Dear Future Me
Does everyone in life have a dream? We're all chasing something—striving to meet a goal and fulfill a purpose. But have you ever wondered if we're born with that purpose, or if we create it just to fit in? We're asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up? What are your goals and dreams?"
But what if you have none? What if you're born not knowing why you're here? Despite all the tragedies your ancestors faced, your bloodline survived. It made it through hell, and now, it ends with us. We can either carry on their legacy—or let it end. Do you ever think about what they'd say, about those ancestors who endured so much if they could see us now?
Maybe I'll try living day by day, hoping to find my purpose. I can't give up—not yet. But do I mean that? People have always treated me like a curse. It's a wonder no one's finished me off by now. How will things ever get better? What dream or goal could change my fate?
What's my fate, you ask? To be here, in my room, until the day I die. I don't know when that day will come. But… enough heavy thoughts for one day.
Yours truly,
Me
As I leaned back from my desk, the lamplight flickered across the cluttered room. The world outside was asleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Writing this stuff down had to be healthier than letting it eat me alive, right?
Oh, right. Introductions. I'm Ladon. The name's a weird one, I know. Mom had dreams—literal dreams—about it before I was born. If she hadn't listened, would I even exist? Fate's funny like that.
I'm in my twenties. Lean build, long black hair, scruffy beard. I look older than my age, honestly. But my eyes? That's what people notice. One's yellow, like molten gold. The other? Deep blue, like the ocean at night. People here call it a sin or a curse that is what happens when you're an outsider.
A sudden scratch at the door broke my thoughts. My heart jumped.
4 a.m.? Great.
"Tio," I sighed, cracking the door open. My black-furred cat slipped in, eyes glowing with mischief. He leaped onto my bed, his fur shimmering under the lamp.
"You think you own this place, huh?" I muttered, shaking my head. Maybe he did, honestly.
I dropped beside him, fingers scratching behind his ears. "You know," I whispered, "you're one of the reasons I'm still here. Thanks for that, buddy." He licked my nose, curled up, and drifted off.
The next morning, I woke to something warm and wet on my chest, the scent of iron filling the air. My heart pounded as I looked down—blood everywhere.
"Is this mine?" No… I wasn't hurt.
Then I saw Tio, coughing blood, his tiny mouth coated in it.
Without a second thought, I scooped him up, my chest tightening. I ran downstairs, calling for my dad.
"We can talk in the car—we need to get him to a vet NOW."
My dad—a somewhat overweight man in his 40s with a full head of white hair and a beard—was the type who panicked easily, so I kept the details brief. We rushed to the car, and even though the heat was suffocating, I held Tio close, opening the windows to keep him cool. His fur, matted with dried blood, stiffened, making every moment that much harder.
At the vet, I stammered, barely able to get the words out.
"P-Please… check what's wrong with him."
The vet's expression turned grim. "The kindest thing is to put him down. His heart's failing… he won't make it."
It felt like the ground opened up beneath me. "I don't understand, he was fine just yesterday—please, check him again." I choked out.
Tears blurred my vision as I held Tio close, whispering fiercely to him, "We'll make it through. We'll survive this. I believe in you."
As we went home, Tio's eyes met mine one last time. He couldn't speak, but it felt like he was saying goodbye. As a single tear fell from his eye, he closed them for the last time.
I was numb. I couldn't cry, couldn't speak, couldn't even clench my fists. My father, on the other hand, reacted differently.
"We should bury him, Ladon," he said, his tone cold, as though it was the most practical thing in the world. He never saw animals as companions. To him, they were nothing more than playthings, objects to be used or hunted.
I looked at him, the words choking in my throat. "You can't be serious."
Just then, my sisters came out. They saw Tio, their eyes widening.
"Is Tio… okay?"
My silence spoke for me. They wrapped their arms around me, offering quiet comfort.
A few hours later, I prepared to bury Tio. The afternoon sun dipped close to the horizon, casting an amber glow over the sandy expanse in front of my house. I gently asked my sisters to stay inside.
I'd never buried anyone before. The hole grew deeper than intended as I dug, memories of Tio flooding my mind. I was lost in thought and memories I have about him and how we found him and how every night he used to come to my room and sleep on my chest and it pains me that won't happen anymore.
Suddenly I hit something hard.
Bones. The remains of some animal buried long ago, scattered in the sand.
And then I saw it—a sparkle, half-buried in the bones. Curiosity took over. I set my shovel down, reaching for the small, shining stone.
