Chapter One

LIA POV:

The morning sun gently bathed the room in warm light as the sound of the vacuum cleaner broke the tranquility of my slumber. I groggily opened my eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep, and let out an exasperated sigh. "Damn, I hate mornings," I murmured, pulling the covers over my head for a moment before finally forcing myself to get up.

Still feeling dazed, I reached for my phone on the bedside table to check the time. Panic set in as I realized I had overslept. "Oh no! I'm going to be late," I thought, hurrying to get ready.

Today's task was to drop my adorable niece, Rosy, to her early morning football classes at seven am. I couldn't say no to her sweet requests, so despite my sleepy state, I knew I had to rush. After a quick ten-minute shower, I spent another five minutes choosing an outfit. Eventually, I settled on a light pink top and black leggings, hoping it looked decent enough for the day ahead.

As I finished styling my hair and made my way to the living room, I was greeted by the sound of my mom and little brother engaged in yet another argument. "Not again," I sighed inwardly, feeling the tension in the air. Trying to be the peacekeeper, I greeted them with a cheerful "good morning," but my efforts seemed to fall on deaf ears as they continued bickering.

My five-year-old niece, Rosy, was sitting on the couch, looking somewhat bewildered by the commotion. She glanced at me with her innocent eyes, and I gave her a reassuring smile. I managed to distract her from the family dispute by quickly diverting her attention. "Come on, Rosy, it's time for your football class," I said, gently leading her out of the house.

We walked hand in hand towards her classes, which were fortunately just ten minutes away from our home. Rosy was always excited for her football lessons, and it warmed my heart to see her so enthusiastic about it.

Today, I had taken a day off from the office because I had an appointment with a gynecologist due to some health concerns. It was essential for me to prioritize my well-being and address any medical issues.

"Sister! Today, can we have ice-cream?" Rosy asked, her eyes gleaming with hope.

"Why not?" I replied with a soft chuckle, patting her head affectionately.

Who could resist such a request from an adorable little girl? Certainly not me.

Finally, we arrived at the football class, and I watched as Rosy eagerly ran to join her little teammates. After giving her a loving farewell and promising to treat her with ice-cream later, I decided to make the most of my free time and head to the nearby garden to focus on my health.

As I jogged, I found my thoughts drifting to my love life, or rather, the lack of it. Being an introvert and coming from a traditional family, I had faced my fair share of challenges when it came to relationships. During my teenage years, I often blamed my family for their strict rules, but as I matured, I learned to accept my reality and find strength in my independence.

"Hey LLLIIIAAA!" a voice called out, interrupting my musings.

"Ugh, this idiot," I grumbled as I turned my head to see Rick approaching.

Rick was an acquaintance from the neighborhood, always with a flair for drama and a touch of arrogance. We exchanged greetings, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his theatricality.

Hi Rick."

I'm pretty sure when his mom gave birth to him, she wanted to name him Dick, but because she sounded weak, that stupid doctor misunderstood her and named this idiot Rick.

I'm definitely sure about this.

"Hi Lia, umm... Lia, do you have time tomorrow night?"

"No." Only an idiot would say yes, I thought.

"Lia, you know very well how much Steve loves you. That silly child still cherishes the shirt you gifted him last year."

How having time has anything to do with his son... is beyond me. And wait a minute, his devil incarnation, aka his son, likes me?

That stupid child made a hole in my dress. If that wasn't enough, he hit my sweetie, my little adorable niece.

"Rick, are you sure that I gifted a shirt to your son?"

"Of course!" he beamed at me.

I didn't want to burst his bubble, but I couldn't control myself.

"Sorry, Mister Rick, to burst your bubble of happiness, but last year I was in Moscow with my grandma."

He still had a big smile, and then, like a snail realizing something, I said something he probably wasn't expecting.

And then, like the shameless person he is, he suddenly laughed as if I had cracked a big joke.

"Ohh Lia, I know, I know you were in Moscow. I just wanted to see whether you would fall for this one or not. But you can't deny the fact that Steve likes you a lot. So, help me tomorrow night to take care of Steve for me. Please help me. I got a date with Diana."

Ah, now I get it. All that Steve-likes-me stuff was for this.

"Sorry, but I can't. Tomorrow night, I have to meet my friend, and I can't say no to her."

"Ohh..." he deflated like a balloon. "Rick, I'm getting late, see ya."

As I started jogging without waiting for his reply.

Two years back, Rick's wife divorced him because he had an affair with a shop owner's daughter who lived a couple of blocks away from his house.

A good decision, I thought to myself, but still, I can't figure out why Rick's wife abandoned her child. I know she is angry, and I admit that Steve is not everyone's cup of tea, "ahem," at least not mine, but still, I will never think bad about him "ahem" and his future "ahem." He deserves love from both of his parents.

The only thing I hate about divorce is... scratch that part. I hate that word. The person who didn't do anything and still suffers from divorce is the child, the innocent one, and I hate that.

