&#@&
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2hBxGuX7bS
"Yoyo, how are you?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAAwrW8QQ5rh
"Just got slapped a total of 34 times. Reason: walking into Yali."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAizttm8JTpk
"My, how could she? I'm gonna go and teach them a lesson!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAeid94BvH6y
"No need, would make things worse."
23Please respect copyright.PENANACDzxwex1uk
"...Alright, as you say so."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAdukMHzxNVF
The evening sun cast long shadows across the room as I recounted my day. The sharp sting of each slap still echoed in my memory, a harsh reminder of the hostility that awaited me outside these walls.
It wasn't long until I got the news that Yali has been threatened by Karth, and everyone got cautious when walking past me.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaVLggHEBzB
"I require the reasoning of your disobedence after my request to not harm Yali."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAZXexvWxcQ7
"I just can't stand it you know? having people bully you like that."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAL7p28YrpgZ
"..."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAKHCW9GNlcA
"Come on, stand up for yourself Yoyo!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAxk6LrEtWS8
"Easy for you to say."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAiIe5KoeSBO
"Fair enough."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA25Ex1O7Kl6
The shift from being bullied to being avoided was noticable. Students who once sought to torment me now crossed the street to avoid my gaze. The whispers followed me, a constant reminder of my outsider status. Adopting a monotone speech pattern became my shield; emotions only seemed to invite more trouble.
=@#
23Please respect copyright.PENANAmwhTHWVKSa
"I'm back"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAOpLRQ7GMyQ
Noone was there to greet me back.
My mother and father had picked me up from the birth garden on a whim, out of fun. I heard that they were trying to go on a gamble, on "If this orb doesn't form a newborn, I win!" kind of stuff. It wasn't long until they got tired of raising me, and left me to fend for myself.
if I had been a higher-grade angel, maybe they could have stayed.
The apartment was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. I moved to my desk, each step echoing in the emptiness. Sitting down, I opened my medical box filled with bandages. These bandages would only mend the skin of a hurt angel; the rest should normally regenerate by their normal intake of Union.
Lifting up my puffy sleeves, a lot of scars revealed underneath.
When I separate from Karth after school, it would be the perfect opportunity for bullies. Regradless, I became infamous around school.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA15aKvbNUgz
"This will run out soon."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAPqdiOF14ix
I applied the bandages on my arms slowly; I could feel it mending the layer on top, but the interal pain still lingers.
But I was no stranger to it.
I pulled out my screens and started working on my new prototype—the teleportation watch.
#@-!
23Please respect copyright.PENANAa9kVwNsPoO
"Hey Yoyo!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAFPd2AJIXok
Karth had invited me to the garden next door. When I arrived, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the garden, making the flowers and trees shimmer with life. The air was filled with the scent of blooming roses and the gentle hum of insects. Standing next to Karth was a teen slightly taller than her, with striking grey and red hair.
23Please respect copyright.PENANArCnk47nxCr
"You've arrived! I thought you would never come!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAahza5Jz1h1
"Who is he?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAPiWrqbGDDn
"This is Max Hart, my personal servant."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAvM38Op4rR4
"Greetings, Yoyo Lee."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAKH1FdExKed
Max gave a polite nod, his eyes assessing me with a calm and steady gaze. He wore a simple yet elegant outfit that spoke of practicality and style, a mix of urban and traditional elements that seemed perfectly suited to his role.
It wasn't long until I got dragged a lot into Karth's life.
Karth was a whirlwind of energy, always on the move with Max by her side. She went on numerous outings, dragging me along on her adventures. We explored bustling markets filled with vendors shouting their wares, quiet libraries with rows of ancient books, and serene parks where the sound of birdsong mingled with the rustle of leaves. Each outing was a new experience, a chance to see the world through Karth's eyes.
By chance, I also got to meet Andre, her brother, but he is usually out for physical training, so it is a rarity. Andre was a mature small kid, and had a gentle demeanor that put me at ease. We rarely crossed paths, but when we did, he always greeted me with a kind smile and a few words of encouragement.
