Chapter 1

My life was completely shattered. Witnessing a dark plume of smoke rising into the night sky, the immense flames and the agonizing cries of the people consumed a distant kingdom. I stood atop a hill, helplessly watching as it crumbled and transformed into a desolate wasteland. Tears streamed down my face, unable to fathom the fact that my beloved hometown was being devoured by the merciless flames, awaiting its inevitable demise.

Even though a gentle breeze attempted to soothe my troubled soul, it provided no solace. However, my tears were not solely for the destruction unfolding before me. You see, I longed for the presence of my older sister, yearning for her to be by my side. After the untimely demise of our parents, she was the only one who cared for me. Unfortunately, she fell victim to a recent attack from our enemy kingdom.

I wished for this war to have ended long ago, but alas, the insatiable warmongers obstructed the path to peace. I yearned for the demise of those power-hungry kings, replaced by leaders who valued harmony. Yet, the reality I inhabited was far from such a utopia.

As I gazed at the burning kingdom in the distance, memories of my sister recounting a legend flooded my mind. It was a tale that would forever be etched in my memory, shared with me before I drifted off to sleep.

"Alright, it's time for bed," my older sister's face appeared hazy in my recollection.

"Okay, big sis," I exclaimed, climbing into bed as she tucked me in.

"Now, which story would you like me to tell?" she asked.

"'The Mysterious World,'" I replied.

She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side. "Once more? This story is scary and I'm surprised you haven't received any nightmares from such a young age. This is the fifth time you've asked for that story. Aren't you tired of hearing it?"

I shook my head. "Nope, not at all. It's like my favorite story ever. Pretty please?"

My sister sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll tell you the story. Long ago, there was a newlywed couple who ascended to the throne as king and queen of the realm...

"They lived cheerfully ever after and were expecting an heir, until the king's wife fell ill. The king spared no effort in seeking help - doctors, nurses, physicians, and magicians were all summoned. However, none of them were successful in unraveling the mysterious illness that plagued the queen that day.

"Tragically, the queen passed away, leaving the king devastated and mourning the loss of his beloved. After the funeral, he attempted to move on and start a new chapter in his life.

"However, he battled to overcome the melancholy of her passing and attempted many strategies to manage. He endeavored to remarry, spend time with friends, work, and hunt, but none of these distractions could erase her from his memory.

"It was amid this time that he set out on a travel to a covered up domain, trusting to resurrect his late spouse. He searched tirelessly, facing numerous challenges, until he finally discovered a concealed wall leading to the entrance of this secret world.

"Persuaded that he had at long last come to the mysterious world and would be able to discover and restore his misplaced cherish, he was excited when he experienced her. However, his happiness was short-lived as his lost love transformed into an evil spirit. Despite his attempts to save her, he was unsuccessful and ultimately had to flee from her grasp.

"Deporably, the fiendish spirit took his life, anticipating him from ever returning to his ordinary presence. He never returned to the kingdom, and his subjects never saw or heard from him again."

"It's nice to hear that story again, sis," I remarked, snuggling under my blanket in bed.

My sister let out a sigh. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would you like a kiss and an embrace?"

I nodded eagerly. "Yes, please."

As my sister planted a kiss on my forehead and embraced me, I settled into bed with my teddy bear by my side. I glanced at my sister one last time, observing her standing tall and proud.

"Goodnight, little one," my sister said, a wide grin adorning her face.

"Goodnight.”

When I shut my eyes and drifted off to sleep as my sister extinguished the candle. With the room enveloped in darkness, silence and slumber crept in, preparing me for the day ahead.

The following day, as we strolled through the forest gathering berries, I inquired of my sister, "Have you ever attempted to bring back mommy and daddy?"

My sister's reaction was immediate as she dropped the basket upon hearing my question. "Oh, that? Well, um, uh, truth be told..." She hesitated before picking up the basket and gazing downward. "I have never engaged the thought, nor do I have the information or implies to get to that covered up domain. And I prompt you not to either."

I communicated disillusionment, tilting my head to the side, "Huh? Why not?"

"Because... I believe it is too risky," my sister responded, "We are clueless about the process or the location of that world. And…we could die from that world. So let's focus on survival instead of dwelling on the impossible."

"But I long to listen to their voices, feel their nearness, and see their grins." I kicked the ground and looked down underneath me with a disappointed scowl. “I never got a chance to see them though…”

"I understand. But we must not venture into that realm."

"Sister, I..." My desperation to reunite with our parents was evident in my expression, as it would be a first for me.

My sister's stern tone and loud refusal startled me, causing the birds to scatter. Seeing my reaction, she softened, "I apologize for raising my voice. I wanted to know what's best for you, alright?" She gently tousled my hair.

Understanding her concern, I nodded, "Okay."

With a smile, my sister urged, "Let's continue our task."

"Alright." We proceeded to gather berries before returning to our abode in the kingdom.

As I continued to witness the destruction of my kingdom, the thought of that legend sparked an idea within me. Despite my sister's rejection, I yearned to bring her back to life so that we could be together again. The loss of her voice and laughter weighed heavily on my heart, and I wished she hadn't perished in the raid.

Uncertain of the legend's authenticity, I was determined to uncover the truth. The desire to have my sister by my side consumed me. However, I had no clue where to begin my search, yet my desperation to find the answer persisted.

With tears streaming down my face, I halted my weeping and wiped away the evidence. Turning away from the devastating scene, I embarked on a journey towards an unknown destination. As I walked, I glanced back and forth, bidding farewell to a place that would forever remain etched in my memories.

I understood that once I departed, there would be no returning to the life I once knew. Gazing at the countless stars illuminating the night sky, I believed that my sister watched over me from above. Offering her a smile, I whispered, "Do not fret, dear sister. Although you may not desire to be resurrected, I long to have you back in my presence. I miss your companionship."

Despite the deafening silence that enveloped me, I convinced myself that she would be pleased if I were to bring her back to life. I knew that proving her wrong would make her proud of me.