It was dark.
Matthew couldn't feel anything. It was as if he was a floating consciousness in a void. He continued to gather his mind, trying to think clearly again.
Instantly, in the distance, a bright light appeared and Matthew's vision came back, being drawn towards it. Before he could even think a proper thought, a primal urge filled his mind.
Breathe… Breathe…. Breathe, dammit, breathe.
The only thing he wanted was to ease this burning sensation that filled his lungs. This continued as he progressively entered the light before bursting out in a loud cry as he gasped for air. Each breath filled with tears as the burning subsided.
In the background, an old lady held the infant's body above a young woman who was laying on a blanket atop a pile of straw. Her chest fell and rose rapidly in exhaustion from giving birth, but her eyes were still burning with eager excitement to see her newborn child.
The old lady spoke. "It's a baby boy… what a wonderful blessing from our heavenly beast saint."
She raised the child above as she exclaimed. "Truly… a gift from above."
She slowly lowered the child before handing him over to the mother. A man knelt in, drawing his face closer to the mother and child, an eager expression sitting on his face as he neared. He spoke softly so as not to disturb the now silent child.
"Oh, sweet wife of mine… You've really brought us such a great gift… how could I… how could I ever thank you?"
He shifted his gaze to his newborn son. "You are more than just my blood but… you are proof that everything… that everything we worked for is real. I promise you both to give you a good life, even if it's the last thing I do," he said as he put his hand on his wife's shoulder, his eyes stern and serious as he finished speaking.
"Who told you that only you are responsible for our lives… I was there when we started… so I won't let you do that alone.. you hear me? Hmph," the woman spoke. "I do have to say he's a rather cute baby," she giggled. "I know the perfect name for you… You will be Xianfeng."
"Yes, that's the only name for you… Am I not right, husband?"
"Ha ha ha… couldn't think of a more fitting name."
"Xianfeng. Yes, that will be your name from now on," he bellowed.
They both looked towards Xianfeng with love in their gaze. Matthew, who had been trying to acquaint himself with the new situation, was only able to hear bits and parts of what they were saying. The only problem being that he couldn't understand what was being said; he realized that he was now a baby.
I'm a baby now. Did Mary do this? What the fuck is all this… hell… I'm just so tired. I don't even understand what they're saying… I'll just think about it when I wake u... p…
He drifted into a silent sleep before he could finish thinking.
Days passed as Matthew tried to gather his thoughts and ground himself.
It's been a few days now. I can't believe I'm a child again. I thought I really died back then.
I don't really know much about this place yet. I don't even know the language either, but it does seem to be some time in the past from how there's no technology here.
I guess there's nothing I can do right now then.
Years passed as Matthew grew older in this new life. Time seemed to pass by as he got accustomed to his new life. The sky was as clear as water as the sun beat down on some freshly dug soil; a hint of moisture could be felt in the air. In the center of the field, a tree stood casting a large shadow, and a lone figure sat leaning against its hard surface. He had a hoe in his arm as he rested, soil still clinging to its blade.
A figure could be seen coming closer to the man in the distance before it stopped and said, "Xianfeng! Come quickly, Father is calling for you at the barn."
Xianfeng looked up and stared for a moment before lifting his hand towards the figure in the distance. Matthew sat and looked towards Xhuzi before he stood up and slowly walked to him. Matthew, who had taken his leisure, faced Xhuzi before moving forward towards where his father would be. Xhuzi watched as he walked before following alongside him.
Matthew thought to himself as he walked forward.
He doesn't call for me often. I wonder what it is. It must be something important then.
The pair continued forward as they headed to a barn which was in the distance. The buzzing of summer cicadas filled the quiet scenery. The summer heat fell on them with its full strength; only the occasional burst of crisp wind aided their rather loop journey.
As they were approaching their destination, Xhuzi disturbed the tranquil silence.
"Xieng, I think Father has something important to tell us. He usually tells me what it is, but today he said I should just fetch you first. I wonder what it is though..."
"Rather not think about it, Xhuzi. If it's that important, Father will tell us when we get there."
Xhuzi quickly changed the subject. "Brother, how was the field today?"
"It was fine. The sun was a bit hotter than usual, but nothing too serious."
"You should ask me for help, you know. I know it's a lot of work, Brother. Why do you always do it alone?" Xhuzi retorted at Matthew.
"You don't need to worry, Xhuzi. I can handle it."
"Brother, don't say that. You always say that. Just let me help..."
"Xhuzi, I told you it's fine," Matthew interrupted Xhuzi as he spoke. "What I do is not your concern, okay?"
The wind blew as its howl could be heard in the air. A dense mood weighed on them as they walked to their destination.
"Xianfeng, Xhuzi, come," their father said as he summoned his two sons. They hastened their pace towards their father.
"Xianfeng, Xhuzi, today I'm going to impart onto you an important task. So listen carefully to what I'm about to say as you're not only representing our family but the entire village." Their father stared at them with a stern look before continuing.
"You two will deliver our annual crop offering to the Lord of the land. This is the duty that will be imparted to you two from now on, so make sure to do your best. Do not disappoint the family or the village."
Xianfeng and Xhuzi stood and nodded in response to their father, not daring to speak.
"I trust that both of you know how important this is for our village. The Lord of the land who has taken pity on us and protected us from the dangerous wilderness. Us lowly humans being taken care of by the chosen truly is a blessing from the heavens. They treat us fairly, so make sure not to be rude."
He turned his head towards Xianfeng before he continued to speak. "You will be in charge of the trip. Make sure to keep your brother safe and away from any trouble. It will be a long journey and you two will only be back by tomorrow noon at earliest. Luckily the roads ahead are safe from any dangerous beasts or bandits, so there shouldn't be too much trouble for you."
"Yes, Father. I will make sure to do our best and not dishonor our family nor the village." He bowed his head as a sign of respect. Xhuzi quickly followed, bowing as he bellowed.
"Thank you, Father, for trusting us with such a task. We definitely won't disappoint you and Mother."
"My sons, such conviction. I should've never had a doubt in my mind. With the both of you being so diligent and hardworking, this will be easy. The cart is outside; you two will take it and head on your way to the Lord's residence now."
He stood proudly as he said this, looking at his sons with love and care, but behind those eyes, he had a hint of worry he couldn't get rid of.
"I wish you two off. Travel safely, you hear."
Matthew and his brother bowed before leaving. They hadn't a clue of what was ahead of them. They soon went off onto the path ahead.