. "Big brother, have you been crying?" she asked, stepping cautiously into the room. I shook my head, trying to brush her off. "It''s nothing, Alyssia. Just tell me what you need." Her hands twisted nervously in front of her. "I just¡­ wanted to say sorry. I didn''t mean to tell you about Mom and that man. I didn''t want to make you mad¡­" Her apology hit me harder than I expected. Guilt washed over me as I saw her little face crumple with sadness. Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug. "It''s not your fault," I murmured, stroking her hair gently. "It''s Mom''s responsibility to tell me those things. You didn''t do anything wrong, okay?" She nodded against my chest, sniffling. "Are you still mad?"


    "I''m not mad at you, Alyssia," I said softly. "But¡­I just need some time alone, okay?" Her eyes filled with a quiet sadness, but she nodded and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her. I sat there, staring at the floor, the weight of the situation pressing down on me like a stone. Part of me wanted to go downstairs, to apologize to Mom for how I''d reacted¡ªbut another part of me couldn''t let go of the anger. I couldn''t just accept this. Not yet. Hours passed. Darkness had settled outside, and the house grew quiet. I ignored Mom''s calls for dinner, too caught up in my own thoughts to face her. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I fell back onto my bed, still dressed in my uniform. My body felt heavy, my tear-streaked face pressed against the pillow. The faint rustle of leaves outside my window lulled me into a restless sleep. I woke suddenly in the middle of the night, my heart pounding. Something felt¡­ off. A strange sensation coursed through my body, like an electric current weaving through my veins. My head throbbed, and my thoughts felt foggy, scattered. I sat up, clutching my forehead.


    "What¡­ is this?" I muttered, my voice hoarse. "My mind¡­ it feels off." I staggered to my feet, the floor beneath me seeming to shift and warp. My vision blurred, the edges of my surroundings stretching and twisting like reflections in rippling water. Panic clawed at my chest as I stumbled toward the door. "I need¡­ water," I mumbled, gripping the doorframe for support. The hallway seemed unnaturally long, the walls bending and spiraling as if I were trapped in some kind of surreal dream. I reached the stairs, clutching the railing as I descended, each step feeling like an eternity. By the time I reached the kitchen, my hands were trembling. I fumbled for a glass, almost knocking it to the floor before finally steadying it under the tap. The sound of rushing water was deafening in the eerie silence of the night. As the glass filled, I chugged it desperately, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat but doing little to ease the strange sensation gripping my body.


    I drank another glass. Then another. My hands shook so badly I nearly dropped the cup. When I finally set it down, I leaned against the counter, trying to steady my breathing. My vision was still blurry, the room spinning faintly. I glanced at the clock above the stove¡ªit read 2:34 AM. I stared at the glowing numbers, my heart racing. Something was wrong. I didn''t know what, but I could feel it deep in my chest, a gnawing certainty that something was about to happen. I turned and began climbing the stairs again, gripping the railing tightly. Each step felt heavier than the last, my legs like lead as my mind twisted with strange sensations. The hallway stretched endlessly before me, my door looking miles away despite being only a few meters. I finally stumbled inside, collapsing onto my bed. The ceiling above me morphed and swirled, colors bleeding into one another as if my reality was unraveling. I squeezed my eyes shut, my breathing shallow and ragged.


    The moment I fell asleep, I was somewhere else entirely. I opened my eyes to find myself in a world unlike anything I had ever seen. The sky was a radiant cascade of colors¡ªbrilliant shades of pink, gold, and violet, swirling together like an endless canvas. The ground beneath me was soft and glowed faintly, pulsing with a rhythmic energy. Strange, ethereal plants swayed in a breeze I couldn''t feel, their leaves shimmering with hues that seemed to shift with every second.


    It was beautiful. Unreal.


    But as I took a step forward, something in the distance caught my eye¡ªa shadow moving against the vibrant backdrop. It was humanoid, tall and imposing, but its features were obscured by the haze. "Who¡­?" I tried to speak, but my voice came out as a whisper, carried away by the strange wind. The figure didn''t respond, but it turned toward me, and suddenly, the world seemed to tremble. A sharp, piercing sound filled the air, and I clutched my head, falling to my knees. Then, just as suddenly as it began, the sound stopped, and the figure vanished. The vibrant world around me started to dissolve, its colors bleeding away into darkness. My body felt weightless, as though I were falling into an endless void. I jolted awake, my chest heaving, sweat soaking through my clothes. My room was silent, the familiar darkness of early morning pressing against me. But the sensation I''d felt in the dream still lingered¡ªa strange pull, as if something in that world was calling me back. "What¡­ was that?" I whispered, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the feeling that my life was about to change forever.