But as my fingers brushed it, a sudden, overwhelming pressure slammed me into the ground, like the weight of the world falling on me all at once. My head spun, my limbs heavy, and before I could even gasp for breath, everything went dark.
I drifted into a strange peace, though questions tugged at me.
Am I dead?
Is this just my mind playing tricks on me?
Am I too emotional?
Is my dad right? Should I just hide all these emotions?
A voice broke through the fog. "You're not dead, don't worry. You'll understand soon."
Suddenly, I was awake, dizzy and disoriented. My vision was blurry, but I managed to stand, noticing the stone now in my hand—a stunning golden gem with fiery red veins. It looked like a miniature sun.
After pocketing the stone, I felt a faint, strange pulse, but I dismissed it, focusing instead on finishing Tio's burial and letting my friend rest. As I covered the hole, I whispered, "If I ever go to heaven, it'll be to see you. Take care, little one.
As I walked back inside, I spotted a stray cat across the street. It made me smile, a bittersweet reminder of Tio.
When I returned to my room, the light was dim, the last golden rays filtering through the blinds. Exhausted. I lay back on the bed, the weight of everything pulling me down wishing it was all a dream.
As I drifted off, the pain softened—if only for a moment.
A dream took hold of me, vivid and almost lucid. Or was it more than just a dream?
It felt… different like I wasn't myself anymore. My body wasn't my own. I was watching the world through someone—or something—else's eyes.
"Is this what they call astral projection?" I wondered, half awake in the dream.
The next thing I knew, I was soaring high above the world. The cold night wind rushed past as the world stretched endlessly below—mountains cloaked in shadow, rivers glinting under the moonlight, and scattered villages dotting the land like tiny constellations.
The perspective shifted, and I realized I was flying. No—I was the one flying. Golden eyes blinked against the wind, and I noticed dark brown feathers rustling with every movement.
I was an eagle.
I landed on a small balcony in a quiet village. Someone had left breadcrumbs out, likely for sparrows or pigeons. Without hesitation, I began pecking at the crumbs, savoring the simple meal.
A warm, gravelly voice broke the silence. "Hey, tough guy, have some more."
Startled, I turned to see an old man standing nearby. He was bald, with a long white beard and a serene smile. He held out a plate with leftover chicken thighs.
"Go on, eat up," he chuckled, placing the food down.
As the bird hesitated, then cautiously grabbed a piece, flying off to perch atop the tallest tower in the village. As it ate, the view from the tower captivated him the sprawling village below, lit by warm lanterns and the glow of the moon.
When he returned to the balcony, the old man was still there. He smiled at him again.
"You know," he said softly, "you're magnificent. But be careful around humans. Some of us, when we see something as beautiful as you, want to hunt it down. We turn living beauty into soulless decorations."
He sighed, leaning on the balcony railing. "The real beauty lies in the soul of the animal, not its body. From your Energy, I can tell how powerful you are. One day, you'll see the world differently—not for how it looks, but for how it feels. When that happens, you'll start questioning a lot of things."
The way the old man spoke—it felt like he knew the bird understood. The eagle tilted its head, a silent acknowledgment, though whether it truly understood was unclear.
He chuckled. "Ah, I'm rambling again. Anyway, you should stay here in our village. I'll leave food out for you every day—no need to wander so much."
It tilted its head again, unsure how to respond.
The old man laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. You need a name if you're staying. How about Geo?"
"Geo," It felt right.
"I am Roland," the old man said, his voice warm and steady as he placed a hand on his chest. "Nice to meet you, Geo."
Weeks passed, and Geo grew fond of the village. The people were kind, helping not just each other but also travelers. They gave food, water, and shelter freely, asking for nothing in return. Even adventurers down on their luck found jobs here.
Sitting on a bench one evening, Geo watched the villagers go about their lives. Roland—the old man—sat beside him, smiling.
"Do you love it here?" he asked.
Geo tilted its head in a gesture that meant yes.
He chuckled, reaching out to pet me. I let him. His hand was rough but warm, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… safe.
"This village is like a blessing," Geo said to himself.
The villagers didn't allow weapons, relying on ten skilled fighters who used martial arts to defend the town from thieves. It was peaceful, almost too peaceful.
But peace never lasts, does it?
One afternoon, a pigeon delivered a letter to the village's watchtower. Moments later, the emergency bell rang out.
