The sound of bustling city life echoed around Kael as he walked through the crowded streets of Earth, invisible to everyone, yet overwhelmed by everything. His schoolbag hung loosely off one shoulder, earbuds in his ears—though no music played. His thoughts were louder than any song.
Kael (thinking):
"Why does everyone treat me like I don't exist? I try… I really do. But no matter what, I'm always the outsider… the joke… the punching bag."
Memories flashed—classmates whispering behind his back, fake smiles, cruel pranks, teachers ignoring his raised hands, even his own family brushing him aside.
His vision blurred slightly—not from tears, but from exhaustion. And without realizing it, his feet had taken him into the middle of the road.
A horn blared.
The screech of tires.
A white van came rushing—
BAM!
Silence.
Darkness.
---
Scene Shift: A World Beyond Worlds
Warmth.
Kael felt… warm? Not the burning pain he expected. He was floating. Or maybe falling? A glowing light surrounded him, sparkling particles dancing around his body. The sky above him shimmered in colors he didn't even know existed—vivid blues, purples, golds. It was... beautiful.
Kael (barely conscious):
"Am I dead...? Or is this... heaven?"
As he floated in the light, something changed. He felt his body shrinking, his consciousness shifting—his limbs no longer adult-like. He could barely move.
Then—a pair of soft, warm arms cradled him.
A beautiful woman with shimmering silver hair and crystal-blue eyes looked down at him lovingly. She had a glowing crown above her head and wings folded behind her back.
She smiled and gently kissed his forehead.
Mystical Woman (softly):
"Welcome, child of fate... our prince has returned."
Kael's cheeks flushed a soft pink. He didn't understand why he was so embarrassed—it wasn't even romantic—but something about the warmth, the attention… it felt surreal.
He looked around and realized dozens of beings were surrounding him—tall, elegant, and magical. Some had wings, others had glowing tattoos, and a few wore armor with glowing runes etched on them. They were whispering to one another with excitement.
Crowd (whispering):
"Bless the Azurian Prince..."
"He carries the mark..."
"After centuries, he returns..."
Kael (thinking):
"Wait… did they just say… prince? Azurian Prince? Me?"
A strange warmth swelled inside him. Not from embarrassment, but from hope. For the first time in forever, he felt wanted. Respected. Cherished.
---
A New Name, A New Fate
One of the elders stepped forward. He had long white robes and a staff carved from what looked like glowing crystal. His voice was deep and echoed with power.
Elder:
"Citizens of Eldralore, today marks the rebirth of our kingdom's last light—the son of destiny, heir to the lost bloodline of Azuris. He shall be named Kael of the Azure Flame."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Mystical fireworks lit the sky. Blue flames danced in the air without burning. Wind spirits swirled around Kael like children greeting an old friend.
Kael (overwhelmed, thinking):
"This place... this world… they want me. I'm not a mistake here. I'm something… more."
And though his voice could not yet speak in this infant body, his soul screamed with new purpose.
This time… I will not be broken. I will rise.
---
Foreshadowing – Whispers of the Shadows
Far from the celebration, in a dark tower shrouded by cursed clouds, a shadowed figure stood before a crystal ball.
Unknown Voice:
"So… he has returned."
A dark aura pulsed from the figure's hand, and a smirk played across his face.
Unknown Voice:
"Let the game begin."
---
End of chapter 1