I looked around my room as I have done many times before. It looked like any rich girl? room with the finest furnishings and clothes. It felt like a prison. I gazed out my window and planned my revenge like I always do when I? in my room. But I knew it was impossible to do anything.

I have tried to run away once but I was caught. My foster father planned to beat me with a shocker, a small tool that will cause horrible burns and shock when in contact with skin. He aimed it at my face but stopped suddenly. Instead, he striked my arm and back, again and again, until I felt like dying. All my clothes cover the arm and back, to hide the scars that are still there.

I know my life is different from other sprites. I have seen them outside playing and laughing whenever they want. I see them with their parents that are kind to them and treat them with respect. A long time ago, I thought my foster parents were my real parents because they said so. I now know they are lying.

I have red hair, pale pink skin, long eyelashes, large eyes and a high voice. Sometimes I would wish I didn? have those traits because those were what ensured my life as a slave. My foster parents adopted me for my looks and trained me to serve and impress their friends and business partners.

Sometimes, when I am especially angry, I fall asleep and dream about what I think is my past. I dream about a sprite who is loving and affectionate towards me. I am sure that the sprite is one of my real parents but I can never his or her face in the dream. I was too young to remember.

Sometimes, when I am sad, I would gaze out the window and imagine I have wings to fly with. I would spread my arms and let the wind flow through my feathers. I, the orphan, the bird, would fly and let the world hear my call. But then, reality slaps me in the face as I am called to serve my foster parents.

Our system? Guardian went viral so there is no one to play the games. Sector by sector, the city was nullified. Many people tried to escape but Net travel was restricted. During the confusion and panic, I was able to sneak out of the house and find a grocery truck to hide in. Unfortunately, I ran into the owner of the truck.

"Eh, what are you doing in my truck? You? better get outta here or else!" The scruffy binome said.

I batted my eyes and said in my sweetest voice, "Oh, PLEASE let me hide here. I have no where else to go!" I let a tear roll down my cheek for extra effect. Fortunately, after hours of practice, I am an expert at subdoing people with my cuteness. I could see he was weakening.

"Eh, well if you want to come along, stay quiet and keep a low profile!" He said as he jumped behind the wheel. The truck went through a portal that suddenly appeared in front of us. I couldn? belive my luck! This binome does illegal business on the black market!

I finally escaped my foster parents. I looked back at my old system and wished they would get nullified with the rest of the system. I looked ahead. Somewhere in this vast net, there is a place for me. Somewhere out there, I will find my home.

TO BE CONTINUED