I am the average student you'd meet anywhere. I was not special or unique in any way, I was in fact the most ordinary one there. It took me a while to realize that myself, but the idea of being special did not really bother me anyway.
What's the difference at the end? We're all human beings with our own way of living, we each are special but in our own way.
That's what I said to myself while trying to get my feelings right. I was facing a harsh reality. I always had thought of myself as the kind of person who everyone would like, but apparently not.
I took the bus to school as usual. I got to my school, which was a normal school with no special circumstances. I entered the class, but I noticed something out of the ordinary. Many students were absent, which you don't see a lot here.
I was somewhat surprised but it didn't really matter to me though. I went to my seat, sat down and put my head on the table, waiting for class to start, and for school to finish like every day, but then I remembered I had to do something.
Me and my friends were being annoyed and heavily bothered by a group of other people in our class. They always said the worst stuff towards me and my friends, but we never talked back to them or did anything in particular. Today I thought it was enough of that, noticing his friends were absent and he was the only one there, I thought it's the perfect chance for me.
As the last class ended and most students left class, I told ___, the bully, "I have something to talk to you about." I said that in a serious tone, and with a confident expression on my face.
"Tch, hurry it up pipsqueak. I can't waste my precious time on you" He was looking down on me, making me look like I'm not worth a thing.
I thought I would be able to beat him single handedly, because I was not completely weak, I could throw some punches there and there, so I came up to confront him myself, and all alone.
I pushed him, and told him "Leave us be and we'll leave you be."
Hearing that, he smiled, and followed it up by a giggle.
"Wait, you think you can beat ME by yourself?" He said, with a very annoying look on his face.
"And why would you have to leave us be? I don't need that kind of bullshit coming from you, you can't and won't be able to do anything anyway." he said with a laughing tone, and a ridiculous smile on his face.
I was thrown off by what he said, I got angered. I ran towards him to try and punch him in the face, but he simply moved away from it and dodged. There, I was wide open, and he took his chance on me and kicked me.
I fell down to the ground and as I tried getting up I got kicked again, and again. I couldn't get up anymore
.
He was making fun of me, ridiculing me, laughing at me and I was there on the ground, unable to do a thing.
"Don't fight who you can't beat, you're not special, you're not strong, you are just an ordinary, weak fragile guy" He said after he finished beating me up, rather easily.
It showed me that I'm weak, and not as strong or special as I once thought I am, because if I was otherwise I would've beat him. That's how he proved to me that I was not as good as I had thought.
I was sad, but at the very least, I had my friends, ___ and ___ there for me. After fighting I was not left with much bruises or scars at all, just a nosebleed and many kicks to my stomach. They entered class in a rush, and helped me get up on my feet again.
"Dude, I told you to not do anything about it, we could've just shut our mouths and let them say whatever!" ___ said to me, while ___ was agreeing to what he was saying.
I turned my head to him and said, "I won't let them speak badly about you or anyone else. You guys are precious to me."
Hearing what I said, ___ hugged me, and said with a happy, yet serious expression "We are grateful for you, but we also care for you and don't want you to get hurt either."
Agreeing to what he said, ___ said, also with a happy expression on his face "Yeah! And next time, at least tell us, even if we could have helped. We're best friends after all !"
We all shared a smile on our faces, as this happened after the last class, we agreed we should go somewhere to spend our time a bit, and move on from what happened today.
They tried making it up for me and they both comforted me and took me out for lunch after school and to play games, to make me forget about what happened back then.
That made me very happy, but I still couldn't forget the humiliation I had to go through. The words ___ said struck me and affected me very hard. It had ruined how I saw myself, and it made me realize just how helpless I was.
As I was walking back home after my hangout with ___ and ___, I remembered ___. One of my friends, she has been a girl that I've loved for some time now. I was in love with her beautiful, long black-purpulish hair and dark-blue eyes you could stare into forever.
But, she was one of those absent today. And she usually comes to school everyday, it took me by surprise, and I was kind of upset that I didn't get to see her, but in a way I'm glad she didn't see me being humiliated today.
Besides that though, I finally got to my house and the moment I got back I went to bed to rest after this tiring and awful school day, but it wasn't the end of it.
After napping for a while, my dad woke me up for dinner.
My parents were divorced when I was young so me and my only siblings parted ways. I went on with my father, but I was the only one.
My brother and sister both went with their mother, and I can see why, but I was just too young to realize. I always thought of how or why they were divorced, and I really wanted to meet my family, seeing my friend's parents being so happy. I was very jealous, but everyone was living overseas or in fact, we were living overseas. So I never had a chance to meet any of them.