"The village next to us has been burned to the ground," a watchman announced grimly. "The attackers said we're next."
Geo's heart sank. "This is my fault," I thought bitterly. "They're after me."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, an army arrived. Hundreds of armored soldiers, mages, and archers marched into the village, their weapons glinting in the fading light.
Earlier that day, Roland had instructed the villagers to gather their families and retreat to the underground shelters—hidden chambers they had prepared for emergencies. "Stay there," he urged, his voice steady but commanding. "Don't come out, no matter what you hear. Protect your lives and those of your loved ones."
Now, as the army approached, Roland stood alone at the gate, calm and confident.
"I'd like to see your commander," he said firmly.
One knight sneered. "Who do you think you are, you half-dead lizard?"
Before Roland could reply, a booming voice silenced the knight. "Enough."
The commander stepped forward, his presence commanding.
Roland nodded politely. "I am Roland, the village chief. What brings you to our humble home?"
The commander's lips curled into a sly grin. "We're looking for a yellow stone that glows. But tell me, where are all your villagers? The place looks... empty."
Roland kept his composure, his tone steady. "The villagers? Oh, they've scattered for their daily work. Some are out hunting, others trading. Life here keeps us busy, even in times of uncertainty."
The commander narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "Strange. A village of this size, and not a soul in sight? No children, no elders... curious, isn't it?"
Roland shrugged lightly, gesturing to two chests filled with gemstones. "Take these. If the stone you seek is here, it's yours. Surely this should satisfy your search."
The commander's greed lit up his face as he inspected the treasures. But before he could leave, a hooded woman whispered something in his ear.
The commander's expression darkened. He drew his sword, pointing it at Roland. "Search every inch of this village! Tear it apart if you have to!"
The army fanned out across the quiet village, their steel boots stomping against cobblestone streets, their eyes scanning for anything out of place. Among them, two warriors were assigned to a modest-looking house tucked into a corner of the village.
"Something's off about this one," one of them muttered, his voice low and uneasy.
"I'll stay out here, in case someone tries to run," the other replied, gripping his sword. "You go inside."
The first warrior nodded, pushing the wooden door open. It creaked loudly, its sound swallowed by the suffocating silence inside. The house was pitch black, save for faint moonlight slipping through the cracks of a boarded window.
With a whispered incantation, the warrior ignited his blade, flames licking the edges of the steel. The glow illuminated his path, casting long, flickering shadows against the walls.
He crept further in, his breathing shallow. A faint sound caught his attention—a low, guttural noise, almost like breathing, coming from beneath his feet. His pulse quickened as he found the stairs leading to a basement, the noise growing louder with each step.
The basement reeked of dampness and decay. Water dripped from the ceiling, each drop echoing like a death knell in the enclosed space. As his flaming blade illuminated the room, his eyes widened in horror.
There, crouched in the far corner, was a black panther. Its size was unnatural—its body rippling with muscle, its eyes glowing like twin embers in the darkness. The beast's claws scraped against the stone floor, a sharp, grating sound that sent a shiver down his spine.
Before he could react, the panther lunged. Its massive jaws clamped down on his leg, pulling him to the ground. His scream barely escaped his throat before it was drowned in gurgling blood.
The beast was ruthless, tearing through him with primal ferocity. Its claws raked across his chest, splitting armor and flesh with sickening ease. Limbs were ripped apart, one by one, until the floor was painted crimson with gore. His lifeless body was left in a grotesque heap, his entrails spilling out like a macabre display of savagery.
Outside, the other warrior waited, his impatience growing. He called out, his voice cutting through the still night air, "What's taking so long?"
But the only answer was the faint echo of dripping water and the lingering scent of blood wafting from the doorway.
Back at the gate, the commander turned to Roland.
"Your village's rules… they're odd. Why give food and money to strangers? Are you insane?"
Roland's gaze was unwavering.
"People like you are the reason we do this. If everyone did their part, the world could heal. But as long as people like you cling to power, the world will only get worse."
The commander sneered. "You fool. The world needs balance. Change it, and everything crumbles."
Their tense exchange was interrupted as an archer ran up, pale-faced. "Commander! The search squads haven't returned. We've lost contact."
The commander's eyes narrowed. "Lost contact? How? This village is a dust pile! Find them—now!"
Roland smirked, masking the pounding of his heart. "Seems your soldiers might've underestimated my village. Maybe they ran into something they couldn't handle."
