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Description
               It was time. The brave Zavier let out a deep breath and with the concentration of a diver, the young boy jumped off of the cliff. As he fell, the crisp air blew through his dark blue hair, the sensation of soaring spread through him. Delicate tears of joy streamed from golden eyes and past his crown. The graceful impact of Zavier against the crystal water sent up tiny droplets. Each drop reflected the tangerine hues of the sunset, contrasting against the purple liquid. Ripples caressed the magical pool, then the surface calmed. Cheers could be heard from the towering heights above. Zavier had begun his journey to a new world. It was in this world that Zavier would discover...

                                                        ~xxx~

                "Adem! Please come downstairs and eat your breakfast!"
"Fine," mumbled the schoolboy. Hesitating to finish the last line, Adem carefully put his novel away onto the stack, along with the multitude of others and closed the door on his labyrinth of a library. He made his way down the sage colored hallway, cool wood beneath his feet. He followed the delicious smell of homemade muffins into his mother's delicately decorated kitchen.
Adem ate his breakfast of cranberry muffins without slowing to breathe and gulped down a glass of lemonade.
"Be careful or you'll choke sweetie, "sang his caring mother.
"I'm okay mom, I need to get going," he responded.
He grabbed his school bag, said his goodbyes, and started his journey. Normally, he would be making his way to the fourth grade classroom, nestled in the quaint schoolhouse downtown. Today, Adem dreamed to live the life of Zavier the brave. Once he was out of sight, Adem dashed through an opening in the lush vegetation. He imagined himself plunging into the same violet water of the novel. His eyes glistened as he took in the surroundings. Fantasy mirrored reality and Adem imagined himself caught between the pages of a hardcover.
He was surrounded on all sides. Indigenous people, painted in nature's vibrant colors and adorned with feathers, sprang at him. Adem knows the various plots he has read but this story was his to create and experience.
"You'll never lay a hand on me or my treasure," Adem yelled back to his imaginary villains. He looked down and could feel the warmth of the gold nuggets, the coolness of each sapphire that he held in his arms. There was no way they were taking it away. Adem ran faster and faster, avoiding every obstacle in his path.
Adem glanced forward to see that the ground had ended and sky had taken its place.
"A cliff?" The curious discoverer traced the edges of the steep drop. A swift current ran below. The water resembled his sapphires with traces of ruby pebbles hidden beneath the surface. The swirls and patterns of the river hypnotized Adem back into his fantasy. He would truly take Zavier's place, he would jump. He would begin a new life within an alien world. It was his time.
With the same breath of bravery, Adem prepared himself for the jump. Still holding his invisible treasure, Adem's feet left the ground. He opened his eyes to see shapes of gold and sapphire falling with him, feeling the earth move around them.
                                   SPPLLLAAAAAAASSSSSSSHHHHH!
Adem did not dive as gracefully as Zavier. The beautiful water did not accept him as well either. Adem felt its cold embrace all the way to his skeleton. The violent thrash of the current took him under, kidnapping the frightened child into its dark depths. Adem struggled to see the shimmering of the sun's rays above him. He felt himself slowly slipping away, floating helplessly in what he previously believed to be magical water. The young explorer closed his eyes, letting out his last stream of bubbles in this world.
"Ugh...Where am I? Why is it so bright? Wow!" Adem stopped asking questions once he noticed the surroundings. He continued to spout bubbles from his mouth with every breath even though he was not underwater. Placing his weak hands onto the ground for support to stand, Adem realized it was liquid. Frantically, Adem looked around.
"How is this possible? Did I finally make it to Zavier's world?!" Jumping up, forgetting how tired he felt, Adem ran upon the surface. Each foot created a new network of rippling circles, like an insect dancing on water. As he ran the landscape began to take form. Beautiful rolling mountains, tinted in shades of blue and purple, blending into the peach sky, painted the horizon. Vast forests were spread in various groupings. The green and white barked trees seemed to tower just as high as its purple neighbors. There was one detail that amazed Adem the most. No matter what he set his curious eyes on, it sparkled. Everything shimmered as if covered by morning dew. The boy stood still, not knowing how to react, as small puffs of clouds floated past. Adem reached to touch one, realizing how solid they surprisingly felt.
"Perhaps I can ride one," Adem thought out loud.
"Yes, you may, but I wouldn't recommend it to a novice," answered a well articulated voice.
Adem shivered with surprise. He hadn't seen or heard anyone approaching. Curious, and somewhat frightened, Adem slowly shifted his body to face his unexpected responder. It was a man, not much taller than himself, adorned in elegant, light blue clothing. Adem followed the intricate embroidery of gold flowing throughout the wardrobe.
"Did you hear me boy? Stop staring like that. Haven't you ever been taught that if you stare so long at someone you don't know your eyeballs will fall out?"
"Umm...," Adem couldn't think of a reply for the eccentric man.
"Well then, follow me. My lords have been expecting you for some time. What will they think of such a young boy trying to ride a cloud," the servant said, looking towards the sparkling structure. The last line was directed more towards his conscience rather than Adem.