Karth's life was a stark contrast to my own solitary existence. She moved through the world with a confidence and ease that I envied. Her companionship, along with Max and Andre, introduced me to a side of life I had never known—a life filled with friendship, adventure, and the occasional mishap.
Each day brought new challenges and new discoveries, and slowly, I found myself becoming a part of their world. It was a world that was chaotic and unpredictable, but it was also full of warmth and connection. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I belonged.
#=?@#$!
23Please respect copyright.PENANA7SoOUCxPlh
"I got accepted into the technology department."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA9BiXnB1pqq
It was a dream come true, a validation of all my hard work and late nights tinkering with prototypes. The acceptance letter was a crisp piece of paper clutched tightly in my hand, a symbol of my achievement.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAqGcJxkfTpW
"I'm so glad for you, Yoyo!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANApHpLTer4a5
Karth exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine joy. Her excitement was infectious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of her congratulations.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAt73PAby3r8
"Comment appreciated,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAFcMLKNJcxT
"You know, you can show more emotion around me. I won't hurt you, you know,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANARpYCPzowx0
"You won't?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhcHwetqcLZ
"Why would I?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGZUT9j1nC6
"...Thanks for the reassurance,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA43QP1m8tDw
I pondered that statement for a while, the concept of expressing emotions around someone else feeling foreign and risky. My life had taught me to hide my true feelings, to keep them locked away where they couldn't be used against me.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAlbdOITrUkM
"I, however, do not have much to express,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAifpz5rMM66
I admitted, the honesty of my words surprising even myself.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAj5wEhPXc5Q
"Well... I can help! What do you think of this?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA55JWv9G0EM
Karth's voice was cheerful as she grabbed her hair and held them up into two bundles, mimicking pigtails.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAHE0QGCpXwK
"...Humorous,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAQmVwB5q5fs
I responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my efforts to remain composed.
23Please respect copyright.PENANACNpX3eahGw
"That's great!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAuh1MtuCmPZ
Karth's laughter rang through the room, a sound so pure and genuine that it momentarily banished the shadows that often clouded my thoughts.
As we sat there, her pigtails bouncing with each movement, I realized that this friendship was something I had longed for but never dared to hope for. It was a fragile, tentative connection, but it was real, and it was mine. And for the first time, I allowed myself to believe that I deserved it.
-*=#!
23Please respect copyright.PENANA64DkKNjH6N
"I do not think that is a good idea."
23Please respect copyright.PENANANzqqUqn2FU
The air was tense, filled with an undercurrent of concern. I could see Karth's determination in her eyes, a fierce resolve that was difficult to counter.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAu9x07zeuII
"I want to see how it is over there in Keibim!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8htHQH0Lvj
"I repeat my statement."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAumsRxq8eDg
"PLeaseeeeee"
23Please respect copyright.PENANARqGn50PZUB
"...Fine, I will try my best to help."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA3UBWeNxDGk
I knew that denying her would only heighten her resolve. Sometimes, it was better to guide her safely than to forbid her outright.
=*#$&%
23Please respect copyright.PENANAdYZP1LeIMe
It is time for the fall of grace to happen.
Kartheina is sentenced to it due to her visit over to Keibim. The air was heavy with judgment, and the once bustling surroundings seemed to fall silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
She walked towards me, her white dress stained with the dust of her journey, her hair in disarray. The once bright and hopeful Karth now seemed weary, but her spirit was unbroken.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA0FSgIws9Nb
"Do you have any regret?"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhoaqoOBhOS
"No, I have not an ounce of it,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4ANbwyx97z
"That seems like you to think so,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANADfooy9Ns4a
A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth despite the gravity of the situation. Her determination was both her strength and her downfall.
