• Challenges •

• ∅ •

In order to survive

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"Time cannot be wasted." That's what we were told, and I took that to heart.
" We have to do this in order to live." I remember this from the order.
"A life for a life." I remember this from the commandment.

I was a victim to these rules, and I lied to myself for decades. The land that held both mortals and monsters. The monsters were gods, and the demons that lied in the dark. I hated myself for so long. I remember those moments and felt strong back when.

" The times of mistakes "

I stood in line, beside my family. Beside strangers, and others. "We will skip breakfast! We will engage in more combat training! Anyone who is against this change, step forward now!" A commander shouted. His voice was scratchy and harsh, and reminded me of gravel at the time.

I saw a young girl, and her frame reminded me of a doll. She was slim but quite curved. Her hair was darker than mine, and anyone in my family. She seemed ill, so I don't blame her for stepping forward.

I watched her soft fluid actions, and her mouth moved but nothing came out. My mind was too busy focusing on the two soldiers. They were beside the door, I clasped my hands together. I sharpened my eyes to them, and forced a glare. They seemed unaffected, and I used to wonder why.

They were broken, and unoriginal. All of them were. The girl that stood forward was asked "what's your number?" The commander's voice had a hint of tenseness. I sensed an aura of overwhelming. The girl lifted her left wrist, her arm was so thin already. I glared at the commander. I knew what they would do already.

I've experienced it too many times to count. Suddenly I heard the dust scratch. I turned to my bottom right, I saw white hair. Blue eyes full of emptiness. Those eyes brought me back to my senses. "Stay still Emi" I whispered. My youngest sibling ignored my calls, and stepped forward.

"You also small fry?" He questioned, she stood still. But I could see her frail legs shivering. "Yes sir" she whispered and let out a breath. "Your number is?" He questioned once more, and she lifted her wrist. Almost confident in her number. We all involved a six on our wrists.

My family just fit under six, I don't know how. But thats how it was.

I watched what happened, the two females were taken by the soldiers. I was gripped from my forearm, as was a male with bruises. He glanced to me and looked at my legs and arms closely. He looked almost shocked by my visible scars, and his eyes rised. Following up my neck, and I cleared my throat.

Before he could get a clear look of my face. "What's your number?" He asked in a silent whisper, I glared at his wrist. "Yours first" I answered sharply. He lifted his wrist and it was slimmer than the girl's. I was almost surprised until I remembered what this place was.

My thoughts were interrupted, and I heard a unsatisfying screech. It came from the iron corridor door. There were stairs as soon as it was opened. They went downward. I know this room, and I used to practically live here.

The male beside me was in fear. I rolled my eyes, and remembered what they did to me. "What am I to do in here?" I ask, "Well you are to learn your place of course." One of the soldiers answered. I stood still, and went to my knees. Heavy clanks could be heard behind my figure. I couldn't move, like something or someone was leaving me here. I remember this moment the first time I was left in here.