Once upon a time, in a land and time far and different from ours. Was born a little boy to a couple and their two kids, just outside the city of Taivil, his name was "Uri". Uri was the youngest of three, he had an older brother "Aden" and an older sister "Cristal". Uri was a born sick, weak and wasn't going to survive if it were not for the mercy of the Lord almighty. Uri was so weak that even breathing was a punishment. His mother "Laelynn" felt sorry for her child but hey, that's a mother's nature. She did whatever she could to keep the little Uri alive and to make him feel safe and loved. His father on the other hand wasn't happy about any of this, you see his father "Liam" was a respected man, known for his strength, diligence and wit. He was ashamed that "Liam the mighty" would give birth to such a weakling.
Days turned to weeks, weeks to months and months to years. Uri he started to notice the world around him. He felt the pitty his mother, the resentment of his father and the distance between him and his siblings. He always new that he was different. His father clearly favored Aden over anyone else but hey, who didn't favor Aden? Name about every good thing you can find in a person, Aden had it! He was a brilliant young man, the smartest and the strongest of his peers , capable of enduring any harsh the world throws at him. Aden was everything for Liam, he was his pride and joy, his golden boy, his legacy. This made Uri mad and jealous of his brother's glory.
"Usless, worthless, a sad excuse for a human being, a deadbeat, a burden to everyone around him" is what Uri realized to be. He tried and worked hard to prove his worth to his father and to everyone that ever doubted him. He was a great student, a good friend, a good son or at least he thought so. What he could not understand is why he was hated by evryone, I mean they say "what goes around comes around" but no matter how much good he did, he only got pain in return. This sent the poor Uri into a spiral of self-loathing and doubt that he became detached from himself and reality. He had no friends nor family that would ease his suffering or make his miserable life less insufferable. With no one to turn to, Uri found sanctuary on this one mountain cliff that stood over the city. He used to always run there to escape the reality he lived in, this sanctuary was a piece of heaven, a beatiful, blissful, calm and peaceful. Away from the stalking eyes, away from all the lies. A place where time goes by slowly than usual, a place where his pain magically went away. The cliff overlooked the docks of Taivil, and had a set of huge rocks called "The anchors" because they caused many ships to sinck. It is believed among the city fishermen that it's cursed by the spirits of the unfortunate sailors who met their doom there, and many of them say that they heard voices talking to theme at break of dawn, giving the cliff his nickname "the whisperer". But even though, Uri saw the beauty of it, a carpet of dandelions with a sprinkle of daisies and a large oak tree sheltering mockingbirds that sing a sweet, warm melody as the winds howling
Uri became unstable, he was plagued with this bloodsucking parasite, a demon let's call him "the voice". The voice was a manifestation of all the hatred, fear, anger and self doubt that he was botteling up all his life. The voice's only job was to bring pain and sorrow to Uri's life. He always reminded him of how worthless he was, always reminding him of what people said abou him. If Uri tried anything new or hoped for something, The voice would find a way to completely demolish and shatter it. He always finds a way to do it somehow. Day after day, dream after dream, hope after hope, the foul demon turned Uri from a hopeful, ambitious little kid to a living dead, a hollowed out carcase. But Uri had one last hope…and that's to redeem himself in his father's eyes, that until that day came and in the midst of the night he heard his parents arguing. By the way that was nothing new, his parents fought most of times. Liam was an angry man, he used to always scream and break things and sometimes lay hands on his wife in front of the kids. This trauma never healed, his crippeling fear lingered deeper. Anyway Uri overheard the conversation and heard these five words "HE! IS! NOT! MY! SON!". Uri, silently crying and trembling from the sheer dread and devastation knew that the only thing he strived and desired to achieve is impossible. And the voice let out a loud laughter of triumph . He finally took over Uri's mind and soul, he finally broke him, or so he thought.
