Bloody Knuckles

4

As Rian and Nicole walked hand in hand through the bustling streets, they couldn't help but be struck by the sight of carefree laughter and innocent joy that surrounded them. For the first time in their lives, they felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps this new world held the promise of a brighter future—one free from the shadows of their past.

But as they watched a group of children their age playing games and laughing, Nicole's heart clenched with a mixture of longing and sadness. She couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered within her, the constant fear that their newfound happiness could be shattered in an instant by the harsh realities of the world they now inhabited.

When one of the boys exclaimed his loss in the game, Nicole's instinct to protect kicked in, her heart racing with the familiar dread of impending danger. But to her surprise, the other boy offered words of comfort and encouragement, extending a hand in friendship rather than scorn or ridicule.

Tears welled up in Nicole's eyes as she watched the scene unfold before her, a silent testament to the innocence and compassion that still existed in this world despite the darkness that lurked in the shadows. It was a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there was still hope for a better tomorrow—a hope that burned bright within the hearts of those who dared to believe in the power of kindness and empathy.

And as Rian squeezed her hand in silent solidarity, Nicole knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, drawing strength from the bonds of love and friendship that had sustained them through the darkest of times. For in a world where compassion was a rare and precious commodity, they would hold onto it with all their might, determined to never let it fade away.

As the twins walked together, a male with huge curly hair approached them. "Hi, you must be new to the state. My name is Zack," he said, his tone friendly and inviting. "Um, would you like me to show you around?"

"Yeah, we're new," Rian replied casually, while Nicole eyed Zack with a hint of suspicion. She was accustomed to a life where trust was earned through grit and violence, and Zack's overly sweet demeanor set off alarm bells in her mind.

"Sure, that sounds great," Nicole interjected, her voice masking her skepticism. She couldn't shake the feeling that Zack's offer might lead to trouble, but she and Rian were more than capable of handling themselves if things took a turn for the worse.

Zack's smile widened at their acceptance, his enthusiasm undeterred by Nicole's guarded demeanor. "Awesome! There's so much to explore in this city," he exclaimed, oblivious to the twins' wariness. "I promise it'll be a blast!"

Rian and Nicole exchanged a knowing glance, both fully aware that their definition of a "blast" might differ significantly from Zack's. But they were prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in their ability to navigate the complexities of their new environment with ease.

As they set off with Zack leading the way, Rian and Nicole remained vigilant, their senses attuned to any signs of trouble that might arise. They were no strangers to danger, and if Zack's friendly tour took an unexpected turn, they were more than ready to handle whatever came their way. For in a world where violence was a way of life, Rian and Nicole knew that they could never afford to let their guard down, even in the presence of seemingly friendly strangers.

As the twins followed Zack in silence, showing the twins around the area. All coloured with bright large houses, everyone had symbols on their right shoulders visible to most.

"I never asked" Zack said "but what status are you?" Zack asked looking at the twins

As Zack inquired about their status, Rian and Nicole exchanged a knowing glance, aware that their unique circumstances set them apart from the others in this realm. While Zack might have assumed their symbols indicated their status, the truth was far more complex.

"We don't have symbols," Nicole replied evenly, her voice betraying none of the uncertainty that churned within her. "We're different."

Zack's brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes flicking between Rian and Nicole as he tried to make sense of their cryptic response. "Different how?" he asked, his curiosity piqued by their enigmatic words.

Rian's gaze hardened as he met Zack's questioning stare, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to reveal the truth. "We weren't born with symbols like everyone else," he explained, his tone steady despite the weight of their revelation. "We're outsiders, not bound by the rules of this realm."

Zack's expression softened as he absorbed Rian's words, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "I see," he murmured, his tone tinged with sympathy. "Well, regardless of where you come from, you're still welcome here. We value diversity and acceptance in our community."

Nicole nodded in appreciation at Zack's acceptance, her guard softening slightly as she recognized the genuine warmth in his words. Perhaps not everyone in this realm was to be feared, she thought, allowing herself to relax just a fraction in the presence of this seemingly friendly stranger.

As they continued their tour with Zack leading the way, Rian and Nicole couldn't shake the feeling of being outsiders in a world that was still largely unfamiliar to them. But with each passing moment, they were reminded that acceptance and understanding could be found in even the most unexpected of places, offering them a glimmer of hope for the future as they navigated the complexities of their new home.