The Forbidden Palace of the Wiseman

Chapter 1

The fall of the Proud Minded

Alejandro, as an adventurer, your countless failures have not only disappointed me but failed everyone at the same time. Alejandro stood there cowering and depressed that he could not have done anything more to prevent this. Snake Eyes sensed Alejandro’s cowardice and weakness deep inside of him. He snickered as it fed him all of his senses. As everyone sat there quiet as church mice as they all sensed that Snake Eyes was going to speak again, Alejandro felt his soul, grow thin on hope. Alejandro, do you know why they call me Snake Eyes, said slithery like the reptile he is. Alejandro could barely feel any slight encouragement or courage from him as the air in the room grew thin. His mind soon became lightheaded and his body soon froze over. He tried to show no signs of weakness yet it was too late for him. Snake Eyes’ eyes lit up as every weakness and flaw son revealed itself as each second passed by. Alejandro felt that the more he tried to hide his imperfections the more it showed itself, so he stopped trying to hide them and started to face his fate more boldly. Snake Eyes started to toy with the mind and soul of Alejandro by rolling the dice in his hands.

Alejandro saw the dice in Snake Eyes’ hands and soon felt his imminent doom as an adventurer soon come to hand. Alejandro could not control his shaking body and his wrecked mind and soon grew weary from all the tormenting thoughts ands glares that thrown at him like rotten tomatoes at a hated politician. He started to sweat profusely as each second would soon lead to his end of his career and then Snake Eyes decided to end the tormenting. Alejandro your time of being an adventurer here lies within a single roll of the dice, he said and then with a flick of his wrist he started to roll the dice. As the dice was floating towards the slab where his fate would soon end, Alejandro’s heart was pounding harder and harder as his life flashed before his eyes. Then shortly after the dice started to roll on the slab and as it did, Alejandro pulled his head away from wanting to know what his fate would be. As long as he knew, his life had always given him the short-ended stick when it came to the things that mattered most to him. The dice continued to roll and shift as every second of the day prolonged his final fate. Alejandro felt cold that very moment knowing that this would not be any different. While Alejandro turned his head away from the slab, everyone else’s eyes glazed at the dice as it continued to roll.

Then as the dice slowed down everyone started to gasp as his fate was soon going to unveil. Then it stopped, as Snake Eyes knew what his fate was going to be already. Everyone looked at Snake Eyes as he had this sinister grin on his face. Even before he started to speak about what was going to happen, the air thinned out even more. Alejandro felt chills running up and down his spine like police cars chasing after criminals. The air continued to grow thin and cold as the fate that he had feared was going to prolong for torture. The temperature felt like it dropped forty-five degrees since the dice had dropped. Shortly he was even able to see his breath right in front of him as Snake Eyes was about ready to proclaim his fate as an adventurer. Snake Eyes glanced down at the dice and saw knew it from the very beginning. The populace of the society, which was able to attend the sentencing of this failed adventurer, hunched over their seats to see what rolled on the slab. Everyone but Alejandro saw that the dice had landed on snake eyes and as that was happening; Snake Eyes started to crack his knuckles.

Snake Eyes saw that Alejandro was not looking at the slab and he started to hiss. Alejandro knew that nothing good had come out of this trial. The stories of the rare few people that had been through this trial ended up branded as failures and now his name will join the others. He could not bear to see himself as this. In certain ways he was to proud to admit anything except for this time. He foresaw this inevitable fate charging in on him like a bull to a bullfighter. He shortly saw very few events that revealed to him yet he did not see the larger picture. As he held his head, low Snake Eyes sensed a shattered spirit within Alejandro. In addition, just as a python does to its prey, he constricted to increase the agonizing pain of misery onto his already sorrowful life. Snake Eyes saw that the more Alejandro stood there shivering in the cold with his head sunken made him realize that this was going to be easier than he thought. Snake Eyes was originally planning to oust him out forever; he decided to prolong Alejandro’s pain and torture. Therefore, he pulled out Alejandro’s records of past adventures and saw that they were not par with the records of the other great adventurers in the society. As he skimmed through them, Snake Eyes sensed a pattern of less extravagant treasures. The treasures that Alejandro has gathered would only satisfy a failure will never fully suit the needs of the society. So he started to clear his throat to suggest that he is ready to make his final judgment, and as he did everyone eyed Snake Eyes as he was about to make his final judgment.

Alejandro, look up at me when I speak to you, Snake Eyes glared down at him. Alejandro being soul shattered hesitantly and slowly lifted his heavy minded head. Snake Eyes brought out the past records of Alejandro’s previous adventures more visibly and as everyone stared at it to see, what was wrote on it. Alejandro looked up at Snake Eyes, as he did he felt his soul sink deeper and deeper into despair. Even though it did sink deeper and deeper into despair, Alejandro held his head as high as he could to show no sign of despair and disappointment. Snake Eyes grinned, as he knew that his prey was putting forth his last efforts as being a pride adventurer. Snake Eyes proceeded to start his torment as he shuffled the stack of papers in front of everyone. He cleared his throat and pointed out every somewhat successful adventure that he had traversed. As he flipped through the pages of nearly failing adventures, Snake Eyes skims through to see which ones are far more agonizing for people to hear. Then he finds three most horrible adventures that anyone could ever want to hear.

