Liner burst into the café, his face pale and eyes wide with panic, sending a wave of shock through everyone present. The clatter of cups and the low murmur of conversations came to an abrupt halt as all heads turned toward him.
Liner (tense, voice shaky): "Clear the way!"
Without hesitation, he pushed past the tables, weaving through the chairs as the startled patrons gave him a wide berth. His boots scraped against the worn wooden floor, echoing sharply in the suddenly silent café. Every muscle in his body was taut, every nerve screaming alert.
He rushed up the narrow staircase to Nila's room. The faint smell of freshly baked pastries from the café downstairs lingered in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of fear. Reaching her side, he gently lifted Nila and laid her carefully on her bed, as if she were made of glass. The expression of shock, confusion, and sorrow on the faces of those left behind—their friends and colleagues—was palpable.
Maria (worried, voice trembling): "What… what happened?"
Liner: "She inhaled… some kind of gas. I can't tell exactly what it does, but at least she's still breathing."
Maria: "Thank goodness she's breathing."
Lawrence (irritated, frowning): "Why didn't you use the poison resistance spell in the first place?"
Maria (snapping, defensive): "And do you think this is the time to complain?"
Casey (anxious): "Is she going to be okay?"
Liner: "I hope so… I truly hope so."
In Nila's unconscious mind:
Fifteen years earlier:
It was a cold, drizzly morning at the beginning of winter. A pale, misty fog clung to the windows of the orphanage called White Shadow. Children scurried about the courtyard, their laughter mingling with the rhythmic patter of raindrops on the cobblestones. They were playing a game of chase when suddenly, one of them tripped on the damp ground.
Child (annoyed): "That's not fair, Nila!"
Nila (mocking, with a mischievous grin): "Hehe, you should've paid more attention while running."
Suddenly, the sharp whistle of their caretaker cut through the courtyard, freezing the children in their tracks.
Caretaker (cheerful, raising her hand): "Children! Gather around! A new child will be joining us today. You must welcome him properly."
Children (in unison): "Yes, ma'am!"
Caretaker: "He will arrive in ten minutes."
Excitement and nervous energy rippled through the children. Some rushed to find their best toys to offer the newcomer, others started drawing pictures or crafting little gifts. Nila herself felt a mixture of eagerness and unease—her heart raced as she prepared to meet the stranger who would join their little world.
Ten minutes later, a sleek black carriage rolled up to the orphanage. Its polished wheels squeaked against the wet stones. The door opened, and the orphanage director stepped out, holding the hand of a boy with striking silver eyes and pale silver hair, dressed impeccably in a dark suit.
Director (smiling, calm): "Come along now, everyone is waiting for you."
The boy, visibly uneasy, shook his head.
New Boy (hesitant, muttering): "I don't want to go."
Director (slightly puzzled): "Why not?"
From the upper floor, the other children peeked over the railing, curious but unable to hear the conversation.
Curious Child (whispering): "What are they talking about?"
Other Child (innocently): "Maybe about what we'll play together later."
Another Child: "Of course!"
Downstairs, the silver-eyed boy continued to protest softly.
New Boy (uncomfortable): "Why do you want me here? I never wanted this."
The director crouched down to his level, placing a hand gently on the boy's shoulder.
Director (sympathetic): "I know leaving them was hard for you, especially your sister, but you must accept this. I promise, you will enjoy your time here."
New Boy (grumbling): "Tsk…"
He followed the director and Liner up to the orphanage.
Caretaker (mildly joyful, clapping her hands): "Children, prepare yourselves to welcome the new boy!"
The director and the newcomer entered the room.
Caretaker (smiling): "What's your name, little one?"
New Boy (soft voice, hesitant): "Arnold."
Caretaker (beaming): "What a beautiful name! Children, let's welcome Arnold!"
Children (cheerfully): "Hello, Arnold!"
The director excused himself and left the room, allowing the caretaker to take over.
Caretaker (kindly): "What do you like most, Arnold?"
Arnold (cold, emotionless): "Meat."