"Come along boy, it shouldn't take long."
With every step, Adem felt his excitement intensify as they approached the castle. A massive blue-gray, wooden door slowly opened to welcome in its guest.
"This way sir," the assistant said, suddenly adapting a formal visage. Normally, Adem would have minded his manners and thanked the man. At this very moment the young boy's mind blanked completely. He stood in awe at the sight of the grand staircase spiraling up to the tallest tower. Walking towards a similar pair of doors, Adem watched the sparkling white floor pass beneath him. A roaring fireplace resembled the swirling patterns of the dangerous river he had so willingly leaped into.
What lies behind that door is exactly what I came here for! It holds the great treasures of Zavier's new world! I finally made it!
Once the door swung open and Adem got a glimpse of the room, he did not spot any gold or sapphire, but his expectations were not disappointed. He saw treasure, not in the form of precious gems and jewels but in an extraordinary arrangement of treats. Elegant cakes shadowed bowls of succulent fruits and various pies and silky milk shakes. Unconsciously, Adem's hand rest upon his grumbling stomach. He didn't even notice the royal gift givers seated just behind the buffet. In a mad dash, Adem made his way to his gift, indulging in its splendor just like any other child would do.
"HA HA! Slow down my boy!"
"Let the child eat as he wishes, honey."
"Mother, may I get any dessert too," a smaller voice whispered.
His attention, finally grasped, Adem peered over some pumpkin spice pie to see who had just spoke. He wiped his mouth on his hand and stepped away from the messy table.
"I…I'm sorry sir. Was this meant for her," Adem asked timidly, looking at the beauty just as old as he.
"Don't worry about it son! It's all for you, a welcoming present." The powerful man's crown captured the sun and shone rays of ruby. The little girl sitting on his left resembled a petite flower, sitting upon her peridot petals. Long, blonde curls bouncing past her shoulders. Her crystal blue eyes contrasted against her rosy cheeks. "Please settle down, Raina. You will get your sweets later," her father spoke calmingly.
To the king's right sat his queen. She sat tall and regal, confidence floating in the air around her. Personifying a perfect statue, the queen never flinched. Despite her formal appearance, the beautiful queen maintained a warm, nurturing glow in her expression. Her eyes captured the caring essence of Adem's own mother.
"Nila, would you be kind as to show the young boy to his room," the queen asked sweetly.
"Right away, would Sir Orion and Madam Jovana care for anything else?"
"No, thank you Nila," the royal duo synchronized.
"Your room is just upstairs, follow me."
Adem listened and the two left the room and treats behind. They felt the smooth texture of the floor and the warmth of the fire once more as they continued up the spiral stairs. Adem noticed intricate details within the marble staircase rail. Swirls of gold and violet trailed behind him on the plush carpet. At the top, three long hallways stretched out in every direction. The carpet and elegant décor poured onto the floor, walls, and ceiling of the second story as well.
Nila led Adem to the right and took him seven doors down to his room.
"Here you are Adem, your living quarters."
"Thank you Nila," Adem smiled, feeling more comfortable knowing his name.
Nila made his way back down the hall as Adem placed his golden key into the lock. The door opened onto Adem's dream. Beautiful dark wood bookcases lined every wall, a giant bay window centered in the room. "Everything I'll ever need is here!" Excitedly, Adem ran to his new bookcase, roll top desk, his closet, and bed placed in the bay window. Adem let himself fall onto the bed with a deep sigh, plush cushions hugging his body. "I can get used to this. At night I bet you can see every star in the galaxy! I wish mother could see. I know she'd love it."
Enjoying the view of the peachy sky, outlining the remarkable landscape, Adem heard a delicate knock at his door.
"Sorry to bother you," little Raina said, "Would you like to come with me to the garden? Mama says I should show you around."
"Sure, sounds like fun," Adem practically shouted due to another spike in excitement, "I was just thinking about going outside!"
"Alright, let's go," the young beauty said with a bright smile.
Walking into the garden took the breath away from Adem's lungs and stopped his heart. Like many things he has seen in this strange world, the garden did not disappoint. Raina lightly touched Adem on the shoulder and quickly said, "TAG you're it!" Adem chased his new friend through the magnificent twists and turns of the labyrinth. Sprinting through hues of turquoise, orange, red, and lavender, Raina fell to the lush ground, trying to catch her breath. Adem tagged his victim then collapsed to her side, resting his lungs as well. They both fell backward and peered into the sky.
"Will I ever go home," he asked in a slightly mournful tone.
"Adem, things happen in our lives that don't always make sense. You must learn to accept those situations and appreciate what is in front of you," Raina motioned to the surrounding nature, "You are going to stay with us now. Don't be frightened Adem, we are always here for you."
Adem turned back to the sky, thinking.
"Well, I do believe you tagged me. You better start running," Raina whispered with a sly grin. He immediately sprang to his feet and ran. He could feel the wind caressing his face and a hint of rosewood lingered in his senses. Adem was consumed in a sense of calm and inner peace. Adem belonged in this world. Yes, he missed his mother, but something inside him understood that he belonged here.