    The morning light began creeping through the curtains, but I hadn''t slept a second since waking from that strange dream. My body felt like it had gone through a marathon, every muscle aching, my thoughts racing in a tangled web of confusion. The vividness of that world, the strange figure, the overwhelming sensations¡ªI couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t just a dream. Dragging myself out of bed, I shuffled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to snap myself out of the haze. My reflection in the mirror startled me. My face was pale, my eyes bloodshot, and dark circles hung heavy under them. I looked¡­ off. Like I hadn''t been myself in days. "What is happening to me?" I whispered to the reflection, my voice trembling. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to focus, but my mind kept circling back to that dream¡ªif I could even call it that. Downstairs, the house was alive with the usual morning chaos. Viella and Alyssia were already bickering over who got the last pancake, their voices ringing through the kitchen. Mom moved between the stove and the sink, humming a cheerful tune. It all felt so normal, but I felt completely disconnected from it, like I was watching from behind a veil.


    "Azrael, darling, there you are," Mom said, glancing at me with a soft smile. "Breakfast is on the table. Did you sleep well?" I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. "Yeah¡­ fine," I lied, forcing a weak smile. My stomach churned at the sight of the food, but I sat down anyway, trying to blend in. The girls immediately took notice of my silence. "Big brother, you look tired," Alyssia pointed out, her head tilted with concern. "Are you okay?"


    "Yeah," Viella chimed in, leaning closer. "You''re not sick, are you?" I waved them off, trying to muster some of my usual energy. "I''m fine, just stayed up too late. Don''t worry about me." They didn''t seem convinced, but thankfully, they didn''t push. I barely touched my food, my mind still swirling as I excused myself and headed out the door for school. Mom called after me, her voice laced with concern, but I didn''t stop. I couldn''t handle her questions right now. The walk to school was surreal. The same streets, the same trees, the same houses¡ªall of it felt distorted, like the world had shifted slightly out of place. The vibrant colors of my dream kept bleeding into my mind, overlaying reality. I blinked rapidly, shaking my head as I tried to clear the images, but they wouldn''t leave me.


    At the school gates, Ryuu was waiting, leaning casually against the post with his arms crossed. His sharp blue eyes narrowed as I approached. "You look like hell," he said bluntly, his tone neutral as always. "Thanks," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Nice to see you too." Ryuu didn''t press me further, but his gaze lingered, clearly trying to read me. Before he could say anything, Shoji''s familiar voice rang out from behind us. "AZRAEL! RYUU!" he shouted, sprinting toward us with his usual boundless energy. "Good morning, my favorite duo!"


    I groaned, already bracing for impact. Shoji skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with me before he threw an arm around my shoulder. "You look like a zombie, bro! Did you pull an all-nighter or something?"


    "I''m fine, Shoji," I replied flatly, shrugging him off. "Let''s just get to class." The day passed in a blur, my mind too preoccupied to focus on anything the teachers were saying. During lunch, Ryuu finally cornered me while Shoji was off harassing someone about trading snacks. "You''re off," he said plainly, sitting across from me at the table. "What''s going on?" I hesitated, picking at the sandwich on my tray. Ryuu wasn''t the kind of person you could brush off with vague answers. He''d keep asking until he got the truth. "Do you ever¡­ dream about things that feel real?" I asked cautiously, keeping my voice low. Ryuu''s expression didn''t change, but I caught the slight flicker of interest in his eyes. "Occasionally. Why?" I debated how much to tell him. The rational part of me screamed to keep it to myself, but the weight of it was too much to carry alone. "I had this dream last night," I began slowly. "But it wasn''t just a dream¡ªit was¡­ different. The colors, the sounds, the feelings. It was like I was actually there. And there was someone¡­ a figure. I don''t know what they wanted, but it felt like they were looking for me." Ryuu stayed silent, his gaze locked on mine. For a moment, I thought he might brush it off or call me crazy, but then he spoke.


    "Did anything happen after you woke up?" I blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I¡­ yeah, kind of. My body felt strange, like there was this energy running through me. It hasn''t stopped, not really." Ryuu leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That''s¡­ odd. And you''re sure it wasn''t just a vivid dream?"


    "I don''t know," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "But it didn''t feel like a normal dream, Ryuu. It felt¡­ real. Too real." He nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "Maybe you should take it easy for a few days. Whatever it was, it clearly shook you."


