I crawl forward. The treasure almost in reach. I feel the smooth wood; defined edges of oak relieving the ache in my fingertips. I've barely touched it before pain shoots through my ankles. Familiar, piercing claws dig their way in and pull me away from the one thing I crave most. The light fades as I am taken farther and farther away. Shrouded in darkness I see nothing. Feel nothing. Hear nothing.

Oh, I spoke too soon. Drawing my sword I cut the abnormal and disfigured hands from me. My only way out, my only savior is just beyond these horrendous creatures. Prepared until the end, I grip my sword with such strength the hilt shook in fear. With a mighty roar the beasts surrounded me before charging forward. Dodging and jabbing with the point of my sword I maneuvered about their treacherous attacks.

One down. Two down. Three down. Four down. Ah, finally.

With the grace of a dancer and the abnormal speed of a fighter, especially for one so small, I jumped and ended the fight with a single flick of my wrist. The last beast stood for a moment before falling in defeat before me. A chest puffed out in pride and a chin held high, I believed I was done. Marching victoriously toward the light. My treasure beckoned me forward; calling me, pulling me towards it. I reached once more.

Vines reached out blocking me from my path. Their scaly green texture made, to what one would seem like, a brick wall. Green leaves stretched out as if the darkness had become their sunlight. Voices filled the air like a choir, taunting me with their pathetic lies. Fury built up within me. They dare keep me from my goal! I think not.

They continued to reach out, using one another as supports for their wall that held me back. However, I have had enough. They shall not keep me from what is rightfully mine. From what I have so justly earned. For what I have yearned. With my own war cry I burst through. Not missing a single beat I grabbed the carefully crafted box. Calmness washed over me like ocean waves as soon as I held it in my hands. Peace filled my mind and my heart slowed down to a steady beating of a drum. A blanket of security held me close in its domain; I didn't fight it at all. Smiling I opened it to be greeted with nothing I could have ever seen in the world I live in, nor I could have ever imagined.