shivering, i wished for it to be day, yet a feeling arose in me like i may never see daylight again.

i glanced at my fellow prisoners one last time before i felt a firm grip on my back which shoved me down off the boat they'd taken us here on. the blazing sand seemed to burn my skin so i quickly pushed my heavy body away, stumbling back onto my butt.

almost chocking on my own fear, my eyes rested on what lay before me. the hole. my punishment. for speaking my mind.

the other prisoners had began falling around me, we sat on the outskirts, still unable to understand what was about to happen.

suddenly, the sand near the hole (which at this moment didn't look threatening, but in the next looked somehow worse than all the misfortunes the leaders had cast upon us in our lives) began to sink, and the hole expanded.

screams broke into my ears. screams, and the deathly sound of cackling that echoed from who'd brought us here. instinctively, i began to scramble crab like away from my doom, and towards that cackling.

i want to live. i want to live. i want to live.

slipping. i'm slipping.

i opened my mouth and screeched with all my might. i don't want to die. i don't want to die. but the sand was pulling me in like the others.

i scrambled backwards. i was still near the top so the sand wasn't as strong yet. my hand reached out to grab the opening and i pulled with all my force. i stumbled and my face hit the sand, which exploded into my mouth. choking and spitting i stumbled back up and charged towards the sand boat, reaching a hand out.

the 'leader' who had brought us here was too distracted by those dying to noticed me. with a firm grip on the side of the boat i dragged myself to safety, but my murderer spotted me. with a knife in his hand he aimed to slash.

i rolled onto my side, falling down some stairs and landing on my arm as i squealed. pushing my hair back to clear my vision, i stumbled back to my feet and half ran half tripped back up the stairs, charging into the danger. with my hands in front of me i approached him. he slashed at my arms, although he was aiming for my body, but with an impulsive movement i ran into the man, causing him to fall into the pit.

down. down. down.

i fell too, onto my back in the new found safety. i tried to catch my breath while one hand clutched my wounded arm, yet i also smiled to myself. because i'm alive. and the sun was rising, above the horizon, and i began to laugh with joy and relief, like a young child.

this was the start. an adventure. and i will try my best, to save this world.