                                                            ~xxx~

Back on the steep cliff with raging waters below, a small crowd gathered. The black of their attire blended into the gray, rainy sky. Thunder shivered through the crowd of mourners just as it shook through the sky. At the heart of the mourning, a simple alter was prepared. One woman, that possessed the queen's motherly glow, emerged from the dull palette. She traced her fingers around a frame holding a picture of a little schoolboy. She kissed the cold glass, longing to touch her little boy's warm cheek. Setting the frame down with shaky hands, the mother left a small bundle of golden roses and stepped aside to allow room. She walked to the same edge that held Adem just yesterday. She felt a bit of the sun's warmth and looked up.
As the clouds parted and shades of the hidden sunset became visible, the woman saw a figure move within the sky. A little boy could be seen. Surprised, she moved carefully around the cliff to get a better view.
"That's Adem," she whispered to herself. As if he had heard her call, Adem turned towards his mother. A large grin spread across his face and his youthful eyes twinkled with joy. Tears of sorrow and joy mixed with raindrops upon his mother's face. She would miss that small part of her. As his face began to disappear, the woman felt the same sense of peace.
                She would see him again, when she enters her own paradise.

Description
               It was time. The brave Zavier let out a deep breath and with the concentration of a diver, the young boy jumped off of the cliff. As he fell, the crisp air blew through his dark blue hair, the sensation of soaring spread through him. Delicate tears of joy streamed from golden eyes and past his crown. The graceful impact of Zavier against the crystal water sent up tiny droplets. Each drop reflected the tangerine hues of the sunset, contrasting against the purple liquid. Ripples caressed the magical pool, then the surface calmed. Cheers could be heard from the towering heights above. Zavier had begun his journey to a new world. It was in this world that Zavier would discover...

