The Weak Are Prey
In the unforgiving world of Eldrida, strength is the only currency that matters. The powerful devour the weak, and the rich feast on the poor. It's a never-ending cycle of oppression, where the strong dominate and the weak cower in fear.
Our ancestors spoke of a time where peace reigned sovereign. Everyone lived in peace, in harmony and united. But everything changed when the comets fell. Stones that embodied power. They gifted their wielders powers unfathomable, the strength that could crash mountains, the ability to control time, space, lightning and the elements. Abilities beyond imagination. But sadly,the wealthy monopolised these gifts, suppressing the less fortunate, turning them into their retainers and eliminating any who dared to resist.
Sometimes, I can't help but wonder where my family was when Santa bestowed his cosmic blessings. Why weren't we granted a meteor with the power of flight, the speed to outpace the wind, or the ability to delve into the mysteries of the mind? Even a humble gift like night vision would have been a welcome reprieve from our current lack of power. Just something to give us a fighting chance.
Tony, a frail 10-year-old boy, is trapped in this cruel world. His family has no influence, no powers, and no wealth. They're nothing but pawns in the game of life, subject to the whims of the powerful. His mother, Mrs. Bennett, worries about him constantly, fearing that he'll be swallowed up by the darkness that surrounds them.
"Tony, Tony, we're running late," she urges, her voice laced with concern. "I hope you enjoy the trip."
As Tony boards the bus for a school trip to the woods, he's surrounded by old men and women who look like they'd sell their souls for a scrap of power. The air is thick with tension, and he can feel the weight of their gaze upon him.
"Today will be your last day, slum rat," Tyler, the prodigy with powers beyond his years, sneers. "This school doesn't need you, and we'll make sure to do the honors of eliminating the little bug that made its way in." Memories of their previous exchanges flood his mind, igniting a small spark of fear before it swiftly transforms into a fierce determination. Tony's anger rises, but he won't back down. He won't let Tyler break him. He'll fight back, even if it means using his father's rifle to defend himself. "We'll see about that, asshole," he mutters under his breath, his knuckles clenched in determination. He flexes his muscles, trying to look braver than he feels. "Lockes never back down," he says, trying to sound convincing. "Never forget that."
As Tony steps off the bus and onto the school grounds, a sense of foreboding washes over him. The school looms before him, its imposing facade casting a shadow over the bustling courtyard. Students chatter excitedly, their voices blending into a cacophony of sound. Tony's heart races as he navigates through the throng, his eyes darting nervously from face to face. He can feel the weight of their stares, the whispers of judgment hanging in the air. With each step, the knot in his stomach tightens, his anxiety threatening to overwhelm him. But amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, Tony stands tall, determined to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
The homeroom teacher arrives, and they set off on their journey. The woods loom before them, dark and foreboding. Tony can feel the shadows watching him, waiting for him to make a wrong move. But he won't be intimidated. He'll face whatever challenges come his way, and he'll emerge victorious. Or so he hopes.
The bus rumbles on, carrying Tony and his classmates deeper into the woods. The trees seem to close in around them, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch them. Tony's heart races with every bump and jolt, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and revenge.
As they arrive at the campsite, Tyler is waiting for him, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Did you bring your coffin, or will the earth do?" he taunts, his eyes glinting with malice. "Just before he walked past him, he whispered into his ears, 'Did you bring your coffin, or will the earth do? Anyway, I hope you said goodbye to that whole of a mother'". Tony's anger boils over, and he lunges at Tyler, but the teacher intervenes, pulling them apart.
The journey has only just begun, and Tony knows he'll have to fight tooth and nail to survive. But he's not going down without a fight. He'll show Tyler and the rest of the world that he's not just a weak, helpless boy. He's a force to be reckoned with.