“Worthless shit!” the waste of flesh my mom married yelled as they slugged me.

Apparently, wanting to buy myself food instead of him booze was a horrific sin. How much more is he going to punch me? I am going to be sore for work now. This is probably not good. The floor felt so cold. I wish I had my social security card and birth certificate so I could move out. He was really winding up his swings today. I have to leave for work soon.

Should I fight back? My malnourished body barely had any muscle. It would only piss him more being honest. If I leave soon enough, I might be able to grab some food beforehand. The garbage was still punching me. Seriously? Do you not get bored? So macho. Not like punching me is going to make money appear.

The beating continued for another five minutes before he finally switched to kicking me. Ah yes, the variety pack. He gave me a few solid kicks to the skull. I curled up, trying to protect my head a little bit. I am going to be so sore later. The piece of crap grabbed his straight razor and started forcibly shaving my head.

“I thought I said to keep your hair short!” he roared. I could barely move. I felt blood begin trickling down my head. Just great.

He finished, and I could tell I was bleeding severely. Nothing a few butterfly stitches won’t fix. He went off somewhere, so I peeled myself off the floor. I went to the bathroom, where I butterfly stitched the cuts on my head closed. I cleaned off the blood and looked at myself in the mirror. I was heavily bruised. A few of these are going to swell up. Thankfully no black eyes this time.

I need to figure out where my documents are. Only reason I haven’t left; I don’t have my documents. I can’t figure out how to get replacements either. I have nothing for them. I could hear him storm out the door. I changed into my work uniform. I walked out and did a quick sweep. I’m here alone. I got nine minutes to search.

I already checked the vents, safe, and more obvious locations. There are no floorboards. I’ve checked the ceiling tiles already. I’m confident they don’t have a lockbox at a bank. I quickly rummaged through the cabinets, looking for my documents. There’s no guarantee they’re even here though. Nothing. I looked in the freezer. Maybe today is the day.

I searched through the various bags and boxes. I had to be careful moving the bottles around. I finally reached the back of the freezer, and the final few boxes. Please be in here. Please be in here. In the second to last box, I finally found them. YES! SWEET FREEDOM! I sprinted to my room and grabbed my hidden cash. I can finally get out of this hellhole. I grabbed my winter coat as I left the apartment for the final time.

There was a minor blizzard outside. I passed the sack of filth smoking in the stairwell as I left. See you never again! As I walked down the stairs, I was having a bit of trouble balancing. That’s not good, but never again. My head was pounding. There was an odd metallic taste in my mouth. I wiped my mouth, and realized my nose was bleeding. It just keeps getting better.

It was quite cold outside as I trekked to the bus stop. Something was off as I made my way to the bus stop. I was having difficulty moving through the snow. I took more of a beating than I realized. Does everything look weird because of the blizzard, or because my vision is blurry? I’ll be able to tell when I reach work.

I navigated the alleys before finally coming out to the street the bus station was on. I looked down the block and saw the bus was already at the stop with no one loading. That’s not good. I broke into as much of a sprint as I was capable of. Did I search the freezer too long? Am I moving a bit slow today? Unfortunately, the doors were already closing by the time I started sprinting. Before I even made it a block, the bus was pulling away. Just great. I checked my watch, which I was having a hard time reading in the poor lighting. If I was reading the time right, I could barely make it to work on time if I walked. Probably not getting to eat before my shift.

Don’t have much of a choice. I thought to myself.

Thus began my trek through the blizzard to work. Even wearing my uniform and winter coat, it was bitterly cold outside. The wind was cutting to the bone. I pulled the hood on my coat over my face a little better. Hopefully the cold helps reduce the swelling. The frigid temperature at least made my headache a bit more tolerable. Five miles in an hour and a half. Easily doable. Just have to remain motivated. Wish the weather didn’t suck.

It was so fucking cold. I trudged through the snow, humming happily to myself. I found my documents. I found them. Sweet freedom! I should’ve checked the freezer sooner. What moron keeps documents in a freezer? I was too excited to really care though. I definitely feel a bit nauseous. I hope it’s because I really haven’t eaten today. I kept moving through the snow, just slowly making my way towards work. At least the kitchen will be nice and warm.

