Aryn leaves the hut to greet the morning sun. His father had already gone to the fields and he would be bringing home their daily meal later.

Aryn felt the hunger gnawing at his bones, but at this point, it was just part of his daily life. His youth unhindered, he faced the day with a smile.

Hearing some children play in the distance, Aryn's curiosity took over and he began to run. His muscles burned and his body screamed for him to stop, but there was a smile on Aryn's face; he wanted to play.

A group of children were kicking around a red ball, laughing, their joy expressing itself to Aryn’s sensitive ears.

Aryn runs over. “Hey! Hey! Can I join?” He asks enthusiastically, eager to play.

The kids, sensing Aryn’s arrival, pause. In the silence they look at each other. One of them gestures to the biggest kid silently with a nod and he lets out a sigh.

The big kid walks over with heavy steps and approaches Aryn. He doesn’t say anything and simply pushes out with all his strength.

The weak Aryn couldn’t withstand the weight and immediately falls back, landing on the hard ground.

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The big kid gives Aryn a mean look. “We don’t play with dirty thieves.” He says.

Aryn’s eyes widen as the situation dawns on him. Why were they being so mean? What did Aryn do? Various thoughts scattered as Aryn’s dry eyes began to grow wet with tears. “Why… What did I do to you!?” He yells in fierce defiance.

One of the other kids steps forward; he was dressed a little nicer than the others. “Yesterday someone stole my sweet bread. It wasn’t Johnny and it wasn’t Ralphy, so it had to be you! The dirty, poor, hungry thief Aryn!” He yells, spitting out some saliva in disgust. “Now get out before we beat you to death.” He says before turning away.

Aryn frowns, his face struggling to contain his emotions as tears continue to flow freely. “No! I! Want! To! Play!” Aryn yells without a care.

The kid turns back and frowns, his face turning ugly. “It’s your funeral, thief. Go on, Johnny.” He says.

Johnny lets out a sigh and walks closer, causing Aryn to scurry backwards on the ground. “Don’t run, thief!” Johnny yells as he grabs Aryn’s thin legs. He pulls hard and when Aryn’s body was within range, Johnny began to beat down hard with his fists.

Aryn quickly covers his face with his arms but he couldn’t stop the pain from screaming. “Stop! Stop! I said stop!!!” Aryn yells.

But the beating continued, and Aryn's arms fell, his face beginning to feel the failure of his weak body.

**THUMP**

**THUMP**

Aryn’s eyes began to grow weak and his consciousness was beginning to fade… But there… In the depths of his mind… Aryn made contact with something… It was a raging river… Please… Help me… He thinks, his mind fading.

A voice lets out a humph… Help yourself… This is yours to begin with…

Aryn felt something in his mind unlock, and in that instant, his mind knew how to defend itself.

Energy coursed into the ground from Aryn’s body, then, as if it was natural, the loose dirt came together and began to compress, until…

Johnny, lost in his beating didn’t notice, but a spear made of earth had pierced into his head.

**SPLATT**

Blood spurted out and Johnny died before he understood he died. Lifeless, he collapsed onto the ground.

The other children watch this and their eyes widen. “Demon! Demon!!” They yell as they quickly scatter.

Aryn, his body beaten and lifeless, continues to lay in the dirt. But he continues to breathe… And his heart, continues to beat…