    "Yeah¡­ maybe." But deep down, I knew it wasn''t something I could just ignore. That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, half-expecting the strange sensations to return. My body was tense, my mind racing. As the hours crept by, exhaustion finally began to pull me under.


    And then, just like the night before, I was back.


    The vibrant sky, the glowing ground, the shimmering plants¡ªit was all the same. But this time, the air felt heavier, charged with an electric energy that made my skin tingle. I turned slowly, scanning the strange world for the figure I''d seen before. They were there, standing in the distance, closer than before. This time, I could make out more details¡ªa flowing cloak, sharp angular features, and eyes that glowed faintly with an otherworldly light. They raised a hand, beckoning me. A chill ran down my spine, but I couldn''t stop myself. My feet moved on their own, carrying me toward them. As I drew closer, the figure spoke, their voice echoing like a whisper and a roar all at once.


    "Azrael¡­ you''ve been chosen."

 Chapter 2: something strange

    I woke to the muffled sound of my mom shouting from downstairs, her voice sharp with urgency. My alarm blared beside me, the harsh sound drilling into my ears. I groaned, rolling over to glance at the clock¡ª9:16 AM. Panic struck me like lightning. Shit, I''m late. I bolted upright, my uniform still on from yesterday, scuffed and damp from the night before. My door was wide open, probably left that way by my little sisters after trying to wake me up. My perfect attendance record¡ªthe one thing I prided myself on¡ªwas now ruined. My chest tightened as fear took hold.


    Scrambling to my feet, I quickly ran my hands over my wrinkled uniform, trying to make it look somewhat presentable. There wasn''t time to change. I snatched my bag, stumbled down the stairs, and shoved my shoes on in a frenzy. "Azrael!" my mom called, but I ignored her, rushing out the door with barely a glance back. The cold morning air hit me like a slap to the face as I sprinted down the street, my heart hammering in my chest.


    Shit, shit, shit. This has never happened before. Why does it have to happen now?


    When I reached the school gates, they were closed, the iron bars looking more imposing than ever. I banged on the gate, shouting, "Hello! Is anyone there?!"


    A teacher emerged from the main building, their footsteps deliberate as they approached. "Let''s see who''s late today," she sighed, shaking her head. But when her eyes landed on me, her expression shifted to one of genuine surprise. "Oh! Azrael? Why are you late? You''re always on time." Panting, I bowed apologetically, smoothing my hair in a futile attempt to fix it. "I overslept, Miss. I''m really sorry! This won''t happen again." She raised an eyebrow, still clearly stunned. "Well¡­ you''re lucky you''ve been a perfect student up until now. I''ll mark you in as on time so you don''t tarnish your record, but don''t let it happen again." She waved me through the gate. "Go on, quickly."


    "Thank you!" I called over my shoulder as I darted into the building, pulling out my phone to check my timetable. Class 5A¡ªScience, Biology. My legs carried me as fast as they could, weaving through the halls until I reached the door. I took a deep breath and opened it. "Sorry I''m late, sir," I said, trying to sound calm. "I was talking to a teacher." The entire class turned to look at me. Shoji was, unsurprisingly, ignoring the lesson, building a precarious tower out of erasers. Ryuu sat next to him, silently knocking pieces down and muttering for Shoji to pay attention. The teacher frowned, his tone clipped. "Azrael, this behavior is quite uncharacteristic of you. While conversing with a teacher is a valid reason, tardiness is still unacceptable. Please take your seat." I nodded, biting back a retort, and quickly slid into the chair beside Ryuu and Shoji. Shoji finally noticed me and practically shouted, "Azrael! You''re here! You''re so late!"


    The teacher sighed audibly but continued the lesson.


    I turned to Shoji, lowering my voice. "Can you not shout? And yeah, I''m late because I overslept." Ryuu glanced at me with his usual stoic expression. "That sucks. If I''d known, I would''ve come to wake you up."


    "Me too!" Shoji chimed in, his energy undeterred. I smiled at both of them, despite my embarrassment. "Thanks, guys. Honestly." Ryuu, ever observant, noticed my yawn and reached into his bag. Without a word, he placed an energy drink in front of me. "Drink this," he said, his blue eyes steady and serious. Gratefully, I grabbed the can and drank half of it in one go. "Thanks, Ryuu. I owe you one." But then, it hit me¡ªthat strange sensation from last night. It started as a dull hum in the back of my head, quickly growing sharper and more intense. My vision blurred, and I clutched my temples, wincing.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more."Shit, my head¡­" I groaned, my voice weak. "Guys¡­ I don''t think I''m okay¡ª"


    Before I could finish, everything went black.


