What's the difference?

I didn’t awake from my nap until next morning, it was afternoon when I slept and now its 8:00am.

“Well, that was one hell of a nap”

I looked around my room to ensure I wasn’t dreaming; I was so tired I didn’t even bother changing clothes or showering. After looking at the ceiling for a bit I suddenly remembered, I was going to explore the empire today. I jumped up with excitement, I need to blend in with the empire’s resident’s and the dirt bag version of myself wasn’t going to cut it. I decided to shower and change into different clothes, I went with the recently acquired outfit I stole from the assassin. Besides his outfit I also took his magical sword, knife, belt, money, mask, and that is exactly what I am wearing into the empire. A direct copy of his outfit from the placement of his knife and to his sword. I was now ready, I made my way downstairs and headed to the front door, I looked back.

“I will be back guys; I’m going back to the empire!”

With a smile I left my house, I hadn’t been in the empire since I was two years old, and I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t remember much of anything but now I was given another chance to go back, and I was excited. I quickly made my way to the main road leading to the empire. It was even and paved with nice red stone, not a single crack or person insight. That was to be expected from the residents of the banish realm to steer clear of the road. The empire guards periodically patrolled the road and, they would protect anyone with a passport and kill anyone without a passport. I made sure I entered the road far away from the main gates, so they wouldn’t accuse me of being a resident from the outskirts. As I walked down the main road I notice the scenery, big trees with lots of colorful flowers. Nowhere else in the banished realm could you find a scenery this nice, it must be a cover up for the other floors. In the distance you could see the entrance of the empire, which were two giant gates. Incredible was what came to mind and as I got closer to the entrance of the empire my astonishment grew. Giant thirty-foot-tall golden gates and in the center, there was a design. It was the face of the first dragon king and in the center of both gates with two giant sapphire jewels for eyes. The closer I got to the entrance the more the gates towered over me and the more nervous I became. I could see a line of people wanting to enter the walls, but the guards were inspecting the cart the travelers brought. They checked for weapons and for unauthorized individuals coming in and going out. I was now in line and nervous awaiting my turn. I was fourth in line when I heard the guards yelling at one of the travelers trying to enter.

Guard: “if you don’t have a passport then get the hell out of here”

They grabbed the man and threw him out of the line. He was thrown about five feet and rolled another three feet on the paved road. He was covered with old torn robes and seemed desperate. I watched as he weakly picked himself up from the pavement. He began to cough, and blood spilled from his mouth.

Old Man: “please help me, I am sick and if I don’t receive help soon, I might die. I just need to get in and buy the medicine, I have the money to pay for it see.”

The man pulled out a pouch of five gold coins to show the guards.

Guard: “I don’t care, you have no passport then you cannot come in old man.”

The guard pointed the tip of his spear at the old man. The old man raised his hands to show he wasn’t a threat and began to plead once again. Unfortunately for the old man, the guard’s patience had run out and he struck. He grazed the old man’s cheek to prove his point.

Guard: “Leave before I kill you, old man this is your last warning”

The man walked away from the guard slowly with his head down. He looked at the third person in line, but he quickly turned away. He notice I was looking at him, so he walked toward me

Old Man: “Please help me young man, can you get me my medicine for me. I will give you the money to pay for it and give a little more after you have return the medicine. Please young man.”

“Sure”

He smiled with such appreciation and handed me two golden coins and a note.

Old Man: “The name of the medicine is written on the note. Thank you, very much young man, I will wait outside the gates for your return.”

I nodded and as I turn to the gates it was my turn. I walked toward the guards as they waved me in.

Guard: “you’re going to help the old man I see, I wouldn’t but that’s none of my business. Let me see your passport sir”

I pulled out the passport I had stolen and showed it to the guard. He looked at it and then wrote down the number on a paper.

Guard: “Please give me your sword and knife. We will return them when you come out.”

“Sure thing”

I handed them the sword and knife that where visible, but I had a knife strapped to my leg. It was the empire, and I did not know what to expect, I couldn’t be caught in enemy territory without a weapon.

Guard: “your all set, enjoy your stay.”