Snake Eyes starts by bringing up the near failure of the headdress of King Tutankhamen. As everyone knew the adventure to be the most horrifying and disappointing of all the adventures, people in the coliseum started to shake their heads at him. Alejandro felt like he dragged through the lowest levels of disgust, humility and most of all shame. Yet Alejandro was defenseless and so he stood there hesitantly accepting the ridicule and mockery. He knew deep in his heart mind and soul that this trial was going to brand him for the rest of his life. He refused to let that bring him down though, he was too proud of himself to see this happen to him. I am too proud to allow myself to go through with this without a fight, he thought to himself. Therefore, the first chance he has to defend himself; he took full advantage. As he plotted out what he was going to say to Snake Eyes when the most opportune chance he got yet at the same time Snake Eyes sensed still the will to fight and be proud within his prey growing steadily. So instead of letting Alejandro gather his will to fight back he cut straight to the chase.

Alejandro, I would go through all of this yet I feel like you already know where this is headed towards, Snake Eyes started this spiral of ominous news for Alejandro. He could not believe that the most opportune was about to jet past him without him being able to grab hold of it. Then Snake Eyes continued, As an immediate result of your petty chances for success and glory, I hereby oust you of this society of adventurers. Alejandro was left there standing crushed, now there truly nothing he could do as he felt his pride get crushed underneath a weight of glaring eyes and shame. Seconds later, two men grabbed him by the arms and as they were about to thrust him out, Snake Eyes shortly stopped them. As everyone glared at why he stopped him or her from ousting him out and Alejandro last dying hope for redemption started to regenerate; Snake Eyes had one more thing to add to what to what he said. People of this great society; behold the last failure that you will ever see in this society, he said with pride and confidence. Then with a snap of his fingers, five strong men hurled Alejandro out of the coliseum right into the trash. As the two henchmen stood there laughing at him. The first of the two then said, It looks like the trash belongs where it’s at now. As he said that, the door someone slammed shut right in front of him.

Alejandro stood up and tried to brush off the sad remains of his adventurous lifestyle. He walked away from the life that he had grown to love and enjoy was not his to enjoy anymore. As he walked off annoyed and rejected his mind soured in the hatred and pride of the world. So the more he thought about what had happened the more it darkened his mind and poisoned his heart and soul. Every instance of rejection that came across his mind made him tighten his fists, as he knew that he was supposed to be in the lime light of this great society. Yet he believed he that they wrongly ousted out of the society, and so the only thing he can do is try to move on. He continues to walk around to where he can take shelter from all the tragedies in his life. So his search for refuge from this nightmarish world he is in commences.

Chapter 2

The Harsh Path of Life

As he started to head from the coliseum to his only place of refuge from this cruel world; everywhere he looked people glared at him. People glared and shunned him from every distance that he could see. Alejandro could not find any kind eyes that tried to greet him half way. The more he saw the rejection and ridicule from everyone around him

The more he started to feel miniscule. He started to pick up his speed as to try to avoid all the glares and hisses from anyone within distance of him. The more shunned he felt the more his pride boiled over his patience and thus creating his temper to flare up. The glares and hisses caused him to shake uncontrollably as if he was going to split like a level 5 earthquakes. Alejandro knew that he had to hurry back to his place for some amount of relief. His mental state was shakily becoming worse each second that he out in the world that no longer befriended him.

His inflictive mind succumbed to the excessive pounding of his crippled pride. Alejandro’s pride amounted to nothing as each second passed by; it irritated him further and further from regaining some ground or control over his life. He tried to look straight forward, yet as he stared off, the others met him with disappointing and shame-filled looks glares from all around. He could not stand another second of this pride crushing and mind shredding place. Every person now loathed him to the point where even the slightest gesture would cause him to become imprisoned. So all he could do right now is venture towards his only refuge from all this- his house. The day dragged out, the more of an annoyance this situation became to him. Alejandro could feel his hands start to shake as all this emotional build up was stacking up against him. He saw mothers and fathers covering their children’s eyes as they passed him by. He felt a very bone chilling gust of wind pass by him and felt that this was just the beginning of this spiral of disasters for him. Moreover, as he predicted for himself- he was right on the bull’s-eye.

