"It's..cold.." I coughed out. Laying on the floor in my own blood, you'd think I'd have some warmth here, but I didn't. I could barely move. Barely hear. Where even was I? I forgot. I heard what I thought were voices but I didn't care. Why would I? This seemed like the end after all.
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Hours earlier, I woke up, and got out of bed to the sound of my mom yelling my name. a smile formed on my face as I knew that today was my birthday, I was finally 18.
"Kose Arizen if you don't get up now you'll be late for school!" My mom yelled out to me. I yawned and got up, getting dressed and heading downstairs, greeted my mom with a hand on her hip, and a glare in her eyes.
"Morning mom. How'd you sleep?" I walked past her and to the kitchen, humming softly as I prepared a bowl of cereal and looked back to her. She smiled at me and rolled her eyes.
"Obviously not as well as you, its 7:43 and you're nearly late. Hurry and eat!" She patted my shoulder and went off to the hallway. I shrugged and chuckled in return, eating my cereal.
Just a minute or two later my mom walked back in with a small chest, if that's what you'd call it, and set it in front of me.
"Your father prepared these gifts for you before he passed. Take a look yeah?" She ran a hand through my hair and kissed my forehead. I shook my head to fix my hair and opened the tiny box.
"Woah.." Was all I could manage to say. All these old and odd trinkets. To others they may seem boring, but I always loved stuff like this. Digging around inside I took out a watch, which had a note attached to it. Opening the paper, I began to read.
"Kose, I know I may not be in the best shape right now, but I leave these precious items to you. You may not understand me until you're older, but they will protect you. Keep this watch close my son. Love, Dad." I smiled softly as I read. A tear managed to escape my eyes and I quickly wiped it away and looked up at the ceiling. "Thank you Dad...I miss you." I let out a sigh and put the watch on. Closing the chest I looked at the time and shot up quickly, grabbing my bag and throwing my shoes on I ran out the door.
"Shit, shit, shit! Gonna be late!" I whispered to myself and started running quickly. I kept flicking my head to the side so my red hair wouldn't be in my eyes while I ran. It was nice out today though, good warmth, not too windy. Would be a good day for a family outing. Might do that when I'm back from school! I couldn't stop myself from smiling then, but maybe I should've.
All of a sudden, I was in the air. At first, I felt nothing as I landed on the asphalt, but as I looked around at people nearby, I saw them screaming. Some crying, others calling the police. What happened?
"Hey..I'm ok.." It hurt to speak. All the pain came rushing in and I let out a yell. I looked down at my body, and saw my legs bent in different directions. Blood flowing from my body. I looked where I was earlier, and saw a car with a dent on the hood, and some of my blood.
"Not...ok.." I layed my head back, looking at the clouds and tears streamed from my eyes. "Dad..I'm so sorry..we can watch over mom together soon.." I spoke hoarsely. The pain was getting worse, and I started to feel numb.
"It's..cold.." I coughed out. Laying on the floor in my own blood, you'd think I'd have some warmth here, but I didn't. I could barely move. Barely hear. Where even was I? I forgot. I heard what I thought were voices but I didn't care. Why would I? This seemed like the end after all.
"See you soon, Dad.." I closed my eyes slowly, feeling my own souls tether to my body snap. All was dark. All was nothing, but then, I opened my eyes.
"Son! Are you ok!?" I heard a mans voice yell out and I sat up, rubbing my eyes. My hands felt...different. They were smoother, and smaller for that matter. Looking at them I went wide eyed. I shot out of the bed and saw a mirror, running to it I inspected my reflection and yelled. I was a kid again!
"Son, answer me! Are you ok?!" I looked back and saw a burly man with a thick red beard. Obviously, he appeared to be my father. Or, was I really his son?
"I-I'm fine dad!" I rubbed the back of my head and walked up to him. "What happened..?" I looked at him, realizing the major height different we had. Previously, I was 6'3, now, I must be around 5'5 and my supposed dad was 6'2.
"You went out into the woods! You know the rules!" He ran a hand over his bald head, clearly stressed. "Right into a Retchling, too! Oh Kose, if you weren't hurt I'd have beaten you myself!" He held a hand in my face, and I backed up.
"A Retchling? What even is that?!" I blinked a few times, clearly confused.
"You'll learn! I'm sending you to Hunter School, you need to learn how to defend yourself boy." His voice calmed down now, and he held my shoulders. "I can't lose you like I lost your mother.."