I've always wondered what went wrong between them. They're my parents so I deserve to know, but my father's temper was always unpredictable, it didn't stop my curiosity about the divorce and it kept pushing me to ask him, despite his cold responses.
Once before, I asked him the same question while we were out. "Why did you and mother separate? I really wish I could meet my mom and siblings.
He looked at me directly in my eyes and told me "Stop asking this dumb question over and over, it doesn't concern you"
"How wouldn't it concern me?! It's my family" I said in an expressive tone. He said, in a more serious expression and tone "I said stop asking." and so I stopped myself and pushed down my feelings and curiosity, but only for some time.
I had thought of my father as a very kind, good and respectable man and I deeply adored him. After he woke me up for dinner, we both sat down to eat, and he looked in a pretty good mood.
so I thought it'd be a good time to ask, so I raised my head, and looked at him.
"Dad… Can you please tell me what happened between you and mom?"
He ignored me and didn't even look at me. I kept asking him, persisting," what happened? Why won't you tell me? I want to know more about my mother and siblings! I deserve to know." He still didn't even pay attention to me, I got annoyed and said I can see why you were divorced, probably because of this attitude of yours. And all of a sudden, he got up from his chair, told me to shut my mouth. I said "why? They are my family as well" I said with a serious expression on my face.
I was lost in thoughts, in curiosity, I hadn't even noticed how angry he himself looked.
Then he just stepped closer to me, while clenching his fists.
He shouted "Did I not tell you to stop?!"
"I don't care, I wanna know! I don't wanna stay ignorant forever!"
Then, all of a sudden, he punched me right on my face, while screaming at me.
I was too shocked to even move, my nose started bleeding, and I was in alot of pain. "Dad..?"
Then he pushed me on the ground and laid down on my stomach and kept beating me as he said these words to me.
"IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED?! IS IT?! I HAVE NOT BEEN TELLING YOU FOR YOUR OWN SAKE GOD DAMN IT"
He unleashed the anger he'd been holding onto for years, and I couldn't say anything back to him, I just kept begging him to stop, uselessly, thinking it'd stop him. I was in disbelief this was my father that I've loved and admired for so long.
He said everything in his mind, and some words that deeply struck me, and broke my heart.
After he saw me, and my face which got covered in blood and bruises; He said in a low voice "Damn it all" He went to his room, took a bag which I had never seen before, and it looked like it was full of stuff, he looked at me, while I was on the ground full of bruises and sighed. "I'm sorry, son." Then he took his leave and left the house.
I was on the ground, covered in bruises. I just smiled, and then that smile turned into a laugh, and that laugh slowly turned into a cry.
I was sad, in pain, I have found out what my father's true nature is. He was one of the most important people in the world for me, he had raised me when I was young. It was all a big, unfortunate surprise, and just like that my ties with my only family were cut. Not to mention what happened at school today, I was left alone, and devastated.
I put my arm over my eyes, trying to cover my tears. Clenching my fists, seeing how weak and helpless I am. "Even standing hurts… How pathetic."
I got up from the ground to go and wash the blood away from my face and to cover my bruises and scars. I will never be able to find out what really happened back then, how they were divorced and that I won't be able to see my siblings or mother.
I thought, "what should I even do—where should I go?" My father just left me with probably no chance of coming back, he left money for me, but what is it worth when I'm alone, not even happy.
It was a very windy night, as I heard the sound of trees being moved by the strong wind, I just thought I should go outside, and take some time to reflect. "This house feels suffocating."
I stepped towards my door and wore my shoes to leave.
I got out of the house, locked the door and started walking. I started walking on the road, I felt sad, completely devastated. I was too tired to even take another step.
Each step I took, my heart ached more. My head locked on the floor, passing by every person coming next to me without even one look at them. I was thinking of how desperate I looked, how dumb I looked and most importantly, how haste I was with my decisions. I shouldn't have rushed to get it out of him, but by now it's too late. And then, all of a sudden, I heard the sound of a flowing river nearby. I raised my head, just to see a beautiful river, with green fields and trees surrounding it.
I thought to myself I'd go there and lay down for a bit to calm myself, and to get a moment of peace after what happened today at school, with the bullies, and at home with my father.
I took more steps to reach the river, to clear my head, while my chest was still in pain and my eyes teary. I couldn't just forget what happened back there, no matter what happened.
