### Chapter 1: A Flicker of Hope

In the quiet village of Rement, where the people always believed in Gods. When Arie was born with strange, patterns in his eyes, whispers spread that he was touched by the gods, marked for a purpose beyond ordinary life.

His parents took it to heart. They were sure Arie was destined to become a great warrior, one who would protect the village from any threat. But that vision came with a cost.

From a young age, Arie's life was all about strict routines. He woke up before dawn, training with his father, sparring with wooden swords that were almost too heavy for him to lift.

His mother would remind him that emotions would make him weak. "A true warrior has to let go of childish things, Arie," she'd say. "When you fight, there's no room for anything but focus."

By seven, training had consumed his entire life. While other children spent their days playing, he was running drills, learning techniques, and practicing a calm face, just as his parents wanted.

All he ever wanted, though, was to join the other children and make friends. Whenever he asked, his parents dismissed it. "Friends would only distract you," his father would say. "You're different, Arie. You have a gift. Don't waste it."

Arie began to wonder if he'd ever experience life beyond training. He would watch the other children laugh and play, shouting each other's names, comforting each other when someone fell. It seemed like another world—one he could only see from a distance.

But one evening, that world felt a little closer.

The village was holding a rare celebration. After weeks of fear, his parents had defeated a dragon that had been destroying the village's crops. Music filled the square, and villagers gathered to celebrate.

Long tables were loaded with food, and lanterns hung from the trees, casting warm, cheerful light over the square.

Arie stood on the edge, watching as the other children played nearby. He watched them chase each other around the tables, laughing so hard that they could barely run.

His heart ached with longing. He wanted so badly to join them, though he knew his parents would never allow it. They were busy in the crowd, surrounded by villagers praising them for their bravery.

Just then, a girl a little older than him noticed him standing alone. She had a bright, friendly smile and walked right up to him. "Hi!" she greeted him cheerfully. "I'm Sara. What's your name?"

Arie's eyes widened slightly. No one outside his family had ever talked to him like this. "I... I'm Arie," he answered, his voice quiet.

Sara tilted her head, studying him. "Are you here alone? Why aren't you playing with everyone?"

Arie shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his feet. "I'm not... I mean, my parents don't really let me," he mumbled. "They say... they say friends are a distraction."

Sara frowned. "That sounds lonely. Don't you ever want to play?"

Arie nodded quickly, his eyes lighting up just a bit. "Yes, I do! I mean... I watch you all play. It looks fun."

A grin spread across Sara's face. "Well, then come on! Come play with us!" She reached out a hand toward him.

Arie looked back toward his parents, his stomach in knots. "I... I can't. They'll be upset."

Sara followed his gaze. His parents were deep in conversation with a group of villagers. "Just ask them! It's a celebration, right? Maybe they'll say yes."

Taking a deep breath, Arie walked up to his parents. They barely noticed him at first, caught up in their conversation. Gathering his courage, he tugged at his mother's sleeve. She looked down, her face slightly surprised.

"What is it, Arie?" she asked, her tone firm.

"I... can I play with them?" He glanced over at Sara, who was waiting nearby with an encouraging smile. "Just this once?"

His parents exchanged a look. His father's brow furrowed, and he was about to say no, but his mother held up a hand, stopping him. "Fine," she said slowly, her voice steady. "But just for today. Don't get used to it, Arie. Remember who you are."

Arie nodded, his face breaking into a grin. He rushed back to Sara, who cheered. "Come on, Arie! We're playing tag!" she said, grabbing his hand and leading him over to the other children.

They spent the rest of the day playing every game he'd ever imagined. They raced around the tables, hid behind barrels, and laughed until their sides hurt. Arie had never felt so free. For once, he wasn't just a warrior-in-training—he was a boy, just like everyone else.

At one point, Sara leaned over, catching her breath. "You're pretty fast, Arie!" she said with a wide grin. "Did you know that?"

Arie blushed, shaking his head. "I'm not fast," he said quietly. "I just... practice a lot. My dad says I need to be strong."

"Well, you're strong *and* fast," Sara replied, giving him a playful nudge. "I think that's awesome."

They played until the celebration began to wind down. The fires were dimming, and the villagers started saying their goodbyes. As Arie and Sara stood on the edge of the square, watching the adults pack up, a sadness came over him.

Sara noticed. "Are you okay, Arie?"

He looked down. "I... I don't know. I don't get to do this often. I don't know when I'll get to play again."

Sara smiled, determined. "Don't worry. I'll come back tomorrow! We'll find a way to play, even if it's just for a little bit."

Arie's face lit up, his heart racing with hope. "Really? You mean it?"

"Of course I do!" Sara nodded, grinning. "Tomorrow, I'll find you. You'll see."

They said their goodbyes, and as Arie walked back to his parents, he held on to that promise. His heart felt light and warm, filled with a new kind of happiness. For the first time, he had something to look forward to—a hope he'd never known before.