People closed their windows and doors to serve him even the basic of essentials. No one wanted to be associated with him as his infamousness started to spread like wildfire. Even the kindest of souls in the society turned him away for they knew that it would bring bad publicity and ill fortune. Therefore, Alejandro kept on tracking his way towards his one place that would never turn him away- his own home. His legs felt like lead and his stomach was eating himself inside out. No one wanted to do business with him anymore. During a trial where Snake Eyes is proceeding, it the ability to think or speak against Snake Eyes is. Due to the ruling regime, people feared that they would lose customers because of Alejandro. If anyone that saw Alejandro crosses their path, they would close their business for the day. It was as he was the black cat of the society. Everyone feared him even when the thought of him coming close to their business. Therefore, he was unable to buy any perishables for his household. Therefore, he foolishly thought that he had enough perishables at his house to last him a while. Alejandro hurriedly rushed his way back to his house to rid himself of all this annoyance and irritancy and finally have peace.

The path to his house looked less inviting as he rushed more and more. The trees looked barren and the houses surrounding his area seemed to resemble a ghost town. As he slowed down his pace, everyone’s houses seemed to be nailed shut for no one around him wanted to see him. It seems I have fair-weather friends, Alejandro thought to himself. As he sluggishly made his way closer and closer to the houses, he felt betrayed and despised by all. He knew that he would feel the utter despise of others completely, yet he would not have guessed that he others would have betrayed him. The feeling of betrayal was a gut wrenching knife twisting feeling in him. The unnerving affects of every torturous event that he endured shattered his once steel mind. As every step, lead he closer and closer to the people that he once trusted and liked made him shutter by thoughts of what was soon going to happen. Alejandro thought that there was no point in him standing where he is at fearing the degrading insults thrown and hurled at him, as they were rotten tomatoes at a political campaign. He ventured further into the path that would lead him to his house. Slowly yet steadily, he made his way into the depths of the housing areas.

The closer and deeper he ventured towards the houses, the more he felt like snakes and hissing Madagascar beetles surrounded him. All around him he felt the presence of eeriness creeping, although he could not see it he knew that this was only going to get worse for him. As he walked forward into the depth of the housing areas, he felt eyes glaring at him from inside closed shutters. Alejandro glanced around and as he did no one was outside to be seen- family, would be friends and complete strangers were all locked up inside their houses. This place looks like a ghost town, he thought to himself as he sees nothing and no one outside. The only thing that kept him from feeling the chills of loneliness was his pride. Instead of just standing there, wandering why no one would even wants to greet him; he realized that his house was the furthest away from everyone. He continued to head down to the fenced in area where he felt most invited. The thought of him being back in his house was the only thing that made him. Therefore, he hurriedly made his way back to the house of his.

As he hurried back to his house, he still kept alert about his surroundings- making sure that the slightest opportunity to start fresh and new in any aspect of life. As he finally made his way to his house, he quickly unlocked the gate and proceeded into his house. There he scanned any area of his house for anything that he might have needed. First, he went to his mahogany carved extravagant kitchen and pantry to make sure that he had enough of everything so that he does not starve or dehydrate. I look like I should have enough of each to last for maybe two weeks, maybe more if I ration everything carefully, Alejandro said. Then he went to his red wood closets to make sure that he had enough clean clothes and detergent so that he had something to wear. As he searched through his closet, he was satisfied with everything there. Finally, he went to his bathrooms, including his master bathroom, to see if he had ample supplies of shampoo, liquid soap and any other toiletries. He just grinned and left- knowing that he just went to the store the other day and stocked up ahead of time. Therefore, the only thing he could do now is waiting for the next thing to happen- whether it is good or bad.

Days slowly passed by and as it did, Alejandro managed to hold on for a while. His mind was starting to feel the pang of loneliness as no one even thought about visiting. Alejandro then thought that he would use his entertainment center to keep himself busy. Therefore, he walked over to his lavishly adorned media room, picked up his remote, and started to watch his TV. He then sat down and started to channel surf to see what was on. Every channel that he flipped through had shown people living the high life- the life that he once had had. The images and shows of living the high life tormented his mind and spirit- most of all it tormented his pride. The more he saw the shows and movies of living the high life the more he furiously channel surfed until he could not take it anymore. He quickly turned off the TV and started to pace himself back and forth while trying to figure out what he could do next to entertain himself. Then he thought that he would watch his movies that he had to keep his mind from tormenting himself. Therefore, he walked over to the movie files and started to search for a good movie that he liked.

At first, things was going great for him watching the movie, yet certain scenes in the movie brought back memories of his good life or show the high life once more. Therefore, he turned to another movie but yet again, the same thing happened. Movie after movie it still brought him more agony and pain that frustrated his mind and tore his pride apart slowly. He searched through all his movies and as he did it drove him to the edge of insanity as his pride was being driven through brick walls by what everyone else thought was the way life were supposed to be. The society that he lived in is now shredding his pride into paper machete as he continues to live there. Everything that he has done so far has only added fuel to the fire, which causes his utter and slow death as an adventurer. Alejandro could not take this any more the more he shoveled through his movies the more his mind was shattered. Then he, in a frantic and irritated mood, angrily shoved all his movies on the floor of his room as every second that resembled his former life. Alejandro was tired of everything reminding by everything that his life was once a happy and prosperous and so he stormed off into his music room to calm his nerves down. Therefore, he dashed off to his music room to try to calm himself down.