                                                        ~xxx~

                "Adem! Please come downstairs and eat your breakfast!"
"Fine," mumbled the schoolboy. Hesitating to finish the last line, Adem carefully put his novel away onto the stack, along with the multitude of others and closed the door on his labyrinth of a library. He made his way down the sage colored hallway, cool wood beneath his feet. He followed the delicious smell of homemade muffins into his mother's delicately decorated kitchen.
Adem ate his breakfast of cranberry muffins without slowing to breathe and gulped down a glass of lemonade.
"Be careful or you'll choke sweetie, "sang his caring mother.
"I'm okay mom, I need to get going," he responded.
He grabbed his school bag, said his goodbyes, and started his journey. Normally, he would be making his way to the fourth grade classroom, nestled in the quaint schoolhouse downtown. Today, Adem dreamed to live the life of Zavier the brave. Once he was out of sight, Adem dashed through an opening in the lush vegetation. He imagined himself plunging into the same violet water of the novel. His eyes glistened as he took in the surroundings. Fantasy mirrored reality and Adem imagined himself caught between the pages of a hardcover.
He was surrounded on all sides. Indigenous people, painted in nature's vibrant colors and adorned with feathers, sprang at him. Adem knows the various plots he has read but this story was his to create and experience.
"You'll never lay a hand on me or my treasure," Adem yelled back to his imaginary villains. He looked down and could feel the warmth of the gold nuggets, the coolness of each sapphire that he held in his arms. There was no way they were taking it away. Adem ran faster and faster, avoiding every obstacle in his path.
Adem glanced forward to see that the ground had ended and sky had taken its place.
"A cliff?" The curious discoverer traced the edges of the steep drop. A swift current ran below. The water resembled his sapphires with traces of ruby pebbles hidden beneath the surface. The swirls and patterns of the river hypnotized Adem back into his fantasy. He would truly take Zavier's place, he would jump. He would begin a new life within an alien world. It was his time.
With the same breath of bravery, Adem prepared himself for the jump. Still holding his invisible treasure, Adem's feet left the ground. He opened his eyes to see shapes of gold and sapphire falling with him, feeling the earth move around them.
                                   SPPLLLAAAAAAASSSSSSSHHHHH!
Adem did not dive as gracefully as Zavier. The beautiful water did not accept him as well either. Adem felt its cold embrace all the way to his skeleton. The violent thrash of the current took him under, kidnapping the frightened child into its dark depths. Adem struggled to see the shimmering of the sun's rays above him. He felt himself slowly slipping away, floating helplessly in what he previously believed to be magical water. The young explorer closed his eyes, letting out his last stream of bubbles in this world.
"Ugh...Where am I? Why is it so bright? Wow!" Adem stopped asking questions once he noticed the surroundings. He continued to spout bubbles from his mouth with every breath even though he was not underwater. Placing his weak hands onto the ground for support to stand, Adem realized it was liquid. Frantically, Adem looked around.
"How is this possible? Did I finally make it to Zavier's world?!" Jumping up, forgetting how tired he felt, Adem ran upon the surface. Each foot created a new network of rippling circles, like an insect dancing on water. As he ran the landscape began to take form. Beautiful rolling mountains, tinted in shades of blue and purple, blending into the peach sky, painted the horizon. Vast forests were spread in various groupings. The green and white barked trees seemed to tower just as high as its purple neighbors. There was one detail that amazed Adem the most. No matter what he set his curious eyes on, it sparkled. Everything shimmered as if covered by morning dew. The boy stood still, not knowing how to react, as small puffs of clouds floated past. Adem reached to touch one, realizing how solid they surprisingly felt.
"Perhaps I can ride one," Adem thought out loud.
"Yes, you may, but I wouldn't recommend it to a novice," answered a well articulated voice.
Adem shivered with surprise. He hadn't seen or heard anyone approaching. Curious, and somewhat frightened, Adem slowly shifted his body to face his unexpected responder. It was a man, not much taller than himself, adorned in elegant, light blue clothing. Adem followed the intricate embroidery of gold flowing throughout the wardrobe.
"Did you hear me boy? Stop staring like that. Haven't you ever been taught that if you stare so long at someone you don't know your eyeballs will fall out?"
"Umm...," Adem couldn't think of a reply for the eccentric man.
"Well then, follow me. My lords have been expecting you for some time. What will they think of such a young boy trying to ride a cloud," the servant said, looking towards the sparkling structure. The last line was directed more towards his conscience rather than Adem.
"Come along boy, it shouldn't take long."
With every step, Adem felt his excitement intensify as they approached the castle. A massive blue-gray, wooden door slowly opened to welcome in its guest.
"This way sir," the assistant said, suddenly adapting a formal visage. Normally, Adem would have minded his manners and thanked the man. At this very moment the young boy's mind blanked completely. He stood in awe at the sight of the grand staircase spiraling up to the tallest tower. Walking towards a similar pair of doors, Adem watched the sparkling white floor pass beneath him. A roaring fireplace resembled the swirling patterns of the dangerous river he had so willingly leaped into.
What lies behind that door is exactly what I came here for! It holds the great treasures of Zavier's new world! I finally made it!