I slowly walked in through a smaller gate next to the guard’s post station. I had actually made it in the gates, the same gates I was exiled had now welcomed me home again. I took a deep breath and looked around, trying to take in the scenery. Large non decaying buildings, paved roads with sidewalks and people actually walking on them enjoying their day. I smiled and began to walk down the closes street to me. I was starstruck I couldn’t believe how many stores sold food, there was no need to hunt. Stores for fruit, potions, weapons and the most important one to me, the bread store. I was going to walk into every store to window shop, with no intention to buy anything. I started with the blacksmith place first. I was astonished by the craftsmanship of the blacksmith and how willing they were to talk about their craft. I spent about two hours their and they walked me through the process on how they make their weapons. I also talked to some of the fruit venders and learn how they harvest their goods. I didn’t buy anything, but they gave me two apples for free. They were so friendly and easy to talk to, no sense of animosity. It was welcoming so nice that it felt like home. I was tempted to continue talking to the locals, but I had my eye on another location, the library. I had wasted about five hours, and I still wanted to go to the library to get some info so unfortunately, the bread store had to wait. I continued walking down the street and notice how happy the people were. They were just walking store to store running errands, but they were happy. I watched a mother run my direction in the distance. She was playfully chasing her son. I could hear her ask her son not to run off to far ahead while trying to keep up. The son would laugh and insure the mother he wouldn’t. I found myself unable to turn from their interaction, I found it……. wonderful to watch. The son ran pass me; he was no taller than my shoulders. Shortly after the mother was in front of me, and I decided to stop her for directions.

“Excuse me do you happen to know where the library is?”

Mother: “Oh yes, if you go down this road it will take you to the main plaza. There you should be able to see the library.”

The son had stop running and returned to his mother side after seeing me talk to her.

“Thank you, and sorry for bothering you from your child, if you don’t mind me asking how old is he.”

I looked down at his direction, as he hugged his mother’s waist trying to avoid making eye contact.

Mother: “Oh I don’t mind and, he is 6 years old.”

“Six years old, he sure is going to grow up and be powerful.”

Mother: “Thank you for saying so, and I sure hope so. Well have fun at the library sir, goodbye.”

“Goodbye and thank you”

I stood there and watch them leave. Her son began to run again, and the mother began to chase him again. I heard them laughing and could see her sons smile as he looked back at his mother. I was no longer smiling behind the mask; I didn’t know why. I started walking down the road like the lady had said. I was no longer sightseeing but just wanted to get to the library. I couldn’t understand why I was so irritated, I felt bitter after talking to the lady. As I walked the streets of the empire I pondered the thought, well that was until I had arrived in the plaza. There were a lot of people sitting on the benches and near the two large dragon fountains. The dragon fountains were gold and about ten feet tall. I started looking around and after a few seconds I found it. There above the large staircase, was the library. It had a large book statue that was also being used as a sign with the word’s library. I walked to the library staircase and looked up, it had to be fifty steps to reach the top. It was a terrible design for dramatic effect, well at least that’s what I believed. Once I reached the top of the staircase, I was faced with nice large glass doors with golden frames. I pulled the handle and the ten-foot door open easily to a red-carpet room with two reception desks on each side. There was only one person at the reception desk, and she was busy stacking books on to a cart. I tried to slip pass her to avoid a conversation, but she noticed me.

“fuck”

Librarian: “Hello there, welcome to the dragon empires public library. Please let me know if you need any help finding anything.”

She smiled at me as she waited for my response. She had long brown hair, blue eyes, light skin and about my height. She was no threat to me, but that was not the issue I needed to give her an answer.

“No, I am……. Actually, do you know where basic magic theory is located?”

Librarian:” yes let me show you”

She walked around the reception desk and proceeded to walk in front of me as I followed her. I looked around the library, amazed by the painting hanging on the wall and how well it looked with the painted walls. No discolor walls or holes to be seen, it brought a smile on my face. As I gain focus to the librarian, I notice we were making our way to a small staircase. After walking up the four steps you could see the whole library size. It was massive with rows of book shelfs as far as the eye can see. I was glad I took her help because there was no way I was going to find that by myself.

Librarian: “So are you new to town?”

I suddenly became alert again, did she figure me out? Do I have to kill her before she tells anyone else… no I can’t panic I have to play it off.

“No, why do you ask?”

Librarian: “I just have never seen you around town or in the library for that matter. So, I figured you weren’t from around here.”

“Makes sense but I’m usually busy so I don’t go out often.”

Librarian: “how unfortunate………. what school do you attend?”