Finally, I reached the river. There I laid down on my back, staring at the starry night sky. I closed my eyes, listening to the beautiful sounds of nature, the sound of rustling trees, the grass around me, the chirping of insects, the sound of the flowing river. I let out a sigh and muttered to myself "This is exactly what I needed". I felt truly at peace, but even then, I felt very emotional as well. What occured today was a big misfortune for me, and I've lost my only father.
Minutes passed… I thought to myself; "That's enough, I have to go back and figure things out". I slowly got up, as my eyes were still closed. But when I opened my eyes… The world around me has changed.
As I was getting up, I suddenly felt the air around me heavy. I opened my eyes only to find myself in a completely different place. A completely different world, even. Everything surrounding me looked from a different continent. It has even suddenly become daytime, after I was lost in thoughts next to the river I was just laying down next.
Snapping out of my daze, I saw myself standing before a big town, in a completely different place.
There were big, beautiful and green mountains with snow on the tip surrounding the town, which wasn't only surrounded by mountains but by a medium sized wall that goes all around it, I am guessing it is used for defense. It reminded me of European architecture.
I muttered merely above a whisper "Where am I…"
I was in utter shock, the peaceful I was just resting at, peacefully, vanished without a trace. I thought I might be hallucinating, until I tried blinking over and over to see if I'd revert back to the place I was just at, I even tried to bite my tongue, but nothing worked. It looked like reality.
"Wait... What if this is some kind of... fantasy world? If it is, maybe I can use magic or some kind of powers, right? But no, no. What if this is just a different part of my world? What if I'm just dreaming or hallucinating? Still.. I feel the air is different around here."
It didn't seem fake at all, I tried to do many reality checks but to no avail. I thought I should at least try talking to someone in the town itself, as I was left with no other option. The town gates were open for anyone to leave or enter, and it seemed pretty lively at the time.
Even then, I was still terrified. I was never good with unknown places, now that I am in somewhere completely out of my mind, a different world, my heart was trembling. I was scared that I might be placed in a bad situation as soon as I took my first steps towards the lively town.
After some minutes, I calmed myself down, even for a small bit. I took a deep breath and proceeded to take my first steps on the cobblestone street. After all, staying in the same place won't do me any good.
I saw houses closely packed next to each other, making me wonder even further where I am at. They looked abandoned but at the same time very well-kept and clean. The houses had weird, even unique designed windows, ones I have not seen before.
As I was walking I noticed the people who were dressed in a way I've never seen before. There were ones who were wearing suits, but also some wearing long robes. I was standing out like a sore thumb in a place that looked more than just foreign. I've yet to know where I am. I was still distraught knowing I am in a completely different and unknown world, but seeing the lively town, the happy smiles and laughter on the people's faces, it made me calm down and relax as well.
I kept walking and noticed the distinctive features of these people, but surprisingly nobody came up to me, even while I was standing out with my different clothes. I still must talk to one of them to learn even the slightest of information.
I was so taken by the surroundings, and a lot of time passed, I completely forgot my main focus was to speak to one of the townspeople. Much time passed as I walked around the town, I realized I didn't know where I was heading at all from this point. "I'm lost." I said with a nervous face.
But then, all of a sudden, as I was walking, I felt someone tap me on my back. It was a gentle, tender and soft tap, but more than enough of a tap to make me jump.
I was very terrified. I was so focused on the buildings and the people around me, I could never have expected someone themself to come up to me. I've yet to make any interactions with anyone, I haven't even prepared myself for that time.
I turned my head, just to see a woman, who looks roughly my age. While she was short, she had dazzling pink-reddish hair; and big, round colored eyes. She was wearing a long black and white skirt, which looked like a school uniform.
"H-hello, sir..." she said with a stuttering voice, and a low tone.
It took me a few seconds to say something back, I was very surprised for many reasons. I thought to myself; How can I understand what she's saying? What does she need from me?
"Sir..?"
"Oh.. Yeah, I apologize. Do you need something…?" I said while hiding my shaky hands behind my back, feeling like my heart is gonna come out of my chest.
"Well... I just happened to hear you say very clearly that you were lost.. I thought I'd come by and help!" She said, with a big smile on her face.
She looks like a pretty genuine and trustworthy person, so I doubt she was lying. I need to learn more, even the slightest bit of information, so I can't put this chance to waste.
"I am feeling quite well, but I am lost.. I'm just a.. lost… traveller" I said with a wide, nervous grin.
"Oh.. I see. Let me help you out, I can at least guide you around the place!"