23Please respect copyright.PENANANhYPM6TgH7
"If we don't have these thoughts that bound us, maybe you would make for a model student everyone would look up to."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAUTmp5jvnGi
Kartheina looked into my eyes, her kind of pity seemed...genuine.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAgcP0hlEmim
"Perhaps so,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGl9pIj2as9
My voice softened with my reply. Her naivety brought her here, but, she was still dreaming.
Dreaming for a better future.
#$%#^
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8nW2Di1iMI
"I need to go after her! She's lost, I have to!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8CC8SP4OoA
Andre's voice was filled with desperation and determination. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, and his eyes were wild with concern.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAtHt8ZsFagx
"Andre, calm down,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAx40i02qRNE
I urged, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath my hand were tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
23Please respect copyright.PENANASD0WatQAcF
"I cannot keep watching this, she; she shouldn't have to suffer this!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAXkWtRGDQoF
His voice cracked, and I could see the torment in his eyes. The fall of grace had taken its toll on all of us, but for Andre, it was a wound that refused to heal.
Max and I were trying to comfort Andre, exchanging worried glances over his bowed head. It had been two years since the fall of grace, and we got news from time to time about Karth. Each piece of information was a lifeline, a glimpse into the life she now led. Andre got a front row seat; he watched her in his free time using the bridge at his park. The toll it took on him was evident, each update a fresh cut on a heart already scarred.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAqmqZDprfdC
"I'm going after her,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4rYTZ5GNv8
Max and I both knew we couldn't change his mind. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of his decision settling over us like a shroud.
@%$#$%^@#
23Please respect copyright.PENANANKSmm2UhWv
"It is about time I get to my limit,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAxe8GGf9upU
I stared at Max. The burden of the past five years had worn us all down, and I could see the same exhaustion mirrored in Max's eyes.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAI8aeLaLnT4
"Even Andre is suffering; it is a different situation for him, but however, he is a child,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAInv6AJt8nK
My voice tinged with frustration and empathy. I saw myself in him, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to help.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGIjCBisa3M
"I'm not allowed to leave until two years later, Yoyo."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA6NOQcR57XZ
Max was also charged for his crimes, for taking Karth on her trip. The weight of his guilt and punishment hung heavy in the room,.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4U6eHEDj1N
"I will see you then,"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAQcGX0PXiQc
#$^%#$%$#%@$#%@%@
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaXViAvnAw3
"It is a pleasure to meet you, RubberBand.
My name is RoseBud."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAOtqzBlok0W
It was my first day, and as I stood in the familiar yet daunting surroundings, I couldn't help but reflect. Maybe, maybe, I could be the model student Karth thought of. The thought was a fragile hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAOc7ZCPP00p
Kartheina?
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaKzr7Q3w2g
For, Karthenia?
23Please respect copyright.PENANAqEELtVIYBD
@#%%#%^#%$!$%
The unstable trip down memory lane starts to fill my head with fragmented thoughts. Each memory flashes before my eyes, blending into a chaotic stream of consciousness.
23Please respect copyright.PENANABxZRQmTTBq
"You have done great, Rub, just relax your shoulders more during the twirl."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA25q5nVwWM5
That was me.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAEd1ZabCUYN
@#$%#$^#%$&^%^$!%$
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaRRbudPhnQ
"Good job Rub, you are learning so quickly."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAtHMijJzSnW
That was me.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAC6WOgI8sf4
@#$%$^&$%&$^%@#$%%$#^%$^%$&$%^
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzEc8LB3KmF
"I could play the violin to support Rub's singing."