After a while, I could finally see the restaurant. Whew. I turned into the nearby alley and entered through the backdoor. The temperature easily jumped seventy degrees when I stepped inside. That’s much better. I took off my coat and hung it on the rack. I got a few glances. I probably look pretty bad.

“Mother Theresa’s tits boy, did you start making extra money as a punching bag?” the head chef asked me.

“I look that good huh?” I asked back.

“You seem awfully chipper.” He observed.

“I finally found my documents. I can finally move out and never look back.” I replied.

“So you’re coming home with me?” He checked.

“At long last you finally getting me to go home with you. Better not try anything funny.” I told him.

“Not everyone wants to pound you. You not that good looking.” The head chef teased.

“Enough chit chat. Clock in and get to work. Your shift starts in less than a minute.” The manager snapped at me.

“Yes sir.” I said mockingly.

“Why is your nose bleeding?” the head chef asked.

“Probably the beating I took.  Also got a monstrous headache.” I replied.

“We’ll keep an eye on you. To your station.” The head chef informed me.

I walked over to the entremetier station. My knives were already laid out. Thank you head chef. My station looked a bit off. Maybe today is just one of those days. Today was a nice and slow day in the kitchen. It was just hours of prepping and cooking vegetables. It’s my job granted, but not a heavy workday. My headache did not improve as my shift went on. I was drinking a bit of water, which did nothing to make me feel better. It was hard to find time to swallow from calling out times.

“Are you okay?” the head chef asked.

“Why?” I asked back.

“Your ‘Yes sirs’ and times are getting a bit slurred.” The head chef informed me.

“Just tired.” I replied.

“Your speech in general actually. Your nose bleed has not stopped either.” He told me, looking at me a bit concerned.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Look directly at me.” He told me.

I did as he asked, and he was looking at my eyes with increasing concern. The manager walked over, and his face shifted from irritated to concerned. That’s probably not good. If he looks concerned, I’ve got to look bad. Other than my crushing headache, I felt fine. The looks on their faces had me feeling a bit uneasy.

“What’s wrong?” I probed.

“Your pupils look off. We should take you to a hospital.” The head chef said.

“I’m fine. I can’t afford the hospital either way.” I replied.

“Keep an eye on him.” The manager ordered.

I powered through the rest of my shift, with them occasionally checking on me. It was a bit concerning the looks they were giving me. My headache was not improving. I began using the stool that was by my station. After a bit more, they asked me to take a break while giving me some food. Why is it hard for me to swallow? My nausea was making it hard to eat. It was just not my day.

The end of my shift finally arrived. The head chef insisted I just sit still while everyone else closed. Normally, that kind of behavior was met with glares, but everyone just let it slide. I must look terrible. Not that I mind, my head is killing me. After everything was closed, the head chef motioned for me to go with him. Sweet freedom, here we go. I stood up, got off the stool, and fell to the ground. Oh, that’s not good.

I tried standing back up, but my body gave out. The staff rushed over, with someone yelling. I hate yelling. Why am I thinking about that? I have more important concerns. Am I dying? I tried moving again, but everyone was trying to keep me still. Someone was roaring to call an ambulance. Everything was spinning around me. Could I win just once? Please? I can’t die like this. I finally got free; not like this.

Part of me wanted to let the head chef know not to blame himself if I croaked. Not like if I survive I could afford the hospital bill. I tried forming words, but even to me they sounded slurred. Is this how it ends? Everything slowly began fading to black. Goodbye, I guess.

*

The following events were a blur. I was hearing strange noises all around me. Am I awake? Am I dead? I’m not in pain. I could also be medicated. I had no concept of how much time passed. I tried moving a few times, but my body refused to respond. This hospital bill is going to be so expensive; I’d much rather have died than try and pay this off.

Whenever I opened my eyes, they were covered by some cloth. I recognized none of the voices nearby. There was an odd pressure all over my skin. I could feel a soft blanket wrapped around me tightly. Am I swaddled in this blanket?

Then came a very odd sensation. It felt like I was being picked up. I know I am pretty thin, but to lift me this effortlessly is very disconcerting. I began moving, not of my own volition though. Whoever picked me up was moving us. I likely have a brain injury and you’re moving me? I noticed the feeling of crisp, cool air against my skin. Taking me outside?