The commander's suspicions flared. He scanned the surroundings, but Roland's composure gave nothing away. Then, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Geo, in eagle form, was soaring above, circling the village.
"There!" a soldier shouted, pointing upward.
Archers nocked their arrows and let them fly, the deadly projectiles streaking through the sky. Geo weaved through the barrage, his movements precise and desperate. But one arrow grazed his wing, sending him tumbling out of sight beyond the village walls.
"Commander! The bird's down!"
Roland stiffened, his voice rising in panic. "Geo!" His fists clenched, but he kept his position at the gate.
The commander laughed coldly. "You're a sentimental fool, crying over a bird. Archers, retrieve it. And you..." He turned his glare to Roland. "If I don't find what I'm looking for soon, I'll burn this village to the ground!"
As the commander barked orders, Roland retreated into the village. He entered the hidden entrance to the underground shelter, where the villagers were huddled in silence. "Stay quiet and stay hidden," he whispered. His voice carried authority but also deep sorrow.
Nearby, the village protectors stood armed and ready. One stepped forward, placing a gauntlet in Roland's hand.
"Leader," the protector said solemnly. "We cannot stay idle while you fight alone. Let us help."
Roland hesitated, glancing at the frightened faces of the villagers. Then, his resolve hardened. He slipped the gauntlet on, its weight familiar and empowering. "Fine. But remember, our first duty is to protect these people."
The protectors nodded in unison, their loyalty unwavering.
With a thunderous strike, Roland slammed his gauntlet into a hidden exit door, shattering the barrier and creating a path to the surface. Dust and debris filled the air as Roland and the protectors surged out, meeting the advancing knights head-on.
The clash was immediate and brutal. Steel rang against steel, and the protectors fought with a ferocity that took the enemy by surprise. The protectors' precise coordination and determination began to turn the tide, inching closer to the commander's stronghold as chaos erupted around them.
A sudden chill swept through the air as the mage struck, her hand raised in a subtle, dismissive gesture. Black smoke billowed around Roland and the others, locking their bodies in place. His muscles screamed in resistance, but the magic held firm. Every attempt to move was met with suffocating stillness. Grinding his teeth, Roland glared at the mage, knowing time was running out.
Hovering above them, her nails gleaming under the dim light, the mage grinned. "You sure are old, but your energy… it's vibrant, isn't it? You're going to be so much fun."
A shrill voice cut through the tension. "BRING THE STONE NOW, OR I'LL TEAR HIM TO PIECES AND DRINK HIS BLOOD! HAHAHA!" The hooded girl, her dark eyes wild, shouted with gleeful malice.
Before the tension could snap, a deafening crash interrupted everything. Something massive fell from the sky, slamming into the desert with earth-shaking force. Sand and smoke erupted, shrouding the battlefield in chaos.
Through the haze, a towering figure emerged, amber eyes glowing like molten lava. The beast crushed knights beneath its feet as it strode forward, radiating power. The mage, frantic, used wind magic to clear the smoke—but the figure vanished before her eyes.
A deep rumbling vibrated through the ground. The earth cracked, and a massive black hand shot up, gripping the commander's leg. With terrifying strength, the unseen creature flung him through the air, slamming him into a distant wall.
The mage cursed under her breath, rushing to the commander. "Brother, are you all right?" Her hands glowed as she healed him quickly.
"Burn the village!" he growled, his voice seething with rage. "Light it all down!"
The order was given. Fire arrows rained down as mages ignited the village, flames spreading with devastating speed. Villagers screamed, trapped by the encircling army as their homes turned to ash. Every attempt to escape was met with deadly resistance.
At the edge of the village, a lone villager tried to flee. Knights raised their bows, ready to take him down—but the ground erupted beneath them. A massive black panther sprang forth, its jaws crushing their legs. It tore through them with ruthless precision, scattering blood and armor in its wake.
The panther shifted, its dark fur melting into feathers. In moments, it transformed into a sleek eagle, launching itself into the air. Diving with deadly grace, it slashed through the knights' faces and eyes, leaving a bloody trail in its wake.
In mere moments, twenty knights lay dead, their bodies strewn across the battlefield. A brief silence followed, the air thick with smoke and tension. The villagers clung to a fragile hope, watching as the beast, their savior, prepared for its next move.
While the commander was being healed, the mage removed her hood, revealing light blue skin, as pale as the moon. Her black, straight hair framed her shoulders as she snarled, "YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!" She summoned dark smoke that coiled around Roland, dragging him toward her.
Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky, wielding a glowing light sword. With a swift slash, the blade tore through the smoke-binding Roland. The man, blonde-haired and amber-eyed, wore a scarf fluttering in the wind.
"I'm sorry, Roland. This is my fault," the man said, his voice heavy with regret.
Roland stared at him, bewildered. "Wait, who are you?"
The man smiled faintly. "My name is Taka, but you called me Geo. I was protecting the stone my master gave me... but I failed. I put your village in danger. Please, forgive me."
The mage's expression twisted into fury. "SO, you're Dove's servant? I'll destroy you—"
Before she could finish, the commander placed a hand on her shoulder, locking Geo in a cold stare. "I'll kill you and rip that stone out of you."
The mage giggled, her sadistic joy evident. "Oh my god, brother's ANGRY! Yeah, you're screwed now!"
Roland, gritting his teeth, turned to Geo. "Geo, it's not your fault. We'll beat them. We got this."
Geo hesitated but nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "But my name is—"
"Geo suits you better," Roland cut him off with a faint smile. Turning to the protectors, he barked, "Protect the villagers! Leave us. Now!"
The protectors bowed. "Yes, sir! Thank you for everything, leader." They rushed off, leaving Roland and Geo standing side by side, ready to fight.
As the mage and commander charged, fire arrows rained down on the village. Geo transformed into an eagle, soaring toward the commander with breathtaking speed. But the commander was ready—he caught Geo mid-flight, choking him with terrifying strength.
In an instant, Geo's body shifted, twisting into a massive snake that coiled around the commander's limbs, squeezing with crushing force.
The mage rushed to aid her brother, but Roland slammed his gauntleted fist into the ground. The earth trembled, swallowing her in a sinkhole of quicksand.
The commander, struggling against the snake's grip, was left vulnerable. Geo shifted again, this time into a panther, slashing the commander's right eye. A bloodcurdling scream erupted as the commander fell to his knees, blood pouring from his face.
The mage's high-pitched scream echoed through the battlefield. Hovering above, consumed by rage, she raised her arms. A massive black cloud formed overhead, unleashing a torrent of acid rain that spared only her brother.
Geo desperately tried to shield him as the corrosive rain melted Roland's skin. Roland writhed in pain but whispered, "Geo, you're a good person... protect the stone. It's causing your transformations, isn't it?"
Geo, horrified, nodded. "Y-yeah... but we should leave!"
"You have to go," Roland insisted, his voice weakening. "I can't move. I'm dead. Just go... discover who you are."
"No! I'm not leaving you!" Geo shouted, anguish in his voice.
"Yes, you are," Roland said firmly, his body breaking apart under the rain. "Go... and find yourself."
The mage laughed cruelly. "You can't escape. The village is sealed. You're trapped, like a caged animal."
Geo, desperate, transformed into a snake and burrowed underground. Hours passed as he dug tirelessly, shifting into different forms to reach deeper. Finally, he struck a hard surface, but the lack of oxygen began to suffocate him.
"I'm sorry, Roland... I'm sorry, Master..." Geo choked through tears. "At least no one will find the stone here." Roland's final words echoed in his mind: Discover who you are.
When the sun rose, the village lay in ashes. The commander sat on a bench, his injured eye covered as he coughed up blood.
His sister approached, her expression cold. "I'm sorry, brother... we couldn't find it. He's likely dead."
The commander grimaced. "Oh, he's not going to be happy about this."
His sister smirked wickedly. "Don't worry. We'll find it eventually. Besides..." Her eyes gleamed with malice. "I found a new toy to play with. Hahaha."
The commander winced. "Yeah... but how does my eye look?"
Her eyes turned fully black as she muttered, "When I find him... he'll wish he was never born."
Suddenly I woke up, gasping for air. My chest heaved as it struggled to take in its surroundings. Instead of My familiar bed, I found myself lying on the damp forest floor. Towering trees swayed gently above me, their leaves casting shifting shadows in the pale moonlight. The cool air smelled of earth and moss, starkly contrasting to the desert warmth he had always known.
My mind started racing. The nightmare still gripped Me—the battle, the screams, the acid rain. It all felt too real.
Was it just a dream? Or something more? Who was Geo? Who were those people? What's Happening to me?
The faint rustling of leaves nearby snapped my attention am I alone, had someone kidnap me here?