Thanks to God, I grew up having the love of both parents.

"Ahh..."

As I closed my eyes, feeling the fatigue from jogging and my mind buzzing with various thoughts, I prepared to take a short break. The cool breeze gently caressed my face, providing a refreshing respite from the exertion. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

However, as I opened my eyes to pinpoint the source of the soothing breeze, I was met with a sight that left me utterly stunned. I blinked repeatedly, unable to believe what I was seeing. I even pinched my wrists, thinking I might be hallucinating or dreaming.

But there it was, standing majestically before me - a creature so colossal and awe-inspiring that I couldn't comprehend its existence in the real world.

"FUCK!!"

My mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts. What was this magnificent being doing here? Was it some sort of mythical creature or a remnant of prehistoric times? The idea of it casually jogging to lose some extra fat was absurd beyond belief.

"Hehe."

Despite my astonishment and the fear creeping in, I couldn't help but find the mental image of such an enormous being jogging amusing. I almost chuckled at the thought.

A shiver ran down my spine as I noticed its intense gaze fixated on me. It felt like I had become the target of its interest, and those mesmerizing golden eyes started to shine even brighter.

"DAMN!!!!!!"

I retracted my earlier assumption of it being a monster. It was a breathtaking masterpiece of nature, unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Its enormity was accentuated by the vast expanse of its black feathers, which seemed to stretch for a hundred meters wide. The allure of its deep golden eyes, resembling the brilliance of topaz, was both captivating and intimidating. As the sunlight caught its body, it sparkled as though someone had dipped this awe-inspiring creature in a big box of glimmering glitter. My mind struggled to find adequate words to describe its magnificence.

Okay, maybe comparing it to a piece of art was an understatement. This creature was beyond any masterpiece created by human hands. It was a living marvel, a true wonder of nature.

Though my heart still pounded in my chest, the initial fear was gradually replaced by a sense of reverence and admiration. I found myself entranced by the sheer beauty of this creature, and a feeling of humility washed over me as I stood before something so grand and mysterious.

In that moment, I understood the insignificance of human worries and concerns in the face of the vastness and complexity of the natural world. This encounter with the majestic creature was a humbling reminder that there were still countless wonders and mysteries waiting to be discovered in the world.

The creature remained still, as if it sensed my mixed emotions. Its gaze didn't waver, and I felt an inexplicable connection with it, as though we were sharing a profound moment of understanding.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and I marveled at the privilege of witnessing such a magnificent sight. My heart and mind were filled with a sense of wonder, and I silently thanked fate for this extraordinary encounter.

As the creature eventually moved on, its massive wings flapping gracefully, I couldn't help but stand in awe of the beauty that had graced my presence. I knew this encounter would remain etched in my memory forever, reminding me of the vastness and magic that lay beyond the ordinary confines of everyday life.

***

Author: "When does he become your baby???"

Lia: just now, You got a problem, author?

***

The sudden growl broke me out of my mesmerized state. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I snapped out of my thoughts and realized the urgency of the situation. I knew I had to act fast, and without wasting another moment, I decided to make a run for it. As much as I would have loved to admire this breathtaking creature on my TV news channel, survival took precedence at that moment.

However, before I could take a single step, a searing pain shot through my back, and I let out a yelp of surprise and agony. It felt like someone had sunk their teeth into my flesh, and the pain was overwhelming. I turned around instinctively, but my vision blurred, and the world around me spun into darkness.

Everything went black.

Time seemed to slip away, and I had no sense of how long I had been unconscious. Slowly, I regained consciousness, and my vision gradually cleared. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, lying on the ground, disoriented and weak.

As the haze lifted, I realized that I was not alone. The gigantic creature that had left me in awe earlier was still there, but now it stood protectively over me. My fear resurfaced, but as I watched the creature, I noticed a surprising gentleness in its demeanor. It seemed to be looking after me rather than threatening me.

I tried to move, but pain radiated from my back, reminding me of the bite I had felt before everything went dark. As I winced, the creature made a low, rumbling sound, almost like a soothing purr. It was as if it was trying to reassure me that I was safe now.

Gradually, I gathered the strength to sit up, and as I did, the creature seemed to take a step back, giving me space. Its eyes, which had once appeared intense and searching, now seemed full of concern.

My mind raced with questions. What had happened after I blacked out? How did I end up here, and why was the creature not attacking me? Was it responsible for biting me, or was there something else in this mysterious place?

Looking around, I noticed that I was no longer in the familiar park where I had been jogging. Instead, I seemed to have been transported to a secluded and enchanting forest. The trees towered overhead, their leaves creating dappled patterns of light on the ground. It felt like stepping into a realm of fantasy.

As I tried to collect my thoughts, I noticed the creature had settled on its haunches nearby, watching me with unwavering attention. Its presence was simultaneously intimidating and comforting. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a creature from a myth or legend, brought to life before my eyes.