    The next thing I knew, I woke in the nurse''s office. The fluorescent lights above buzzed softly, and my body felt heavy, like I was dragging myself out of quicksand. "Hey! You''re awake!" a cheerful voice said. I blinked, rubbing my eyes as the blurry figure came into focus. My heart skipped a beat. It was her¡ªLily. The girl I''d been secretly crushing on for months. She was sitting beside me, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her smile warm and genuine. "How are you feeling?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "You passed out in class." For a moment, I just stared at her, dumbfounded. I never imagined seeing her like this, sitting so close. I quickly snapped out of it, rubbing the back of my neck nervously. "I-I''m fine! Thanks for checking on me." She giggled softly. "Don''t mention it. It''s lunchtime right now. Do you want me to grab you something to eat?" My stomach growled in response, and I flushed in embarrassment. "Yeah¡­ that would be great. Thanks."


    "Be back in 20 minutes!" she said with a wink before standing and heading for the door. As soon as she was gone, I let out a breath I didn''t realize I''d been holding. My eyes lingered on the spot where she''d stood before drifting toward the window. Outside, the courtyard was lively, students laughing, chatting, and enjoying their break. It felt so far away¡ªnormalcy slipping further out of reach.


    Then it happened again¡ªa brief, vivid flash. The dreamworld appeared for just an instant, lush and vibrant, the colors so intense they almost burned. The vision was gone as quickly as it came, leaving me reeling. Lily returned, snapping me out of my thoughts. She handed me a brown paper pouch. "Here, I got you a cheeseburger and some pizza." I grinned, wide-eyed. "Pizza? That''s my favorite! Thanks, but¡ªdo I owe you anything? I should pay you back." She waved me off, pushing my hand away. "No way. You don''t owe me anything." Then, with a shy smile, she added, "Actually¡­ I think you''re kinda cute. Here." She scribbled her number on a piece of paper and handed it to me.


    I felt my face heat up as I took the paper. "Th-thanks¡­"


    We chatted a bit before she left, leaving me alone with my thoughts¡ªand my racing heart. Later that day, as I walked home, I pulled out my phone and added her number. My hands trembled slightly as I typed the first message: "Hey." Her reply came almost instantly. "Hey! I''m so glad you messaged me!" A smile spread across my face, my heart fluttering as I typed back. But my joy was short-lived. A low hum began to buzz in my ears, growing louder and louder. I barely noticed it until it was too late. The screech of tires. The impact of metal against flesh. My body was sent flying, rolling along the asphalt. My phone landed nearby, still open on our chat.


    As I lay there, broken and bleeding, the world around me slowed to a crawl. The buzzing in my ears was deafening, drowning out the panicked voices and screeching tires. Blood pooled beneath me, warm and sticky, soaking into the cold asphalt. The pain was everywhere¡ªsharp and relentless¡ªbut it was nothing compared to the weight in my chest. My breaths came in shallow gasps as my vision blurred, the orange glow of the setting sun fading into white.


    My thoughts raced.


    Am I going to die?


    No, this can''t be happening. I just messaged her... I can''t die now. Not when I finally got her number. Not when I finally felt like someone cared about me.


    My heart pounded weakly against my ribs, each beat slower than the last.


    I''ll never know if she loved me for who I am or if she only saw what everyone else does-my grades, my achievements.


    Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.


    I just wanted to feel wanted. To be seen. To matter.


    A wave of guilt crashed over me, stronger than the pain. Viella...


    Alyssia... I''m sorry. I''m sorry for not being the big brother you deserve. I should''ve done better. I should''ve been there for you. My mind lingered on their smiling faces, the sound of their laughter echoing in my ears as the world began to dim.


    The light around me grew brighter, and the noise of the street faded until there was nothing but silence. My body felt weightless, the pain melting away as everything turned stark white. My racing thoughts slowed, then stopped altogether.


    And then-nothing.

 Chapter 3: born again?