Suddenly, I became weightless as the wind began rushing by me. The cloth that was covering my eyes blew away, revealing a stunning night sky. I could see galaxies it was so clear. The moon was picturesque, possessing a light blue hue as it shined in the sky above. There were a few, distant, smaller moons or planets that were green, red, and purple. It was absolutely breathtaking. How is a view like this possible in the city? Wait a second, why am I seeing multiple moons or planets in the night sky? That’s not possible.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I looked around, and realized I was being carried by a giant with wings. There was a male and female giant with wings flying through the sky. What? How are they flying? Why do they have wings? What is going on? I looked around a bit panicked. I finally looked at my body. It was tiny. I tried moving my arms, and nothing really happened. I tried saying something, but incomprehensible noises came out. HOW AM I A BABY?!

“It’s okay my little Karu. We’ll be there shortly.” The female, who was holding me, told me. Is my name Karu? What kind of name is Karu? She sounded like she was keeping back tears. Her voice had an odd angelic quality.

“Is Ash actually trying to talk, Pand?” the male asked. Is my name Ash or Karu? His voice was kind of singsong.

“I think he is. Who’s my little Karu, Ash? Goo goo gah.” Pand replied. So, my name is Ash, and Karu is some term. Ash is much better than Karu.

“Where am I?” I tried asking. What came out was waa a I. Okay, I am a baby. I have the vocals of a baby.

“He’s talking to us Ras!” Pand stated excitedly. She definitely sounded upset.

“It’ll be okay Pand; it won’t be forever. It’ll only be temporary.” Ras comforted Pand.

“What are you talking about?” I tried asking. More baby sounds came out.

I tried to reach out, but it felt like I was trying to lift a mountain. The odd pressure on my body was getting kind of annoying. It’s not the blanket. I was fidgeting, trying to shake the pressure. What is this? It felt like I was moving much more than my body.

“Look who’s trying to use their !” Pand praised. ? I have ! That’s amazing!

My efforts were definitely more fervent after hearing that. ! I live in a world with ! Okay, maybe I have won! Sure, I died, but this is awesome! I have two parents this time! Well, they can’t possibly be worse than my last ones. To be fair, that bar is incredibly low. Never knew my father last time; he left before I was born. My birth giver and her partner choice literally killed me. Look on the bright side. ! I’m so excited about ! I finally get a win in life!

We were moving through the sky. Can I fly too? Do I have wings? I was torn on admiring the night sky or trying to use . I couldn’t really look anywhere but the sky. I could see my mother though. Ras was near impossible for me to look at for long thanks to my baby muscles. My mother had long, flowing white hair, and bright yellow eyes. Her skin looked like it was made of porcelain. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Am I going to be attractive in this life too?

I tried using again. I had no idea what I was doing. As we moved into wherever we were going, I could see buildings start to rise around us. It seemed like there was a city in the sky above the buildings as we moved towards our destination. Is there an actual city up there? My parents were weaving through some dense alleys. I wonder where we are going. My mother was looking progressively more upset the further we traveled.

After a while, we reached a large building. My mother looked quite distraught by the time we reached it. Why does she look sad? Someone opened the door, and I heard an audible gasp. I wish I knew what was going on.

“What are you two doing here?” the person asked. She had a stern, authoritative voice.

“We need to ask a favor of you Unn.” Ras replied.

“What could I possibly do for you two?” Unn inquired.

“We- we- we-“ Pand stammered. I could see tears welling up in her eyes.

“We need you to watch our son for us.” Ras informed Unn. What?

“You two are going through with it?” Unn asked them.

“We must; we’ve reached a point of no return. It’s not safe with us. We need to hide him until it’s over. We’re willing to compensate you.” Ras explained. My mother looked like she was about to bawl.

“So you are hiding him all the way out in Medius? Why not above in Gyzga? You should be plenty far in Mizor.” Unn asked.

“We trust you. Please watch over him until we return. We need him to be virtually impossible to find.” Ras explained.

“I understand. I’ll watch him for you.” Unn sighed.

“We’ll be back before you know it.” My mother choked out at me, trying not to break down crying.

“Here is a bangle for him to wear. It will suppress his . We’re not sure which one of us he takes after, but on the chance it’s Pand, it will at least suppress his so there are no accidents.” Ras explained as he slipped a bangle on me. The odd pressure around me vanished; it was replaced with this odd stuffy feeling. I want my . Pand began crying softly.