23Please respect copyright.PENANARm1FqviWYC
That was me
23Please respect copyright.PENANAmoSKOqGC0O
@$#%^@$^%&#%$%@$#%@#!$#@%#@%#$^#$%&%^&^%#&$%^&
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2smkfclSxU
The memories began to fragment and blur, the familiar voices intertwining with the noise of my thoughts, creating a cacophony of sound and emotion.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAkLHOxRLre7
!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Maybe!@#%@!#%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%we!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%should!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%leave!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%swiftly?!@#%@!#$!@#$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Sure!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%thing,!@#%@!#$!$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$@!@%@#!%Rosebud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$@!@%@#!%Ah,#$!@#I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*@%@#!%can!@#%@!#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^@!@%@#!%with!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($#@!$@!@%@#!%that.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&$@!@%@#!%Thank!@#%@!!@%@#!%you#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%much!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#!%will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%work!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!$@!@%@#!%my!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%best#$!@#to!@#%@!#$!@#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%always!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$!$#@!$@!@%@#!%so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^@%@#!%reliable!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%@!@%@#!%Eh?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#!@%@#!%You#$!@#want!@#%@!#$!%@#!%to!@#%@!#$@%@#!%join!@#%@!#$!@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the!@#@Commune?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@#@!$@!@%@#!%I#$!@#will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%support#$!@#you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the#$!@#best!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Your!@#%@!#$!@#@#@!$@!@%@#!%favourite.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Burnt#$!@#Sugar!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Shortcake.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You#$!@#know!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%me#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%well#$!@#RoseBud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*RUBBERBANDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!%$^($%^(%^$&%Let^&^%$&@#$%me@#!$#@!$@follow!@%@#!%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%you!^(%^%%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^
23Please respect copyright.PENANAei874la60E
The cacophony of voices and fragmented thoughts swirled around me, each memory and phrase blending into an incomprehensible noise. The chaos seemed to echo in my mind, growing louder and more insistent.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJMuhoxxMtW
"..This is not what Karthenia hoped for."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAyGPwRXu7Ye
The noise abruptly stopped, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8ApelgiGsG
"That was not me."
23Please respect copyright.PENANARNNhKdO4JH
The ground beneath me trembled, and the marble began to crack, spiderwebs of fissures spreading outwards. The shadows dissipated, leaving only the fractured surface and the looming darkness beneath.
23Please respect copyright.PENANALBzoSbqQfK
"That was never me."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAm1GuRyN16W
The cracks widened, and the marble shattered, pieces falling away to reveal the abyss below. I felt a sense of release, as if shedding an old skin. The weight of my past actions, the burdens I had carried, began to lift, replaced by a growing sense of resolve.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA6GTPGNQslm
"I blinded myself"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAvhl2l3xYER
The scenery before me cracks into pieces, fragments of the past shattering like glass. Each shard reflected a part of my history, the good and the bad, the joys and the regrets. The fragments floated around me, catching the light and casting prismatic reflections that danced in the air.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA0jSoipKH3t
"...and now I shall see."
23Please respect copyright.PENANAPPOECUyoBK
I opened my eyes.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAQz0Hl8vF1Q
I see the Maiden looking at me with a proud gesture. Her serene smile was a balm to my weary soul, and I could feel the tension of the ordeal slowly melting away.
I looked around the room, my vision being more refreshing than I thought.
The book "Tales of BrookCastle" lay open before me, its pages inviting me to delve into its mysteries. The familiar scent of aged paper and lavender filled the air, grounding me in the present moment and bringing a sense of calm.
As my gaze lifted, I found the Maiden seated beside me, her hands gently resting on mine.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAyUtBFQAuWC
"Congratulations,
You have passed the ordeal. The knowledge within the book is now yours to explore."
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2bbknNcQH2
With that, she rose gracefully and exited the vault, her presence lingering like a soft glow even after she was gone. I was left in solitude, the silence of the room amplifying the weight of the moment.
I examined the book closely, my fingers tracing the intricate design on its leather cover. The familiarity of the design tugged at my memory. Curious, I retrieved my own journal and placed it beside the book. To my astonishment, they were of the same design, down to the minutest detail. The same pattern of embossing, the same type of leather—it was as if they were crafted by the same hands.
There must be secret messages in the book meant for me. She must have known.
The realization sent a shiver down my spine. With a sense of anticipation, I opened the book. The pages were adorned with intricate illustrations and finely written text. I began to read, immersing myself in its contents.
ns 15.158.61.50da2