    The white light glowed for a while, its intensity so blinding that I could scarcely keep my eyes open. In an instant, everything went pitch black, as if a heavy veil had been drawn across my vision, shrouding me in utter darkness. I attempt to form words, but all that escapes my lips are the soft, gurgling sounds of baby babbles and playful coos. Within my mind, I wear an expression of astonishment as I struggle to articulate my thoughts again, yet the only response that fills the air is another series of nonsensical babbles. "Is that¡­ me?" I ponder, bewildered by the surreal situation surrounding me. The realization washes over me¡ªhow could I be alive after everything? My thoughts whirl in a tempest of confusion and infinite possibilities. Did I somehow get reincarnated? Or perhaps I''ve been transported to a new world altogether, like in those isekai stories? Panic begins to swell within me, and my tiny body responds, erupting into inconsolable cries as my fear overwhelms me. Why am I crying? It''s just a wave of uncertainty that grips my heart with a sense of dread. I slowly lift my eyelids, feeling the heaviness of sleep gradually fade away as I begin to take in my surroundings. The room is a curious blend of charm and nostalgia, filled with ornate antique furniture that tells stories of a bygone era. A lavishly carved wooden rocking chair sits in one corner, while delicate lace curtains filter soft sunlight, casting gentle patterns across the floorboards. The air is lush with the faint scent of aged wood and floral potpourri.


    As I shift my gaze downward, I realize with a jolt that I can hardly move my head. My body feels strangely diminutive and somewhat plump, a bizarre realization that I am somehow in the body of a baby. The soft fabric of a knitted blanket envelops me, and I frown slightly, bewildered.


    Panic rises within me as I attempt to gasp, to voice my shock at this absurd reality, but all that escapes my lips is a soft huff of air, almost like a whisper caught in a gentle breeze. My tiny hands clench reflexively around the blanket, and the weight of confusion settles in my mind as I try to understand how I came to be in this peculiar yet enchanting place.


    I focus intently on the doorway ahead, my tiny body propped up in the crib as I anticipate the slow creaking of the door opening. As it swings ajar, I catch just a fleeting glimpse of a figure dressed in black and white, but it vanishes before I can make sense of it. The person steps fully into the room, and I instinctively lower my head, feeling a mix of trepidation and curiosity.


    The woman approaches, her footsteps making a gentle tapping sound against the smooth floor as she glides to the side of my crib. I feel her gaze shift over me, her eyes penetrating yet devoid of warmth. She appears quite unlike my mother; her clothing resembles that of a maid, starkly contrasting with the soft, nurturing style of my mother. Her deep purple hair cascades down her shoulders, catching the light in a way that feels almost surreal, while her dark green eyes seem to flicker with a hint of something inscrutable. A practised smile stretches across her face, but it doesn''t reach her eyes.


    "Hello, young master," she says, her voice overly sweet yet lacking sincerity. I try to respond, to form words and share my thoughts, but all that escapes my lips are incoherent babbles mingled with drool.


    "Are you trying to talk, young master?" she asks, her tone a blend of amusement and condescension as she leans down to scoop me up effortlessly. She carries me over to a changing table, its surface adorned with intricate iron designs that look both beautiful and harsh at the same time.


    As she gently lays me down, I feel the chill of the changing table against my fragile back, which is far from the comfort I crave. A soft groan of discomfort escapes me, but my baby body only allows a whine to bubble up, expressing the slight unease of the unfamiliar surface. The maid, seemingly unfazed, rummages through a nearby drawer and retrieves an assortment of clothes, her movements quick and practised as she prepares to dress me. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    The garments the maid selected exuded an air of opulence, their rich fabrics shimmering softly under the light. Each piece boasted intricate details, from delicate lace trims to sumptuous silks, creating a sense of indulgence that beckoned to be touched and worn. She brings them over to me and starts undress me from my nightgown, before she redresses me she changes my nappy. She carefully selects a fresh, pristine nappy, slipping it on with deliberate smoothness. With a swift yet gentle motion, she adjusts the straps, giving them a reassuring tap to ensure they are snugly in place. Once satisfied, she begins to drape my clothes over her arm, her movements fluid and purposeful as she prepares to dress me. She slides on my bottoms, making sure they are snug, "is this good young master?" I look at her and babble more, "I''ll take that as a yes." then another woman comes in dressed like nobility, "Where is my boy, Noctis." she looks around the room, scanning for me. Her gaze slowly drifted towards me and the maid as she completed fastening the buttons on my top. "Hello, my lady. I''m just finishing dressing the young master," the maid replied, her voice steady, though it was clear she was working to mask any hint of emotion. The woman regarded them with an unblinking stare, a faint smile playing on her lips as she replied, "I can see that." She gazes at me intently, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as if she has been patiently awaiting my next move. "My dear boy, it seems you''ve filled out a bit more. How shall I put it¡­ perhaps, chubby?" A hint of amusement dances in her voice as she glances toward the maid, who stands nearby, offering a reassuring nod in agreement mother maintains a clear distance, her demeanour cold and unapproachable, as if an invisible barrier separates us. I stretch my arms wide and call out, "Mama!" A wave of uncertainty washes over me as I silently question my actions, thinking, "What am I even doing?" Her gaze meets mine, filled with disapproval, making me feel like I''m somehow unworthy or lost. Suddenly, a small girl burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mother! Can I hold little brother, pleaseeeee!" she pleaded, her voice filled with youthful exuberance. My mother glanced up from her task, a weary sigh escaping her lips as she considered the request. "Fine, you can," she finally relented, turning her gaze towards the maid. "Maid, please give Noctis to Lilith."