“School?”

Librarian: “Ya aren’t you a student, oh and here we are this section should be what you’re looking for”

“Thank you, and………... I am a student what gave it away”

Librarian: “I knew it. I could tell because of the book you asked for. It is a good reference material for our magic class. Oh, do you attend Dragon Empire Academy too?”

“Uhhh……...ya I am new and just transferred so I will see you around. I am sorry to cut the conversation short, but I really need to study.”

Librarian: “oh sorry I didn’t mean to keep you from your study. I will get out of your way now and see you around umm…….im sorry I didn’t get your name. My name is Marie and yours?”

She smiled with excitement as she awaited my answer.

“My name………my name is Khadfa, pleasure to meet you, Marie.”

Marie: “yes it’s a pleasure Khadfa, I will be on my way let me know if you need any help finding other books”

She walked away and I watched her leave until I couldn’t see her. I took a deep breath and exhaled, I was relieved she was gone. I had to cut the conversation short, or I would be caught in this massive lie.

“How the hell did I become a high school student by stepping into a library, I am only six. Well that’s a future problem I need to focus on my book.”

She seemed happy when I told her my name, and honestly, I was glad to tell her my name. I pulled down my mask and grabbed a book on basic magic theory. I looked around until I found a seat and then I started to read. I must of lost track of time because I didn’t notice the sun had set until Marie stood in front of me waving her hands.

Marie: “hey Khadfa the library is closing soon.”

“Oh, sorry I must have lost track of time, I will be on my way.”

Marie: “dang Khadfa you were really concentrated on that book huh. I was waving my hands in front of you for ten minutes before I got your attention.”

“Ya I apologize for that, I tend to get lost in my work”

I gave a faint smile to her, with all honesty, I probably ignored her and continued reading. The book was very useful, and I was determined to learn as much as I could.

Marie: “its fine, by the way I think you look better without your mask”

She gave me a smile, but not a regular smile like before. This smile, this one was more provocative and i paused for a minute. I had to think rationally, or I could potentially miss a golden opportunity. Then I proceeded to put my mask on despite her complement. (MISSED)

“Well, I appreciate the complement”

I gave her a smile with my mask on as I put the book back.

Marie: “aww you still put it on, your mean khadfa.

I proceeded to walk to the door while Marie followed me to the door, talking about her day. I toned her out for the most part and focus on the well-lit library. It must have deluded my sense of time. I didn’t realized how dark it had become until I seen the entrance of the library. Through the glass door the darkness of night was visible. I open the door and walked out of the library to the cooled dim lit entrance.

“I did not know it got this dark already”

I made my way to the staircase.

Marie: “have a nice night Khadfa and be careful on the way home”

She smiled at me as I turned away from her and took a few steps down the staircase leading to the street. While the entrance of the library and street were lit up, the library’s steps were an exception. I looked back at Marie as I put up my hoody.

“Thank you but I will be fine”

I seen her shiver and now with a faint smile she waved.

Marie: “ya……I bet”

I notice her shiver and her tone change but I didn’t care enough to think about it. I was more focus on how amazing the light poles made the night look. It was absolutely dark but there were well lit areas that made doing regular daytime activities possible at night. I was walking down the street admiring the scenery when I notice people avoiding me. They would walk on the street or on the other sidewalk, I didn’t dwell on it too much I had to go to the bread store before it closes. I had arrived at the bread store, and it still seemed open. I open the door and a bell rang to announce my presence to the staff, but the man over the counter must not have heard it. He was reading a book and didn’t seem to notice me.

“Excuse me”

I called for his attention and as he looked up, he fell off his chair from shock.

Cashier: “wh…...what do you want?”

His voice was filled with panic, did he think I was robbing him? It was probably the mask and hoody it only allowed my eyes to be seen and its dark out, honest mistake.

“I’m just here to buy sweet bread, I want two gold coins worth of bread. I’m just a customer not a thief, I know the mask and hoody probably didn’t help. Ha ha ha”

I chuckled nervously to ease the situation. He stood up and took a big breath of relief. He looked at me and then quickly looked away.

Cashier: “of…of course not, sorry if I gave you that impression. Let me get you that bread.”