As he dashed into his music room the first thing he did was closed all the curtains and reclined in his leather chair. As he turned on the stereo, his mind slightly returned to normal. Even though he had managed to find some amount of peace, his pride was nowhere close to what it was previously. The music lullabies his tormented mind to a restful place. The longer he listened the more he calmed down and tried to forget what had happened to him. Hours had passed by and he started to feel his hungry stomach growl like a starved lion. Yet even though his stomach was trying to send a signal to his mind that, he could not stand another second; his proud mind had not wakened to the reality of it all. A half an hour later, he had heard and the computer in the far corner of the room ring as if he had received new email. Therefore, after minutes of receiving endless emails, he finally woke up. He groggily made his way over to the computer to check his emails to see what was so urgent that he had to be disturbed during his sleep. When he finally logged into his email account, the only news that has sent to him was only bad.

Alejandro saw the first three emails and took a deep gulp as he started to open them one by one. He knew somehow that the he would receive would be bad, yet he was in for a real shock as the emails deteriorated. As he started to read whom the first letter was from, he noticed that the urgent symbol was right next to it. As he started reading the email, he saw that the IRS was about to give him one week tops. The email had read; Dear Mr. Anonymous, I am sorry to inform you that your payments for the furnishings in your house have not come through. Items in your household that are above a set amount will repossess next Monday. The items are entertainment center, surround sound stereo system, and anything amounting up to and above $1000. Once again we here at Collection Agency are very sorry.The punishment that Alejandro is facing feels soul shattering. First, I get ousted out of Adventurer’s Society and now everything that has any monetary value to me is being taken away from, he thought angrily not believing this at all. Then as he tried to calm himself down, he started to begin reading the next email. The second email was from eviction committee, and as he saw that, he started to feel a slight twitch in his left eye. The email had read Dear Alejandro, We have to inform you that due to your late payments and expulsion from your current status have required us to evict you from you current housing. We have given you a reasonable amount of time to gather whatever essentials that you can carry with you. Alejandro felt that twitch start to grow bigger and bigger as well as his anger and pride slowly crash. There were at least two more emails at the minimum yet he was in no mood to read anything else as his mood dramatically spiraled out of control. He slowly stammered his way out of his music room towards his master bedroom.

As he started to head towards his king sized bed, he could not and refused to believe that this was happening to him. His life was falling apart just like a sand castle when the tide comes in and sweeps it away. He had reached his bed and realized that his bed was included in the list. He was so deep in disbelief, doubt and shock that he was unable to speak. Not even his pride could have prevented him from not speaking about the abomination that he is enduring. Therefore, with denial being the last thing that he would have in his mind, he slowly crawled into bed and collapsed. Alejandro had trouble sleeping due to his current predicament so the only thing that he could do was stare up at the ceiling. Later on, he sluggishly went to the kitchen and decided to eat his meal. Seconds later, he had snapped out of his disbelief and doubtful state and started to once again profusely state that everyone was out to get him. Then after he was done, eating decided that he had no time to waste and began to pack his belongings.

The first thing that he did was gather a bag big enough that would be able to hold everything that he will pack. After several minutes of searching, he was able to find one that might be able to work for him. He had decided that perishables would be the last thing to pack, as it is more valuable to him. So he then headed to his master bedroom to start packing any clothes that were necessary and thin. He searched through all his clothes and carefully packed what he needed. Afterwards he still had room for anything else besides food and looked for toiletries. He went towards the bathroom and started to gather essentials such as soap, shampoo, floss, toothbrush and toothpaste. After a few minutes, he gently packed it in his bag. Seconds later, he realized that his bag was only half used and so thought that he might be able to pack other items that were important to him.

Alejandro headed towards his trophy room and noticed that everything there was either large or had sentimental value to him in regards to his previous lifestyle. I want to separate anything that had sentimental value that came from my adventures, Alejandro thought to himself. Therefore, with a deep and hated sigh, he turned his back on his achievements and headed towards the kitchen. There he packed enough food and drinks that he would be able live off until settling down somewhere else. Then from there he left the food and drinks on the counter until the time to depart had arrived. From that point on the days quickly picked up speed and started to fly by.