Caretaker (smiling): "Oh, you like meat! That's a wonderful choice."
A child, whispering with concern, interrupted:
Child: "But… Miss, you always burn it when you cook."
The moment Arnold heard the word burn, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted instantly.
Caretaker (panicking): "What… what happened to him?"
She rushed to check, her hands trembling. Slowly, Arnold's eyes fluttered open.
Arnold (confused): "What happened?"
Caretaker (relieved): "You scared us, that's all."
She helped Arnold to his feet.
Caretaker: "Go explore the place and meet your friends."
Arnold wandered through the orphanage, and some children began to gather around him.
Child: "Why did you faint just now?"
Arnold: "What do you mean?"
Child: "When we said 'burn'—"
The caretaker quickly interrupted, silencing the child.
Caretaker: "Why don't you start by exploring, Arnold? Look at everything around you."
Arnold moved toward the window, sitting at his usual spot and gazing out with intense focus. Soon, Nila approached him.
Nila: "Hi, I'm Nila. Can we be friends?"
She extended her hand.
Arnold: "I don't mind."
He shook her hand, a faint spark of connection forming between them.
Several years later
Arnold was now ten, and Nila was nine. They walked together to the nearby bakery, the streets slick with rain.
Nila (running ahead, urging): "Arnold, faster! The rain will start any moment!"
Arnold (running to catch up): "I'm coming!"
They arrived at the bakery, handing over ten copper coins.
Nila: "Casey, some bread, please, Mrs. Isari."
Mrs. Isari (smiling politely): "Oh, Nila, you've grown so much since I last saw you!"
Nila (enthusiastically): "Of course! I'll grow even more in just a couple of days!"
Mrs. Isari (chuckling): "Here's your bread, hurry—rain's coming soon."
Nila: "I know!"
They dashed back, each clutching their bread bag, arriving just as the first drops began to fall.
Nila (relieved, handing bread to caretaker): "In the nick of time!"
Arnold returned to his usual spot by the window, while Nila sat beside him.
Nila (pouting slightly): "When will this rain end? It's felt like years already."
Arnold (coldly): "Who knows?"
Nila: "You're so cold sometimes, Arnold."
Arnold: "Call me whatever you like."
A few days later
The caretaker appeared, her expression forced but slightly uneasy.
Caretaker: "Children, I have news. Ownership of the orphanage has changed hands."
Children: "What?"
Arnold (muttering): "Hmph."
Caretaker (smiling artificially): "Let's hope the new director is kind."
Child: "Of course he will be."
Nila approached Arnold.
Nila: "What do you think of the news?"
Arnold: "I'm not surprised. After the old man passed, the orphanage would naturally change ownership."
Nila: "Don't say that… he was kind."
Arnold went to bed, saying only: "Say what you want," and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, at nine, the new director, tapping rhythmically with his cane on a metal pipe, called out:
Director (sternly): "Wake up, you little troublemakers! Don't ruin my mood on the first day."
Children woke reluctantly, forming a line.
Director: "You are no longer foolish children of no use. You will become strong children we can use. Do you understand?"
Children: "Yes."
Director (angrily): "Not yes, sir!"
Children (sighing): "Sir."
Noticing the caretaker was missing, the children hesitated.
Child (nervously): "Excuse me, sir…"
Director (sharp): "Call me Sir!"
Child: "Yes, Sir."
Director: "Good. What do you want?"
Child: "Where's the caretaker?"
Director: "She won't be coming. Someone else will take care of you."
A figure appeared—a military-looking doctor.
Director: "Meet the person who will supervise you from now on. His name is Marcus."
Child: "But I want the caretaker."
Director (snapping): "Do you want to stay here, or do you want to become dog food?"
Child: "I'm sorry, Sir."
Director: "Good. Now leave."
Marcus: "Who wants to play a game with me?"
Children: "Not me."
Another child: "Not me either."
Marcus: "Then I'll choose myself."
He counted to ten, his hand landing on Arnold.
Marcus: "You're first."
