Fire crackled in the distance. Screams and yelling echoed in the air.
The screen of darkness faded away, revealing a kingdom in ruin. What once was proud and strong now looked like a wasteland. Conquerors tore through the streets, destroying everything, massacring the people who tried to fight back. The kingdom's defenders were losing.
Heavy breathing could be heard.
On the ground lay Alex, on his side. His body was covered in blood. His hand pressed into the dirt, trying to push himself up, but he was too weak.
A voice called out—a teenage boy's voice, shouting through the chaos.
"Alex! … Alex!!!"
Alex's heart slowed. His eyes began to close.
The voice cried louder, more desperate now.
"ALEX, WAKE UP!"
With a loud gasp, Jacob sat up in bed. His chest heaved. His eyes were wide, panic filling them.
Across the room, another boy walked over to him. He sat beside Jacob.
Khaliq looked concerned. "Brother?"
Jacob stared at him in shock. His eyes got wider as he scooted back.
"Who are you? Why are you in my r—" Jacob's voice shook as he looked around the unfamiliar room. He whispered to himself, panicked. "Where am I?"
Khaliq stayed calm. "You're in your room. You need to calm down." He reached out to touch Jacob's hand.
Jacob pulled away quickly. "Don't touch me! What do you want from me?!" He patted his nightstand, searching for a weapon.
Khaliq frowned. He gently grabbed Creed's wrist, stopping him.
"Brother," he said firmly. "Stop. Just…" He took a breath. "Calm down. Everything is okay."
Jacob paused. "Brother? Who… are you?"
"I'm Donté."
Khaliq looked down, then lifted his hand. He placed his index and middle finger into his mouth and bit down. His fangs pierced his skin.
He pulled his fingers out, now bleeding, and held them up to Jacob's nose. Silence filled the room. Donté stared at him softly and whispered:
"Remember me?"
Jacob squinted, his eyes drawn to the blood. He inhaled the scent.
His expression softened.
"…my little brother," he said quietly, taking Khaliq's hand and gently lowering it. "Who… am I?" He looked down, confused and lost.
Khaliq's expression turned gentle and sad.
"Your… name is Creed."
"...Creed?"
Donté nodded. He leaned forward and opened the bed drawer. Inside was a very thick, black diary. He took it out with both hands.
"Please," he said, offering it to Jacob with eyes full of emotion. "This is yours… read it."
Jacob stared at the book, hesitant. Finally, he reached out with shaking hands and took it.
The cover was plain—black and basic—but bold white letters on the front read:
'AI'
He opened the book to the first page.
If you're reading this, you must've forgotten who you are…
Pick up your pen and write "Flower."
Jacob frowned and looked around. A small black pen was hanging from a chain attached to the bookmark. He grabbed it and wrote the word:
Flower
Another message was written underneath:
Now compare your flower to my flower. Is it the same?
Yes, it is. That means you wrote this diary.
Breathe, relax, and take in your peaceful surroundings.
If everything around you is calm, then it must be okay.
As we go through life, we forget.
But I'll help you remember.
First, ask your brother for a cup of tea. Just say the name 'Donté'.
Jacob spoke softly.
"Dante, ocha o moratte mo ī?" (Can I have some tea?)
Across from him, Khaliq lifted his head with a soft look.
"Tapioka? Soretomo kamomīru? Gakkō ni ikanakya ikenai no yo."
(Tapioca? Or chamomile? We have to go to school, you know.)
Jacob looked down.
"Boba."
Khaliq gave a solemn expression.
"Hai." (Okay.)
Khaliq stood and quietly walked out of the room.
Jacob looked back at the pages.
My name is Jacob Creed Prince.
Seventeen years old.
Date of Birth: December 29th.
I live in NewWave.
Me and my brother stay in T.L.C. the biggest orphanage I've ever been to.
To Be Continued.