I was still petrified and scared, still by then I had no way of refusing her. "I'll be right behind you.."
She started walking ahead, with me behind, following her. It felt weird to me, because I do not usually go on walks like this with women all the time. Not to mention this whole world.. It was more than just a mystery for me, it's completely unknown.
"Where are you from?" She suddenly asked me while both of us were walking. "Why do you wanna know.." I was sure telling her I'm from a different world would frighten her, or take her by surprise.
"Well, it's just the way you look, and the clothes you wear! It's nothing like what I've seen before."
After a brief moment of silence, thinking of what I should say.. "I'm from a very far place…" the girl seemed pretty confused, but somewhat interested as well. "Well, alright. I won't concern myself any more.." I just looked at her in silence, with a look on my face that made it obvious I was scared, and nervous from head to toe.
"Oh, yeah!" All of a sudden, she asked me "You do have money on you right? After all, you need to rent yourself a place for the night.. It gets pretty dangerous once the sun goes down." I, with almost nothing on me, gulped. She looked at me, just to see me sweating like nothing before. "...."
Letting out a sigh, she told me "I will lend you enough to rent a place, but in return I need you to do something for me–" Suddenly, a loud sound erupted from the middle of the town, cutting off the girl as she was talking. An alarm had been activated for everyone to hear around the town. "Oh, no.." The girl said with a surprised look on her face, and an open mouth.
"W-what's going on?! What is this sound?" I asked her.
"No time to explain!" She hurried to grab me by the hand, and started running towards the place the sound had been coming from. "What–?!" Taking me completely off guard, as my face turned red.
She took a deep breath as we were running and said, in a low tone barely being heard, "Activate."
All of a sudden, in just a blink of an eye I saw myself, and her, next to me standing in front of what looked like to be causing the commotion. It was a big beast, resembling a grizzly bear, but looking far scarier, and more importantly, bigger. I was stunned, I couldn't even get a move. Me, who already had been terrified the whole time, I was on the verge of passing out.
The girl shouted, "Get a grip! This is not the time to be spacing out!" She looked confident in me, I looked at her as I fell to the ground, showing just how much of a coward I was. It seemed like she had thought I could use something to use against the beast, but I was utterly helpless.
The beast, on the other hand, roaring, making the whole place shake, saw me on the ground, unable to do anything at all. I accepted my fate to pass here, in this unknown world. He raised his hand to swing at me, but then.. As the beast was about to finish me off, the girl came, almost instantly. It seemed like she used that ability of hers again. To protect me, she had pushed me out of danger's way into a piece of one of the collapsed buildings. The girl was knocked unconscious, barely getting out of the beast's swing.
I screamed, 'NO!!!' at the top of my lungs. My head throbbed, blood dripping from where it hit the rubble. The old wounds from my father burned again. The beast roared, destroying everything around it. The girl… she laid unconscious, covered in blood.
She got hurt, because of me. Because of my own weakness and helplessness.
No. Not this time. I'll kill him. I'll kill him even if it means doing it with my bare fists.
I felt anger. I felt pure hatred and annoyance towards the beast. Looking at the unconscious girl in the distance, I got up from the ground while facing unbearable pain. I looked towards the beast with madness in my eyes, I was about to give in everything and fight with bare hands, even if it meant my own death, I was willing for it.
To make up for the girl. I stood towards the beast, noticing the vast difference in size between us, it made me hesitate. Yet I still threw myself right towards him.
But, as soon as I started running quickly towards the beast, yelling at him as loud as I could. He noticed me again after he'd been destroying the surrounding area "YOU BASTARD–", I screamed at him. He roared back to me and instantly threw his fist directly towards my face, and I stupidly threw my own small fist in comparison back to his giant fist as I was screaming.
I thought I was dead. As our fists, almost coming into contact, my heart beat loudly. All of a sudden, just as our fists were about to close in on each other.
The air shifted, along with it a powerful, and confident male voice from the sky came. "Leave the rest to me." from above, a flash of silver fell from the sky, cleanly severing the beast's arm, which was right about to clash with me.
My eyes widened, I didn't know what happened. I was staring at the beast, roaring in agony, after he'd just lost his arm so quickly. I was going to try and take a look at who had just done this, but as soon as I had turned around.. I found myself collapsing to the ground out of exhaustion, barely seeing the person who'd just blasted the beast's arm.
Hearing, before fainting completely "Forgive me." he said, almost guilty seeing the destruction and blood spilled everywhere.