Arnold (indifferent): "Tell me what game, I don't care."
Marcus grabbed Arnold and dragged him to the basement.
Child (whispering): "What's even in the basement?"
Nila (worried): "I hope Arnold comes out okay."
The scene continues with Arnold enduring torture, developing darkness within, and the story progresses up to Liner waiting at the café as described in the present
Arnold stood in the basement, every muscle tense, his mind a storm of anger and resolve. Marcus loomed before him, a sinister grin stretching across his face. The flickering light of a single hanging bulb cast long shadows across the concrete walls, making the corners of the room appear alive with creeping darkness.
Marcus: "You think yourself clever, boy? Let's see how long you last!"
Electric currents danced along the chair where Arnold had been strapped, the metal buzzing ominously. Arnold's breath came in measured, controlled gasps, his fists clenching. From somewhere deep inside, a shadowy energy began to stir beneath the floor, pulsing and writhing like living smoke.
Arnold (coldly): "I will show you the meaning of hell."
The shadow erupted violently from the ground, tendrils snaking around Marcus, lifting him as if the very floor had turned against him. Marcus struggled, his shouts echoing through the basement.
Marcus: "What… what do you think you're doing!"
Arnold's hands moved with precision, every strike purposeful, each stab of his blade guided by the dark energy now intertwined with his own will. The shadows clutched Marcus's limbs, dragging him to the ground.
Outside, Nila had witnessed everything. Her breath caught in her throat, eyes wide, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sight of Arnold commanding such raw, terrifying power both horrified and awed her.
Nila (whispering, trembling): "No… it can't be…"
Marcus thrashed, trying to free himself, but the tendrils tightened, pulling him into the ground as though the shadows were devouring him. The hum of electricity, the crackling of flames, and the shouts of the children created a chaotic symphony that would haunt the walls of the orphanage forever.
Arnold turned his back, calm now, as if nothing had happened. The room seemed to shrink under the oppressive darkness that clung to him. Nila, unable to remain, ran out of the basement, crying, her small body shaking as she escaped the suffocating aura of vengeance.
Outside, the fire had spread rapidly. Smoke curled into the sky in thick black plumes, staining the clouds. Flames licked the edges of the orphanage's roof, turning the building into a raging inferno.
Firefighters arrived swiftly, sirens blaring, their hoses hissing as streams of water cut through the flames. Yet even with all their efforts, the inferno consumed almost everything. The heat was intense, the roar deafening, and the acrid smell of burning wood and fabric filled the streets.
Firefighter 1 (grimly, surveying the ruin): "From what we can see… only one adult body remains. That's miraculous for a fire this size."
The new director, furious and disoriented, arrived at the scene.
Director: "What… what is happening here?!"
Firefighter 2: "You're under arrest for conducting illegal human experiments!"
Police surrounded him, cuffs clicking as they secured him. The children, saved by firefighters and caretakers, were transported to new foster homes across the city, finally free from the nightmare that had dominated their lives. Arnold remained in his usual spot, eyes dark, hands trembling slightly, but his resolve hardened.
Present: Awakening in the Café
Back in the present, Nila's eyes fluttered open. The pale light of the morning streamed through the café window, casting soft patterns on her face. She blinked, trying to focus, and realized Liner was sitting vigilantly at her bedside.
Liner: "Finally… you're awake, princess."
Nila (groggy, confused): "What… what happened?"
Liner (serious, protective): "You fainted after inhaling some kind of gas. You've been unconscious for two days."
Nila: "Really…"
Liner (shrugging, hiding emotion): "I don't care if you believe me or not."
He rose from the chair, preparing to leave. The subtle tension in the air, the faint scent of antiseptic and coffee, and the distant murmur of the city beyond the café windows created a surreal, almost cinematic moment.
Nila (urgent, weakly reaching out): "Wait… Arnold…"
Liner froze mid-step.
Nila: "Why didn't you tell me your name when I came to the café?"
Liner (softly, closing the door behind him): "That name… died a long time ago.