“Do you know how long it’ll be?” Unn asked.

“We have no idea. We need to leave him here until it’s safe.” Ras replied.

Sure. Sure. Until it’s safe. Reality is a heartless bitch. Getting abandoned by both parents this time. Great. Just great. At least I have this time around. I get to be an orphan! Whoopie! In all honesty, not like my life could be worse this time around. They at least seem upset about leaving me. Did my mother at least feel something when I died now that I think about it?

“We will always love you, Ash.” Ras told me.

“I bet. Sure, you do.” I told them. Only baby sounds came out. My mother at least looked comforted by the sounds I made.

“I’ll guard him with my life. What’s his name?” Unn probed.

“Ash. His name is Ash.” My mother answered between sobs.

“We will try to keep in contact. Thank you so much for hiding him for us.” Ras told Unn.

“Do you want me to teach him things?” Unn asked.

“If you can, teach him to use his and to fight. We hopefully shouldn’t be gone long, and you won’t need to.” Ras replied.

“I understand. You realize we do get people who come in here to adopt, right? What do you want me to do in those cases?” Unn asked. Adopt? They are putting me in an orphanage. Wow.

“Absolutely not. I do not care what excuses you have to make; Ash needs to remain here.” My mother replied.

“Okay. I’ll guard him with my life. I’ll make sure he’s hidden so no one ever finds him.” Unn promised them. And the good news just keeps rolling in!

“We’ll return for you as soon as we can my little Karu. We will always love you Ash.” My mother promised.

“Goodbye Ash. I promise we’ll be back as soon as possible.” My father told me. I finally got to see his face. He had emerald eyes, semi-short red hair, and moderately tanned skin.

“Bye I guess.” I told them. They seemed comforted by the baby sounds that came out. My mother begrudgingly handed me over to Unn.

My parents left, my mother still sobbing. Unn stayed there until they were apparently out of sight. She looked down at me, and I could get a good look at her. Unn had a tight brown bun, with plain brown eyes. Her light brown skin was lightly freckled. She had a tense expression and was just glaring at me.

Unn walked into the orphanage. She walked for several minutes, grabbed something with her other hand, and moved through the orphanage again. This place is quite large. After walking up a few flights of stairs, we entered a room. Unn roughly set down what was in her other hand, and then set me in it. This is a cradle. She produced a blanket from somewhere and          tucked it around me. My stomach growled. Unn looked at me with a perplexed expression. My stomach growled again.

“Are you hungry?” Unn asked.

“Yes.” I tried answering. It came out like ya’a.

“Why are you not crying?” Unn pondered to herself.

She left the room to go get something. Now that I was alone, I immediately tried taking off the bangle. Unfortunately, baby me had nowhere near the coordination needed to accomplish it. I will use my . They aren’t taking the one good thing I have from me. I fidgeted around, trying to remove the blasted thing. Out of frustration I tried shaking my arm. The bangle refused to fall off. Unn returned and saw me trying to remove the bangle.

“No. You must leave it on.” Unn lectured.

“No.” I replied. It came out more like naa. Blasted baby vocal cords.

“You must be hungry. Here.” Unn said.

She lifted me and proceeded to feed me some of the most horrific sludge I ever tasted. The texture was akin to water downed toothpaste. It tasted like a horrific blend of oatmeal and olives. What is this sludge? I immediately began trying to spit it out.

“I know, the taste isn’t the best, but it’s high in nutrients. It will help your body grow strong. It also helps your .” Unn told me. I conceded, choking down the offensive sludge.

“What an odd baby. It’s like you can understand what I’m saying.” Unn muttered to herself.

“I can.” I replied. The only part that sounded correct was the I.

“I wonder how old you are. I should’ve asked. You can’t be more than a week old looking at you.” Unn said, clearly talking to herself.

I resumed my efforts to remove the bangle. Unn stopped me immediately and waved her finger at me. She handed me a rattle. I immediately tossed it aside and tried to pull the bangle off. I want my . Unn took away the rattle and handed me a really fluffy stuffed ball. That is not my bangle being off Unn. I dropped the ball and renewed my efforts.

“What is your obsession with this bangle? Is it that uncomfortable?” Unn asked.