    The maid paused for a moment, her expression shifting between hesitance and understanding as she looked at Lilith, my older sister, and then back at me. With a gentle touch, she lifted me from my cosy spot and carefully handed me over to Lilith, who eagerly reached out her hands, her face lighting up with joy at the prospect of holding her little brother. Lilith cradles me softly in her warm embrace, her grip tightening as if the very essence of her life hinges on our connection. "You''re so adorable!" she exclaims, pressing her nose affectionately against mine, her laughter bubbling like a gentle stream. "We are going to be best friends forever!" With a tender smile, she carries me effortlessly, though I can sense her arms beginning to sag slightly under my small weight.


    Finding a cosy seat at the table where the maid usually sits, she snuggles me against her chest, wrapping me in a blanket of warmth and security. With a playful gleam in her eye, she lifts me high above her head, the world spinning with exhilaration as I''m momentarily suspended in the air, basking in the joy of our newfound bond. Once again I try to speak but all that comes out are coos and baby babbles, the maid and my mother look over and in awe but my mother looks a bit disgusted. Then my sister stands back up after a while and puts me back in my crib, I start to cry trying to talk to them. The maid says, "he must be hungry." She turns around and searches through the cabinet drawers in a corner of the room, she takes out a white powder and tips it into a crude baby bottle. She mixes it with warm water and comes back over and places the bottle in my mouth, "Drink up." I start to glug up the milk even tho it tastes horrid but immediately I start to feel sleepy after chugging the whole bottle, my eyes start to close as it goes black.

 Chapter 4: my new life

    As the years slipped by, I celebrated my third birthday, a milestone that elicited murmurs of admiration from those around me. They often remarked on my precociousness, hinting that I was a child wise beyond my years, brimming with knowledge far exceeding that of typical toddlers. Little did they know, beneath my innocent exterior, lay the remnants of a past life, and if they ever uncovered that secret, the revelation would likely send shockwaves through their world.


    Since I arrived in this vibrant realm, I have come to learn a myriad of astonishing truths. For instance, magic is very much alive and pulsating in everyday life, weaving enchantment through the air like a delicate melody. There exists a genuine royal family that rules over this domain, their lineage steeped in grandeur and responsibility. And then there''s my surname, Grevant¡ªa name that feels both regal and strong. When I introduce myself as Notcis Grevant, the way it rolls off the tongue is satisfying, a harmonious blend of sounds that hints at the legacy I''m destined to carry.


    One bright morning, I found myself sparring with my grandfather in the clearing near our home, the sun filtering through the trees and casting dappled light on the ground. My small hands gripped the wooden training sword tightly, and sweat trickled down my brow as I attempted to mimic his swift and precise movements. "Grandfather, this is hard!" I blurted, panting as I struggled to keep up. His sharp eyes glinted with amusement, but his tone was stern as he barked, "Shut up, child! You carry my blood, and that means you must be skilled with a sword!" Without warning, he lunged at me, his strike swift and decisive. I barely managed to block, the force of the blow sending me staggering to the side. My feet skidded across the dirt, and I tumbled to the ground with a thud. "Ow! Grandfather, that hurt!" I protested, brushing dirt off my face. But my frustration only fueled my determination. I scrambled to my feet and charged at him, summoning all the strength I could muster. My tiny body coiled with energy as I swung my sword down from above, my heart pounding in my chest. "Too slow, and too weak!" he barked, deflecting my strike effortlessly. His sword met mine with a metallic clang, and before I could recover, he lashed out with a kick that knocked me backward. I stumbled and hit the ground face-first, spitting out a mouthful of dust. My cheeks burned with both pain and humiliation.


    Pushing myself up, I clenched my fists. My bruises throbbed, but my resolve burned brighter than ever. My grandfather chuckled, extending a calloused hand toward me. "You''re tougher than you look, Notcis," he said, his voice filled with both pride and challenge. I grabbed his hand and let him pull me up. "Next time, I''ll surprise you," I declared with a grin, my eyes gleaming with determination. Taking my stance again, I raised my sword, trembling but ready. "Get ready, kid. I won''t go easy this time," he warned, his expression sharpening as he prepared his blade. Without hesitation, he charged at me, his movements a flawless display of precision and power. My heart leapt into my throat. Panic surged through me, but instinct took over. "Earth Wall!" I shouted, my voice cracking with desperation. The ground rumbled beneath us, and suddenly a barrier of stone erupted between us. Grandfather skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in shock. His sword struck the wall and became wedged tightly in its rough surface.