Soon the following week arrived and Alejandro saw his stereo system, his entertainment center and everything else that they said they will repossess and waltzed outside and store it in the van. As the day turned into night, his house felt naked to him as everything that meant something to him is removed and barren now. During those long nights, he decided to sleep on the floor, as he had nowhere else to sleep on. He felt degraded and demoralized as he lay there night after night while his possessions are either resold or burned. Three days later, he arose to the sound of knockings on the door. He despairingly walked over and saw the eviction notice on his door. He could not take the rejection anymore and yelled out a roar of anger from the depths of his lungs. Then the evictor allowed him to do what he needed and left him to it. Therefore, Alejandro took his shower, ate breakfast and got ready for to make his way out. He picked up his bag, put the food and drinks inside and walked on out. From that point on, he dared not look or even glance at his house anymore.

Chapter 3

The Road of Rejection

Now at the time, Alejandro needs a place to go to for housing. He knew that no one would allow him to rent a room so he eliminated the hotels and motels out. Therefore, he decided to go to the closest people that he knew. He walked and walked for miles hoping that the people closest to him would still accept him and not see this ominous expulsion as a dark cloud over their head as well. It took him hours to reach one of his closest friends’ houses and as he made his way to the front door of the house, he took a few moments to compose himself before he rang the doorbell. Now the friend that he was hoping that would accept him had no idea that Alejandro was outside his door; so when the door bell rang he had no idea what was going to happen or whom was hoping to enter. At first, the friend was not expecting anyone to come to his house, so he hesitantly thought about opening the door. It was at least five to ten minutes later that Alejandro had waited until he rang the doorbell once more. His friend had cautiously walked over to the corner of the foyer room where there were covered windows. He quickly peered outside to see who it was and when he saw Alejandro standing there, he gulped down his courage and stepped away from the door.

Alejandro wondered why no one would answer the door and so he decided that maybe the people were out of town for the mean time. He turned away and decided to head toward another friend’s house. A he started to walk away from the house; his friend slowly let his little children creep towards the windows to see if the rejected one has walked off into the distance. The littlest one of all the children has noticed a disappointed and depressed reject head into the distance; he signals to the others that it is safe to come out. The children still did not fully comprehend why they had to turn him away and so they wanted to find out why. They tried to ask their father yet the father afraid of what might happen, decided to silence them by saying It does not really matter to you. The older children puzzled over this while the youngest still wanted to know why. While they stood there curious, as to why this is the way it has to be; the young and inquisitive mind continued to ask the bothersome question why to the parents. The mother insisted on them listening to their father and stared them down. The young minds of the children mean nothing as the glares of knowledge suppress them constantly. Therefore, they continued to move on with their lives. As that happened, Alejandro made his way to the next closest friend that he had.

Alejandro trudged his way forth into the next trustworthy friend that he had. His back was starting to give into the pain of having everything that he had packed yet he was too proud to give in. After an hour or so of walking, he had finally made his way to the next house. The lights were off and the shutters closed tight as people realized that Alejandro was outside. At first, he thought that no one was home yet he tried to see if anyone was there. Same as last time, he wrung the doorbell and knocked on the door yet no one came to answer it. HE tried repeatedly but the same results turned up. Disappointed that his friends that he trusted so much had not come through for him, he decided to see if his third friend would be there for him.

He ventured towards the friend that he thought he knew well enough yet as every step he took brought more and more doubt to his mind, the more he hesitated to continue. He wanted to journey off into another part of the society yet he wanted to know if there was someone, he could turn during these times of hardship. THEREFORE, instead of retreating into other parts of the society, he decided to try his last loyal friend he trusted. After marching to his friend’s house, he soon realized that the chances of him expecting a warm acceptation in were slimmer than it was with the other two friends. As he stood there just a few feet from the fence, he noticed that the friendly gate was now a cruel hearted metal gate. Ungrateful friend, he said to himself as he stood there staring outside in. Then he started to walk around the barbed metal gate, he paid particular attention to certain aspects of the house. He made it a fourth way to the side of the door and noticed that the windows have dark curtains that still had some color to it. As he stared at it, he felt a slight twitch in his neck. He then proceeded to the continue inspecting the glass doors that he knew that would be there. Therefore, he slowly made his way to the glass paned doors to behold that they covered as well. He knew that those drapes were not there before and that mot glass paned doors are for show boating. You were supposed to be their as a friend for me, he yelled fiercely and then continued; Now what you decide to turn your back on me now. As he said that angrily, he stormed off not knowing where to go to next.

Alejandro started to head down the path that he least expected himself to. He thought that everyone he knew would always be there to help back him up, yet as he struggles to find shelter and any sign of kindness he slowly realizes that the allies and friendships that he had is slowly becoming a mirage. Therefore, with no help or compassion from his fair weathered friends, he starts to regret anyone he met in his life. Then he thought that if he could not rely to them then there might be one last group that will- his family. He remembered when he was young and hopeful his family always told him that they would always be there for him, and so with new hope slowly starting to arise from the ashes like a phoenix he pushed on. He started to sprint towards his family’s house. As he hoped that, he would be sheltered from all that has happened. As he got one-step closer to the one place where he can expect a warm welcome, the more hopeful he became. Even though he was hopeful of what was going to happen, there still lingered some doubt to whether they would fully appreciate him or turn their backs to him. There was only one way for him to figure this out and he intended on doing it.