“Yes.” I answered. I want the pressure back, not this odd stuffy feeling. I need to work on my blasted baby vocals. I continued to try and take it off.

“Stop Ash.” Unn snapped at me.

Every time I started trying to remove the bangle, Unn would stop me. She was sitting nearby, and the instant she heard motion, she would come and stop me. After twenty minutes of struggling with me, she swaddled the blanket around me so tightly I couldn’t get my arms free. I glared at her in response. Unn was looking right back.

“As stubborn as your father apparently.” Unn sighed, clearly exasperated.

I struggled against my cloth prison. I will get my back. Unn had tucked it incredibly tight. I felt this odd sensation in my body as I fought against my infernal confines. What is this feeling? The more I moved, the more the feeling spread.

“Stubborn baby.” Unn told herself as she worked on whatever she was doing.

I had no idea what she was doing during this time. It’s not outside my body. What is this? I focused on my arms. How can I wiggle these sausages to break free and take off the bangle? The sensation shifted to my arms. I renewed my efforts, finally making some progress on my prison. Did I get stronger? This is a lot easier all of a sudden. With my newfound power, I freed my arms from the blasted blanket. Mwahahaha.

Now that I was free, I resumed my efforts to remove the bangle. Controlling my baby limbs was a herculean task. Unn came to investigate the noise I was making. She looked perplexed my arms were free.

“How did you free your arms?” Unn asked herself.

“Easily.” I tried. I suck at forming consonants.

“I must be tired. Was not expecting to be up one baby tonight.” Unn said to herself.

She reimprisoned me in the blanket. I will not be so easily defeated. I moved around a bit, to get the sensation building up. I focused on my arms again, and the strength returned. I have no idea what this is, but it is effective. After a couple of minutes, my arms were free again. Now if only I could figure out how to get coordinated enough to take this bangle off. Unn materialized next to the crib and looked at me. She’s too vigilant.

“How far out of it am I? How can I not properly swaddle a baby?” Unn asked herself. She left and returned with someone a few minutes later. I could barely hear the second person move.

“This baby is Ash. He is a new arrival. I cannot seem to swaddle him properly today.” Unn told the newcomer.

“Okay.” A man replied. His voice was deep and husky. Some very strong hands wrapped the blanket much tighter around me.

“Thank you Aut.” Unn said.

“Want me to stay around just in case?” Aut asked.

“It should be fine. Thank you.” Unn replied. The two of them walked away. I couldn’t hear if Aut left.

I started wiggling again. I got the motion down and put the odd sensation back in my arms. With the strength restored yet again, I was able to break free from the blanket yet again. It was definitely starting to wear me out. What is this? I wish I knew. But with my arms free, I could attempt to remove the bangle again.

“What a talented little baby.” Aut said, materializing above me.

“What the fuck?!” I yelped. It came out more as a waaa da faa.

“What do you mean?” Unn asked.

“He’s using . That’s how he’s getting free.” Aut explained.

“He’s a baby! How could he be using ?” Unn demanded.

“Wait, why isn’t he crying?” Aut probed.

“What do you mean?” Unn asked.

“I just materialized in front of this baby, clearly startled him, and he just is staring at me.” Aut explained.

“Make sure he isn’t trying to take his bangle off again. I’m not sure you startled him.” Unn sighed.

“It almost sounded like he said what the forl.” Aut joked.

“Do not swear in front of a baby!” Unn snapped. Keeping that word noted for later.

“I’m sorry, we have apparently got another orphan to look after that has talent for . There’s something off about him.” Aut retorted.

“What’s off? What basis do you have for that?” Unn probed.

“I don’t know. The way he’s looking at me. There’s comprehension in those eyes of his.” Aut answered.

“You’re nuts.” Unn retorted.

“Really?” Aut challenged. He reached down, picked me up, and began lightly tossing me up and down.

“You’re going to make him start crying!” Unn snarled.

I was then surrounded by an odd feeling and began flying around the room. I realized, Aut wasn’t even touching me. Unn was glaring at Aut. I finally got a good look at Aut. He was a mountain of a man; his muscles had muscles he was so ripped. Aut towered over Unn, being possibly as tall as the doorways. His skin was an incredibly dark color, which matched his near black eyes. I thought I was hallucinating because he had horns. Wait, there’s . There’s probably races other than humans. I wonder what he is. It was really fun being flown around the room. Aut then stopped and gently caught me.