As the years went by, the sickness and pressure had their tole on Uri's mind and body. His life crumbled and he was too lost in the dark but he couldn't show it to the world, he feared the judgment he's gonna get. So he decided to take matters into his own hands and free himself from this charade of a live. Uri decided the world is better off without him. He woke up on that faithful day ready free himself, said his goodbyes ad if he's going for a quick walk. He walked up to the place he loved most a cliff overlooking the city of Taivil the sun was setting down, its golden rays beamed through the castles and the high towers as it touched his cold face. As he took a deep breath and started walking towards the cliff, with each step he took the more free he felt. A step after step after step, he said to himself "I feel it…it's here" he opened his arms and felt the warmth of the sunrays wrapping its arms around him, as is if it was his long time gone lover. He leaned forward slowly and a tear drop ran across his cheek. The few seconds felt like hours and right as he is beginning to fall an old man snatched him away and shouted! "WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU FOOL!" Speechless and shocked Uri quickly wiped his tears and ran away. Of coure the voice won't let this slide, "what was that?" said the voice "we're you trying to run away from me? From who you are?", "SHUT UP!" Uri said with anger as he ran through the woods
"I knew you were a failure, but wow... you managed to mess even that up? The entire town of Taivil is going to roar with laughter."
Uri pleaded, "Please, for the love of everything sacred, just let me be!"
The voice continued to mock, "Hahahaaaaa! Failing in life and failing in death, not many folks can achieve that. I'm genuinely shocked."
Devastated, Uri ran as far as he could to escape the voice in his head. After calming down he went back home straight to his bed and fell asleep. He woke up the next night after a long and deep slumber, he couldn't eat nor drink and all he felt inside his chest was cold and emptiness. The next days we're terrible, the voice kept mocking him over and over and over, kept filling his heard of sounds and images one can only imagine how horrible they are. Images of Uri being hung and lifeless, images of gore and blood. Uri, the poor kid became so traumatized he became a doll in the hands of the voice. Lost all his brightness he once had and all that left of him is a dark and numb silhouette, no matter what he did no matter what he tried he felt nothing at all. Life became a chore, lacking any form of pleasure or satisfaction, his guitar that once played sweet melodies and tunes now sounds like a crow's caw. Food he once enjoyed now tastes like plain paper.
Uri didn't want people to look down on him more than already do, do he did his best to conceal what he's really like. He put up a fake persona, a mask to wear and a play to act whenever he interacts with people. Uri, or his persona was what you can call a perfect creation. He created the perfect character a smart, joyful and a charismatic guy that everyone now loved and respected. He made new friends, but were they? But deep down he felt so disgusted of what he became, too detached now from whom he really is or what he was doing.
"You know you're nothing but a hypocrite, right?" a voice jeered.
"Back again, huh? Trying to make it even harder?" He sighed. "Go ahead, speak your piece."
"Truth is, people don't truly like or respect you, you know?" The voice sneered. "They have no idea who you really are. They haven't witnessed the failures I've seen, the cowardice, the weakness, the despicableness."
"You sound like a broken record," he responded wearily. "You've been saying that for years. No need to repeat it. I already believe you."
"But I wonder... maybe you're the mask, and he's the real you."
"What do you mean?"
"Perhaps you were always the bright one, always perfect. You might be what's right about Uri, and I'm the one that's wrong. Maybe you're the authentic self, and I'm the affliction, a parasite, just like me."
Not knowing what to say, Uri decided to just ignore it. But deep down the voices words kept running through his head. Now the detachment became clearer and Uri's mind split into a three-way Mexican standoff, the voice in one side, the "persona" in a corner and the "real" Uri on the other side.
Uri was fighting a constant battle within himself, a full raging war. All of a sudden in the midst of the screaming, rang a sweet, tender voice "Uri, what's up? You are always zonning out like that, is everything alright?". Uri looked up and what he saw left him speechless. An angel with a halo , looking down on him. "N-n-nn-nothing I-I I was just thinking about our next test that's all", in all his life Uri had never seen a more beautiful lady, her bewitching eyes as dark and sparkly as obsidian beaming behind a pair of glasses that just highlighted how mesmerizing they are. Her lush silky dark hair with one lock faling over her eyes. She was a short lady with a captivating body and a dress similar to that of a princess. That gorgeous angel spread a warmth across his numb body. For the first time in years Uri felt alive, "what are you looking at? Is there something in my teeth? Is my hair messy?" not realizing that he spent a solid five minutes just lost in her grace he stuttered and quickly got up and excused himself. Embarrassed, excited and discombobulated he rushed away without looking back, he new that it's the so called "love at first sight", his heart pounding inside his chest, his breath getting heavy, his cheeks blushing suddenly, he heard him…he woke up
"Loving now, are we?" the voice taunted.