After endless running, he finally ventured his way towards his parent’s house where he expected a warm welcoming. Alejandro stepped up to the front yard, there was that one everlasting doubt that plagued his very mind- even though they are my family, I have treated them very poorly and denied being related to them since I made it big. Therefore, with nothing in him to hold him back from finding out, he set forth to reveal the rockiness of his relations with his family. He remembered that when he was young his parents always reminded him that his family would always be there for him and would never betray him. He stepped forward into the humble beginnings that he had and as he did, the more he started to remember the easy life that he lived. Every moment that made him who he is has leaded him to count on those whom he neglected. Alejandro felt a pang in his heart as he inched closer to the door where he would meet his parents and sibling. He did not know whether that pang in the heart was a sign of hope or an ominous sign of ridicule and rejection. He cleared his throat and rang the doorbell.

As he stood there anxious to realize what the result would be, he felt the pang in his heart grow bigger and bigger. The pang in the heart soon with time began to cripple him and so his abilities started to dwindle. His strength shriveled up slowly and his knees began to wobble. At first, he thought that it was from exhaustion and so he sat down and waited for both his family to come and for his strength to recover. While he sat there pondering when his strength would return and why his family would take him forever to answer the door, the same thoughts that had crossed his mind earlier continued to haunt him. He wobbly stood up and decided to stretch out a while to help him regain whatever strength he could get. Slowly, he started to walk around the house and as he did, he slowly noticed the little things that had slipped his mind before hand. He hobbled around to the side of the house and curiosity got the best of him. He peered into the garage door to see if his family’s car was still there or not. He squint his eyes so that he could get a better view of what was inside. As he noticed that there was a glare in the garage, he soon realized that the glare was coming from rear view window. He knew that his family treasured that car the most and so in knowing that they are still home, he knew that they were home. Then as he soon realized that his family was still home, the pang in his heart grew into a void. He thought to himself, They couldn’t have abandoned me either could they? Therefore, he went on to figure this out even further.

The closer he was to figuring out the truth of his situation, the more he rejected the idea that even his family would betray him as well. He struggled to come to grips with what was happening and so he ventured to look for a better explanation and other clues that mind help him. The next thing that he went looking for is that clearly that there was no sign of any partying what so ever. He knew that his family always liked to throw parties during the week. Alejandro realized that he had not received any invites to the party and that there was no decoration inside the house. At first, he thought that the party was going to be later that day but he remembered that they like to party and celebrate from afternoon to night. The more he realized that there was going to be no sign of seeing anyone from his family warmly welcome him back, the void in his heart grew larger and darker. His mind spiraled out of control as all these clues added up to one answer- an answer that he refused to believe.

He tried to contemplate what was going on here. He did not want to believe that even his own family turned on him due to his expulsion and ousting from the adventurers’ society. I think that they must have partied too hard last night and overslept today, he thought to himself. As he tried to find himself in conflict of believing that, he deliberated another explanation. Okay maybe they decided to take another vehicle because something was fully right with their favorite car, yet as he thought of that he knew that they regularly made check up to get the car in the best shape as possible. His mind was struggling to think of another explanation yet his heart had already given up. He felt his heart crumbling and his mind torn to shreds as this fear was becoming reality. As he walked back to the front door for a sad contemplation about this whole situation, he looked down on the deck and saw that the welcome mat was not there anymore. The welcoming mat that would always said, You are always welcome in this house. Instead of crying out in despair he cried out in anger once more, You always told me that blood is thicker than water and that you would always be there for me no matter what the cost. Therefore, he tried one last desperate attempt for shelter food and companionship.

As he continued to ponder what his next move would be, he decided to take a chance and see if complete strangers would help him out. He figured that if people he knew would reject him as if he was a leper, then maybe the people he excluded would show some compassion for him. He hesitantly pondered whether it was a worth it. Therefore, with no other friend to turn to he decided to see what might happen. The first house he went to was one of the first people that he rejected. As he stared on in, he saw that his foe had prospered greatly from the day that they have met last. As he tried to swallow his pride, he stumbled his way towards the door and he slowly began to raise his arm to ring the bell. After ringing the doorbell, he felt his heart jump into his throat for he feared the worse of all for right now. Minutes later, he saw someone approaching the door and he felt his soul shake all over. He first wanted to turn back but knowing that no one was willing to lend a hand with him he stayed to see what would happen. The anticipation and anxiety grew immensely as he was turning to his worst enemy for help. He of course did not expect him to be generous and kind to him yet the fact he was about to be face to face with him sent chill running up and down his spine. Right before Michel was about to open the door, he peered outside his window to see who it was going to be. His calm personality sparked up, as he knew that his day of revenge would be at hand.