“Again! Again!” I declared happily. I guess being here isn’t all bad.

“You might have a point.” Unn conceded.

“How many babies can you use on to fly around and have it seem to know not to fidget and have fun?” Aut asked.

“You made your point. It’s still dangerous to do that with a newborn.” Unn retorted.

“A little faith Unn. Do you dislike your bangle?” Aut asked me.

“Yes.” I answered. Again, it sounded incomprehensible.

“You should leave it on him Aut.” Unn warned.

“The bangle is clearly designed to suppress him from exerting his around him, not reinforcing his body. Doing that little bit of probably wore him out a bit. We should see what type of he possesses.” Aut replied.

“Do it at your own risk.” Unn retorted.

Aut took off the bangle. The odd pressure returned. I immediately tried something. I had no idea what I was doing. If that odd feeling was me reinforcing my body with , what if I try to move it out of my body?  It was worth testing. I honestly felt like I was failing, but Aut immediately put my bangle back on me.

“Okay, the bangle stays on.” Aut declared. Did I succeed?

“So that’s his . That bangle definitely needs to stay on.” Unn said.

What does that mean? I thought to myself.

“What are you doing with this precious little baby?” Aut asked.

“Clarify what you’re asking.” Unn snapped.

“You can’t put him near another child on the off chance he takes that bangle off. He’s going to need constant supervision until he’s older. We’re already understaffed, do we have the resources to care for a kid like this?” Aut clarified.

“We have received some new funding. I’ll watch Ash given the new information.” Unn answered.

“Where did we get new funding?” Aut asked.

“It’s been a long and busy day. It will be plenty to cover our cost.” Unn replied. My parents have enough money to at least partially fund this place, but they still abandoned me at an orphanage?

“If you say so.” Aut said.

“How do we restrain Ash? He will wiggle free using if we only use a blanket.” Unn probed.

“I have an idea.” Aut replied.

Aut walked over, looking at me. This bangle will not stop me. I will be free; I will have my . Aut reached down and swaddled me back into the cloth prison. We both know I’ll be free in a matter of minutes; this is a waste of your time. Aut looked at me with a smirk.

“There is some determination in those eyes of his.” Aut joked.

“I am wondering what innovation you are going to surprise me with.” Unn mocked.

“Hey little Ash, if you stay in the blanket till morning, I’ll show you how to properly move your through your body.” Aut told me. Hmmmm.

“Ash is a baby. There’s no way he understands what you’re saying.” Unn taunted.

“I have a feeling you might be surprised.” Aut shot back.

Aut moved from my sight, and I couldn’t tell who was still in the room with me. I don’t even know what this room is. It was an incredibly tempting deal. It would probably be smart to know how to do it properly. I live in a world of now. Maybe dying wasn’t so bad after all. I want to know how to properly use my .

I settled into my cloth prison. I have to use the bathroom. Oh no. I shifted my legs, and I was at least wearing a diaper. No. No. No. No. I began making noises. Aut appeared, looking down at me.

“Bathroom.” I tried saying.

“What’s wrong little Ash?” Aut asked.

I made more noises trying to convey the impending problem. There was another disadvantage to my baby body, it did not possess the capacity to hold it in. Aut lifted me up, set me on a table nearby, and changed my diaper. This is humiliating.

“Alerts you when he’s about to need a diaper change. What a polite baby.” Aut said.

“You’re nuts if you think he understands.” Unn replied.

“We’ll see.” Aut retorted.

I was reimprisoned and set back in the crib. Being a baby sucks. I have to eat that nasty olive oatmeal sludge and get my diapers changed. I can’t even move around much. Focus on the . Focus on the upside. The blanket was decent at least. Soft. Little fluffy. I laid there, staring at the ceiling. What are those hanging things called again? Would be a slight improvement over staring at the ceiling.

It did sting my birth parents abandoned me at an orphanage. Father in my last life. Both in this life. We are really improving things. Maybe being here wouldn’t be so bad. At least I have . I continued to stare at the ceiling. This is boring. I mulled over the events I could remember. I wanted to be free, this is the ultimate freedom from that life, I guess. I just continued thinking things over as I drifted off to sleep.