The universe was born from a drop of water—a strange fantasy trickling under the morning mist. The shard of summer dew rolled over a green world before throwing itself into the void.

The minuscule fragment of liquid crystal slit through the sleeping shade and dull fog, ending its course on the pale velvet covering his eyes. As the drop of water fell on the soft membrane came the crashing sound of glass exploding.

The thin wall locking his consciousness away had fractured. His first thought quickly replaced the void consuming his mind. A shiver ran along his harm. His back felt the harsh stone under his body, his skin the sun's soft caress.

All these sensations came to him at once.

The life giver had handed his grace, bringing back life in his sore limbs. The radiance chased the shadows away, allowing him to draw his first breath.

His lips felt dry as he opened his eyes. A few blinks allowed him to keep them that way, and for the first time, he saw the world around him.

Far above his head, a few lazy cotton giants were moving across the azure sea. The endless sky dominated the world. Even his master, resting on a throne of clouds, could not feel it all.

He took a moment to engrave the sight in his mind, scribing every detail in his blank mind. He only stopped when his pupil started to feel the warmth of the fire lord. He moved his head to the side and rested his cheek on the cold, hard soil.

Before him stood a giant pillar of quartz. The pearl-like rock was shimmering under the morning sun, and he had to keep his eyes open. He could see darker fragments within the crystal, dull yet so appealing. They called to him, inviting him closer, like a mother with her child.

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All his body was resting on the base of the crystal column. With each beat of his heart, he could feel the stone shiver, shaking him to his core. The geological marvel was his cradle, a protector that sang to him a low lullaby.

The song was not to bring him back to sleep. On the contrary, every passing second revivified his body, reminding him of the simple principle of life.

His legs were sore, and his back stiff as a plank. It was like he had not moved for weeks or perhaps decades. It took him a long minute before he managed to rise.

Finally, the lullaby faded. The thundering noise of the forest came crashing in his ears like a stormy swell. It was as much a shock as the return of his memory.

As the bird's song pierced his eardrums, who-he-was crashed into his skull like a cascade. His hand reached for the crystal, using it to keep himself from crumbling. When the broken mirror of his mind was anew, he was left shaking, sweat dripping from his forehead.

He had a name, Nikolaï, and whispering it through his dry lips was like a blessing. A sight of relief fled his body. He could remember his mother's kindness and his father's strength, the last family meal during Christmas and his first kiss at the end of the mathematics championship.

His hand ran across his blond and short hair. Then, with the tip of his index, he drew his face. Everything was back in place, and finally, he found the courage to meet his gaze. The distorted reflection was shining with calm and intellect.

Nothing had changed, yet everything was new. He had no answer for this supernatural feeling.

Chasing away the discomfort, he rose to his feet. Forthwith, he stumbled, almost falling back to the ground. He kept himself up and pushed his sore muscles to keep himself straight. His first steps were like a child's, but he swiftly reaffirmed his balance.

At last, his gaze went to the world around him. His eyes widened, his breath went mute, and only one question remained.

"Where in the hell am I?"