A new beginning is about to unfold, one that involves risks.

I can't help but feel fear in my heart as I prepare my body for the journey ahead. Upper and lower body? Wings? Tail? I'm glad. None of my limbs are in any sort of pain. Yes. I am ready to face the inevitable. Fear shall not tame me.

Starting my journey, I look back one last time to the view of my childhood home. The place where I mastered swimming, played with currents, cried my heart out, ate enjoyable food, and dreamt all sorts of dreams. My heart aches with sadness as tears immediately join their fellow element from my eyes. Am I truly ready? No, I refuse to turn back now. I must finish what I start.

Perhaps I will return to this place in the future. I smiled. Yes, I shall. Turning upwards, I began, swimming into the unknown.

A while has passed and I haven't seen anything new, absolutely nothing. Currents have altered since climbing higher; some lighter and stronger. Hopeless thoughts begin to engulf my mind. Does it go on forever? Am I entitled to be without anyone for the remainder of my life?

Panting lightly, I came to a stop. It seems my endurance is not what I expected. My body cries for rest as fatigue washes over me. Curling my body, I close my eyes to dream once more. Hope still remains in my heart; I haven't given up just yet.

'Sleep my child...my joy of life. None shall hurt you little one, I will protect you. Know always...I love you, with all my heart.

I awoke in tears, crying from a dream I've had so many times before. How I miss being alongside you mother. Hearing your soft, loving voice feels as though you cleanse my mind free of all negativity. And when you sing your melody, it soothes my heart and soul...Why did you abandon me? I was still so young...

A loud as I could, I let out a wail into pure darkness that surrounds my being. It's my only way of exhausting my intense misery and frustration.

But, pout as I might, it will not restore the damage that's done. It's in the past, I keep telling myself.

Proceed onwards, that's all I need to do. Feeling where to ascend once more, I continue to swim faster and harder to the ultimate goal, if it exists.

...I found something! Moments later, a small object came into view that looked very odd. I hesitantly came closer for examination but a safe distance away, just in case it attacked. This object took on a sphere shape which one half was red and the other white. At first, I didn't know what to think of the ball, but since it was just floating there, I moved it with my wing. Nothing. Lifeless. That was not exactly what I was seeking out but it's a start.

What is it anyway? Where did it originate? So many questions that need answering but no one to do so. Out of boredom, I moved around the sphere, trying to see what it does. All I found while playing was how easy it was to move; very light. Without my interaction, it doesn't move at all. Neither up nor down. Like me, it's just there, traveling to an unknown destination only along with the currents.

Securing a hold of the object using my foot, I proceeded with my journey and on to the next surprise; positive or negative.