Uri's voice quivered as he responded, "You! Why are you here now?"
"I'm just checking in on my favorite person, Uri," the voice sneered. "But really, who are you, Uri, or the persona you wear? By the way, who was she? Word on the street is you're in love now. Quite a bold move."
Uri's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
The voice continued with his usual demeaning talk, "I mean, have you looked at yourself in the mirror recently? Oh, right, you don't, because you're afraid of the reflection – a sad, fat, broken gobbling looking creature. Did you honestly believe that a failure like you would stand a chance with her? Not in a million years."
With newfound determination, Uri shot back, "You know what? Go die in a ditch. I'm done with your torment. I refuse to be your puppet any longer."
Uri finally snapped, he finally had enough of his shenanigan. With his blood boiling he went back to that girl and gathered all what is left from his strength, "Uri? Hi is there anything wrong? Are you okey? You ran away as if you ave seen a ghost!", he took a deep breath and he uttered "Be mine!" realizing what he said, and seeing the shock in her face he quickly apologized and tried to run away but she suddenly grabbed him by the end of his shirt and she looked at him with a smile "Sure! If you'll be mine aswel" right there and then the two were lost in each other's eyes as a spark lit a flame that may be able to melt the ice covering Uri's heart.
As the days passed, Uri and Rose's blossoming love thrived in Uri's personal Eden, filling the air with the sweet scent of their affection. Yet, within this enchanting garden, a creeping vine of doubt and uncertainty began to entwine their feelings.
One rainy afternoon, Uri and Rose found themselves waiting together at the entrance of their high school, seeking refuge from the falling raindrops. They listened to the gentle patter of the rain, finding solace in each other's company. Uri wished this moment would stretch into eternity, a world where it was just the two of them - no one else. What more could a young man desire?
Then, Rose's voice, soft and hesitant, broke the tranquil atmosphere. "There's something I need to tell you," she murmured.
Uri's brow furrowed with concern. "What is it, Rose?" he asked.
Rose averted her gaze, her words barely audible. "I have to leave."
Time seemed to slow. The rain's rhythmic symphony faded into the background, and Uri's vision blurred.
"What are you saying? You've only been here for less than a year! Where could you possibly go?"
Uri was overwhelmed, and he continued, "I won't accept this. We've only been together for a few months, and now you're leaving?"
Rose shook her head gently, tears forming in her eyes. "I'm not leaving you, Uri. I just have to go."
"Go? Why? No you don't have to do anything you don't desire and why are you leaving in the first place?" He protested.
"I must go back to the capital, and enroll in a good school there" she explained, "But why? You can do it here! Why go away?." Uri asked.
"To go to a better university, and have my dream job!" She said with such an excitement.
He looked her in the eye and drew a smile "If it makes you happy then I'll be happy for you too!"
With a sigh of relief she smiled back and said "I knew you would understand, I love you"
"I love you too Rose" he replied. "Look the rain stopped I'll get going now my mom is probably worried about me. See you later dear" and she took off running. Uri watched her as she ran away, getting further and further away. "The rain stopped? Then why is it still dark? Why is the sky still grey? Where's this cold wind coming from?" he asked himself. As he sat there pondering he heard a soft laughter that sent a chill down his spine "Not you again....I can't" he said with a defeated voice, he knew it's the voice coming back to taunt him.
"What did I tell you?" the voice snarked "look at her, running away…did you notice? None of her goals included you, while you sat on your ass planning for a future where you two end up together she was being selfish. Why don't you understand Uri ? How many times do I have to tell you? No one want's you…Not even your Rose. I was only trying to protect you" Uri sat down listening and listening and he felt an arm wrapping around him, a dark skinny deformed arm holding him tight, then a nother one grabbed his neck an face appeared in front of him. To say it was horrifying would be an understatment the face was tall with pointy cheek bones and a crooked nose, the eyes were catlike with crimson iris and smiled. "So you came out eh? You look uglier than I imagined" Uri said with a taunting tone.