Once the door swung open and Adem got a glimpse of the room, he did not spot any gold or sapphire, but his expectations were not disappointed. He saw treasure, not in the form of precious gems and jewels but in an extraordinary arrangement of treats. Elegant cakes shadowed bowls of succulent fruits and various pies and silky milk shakes. Unconsciously, Adem's hand rest upon his grumbling stomach. He didn't even notice the royal gift givers seated just behind the buffet. In a mad dash, Adem made his way to his gift, indulging in its splendor just like any other child would do.
"HA HA! Slow down my boy!"
"Let the child eat as he wishes, honey."
"Mother, may I get any dessert too," a smaller voice whispered.
His attention, finally grasped, Adem peered over some pumpkin spice pie to see who had just spoke. He wiped his mouth on his hand and stepped away from the messy table.
"I…I'm sorry sir. Was this meant for her," Adem asked timidly, looking at the beauty just as old as he.
"Don't worry about it son! It's all for you, a welcoming present." The powerful man's crown captured the sun and shone rays of ruby. The little girl sitting on his left resembled a petite flower, sitting upon her peridot petals. Long, blonde curls bouncing past her shoulders. Her crystal blue eyes contrasted against her rosy cheeks. "Please settle down, Raina. You will get your sweets later," her father spoke calmingly.
To the king's right sat his queen. She sat tall and regal, confidence floating in the air around her. Personifying a perfect statue, the queen never flinched. Despite her formal appearance, the beautiful queen maintained a warm, nurturing glow in her expression. Her eyes captured the caring essence of Adem's own mother.
"Nila, would you be kind as to show the young boy to his room," the queen asked sweetly.
"Right away, would Sir Orion and Madam Jovana care for anything else?"
"No, thank you Nila," the royal duo synchronized.
"Your room is just upstairs, follow me."
Adem listened and the two left the room and treats behind. They felt the smooth texture of the floor and the warmth of the fire once more as they continued up the spiral stairs. Adem noticed intricate details within the marble staircase rail. Swirls of gold and violet trailed behind him on the plush carpet. At the top, three long hallways stretched out in every direction. The carpet and elegant décor poured onto the floor, walls, and ceiling of the second story as well.
Nila led Adem to the right and took him seven doors down to his room.
"Here you are Adem, your living quarters."
"Thank you Nila," Adem smiled, feeling more comfortable knowing his name.
Nila made his way back down the hall as Adem placed his golden key into the lock. The door opened onto Adem's dream. Beautiful dark wood bookcases lined every wall, a giant bay window centered in the room. "Everything I'll ever need is here!" Excitedly, Adem ran to his new bookcase, roll top desk, his closet, and bed placed in the bay window. Adem let himself fall onto the bed with a deep sigh, plush cushions hugging his body. "I can get used to this. At night I bet you can see every star in the galaxy! I wish mother could see. I know she'd love it."
Enjoying the view of the peachy sky, outlining the remarkable landscape, Adem heard a delicate knock at his door.
"Sorry to bother you," little Raina said, "Would you like to come with me to the garden? Mama says I should show you around."
"Sure, sounds like fun," Adem practically shouted due to another spike in excitement, "I was just thinking about going outside!"
"Alright, let's go," the young beauty said with a bright smile.
Walking into the garden took the breath away from Adem's lungs and stopped his heart. Like many things he has seen in this strange world, the garden did not disappoint. Raina lightly touched Adem on the shoulder and quickly said, "TAG you're it!" Adem chased his new friend through the magnificent twists and turns of the labyrinth. Sprinting through hues of turquoise, orange, red, and lavender, Raina fell to the lush ground, trying to catch her breath. Adem tagged his victim then collapsed to her side, resting his lungs as well. They both fell backward and peered into the sky.
"Will I ever go home," he asked in a slightly mournful tone.
"Adem, things happen in our lives that don't always make sense. You must learn to accept those situations and appreciate what is in front of you," Raina motioned to the surrounding nature, "You are going to stay with us now. Don't be frightened Adem, we are always here for you."
Adem turned back to the sky, thinking.
"Well, I do believe you tagged me. You better start running," Raina whispered with a sly grin. He immediately sprang to his feet and ran. He could feel the wind caressing his face and a hint of rosewood lingered in his senses. Adem was consumed in a sense of calm and inner peace. Adem belonged in this world. Yes, he missed his mother, but something inside him understood that he belonged here.

                                                            ~xxx~

Back on the steep cliff with raging waters below, a small crowd gathered. The black of their attire blended into the gray, rainy sky. Thunder shivered through the crowd of mourners just as it shook through the sky. At the heart of the mourning, a simple alter was prepared. One woman, that possessed the queen's motherly glow, emerged from the dull palette. She traced her fingers around a frame holding a picture of a little schoolboy. She kissed the cold glass, longing to touch her little boy's warm cheek. Setting the frame down with shaky hands, the mother left a small bundle of golden roses and stepped aside to allow room. She walked to the same edge that held Adem just yesterday. She felt a bit of the sun's warmth and looked up.
As the clouds parted and shades of the hidden sunset became visible, the woman saw a figure move within the sky. A little boy could be seen. Surprised, she moved carefully around the cliff to get a better view.
"That's Adem," she whispered to herself. As if he had heard her call, Adem turned towards his mother. A large grin spread across his face and his youthful eyes twinkled with joy. Tears of sorrow and joy mixed with raindrops upon his mother's face. She would miss that small part of her. As his face began to disappear, the woman felt the same sense of peace.
                She would see him again, when she enters her own paradise.