    "How can you use magic!?" he demanded, his voice thick with annoyance and surprise. He yanked at his sword, but it wouldn''t budge. Seizing the moment, I scrambled up the wall, creating small footholds with quick flicks of my hand. My fingers clung to the rough stone as I climbed, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Reaching the top, I grinned down at him. "I''m gonna get you, Grandfather!" I yelled, leaping off the wall with my sword raised high. Grandfather reacted just in time, freeing his blade and blocking my strike with a loud clang. "You''re a sneaky one, aren''t ya!" he said, grinning despite himself. With a powerful shove, he pushed me back, and I stumbled, nearly losing my balance.


    My chest heaved, my three-year-old body teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Yet, something inside me refused to quit. Summoning the last reserves of my strength, I steadied myself and charged forward once more, my tiny shoes kicking up dust as they pounded against the ground. Grandfather laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the clearing. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he sidestepped my attack, his movements as fluid as water. "You may be smaller, but I see you''re just as stubborn as me," he teased. "I won''t give up!" I shouted, my voice ringing with fierce conviction. Each swing of my sword was a testament to my resolve, my determination unwavering. Despite the aching in my muscles and the weight of the bruises, I pressed on, fueled by the thrill of the fight and the desire to prove myself.


    A sudden shout cut through the air, ringing out with a mix of excitement and urgency. "Noctis! My precious brother!" I turned toward the voice, my little three-year-old heart leaping with both surprise and curiosity. There she was¡ªmy sister, Lilith¡ªher delicate frame contrasting against the rugged path she was trying to navigate. She clutched the edges of her flowing skirt, lifting it high enough to avoid the mud beneath her hurried steps. Her heels clattered awkwardly against the uneven ground as she half-ran, half-stumbled toward me, her long auburn hair bouncing wildly around her flushed face.


    "What do you want, sis?" I squeaked, my voice high and childish, a reminder of my tender age. My head barely reached her waist, and yet she treated me as if I were the centre of her universe. Lilith finally reached me, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. At twelve, she was on the cusp of adulthood by the standards of this world, yet her sparkling eyes and childlike grin betrayed a mind still brimming with youthful mischief.


    "Do you know how hard it is to run in heels, you a little troublemaker?" she huffed, though her tone was playful. Despite her attempts at elegance, mud-splattered her dress, and I could see the faint frustration tugging at the corners of her lips. Still, her expression softened the moment she looked down at me. I could tell by the way her hands rested on her hips that she had something to say¡ªor something to scold me for. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "So, I can''t believe you made me come all the way out here!" Lilith huffed, her arms crossed over her chest and her delicate brows furrowed in indignation. She looked utterly exasperated, though the mud on her dress and the flush in her cheeks hinted at the effort it had taken her to get here. I blinked at her, completely dumbfounded. "I didn''t do anything," I protested, my small hands gesturing toward my wooden training sword. "I was just training with Grandfather!" A few meters away, Grandfather stood with his arms folded, watching the scene unfold with thinly veiled amusement. His lips twitched as if he was holding back a laugh. "Well, you should have known I wanted to play with you!" Lilith snapped, her tone edging on the unreasonable. Her red eyes sparkled with a mixture of frustration and childish petulance as if her expectations were the most natural thing in the world.


    I stared at her, my young mind struggling to process her logic. She looked utterly delusional to me. Still, I sighed in resignation, knowing there was no winning against her when she got like this. "Fine," I muttered, "I''ll come play with you." Turning toward Grandfather, I gave him an apologetic bow. "Grandfather, I''m sorry, but Big Sis wants me to play, and she''s relentless about this stuff."


    Grandfather chuckled, his deep voice carrying a note of fond exasperation. "Eh, it''s fine, kiddo," he said, waving me off. His weathered face softened as he glanced at Lilith. "Your sister''s always been persistent¡ªrelentless, really," he added, his tone tinged with nostalgia. His gaze seemed to drift far away, no doubt recalling a time when she was even younger, though just as demanding.


