The sky is covered in thick dark clouds.
Below, a field contains small patches of Pyre Flowers: flowers with teardrop-shaped bulbs that hold small amounts of energy.
Not many of them remain.
A tall, brown creature known as a Dom stands next to a patch of flowers. This is Avalon. His body resembles a segmented cloak, and his face is a white, ivory mask with a small tuft of blue hair draped across his forehead. A round, light-bluish orb rests in the center of his chest; it is his energy core. It glows dimly, signifying that he’s low on energy. His translucent eyes reflect his core, glowing with a dim light as well.
He bends down and picks up a Pyre Flower. It glows in his hand, emitting energy from its bulb. He stares at it, lost in thought.
Is this it? Is this all we’re good for?
He turns and looks up at the dark clouds above him.
Is this…our life?
***
Despite the dark clouds, the sky begins to lighten ever so slightly, signifying the beginning of another day.
Within a large cave, the Doms awaken from their sleep and begin their daily routine, wearily making their way to the exit. Most of their energy cores glow dimly, but many of them are dangerously dark, implying that the Doms’ energy is nearly depleted.
Avalon lies on the cave floor asleep. He slowly opens his eyes.
Another morning…
He struggles to wake up, but he eventually makes it to his feet.
I hate this. I hate feeling this way.
As he plods along to get in line, he spots his friend Jeyes, a pink Dom with blond bangs that fall across her forehead. She seems lost in thought.
I know she hates it too.
Avalon walks over and taps her on the shoulder. Startled, she turns to look at him, her train of thought broken.
“Are you okay?” Avalon asks.
Jeyes hesitates and then nods her head.
“Come on; let’s go,” Avalon says.
She sighs, dreading the day awaiting her. Avalon pats her on the shoulder, understanding her frustration, and together they head out of the cave.
Once out of the cave, the Doms make their way in a single-file line across vast grasslands known as the Mecco Plains, moving toward the Pyre Fields. They trudge along as if they’re battle-weary soldiers. As Avalon walks, he looks around at his fellow Doms.
They seem so dejected and hopeless.
It wasn’t always like this.
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