Therefore, to begin his day of enjoyment, he decided to be cautious and slowly open the door as to get Alejandro’s anticipation and dread heightened. Accordingly, as Michel had planned, Alejandro heart started to pound on his chest and his mind screeched to a halting stop, he wanted to bail out even more. Even though he knew that the person on the other side of the door was his mortal enemy, the fact that the door was opening up was the best thing so far that day. Alejandro could not take it anymore and as the door finally opened up, there was no turning back for him. Michel stood at the entrance to the foyer as they stared face to face. Michel smirked, as he knew that this was just the beginning for him. Well, who do I have here, he rudely remarked, as he knew that Alejandro was at the bottom of his barrel now. Alejandro took a deep breath as he tried to explain why he was at his door. Even though he knew what he was going to say, he was at words for he could not bring himself together to degrade himself. Therefore, the first words again belonged to Michel.

So, let me get this straight, your source of good luck has finally run out, and no one I willing to help you out- not even your family. Now you are at desperate means for shelter, food and companionship and you turn to me, your mortal enemy. The very person that you have rejected countless times because you thought I was nowhere nears your expectations. I this true, Michel devilishly smiled at Alejandro. Alejandro could not say anything due to him being so proud and so the only thing he could do is nod his head. Michel slowly started to laugh at his fallen enemy, as he knew that Alejandro would have done the same to him. Then without a slight hesitation, he stopped laughing and changed his tone that made him more sinister than ever. Alejandro why do you think that I, your mortal enemy, which you have scorned in front of everyone we all know, would accept you into my house? he cruelly glared at Alejandro. However, if you want to be my house servant and serve as that you might have a slightest chance of that. Of course you would be nothing more than a mere mangy dog that was picked off of the streets." Alejandro felt his eyes twitch and his fists cut into his hands once more and as this was happening, Michel was enjoying every second of it. Alejandro had nowhere else to go and so with a humiliating decision he decided to say yes. Of course, Michel had not heard him the first time and so he decided to twist this even further.

What was it that you just said, he snidely remarked. Alejandro had enough humility to raise his voice slightly higher, but Michel still had not heard him. Say that again I still could not hear you, Michel cunningly said. The third time he decided to twist the conversation to his likings. So you will be my house servant and mangy mutt whom I can treat you worse than anything else in this world of ours, he shouted from the top of his lungs so that everyone around him could hear him. Then as he Alejandro reared his proud head down as to avoid any eye contact with anyone else, Michel had slammed the door right in his face. Therefore, Alejandro decided to try complete strangers now hoping, just hoping for a better result.

Every house he went to were fenced and gated with guard dogs all around. The day dragged on and every house that he decided to go too ended up in the same way- doors slammed shut, security guards dogs released and body guard-putting signs up everywhere. As the night started to consume the day, his efforts to find a place to rest for the time being slowly began to dwindle. Therefore, as his legs slowly turning into lead his mind and soul drifted in the same way. Alejandro’s eyes started to fall heavily as the darkness of the night consumed all vision of any shelter. Alas, his body fell to the stress and tiresome of everything and his only effort to find somewhere to rest was to crawl his way to the closest spot. After tirelessly crawling his way to find any hope of salvation, he decided to pull over to the side and sleep in the open cold.

Chapter 4

The Discovery of the Secrets

Early the next morning, Alejandro awoke to the surprise of the slums. He glared around to see where he was and as he beheld a less extravagant part of the society. His first reaction was disbelief and shock as his illusion of the great society had veiled the truth behind itself. Alejandro slowly and steadily stood up and started to walk his way toward the depths of the slums of the town. His mind was shattered at the thought that this part of town was barely populated. He continued to proceed forward with doubt of finding any hope of anyone there at all who will accept him. He went walking from the path to the center of the deteriorating of the town. He glanced around as he desperately hoped for any signs of acceptance, yet he found none so far. The houses were dilapidated, the streets were made of dirt and the stores barricaded. The doom situation that he had in front of him gave him chills like none other that he ever saw. I can’t believe this area of town exists, he thought to himself. As he thought that, he continued to hope and search for anyone that might want to help him out.

Day shifted into night slower and slower as his mind opened to what his society had concealed all his life. Alejandro could not believe that no one had warned him of this area when he was a child that was so young and hopeful. This area of town would be the forbidden areas or the exile colonies of long ago that he would have heard of in stories. He wandered from house to shabby searching for any sign of civilization and salvation yet his only chance of finding anyone disintegrated and blew off in the wind. Alejandro did not know what to do know. As the day sped into the night, he found himself once again on a shorter end of a stick. His seemingly hopeless situation deteriorated as other problems started to add up. First, he still had no place to rest for the night. Sure, he had all these empty and abandoned houses yet he did not know how suitable it would be and stable it was for him to stay. He would feel like he was intruding on someone else’s residence. Secondly, there is the fact that he is still too proud to think about wanting to sleep in someone else’s place of shelter and love. He saw himself as still a great person regardless what other people hold him to be. As the early evening crept up on him like a panther in the dark, a third problem arose unexpectedly: inadequate supply of food and drink.

