The dawn broke softly, the first light of day casting a warm glow over the city. In a shadowed alley, Riona lay motionless on the cold ground. Her eyelids fluttered open as a sliver of sunlight touched her face, illuminating her awakening.
Riona's senses stirred, each one a new revelation. She lifted a trembling hand to her cheek, feeling the breeze caress her skin. Her fingers traced her face, taking in the strange, wondrous sensation. A small, soft smile began to form as she caught the smell of fresh bread wafting from a nearby bakery.
What is this feeling...?
A sudden ache filled her stomach, a sensation entirely foreign to her. Confused, she looked down, resting a hand on her abdomen as the aroma of bread drew her in. The pain intensified, sharp and relentless.
Why does it hurt so much?
Riona tried to push herself off the ground, willing her limbs to obey. But her new body was weak, shaky, and unfamiliar. She struggled, her arms trembling beneath her weight until, with a soft gasp, she collapsed back onto the ground, her palms scraping against the rough stone. Tears pricked at her eyes as pain, another unfamiliar sensation, coursed through her.
Ow...
She looked around, eyes pleading as people bustled past the alley, blurred figures in her vision. They moved, spoke, laughed, yet none of them saw her. Not one paused to notice her struggle.
Why won't anyone help me?
Images flickered through her mind, memories of yesterday—of the celestial god, glowing with power, reaching out to her. It had granted her deepest wish, turning her into a human. But why? Why give her life only to throw her into this harsh, unfeeling world?
Humans almost never act like humans, she thought, watching as people hurried past without a second glance. They don't realize it, but humanity ceased to exist long ago.
A spark of determination flared within her. She couldn't give in, not now. She had waited an eternity for this chance, to live, to feel. She knew how humans acted, she had seen countless lives and learned their ways.
I have lived a thousand lives, she reminded herself, I know how they act.
With renewed resolve, she forced herself to her feet, ignoring the sting of her scraped knees. She took a shaky step forward, then another, her gaze fixed on the bakery sign, the promise of food and warmth.
I need food...
As she neared the entrance, a man stepped in front of her, blocking her path. His gaze was cold, his sneer sharp as he looked down at her with disdain.
"Out of the way, peasant."
Riona's cheeks flushed with shame as she looked down at her clothes—simple, worn, so different from those around her. The word echoed in her mind, heavy and degrading.
Peasant...?
The man's expression grew harsher as he pointed away from the bakery, dismissive and unkind. "We don't serve your kind here. Begone."
Her heart sank as his words struck her, each one a reminder of her place in this world. Shoulders slumped, she turned away, watching as finely dressed patrons entered the bakery without a second thought.
I don't belong here...
Tears pricked at her eyes as she hurried back to the dimly lit alley, her sanctuary from the cruel outside world. Pressing herself against the cold brick wall, her breathing came in shallow, unsteady gasps as she tried to process the pain and loneliness pressing down on her.
I thought being human would be different...
But she couldn't give up. She wouldn't. Wiping away her tears, she straightened, determination sparking in her gaze. I won't give up.
Stepping back onto the street, Riona lifted her chin, facing the crowd with renewed courage. She might not belong, but she would create her place here, even if she had to carve it out herself.
Inside the bakery, the man who had shunned her seemed dazed, his expression confused. His wife looked at him with concern. "What's wrong with you, dear? You've always loved helping children."
He touched his temple, frowning. "I... I don't know. Something just came over me."
A shadow shifted briefly behind him, something dark and barely noticeable.
Riona wandered the streets until she encountered a small group of children, their faces grimy and clothes ragged. They huddled together, their eyes sharp with suspicion as they looked at her.
"Hey, who are you?" one of them asked, voice wary.
She knelt beside them, offering a gentle smile. "I'm Riona. What are you all doing here?"
The children glanced at each other before one spoke up. "We live on the streets. We have to beg or steal to survive," he muttered bitterly.
Another chimed in, her voice full of resignation. "No one cares about us. They look right through us."
Riona's heart ached as she listened, her gaze drifting to a wealthy family passing by, oblivious to the suffering around them. How can this be? Some live in luxury while these children suffer so much...
She looked back at the children, their faces filled with desperation and despair. A fire ignited within her. She wouldn't let them suffer as she had. She would give them hope, a family they could count on.
"If they won't help us," she declared, standing up, "we'll help ourselves. We're stronger than they think."
The children's eyes widened, glimmers of hope lighting their expressions. One stood, his fists clenched in determination. "Yeah! We can do it!"
Encouraged by the spark of hope she saw, Riona huddled with them, planning and laughing as they shared ideas for survival. They spoke of places to find food, shelters where they could sleep safely.
At the end of their planning, she stood on a small crate, addressing them with a proud smile. "We are a family now. We stick together, we help each other, and we never give up!"
The children cheered, their spirits lifted, their smiles wide. And as they walked down the street together, Riona led them, their despair replaced by hope and camaraderie.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, Riona looked forward, a new beginning unfolding before her.
This is just the beginning.