Chapter 2: The First Step into the Unknown

The streets of Shivdham were nothing like the orphanage.

For years, Rishi had known the city only through the orphanage’s small, barred windows. From the outside, it had always seemed distant—a world that existed beyond his reach. But now, as he stepped onto the wet pavement, reality crashed into him like a raging storm.

The city was alive—loud, chaotic, and indifferent. The rain had washed the streets, leaving behind puddles that reflected the dim glow of flickering streetlights. People moved around him, some hurried, some lost in their own worlds, but none sparing him a second glance.

"I don’t belong here."

The thought crept into his mind, unwelcome and bitter. But there was no turning back.

He clutched the golden locket inside his pocket, feeling its unusual warmth. It had been pulsing ever since he left the orphanage, as if it knew something he didn’t.

But what?

Surviving the City

For hours, Rishi wandered the streets, searching for shelter, food, anything that could help him survive. But life outside was harsh—harsher than he had ever imagined.

The shopkeepers eyed him suspiciously, unwilling to help an orphan with nothing to offer. The vendors ignored his presence as if he were invisible. His stomach growled, the hunger growing unbearable.

By nightfall, he found himself near a deserted alleyway, his back pressed against a damp wall. His clothes were soaked again, clinging to his skin, the cold seeping into his bones.

"Is this how it begins?"

The thought sent a wave of fear through him. Being abandoned by the orphanage was one thing, but the world had truly discarded him now.

For a fleeting moment, he wanted to return. To knock on the orphanage doors and beg for another chance.

But he knew that wasn’t possible.

He was on his own.

And then—

A soft glow pulsed from his pocket.

Rishi’s breath hitched. He pulled out the golden locket, watching as the carvings flickered faintly, as if responding to his despair.

Then, a voice.

"You are not alone."

Rishi gasped, nearly dropping the locket.

It was the same voice from before.

Not a hallucination. Not his imagination.

“Who… Who are you?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

No answer.

The glow faded, leaving him in the cold darkness once more.

But the feeling remained.

Something was watching over him.

The First Fight

His moment of confusion was cut short by the sound of footsteps—fast and deliberate.

Before he could react, a rough hand grabbed his collar and yanked him up.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” a voice sneered.

Rishi struggled but was shoved hard against the wall. He blinked up, eyes adjusting to see a group of three older boys, their ragged clothes and unkempt hair marking them as street kids.

“You look new,” the leader said, his scarred face twisted into a grin. “Got anything valuable?”

Rishi’s heart pounded. He had nothing—except…

His hand instinctively clenched around the locket.

“Nothing?” the boy mocked. “Then we’ll just have to take whatever we can.”

One of them reached for his pocket.

Rishi reacted without thinking.

He swung his fist, catching the boy across the face. A rush of energy surged through him, unfamiliar yet powerful.

The thug stumbled back, clutching his cheek. The others, momentarily stunned, lunged at him.

For the first time in his life, Rishi fought.

He dodged, using his smaller size to slip through their attacks. His movements felt faster than normal, his senses sharper. He twisted, landing a solid kick into the stomach of one of them, sending him to the ground.

Something inside him had awakened.

Something old. Something forgotten.

The leader, furious, pulled out a rusted knife.

Rishi’s breath caught. He had never faced a blade before. The locket burned in his palm.

Just as the knife came down—

A blinding golden light erupted from the locket.

The entire alley flashed for a split second.

The boys screamed, shielding their eyes. The leader staggered back, dropping the knife with a loud clatter.

And just like that—they ran.

Rishi stood there, chest rising and falling rapidly, his fingers trembling as he stared at the now dimmed locket.

"What… What just happened?"

He had no answer.