He felt his stomach slowly turning on him as he tried to conserve his food and drink. Alejandro tried to suppress the suffering within his empty bottomless gorge that fueled his energy yet it was of no use. He stopped in the middle of the dirt path and reached inside his bag. He was down to his last remains of food and drink. He struggled to restrain himself from gorging himself yet his hunger consumed him just as his pride has done all his life. After he was done eating what little food he had, he was not even two thirds full yet he continued to progress towards certain uncertainty. Now as starving, tired and shelter less adventurer he started to feel the eyes of failure more and more glare down on him. The night grew gloomier and gloomier as he continued towards his next disastrous event in his life. The night grew colder and cloudier as every second of the night foretold of ominous signs of humiliation. Slowly that dark and cloudy night turned into a windy and cold night and with barely anything that would give him warmth; things swirled into a bigger nightmare for him.

Alejandro pushed on through the cold and wind hoping to find the best out of this situation yet his heart felt that there was no greener grass on the side of this fence. He felt his legs wobble every so often as the hunger controlled his legs and as the wind pushed harder and harder for him to regress into a better chance of living easier. As the wind and the cold continued to strengthen so did Alejandro yet he did not have enough resilience to win this up hill battle. Although his body was saying to call it quits yet his mind was too proud to think about letting anyone else or anything else win. Therefore, with anything and everything against his back he continued to trudge on. He struggled and struggled to find ground for him to lean against to help him stabilize his weary body but the wind and cold knew no boundaries or limitations. He pushed his limits farther and harder than before yet his attempts were becoming more and more futile as the wind just kept on reinforcing itself. As the wind mixed in with the bitter coldness of the air, his body slowly crumbled into pieces, which made his efforts harder for him to succeed. Alejandro did not want to give up so he got back up and attempted another chance yet he kept on being demolished like a brick wall by a wrecking ball. He tried tirelessly yet his body was wasting away. After so many attempt of trying to win his body collapsed underneath the exhaustion and hunger.

During his last efforts to battle the wind and cold he felt that he was never good enough to have anything anymore. As he gave in altogether and decided to rest for the night, another problem arose from the sky: a downpour of rain covered the night sky and tormented his exhausted body and mind. Therefore, throughout the night, his body suffered immensely as things worsened even more. The night seemed it lasted an eternity as his stubbornness refused to let his life end up like this. The rain drenched his body yet it drenched his tormented soul with misery even more. Alejandro tried to get as much sleep as possible yet his dropping temperature increased his ailment. The never-ending images of failure and sounds of ridicule tortured his weakened mind. He could not take the pressure of everyone’s standards being so increasingly demanding. It was not like if I had done nothing at all, he thought to himself before trying to fall asleep. The cold wind froze his soul as the rain soaked his body to the core. He shivered all night long trying to shake off the bitter coldness of the world.

Earlier that day the sun rose up with a blaze and rudely woke Alejandro up from his short sleep. As Alejandro groggily opened his eyes, he beheld a scruffy tattered clothed man standing a couple of feet away from him. The eyes around him stared him down and as he met those eyes, he felt disgraced and humiliated. He wanted to ask the stranger if he could help him yet he still felt too proud to utter the words that he needed. The scruffy tattered clothed stranger knew what Alejandro was thinking and was going through and so he decided to extend his hand as a sign of humility. Alejandro saw the hand as a display of shame and swatted it away with anger and pride. I don’t need your help old man, he despicably shouted to him. The old man once again extended his hand once more hoping the new comer would accept it yet Alejandro rejected it even more this time. The stranger said calmly, You need my help more than ever but you’re too proud of yourself. Alejandro glared at him with spite and picked himself up started to grind his teeth. Very well then, and then he walked off into the depths of the decrepit city. Alejandro grunted and continued to walk off.

He wanted to get back into the lime light he did not know how to convince others to accept him. Therefore, Alejandro paced frantically hoping that the one idea that might get him back into the good life would hit strike him like lightening yet nothing was storming in his degraded mind of his. Then a mere sign of either genius or disparity came across his mind. I will vanish for several months, and then triumphantly return with a forged treasure or artifact and then they will accept me back as a true success, he thought to himself. Therefore, with anxiousness and false hope in his mind he rushed off to buy a small boat and cast off towards a far away land that no one has heard of for several months. He was hopeful that this would work yet he had forgotten several facts that made this plan flawed- shortage of food and directions to his undesignated land. Alejandro sailed off towards the unknown hoping for a mere sign of luck while he had done that, the grisly bearded tattered clothed stranger watched him with dismay.

Alejandro