Gathering my courage, I decided to slowly inch closer to the creature, extending my hand as a gesture of peace. To my surprise, it didn't recoil or show any signs of hostility. Instead, it seemed to acknowledge my approach, and its gaze softened.

As I studied the creature more closely, I noticed intricate patterns and markings on its jet-black feathers, reminiscent of ancient symbols and designs. It was truly a living work of art, and being so close to it filled me with a sense of reverence for the mysteries of nature.

Even though my back still throbbed with pain, a strange sense of tranquility washed over me in the presence of this magnificent being. It was as if I had entered a realm where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blurred, and I had become a part of something extraordinary.

As I contemplated my surroundings and the enigmatic creature before me, I couldn't help but wonder if this encounter held a deeper meaning or if it was merely a twist of fate. Whatever the case, one thing was certain - my life had taken an unexpected turn, and I was about to embark on an adventure unlike any other.

***

I heard a footstep coming in my direction as someone walked towards me. No, not someone, but a child. I stared at him, utterly speechless. For two seconds, I forgot I was even experiencing head pain. "Please, for God's sake, someone tell me this is not a prank, otherwise, I will assume I'm suffering from mental problems," I thought to myself, unable to comprehend the bizarre situation unfolding before me.

The child was dressed like a monk, which only added to the surreal nature of the moment. "Why does this child dress up like a monk?" I wondered, my mind unable to keep up with the bewildering circumstances.

"I know you have questions, but please have mercy on me and don't bombard me with them. I have nothing to do with this, and no hand or absolutely no idea why those oldies kidnapped you," the child said hurriedly, frustration evident in his voice. "When I repeatedly told them this was a bad idea from the start."

Despite my confusion, the child's words began to sink in, and the reality of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks. "I stop paying attention to his words now," I thought, my mind overwhelmed by the revelation. "The only thing which was circling in my head was that I was kidnapped. God, I am kidnapped, and not by any gangster or criminals, but by oldies??!!"

The absurdity of the situation made me question everything. "GOD!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS??? At least be kidnapped by a sexy male!! You are not playing fair cards!!!" I cried out, feeling both exasperated and incredulous.

"I want to CRY!!! This is not FAIR!!!!!!" I sobbed, unable to suppress the surge of emotions that overwhelmed me. The absurdity of being kidnapped by elderly individuals left me feeling utterly perplexed and frustrated.

As the child continued to explain, I felt a mix of irritation and amusement at the situation. The child's attempt to clarify the circumstances seemed almost comical, given the gravity of the situation. But even amidst the chaos, the child's presence provided a strange sense of comfort

***

Author: "Do you think we are shooting 365 Days sequel?"

Lia: SHUT UP!!!

***

"....And I even told them you are just a human. You will not be able to survive that place, but they still insist that this is a great plan to save that place and the future," the child explained, leaving Lia with more questions than answers. What place? What future? Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion.

"Umm mister, can you start from the beginning? You know my head is hurting, and I'm very, very slow to understand," Lia requested, feeling the need for a clearer explanation.

Upon hearing her plea, the child gave her a look that irked Lia. It was a look of pity, as if she were a lost child abandoned in a forest. The irony of receiving pity from a creature barely two feet tall annoyed her even more. "What an irony!!（╯°□°）╯︵(\ .o.)," she thought with a mixture of irritation and amusement.

"Ohh dear!! I never knew humans can't be able to understand such a basic thing. If I knew earlier, I would be more against this idea. God, you are so fragile, and on top of all, you have problems with comprehending a basic speech," the child remarked, leaving Lia speechless once again. She couldn't tell if the child was taunting her or being genuinely serious.

"Lia, please don't flare at him. He is the only one right now whom we can ask," she told herself, attempting to keep her emotions in check. But her head was throbbing even worse now, and listening to the child's blabbering wasn't helping at all.

"No, you've got me wrong. I am able to understand, but my current condition is not helping me," Lia tried to clarify, hoping the child would stop belittling her.

"Ohhh, wait a minute, I will give you this herb. It is called sanjeevni booti. It helps to calm your nerves," the child said, offering Lia a small packet of strange dry powder. In her desperate state, Lia decided to trust the child and mixed the powder with water, drinking it hesitantly. She knew she shouldn't trust strangers, but the pain was becoming unbearable, and she was already in deep trouble. "What could be worse than this?" she wondered, hoping the herb would provide some relief.

But as the strange concoction touched her lips, Lia realized that her previous thought had been hasty. Many things could indeed be worse than kidnapping. As the herb's effects started to take hold, Lia's senses began to blur, and a sense of drowsiness overcame her.

Before she could comprehend what was happening, her surroundings began to shimmer, and reality itself seemed to warp and twist around her. The enchanted forest that had captivated her before became a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, and Lia felt herself being pulled into a vortex of unfamiliar sensations.