    Lilith puffed out her chest in triumph and flicks her white long hair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Good! Now let''s go before you find another excuse!" she declared, grabbing my hand and tugging me along. Her energy was infectious, and despite myself, I couldn''t help but smile as I followed her lead. "So, Sis, what are we gonna be playing?" I asked, my voice tinged with both curiosity and dread as I stumbled along behind her. Lilith had my arm firmly in her grip, practically dragging me across the uneven ground. My short legs struggled to keep up with her determined pace, the occasional rock or root causing me to trip and nearly fall.


    She glanced back at me, her long hair whipping around her flushed face as she nearly lost her balance. "I was thinking we could play with dolls¡ªor maybe a game of chess!" she exclaimed, her tone far too cheerful for my liking. Without waiting for my response, she turned and continued toward the house, her pace quickening as though the thought of playtime couldn''t wait a second longer.


    I blinked, stumbling again as her words sank in. "Dolls or chess?!" I blurted, my voice cracking slightly. My cheeks flushed a deep red as I imagined myself sitting among her collection of dolls. "I''ve never played chess before! And why dolls?!" I protested, my tone growing higher with embarrassment. The mere thought of playing with dolls made me feel like my masculinity was about to be utterly destroyed. Lilith glanced back over her shoulder again, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "What''s wrong with dolls? They''re fun! And besides, they don''t judge you," she teased, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "As for chess, well, I thought it might be good for your little brain. You might even beat me¡ªthough I doubt it," she added with a mockingly confident toss of her hair. I groaned, my small hands covering my face to hide the heat radiating from my cheeks. "Can''t we do something else? Like, I don''t know, swordplay?" I suggested hopefully, trying to steer her away from these perilous choices.


    Lilith stopped abruptly, spinning around to face me with a dramatic gasp. "Swordplay? Again? You already got to train with Grandfather! I had to sit in my room alone and wait for you, so now it''s my turn to pick." Her pout deepened, and she placed her hands on her hips, tapping her foot for emphasis. Defeated, I let out a sigh. "Fine," I muttered, dragging my feet as we resumed our walk. "But just so you know, I''m terrible at chess, and I''m definitely not playing dolls for long."


    Lilith laughed, the sound light and carefree as she pulled me closer. "Oh, don''t worry, Noctis. I''ll teach you. And who knows? You might even enjoy it."


    Despite my embarrassment, a small part of me softened at her enthusiasm. Even if her choices were¡­ questionable, I couldn''t deny that her sheer excitement was infectious. As the house came into view, I resigned myself to whatever strange game my sister had planned, wondering just how far my patience would be tested.  We spend hours lost in the world of play, her room a haven of imagination and mischief. The dolls come first, their lives intertwined in stories we create¡ªprincesses, knights, and secret alliances that only we understand. When the tales run their course, we turn to chess, the clinking of pieces on the wooden board the only sound as we strategize, each move a silent challenge. The intensity melts into laughter when we switch to hide-and-seek, her room transforming into a labyrinth of secret nooks and soft shadows. I can feel the thrill of hiding, my heartbeat racing as I hear her footsteps draw near. The spell of our games breaks when the maid enters. She stands in the doorway, her expression kind but firm, a quiet authority in her presence. "Time for bed," she says softly, taking my hand and guiding me out of the warmth of our shared world. My feet drag against the plush carpet as she leads me to my room. The bed feels too big and too empty as she tucks me in, her whispered goodnight barely brushing the edges of my thoughts. Yet sleep doesn''t come. The stillness of the room amplifies every sound, and soon I hear my parents'' voices drifting through the thin walls. Their conversation is measured but unmistakable, each word sinking deep into me. They talk about me¡ªabout my future. "In two years, we''ll send her to school," my mother says, her tone practical, almost detached. My father agrees, adding something about opportunity and the hope that I will bring them wealth someday. Their words twist inside me, heavy and unfamiliar. I don''t fully understand what they mean, but I know it''s not about me, not truly. It''s about what I can do for them, what I can become in their eyes. My chest tightens, and I strain to catch more of their voices. Then comes the phrase that cuts the deepest: "We''re only lower nobles." My mother''s voice is tinged with quiet resignation, a bitterness she tries to mask but fails. I lie there, staring at the dim ceiling, the weight of those words pressing down on me. Lower nobles. The term feels like an anchor, something I''m tied to but don''t fully understand yet. My heart aches in a way I can''t explain, a hollow yearning for something I can''t name. The world feels suddenly larger, and more complicated, and I feel small in the vastness of it. As the night deepens, I close my eyes, wishing I could go back to the games, back to a time when the only thing that mattered was finding the perfect hiding spot. I slowly rock myself to sleep.