Abyss Holder
In the desolate urban sprawl, there existed a boy named Steven – a name as commonplace as the concrete beneath his worn-out shoes. His figure, terribly slender, bore the weight of days without sustenance, a stark reflection of the harsh life within the shadows of the towering skyscrapers. His disheveled appearance spoke of deprivation; his clothing, little more than rags haphazardly sewn together, clung to his meager frame.
Steven's features, though obscured by grime, revealed a haunting contrast. His black hair, adorned with a few rebellious red strands, framed a face marked by hardship. His pupils, black with a faint but discernible red tint, mirrored the desolation etched into his soul.
Staring into the familiar darkness that enveloped his existence, Steven couldn't help but voice the silent question that echoed in his mind, "When is this going to end?" The abyss, seemingly attuned to his despair, responded with a transformative touch. The surroundings, once stagnant and oppressive, began to shift and change before him, trapping him in a perpetual cycle of witnessing his own tragic past unfold.
Transported back to the age of six, Steven found himself amidst the warmth of familial joy, his parents' and his own expressions radiating happiness. Yet, even in the midst of this fleeting respite, the relentless cycle persisted, as if destiny reveled in replaying the moments that fueled the flames of his recurrent nightmares.
Fighting against the inexorable pull of his haunting memories, Steven, like a slum-bound ghost, yearned for an end to the perpetual loop. The city's towers cast long shadows over his struggle, and the contrast between the opulence above and his desolation below fueled his determination for a better life.
In the midst of this dire reality, Steven's path took an unexpected turn when he made the resolute decision to enlist in the military. The armed forces, a gateway to opportunity and escape from the slum's oppressive grasp, promised a chance to break free from the shackles of his impoverished past.
Little did Steven know that his journey would extend far beyond the familiar streets of the slums. The military, equipped with advanced technology and knowledge of other dimensions, opened doors to realms previously unimaginable. As he explored new universes and studied the cosmic mysteries, Steven's quest for a better life evolved into a cosmic odyssey, challenging not only the limits of his physical existence but also the boundaries of reality itself.
Throughout this transformative journey, Steven, emotionally reserved and scarred by the echoes of his past, found solace in the bonds forged amidst the trials of the military. Trust and love became the cornerstones of his emotional awakening, as he learned to unveil the layers of vulnerability hidden beneath his stoic exterior.
As Steven navigates the interwoven tapestry of action, tragedy, romance, sci-fi, adventure, and dimensions, the narrative expands to reflect the complexity of his existence. The story, no longer confined to the limitations of the slums, becomes a symphony of emotions, echoing the resilient spirit of a young man determined to transcend the shadows of his past and embrace the limitless possibilities that unfold across the cosmic expanse.
BlackRaven_ · Fantasy
Silver Prize for WSA 2020 Contest