He asked me for which type of bread I wanted and try to make small talk with me. Although not a single time we talk did he make eye contact or even look up at me. Even when I handed him the money he was looking down. I shrugged it off again and walked down the street with my large bag of bread. I was making my way to the gate when I notice the mother and son I saw in the morning. They took one look at me and avoided me by crossing the street. I slump down and started to speed walk to the front gates. When I arrived, the guards stopped me

Guards: “Hey where are you going this late. Oh, wait you’re the assassin from this morning, let me get your sword and knife.

He sent another guard to fetch my things. After a few seconds, he returned and handed me my blades. Just then another guard asked to inspect my large bag of bread. As he began the first guard started talking to me.

Guard: “I can’t believe they got you working this late and sending you to the banish realm, must suck. At least your ready with your sword and knife.”

“Ya I appreciate you guys taking care of my equipment”

Guard: “No problem, so are you getting ready for the academy field test.”

Before I could answer the third guard gave him the green light.

Guard: “Well good luck you’re all cleared.”

“Thank you, see you around”

I slowly walked away from the well-lit gates of the empire and return home. The pitch-black darkness where there was no sign of light or life, the banish realm. I turned back to the warmth of the light, and then I felt the cold hug me as a cold gust of wind pass me. With my only companion being the full moon, I slowly walked on the paved road. I didn’t say anything just stayed quiet rethinking my experience and all the fun I had. When I remember how they reacted to me when it got dark, it left a bitter taste in my mouth. What got them to react like that, I couldn’t understand. Without noticing I was no longer anywhere near the gates but still on the main road, until I was called. A body moved from the base of a dead tree and stood up.

Old Man: “Young man is that you, it is you right young man?”

After getting a little closer to the road he verified it was me and began to smile. His smiled didn’t last, after getting closer to me he froze. As if he seen a ghost, he stood frozen for a few seconds. Then he regain his cool and took a few steps back.

Old Man: “M…...my what terrifying red eyes you have, they remind me of a blood lust animal ha ha. Good thing your nothing like that young man right. You’re a good-hearted person right young man.”

I walked off the paved road and into the dirt where the old man was standing. I pulled out my sword, and before he could react, I struck him in his heart. Blood dripped from the sword that was still in his heart. I twisted it before pulling the sword out and stared into his eyes the whole time.

Old Man: “Why young man?”

I saw a tear building up in his eye as I kicked him in the chest. He flew five feet and landed lifeless on the dirt.

“FUCK, old man why did you have to bring up my eyes!”

I knew my eyes were different, I knew that that was the reason they feared me. Eyes are the gateway to the soul and all dragons have blue eyes. Our blue eyes are a sign of our divine blood, but my eyes are a deep dark red. During the day they never draw attention but at night they shine like a blood lust animal stocking its prey.

“If I didn’t have these eyes I could have stayed, I was…….”

A joke is all I could think. I was abandon in the outskirts because my ability not my eyes. I was trying so hard to make myself feel welcome I ignored the fact I was never from there. I was a joke, the empire abandon a two year old with the murderer’s and thieves, I am already dead in their eyes.

“Ha ha ha just like I like it!”

I took the old man’s money and grabbed him from the neck. I began to talk to the old man’s corpse, as I dragged it along an empty dirt field.

“I was just trying to have fun in the empire so, why do I feel like an idiot. Is it because I didn’t want to return to the banished realm? It’s nice seeing people smile, and talk, and just enjoy their day. I don’t see that over here. WHY IS IT SO FUCKEN DIFFERENT?”

I couldn’t wrap my head on how things got this messed up where a six-year-old was fighting for his life when they were leaving cozy inside the gates.

“That kid with his mom was six…...”

We didn’t look anything alike or acted alike. He was enjoying running in town without a care in the world with his mom. I had to kill a man to be able to get into the empire, I hadn’t seen my mother in a year. So why, why do I have to bear the loneliness while he surrounded by countless good people.

“Why is it so different.”

I was from the banished realm, and they were from the empire. They are protected and we protect ourselves. They are the definition of a dragon, and we are the defect. Let to rot in the outskirts with no way to reenter the empire. There is no future, no past for us. We will die with no record of ever being here on this miserable place and that’s a dam shame.

“The difference is our up bring, huh……………. Well may the bodies I light on fire light my path.”

Just then I used fire magic and lit the old man’s body on fire in the middle of an empty field.

“Will this make my existence visible or well I eventually be snuff out as well?”

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