Nathaniel stared into the bathroom mirror, the morning light casting a harsh glow on his reflection. His brown hair, tousled and unkempt, fell into his grey eyes, eyes that seemed to have lost their spark long ago. He sighed, the weight of another day pressing down on him. The routine was always the same, a monotonous cycle that seemed to blur the days into a continuous grey fog.

He turned on the faucet, letting the cold water run over his hands before splashing his face. The shock of the chill was a temporary relief from the numbness that had settled in his chest. As he reached for the towel, something caught his eye in the mirror. A movement, just behind him.

He spun around, heart pounding, but there was nothing there. Just his small, cluttered bathroom. Nathaniel shook his head, blaming his lack of sleep and constant anxiety for the hallucination. He turned back to the mirror, only to see a piece of paper that hadn't been there before, tucked into the corner of the mirror frame.

With trembling hands, he pulled the paper free. It was an old photograph, the edges worn and creased. Nathaniel's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the image. It was a picture of him and his older sister, Iris, taken years ago at the lake. They were both smiling, carefree and happy. A stark contrast to the person he had become.

On the back of the photograph, there was a message written in Iris's neat handwriting: "Meet me at the lake. Noon."

Nathaniel's mind raced. He hadn't spoken to Iris in months, not since he had pushed everyone away. What could she possibly want? And why now? He glanced at the clock. It was 10:30 AM. If he hurried, he could make it to the lake by noon.

For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of something other than despair. Curiosity, perhaps? Hope? He didn't know. But he decided to go. He quickly dressed, threw on his old leather jacket, and headed out the door.

The walk to the lake was brisk, the fresh air a welcome change from the stale confines of his apartment. As he approached the familiar spot, he saw Iris standing by the water's edge, her auburn hair catching the sunlight. She turned as he approached, a smile spreading across her face.

"Nathaniel," she called out. "I was hoping you'd come."

"Iri," he replied. "What's going on? Why did you ask me to meet you here?"

Iris took a step closer, her eyes filled with concern and something else he couldn't quite place. "I know you are still upset that Dad died, but you can't let this eat you up."

Nathaniel's breath caught in his throat. The memory of his father's death came flooding back. It was a cold, rainy day when they got the news. His father, a strong man who had always seemed invincible, was gone, taken by an illness that had come on suddenly and aggressively. Nathaniel remembered the feeling of helplessness, the crushing grief that had settled over him like a heavy blanket, and the tears that wouldn't stop.

He had tried to be strong, to hold it together for his family's sake, but as time passed, the weight of his loss had become too much to bear. He pushed everyone away, including Iris, retreating into a shell of his former self.

"Nathaniel," Iris's voice broke through his thoughts, bringing him back to the present. "I miss you. The real you. The one who laughed and dreamed and cared. I know you're hurting, but you don't have to go through this alone."

He looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity and love there. It was the first time in months he felt like someone truly understood his pain. "I don't know if I can do it," he whispered, his voice all choked up. "I don't know if I can move on."

"You can," Iris said firmly. "And I'll be here every step of the way. We can remember him together, celebrate his life, and find a way to live without being consumed by the grief."

Nathaniel remembered the words of what his sister said to him, 'I know you are still upset that Dad died, but you can't let this eat you up.'

The memory of his father's death came flooding back, pulling him into the past.

It was a cold, rainy day. The house was filled with the sterile scent of antiseptics and the quiet hum of medical equipment. Nathaniel sat by his father's bedside, holding his hand. Donald, his father, looked frail and tired, his once vibrant eyes now dimmed by illness. The family was gathered around, their faces etched with sorrow and fear.

Iris was kneeling on the floor, her head resting on the bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Their mother, her face pale and drawn, stood at the foot of the bed, silently praying for a miracle.

Donald took a ragged breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "Nathaniel," he said, his grip tightening weakly around his son's hand. "Live life to the fullest... Be h-happy..."

The words hung in the air, a final plea from a father to his son. Nathaniel felt his throat tighten, tears welling up in his eyes. He wanted to respond, to tell his father how much he loved him, but the words wouldn't come. He could only nod, his heart breaking.

Donald exhaled one last, long breath. His hand went limp in Nathaniel's grasp. The room seemed to freeze in time.

"Dad? Dad!" Iris's voice was a desperate cry, piercing the heavy silence.

Their mother, eyes wide with shock, moved to the bedside, her hands trembling. "Donald, don't leave us," she whispered, her voice choked with grief.

Nathaniel felt a wave of numbness wash over him. He stared at his father's lifeless body, unable to process what had just happened. The man who had been his rock, his guide, was gone. The world felt suddenly empty and cold.

Nathaniel blinked, the memory fading but the pain still raw. He looked at Iris, her face a mix of empathy and determination.

"Nathaniel," she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. "It's okay to remember. It's okay to feel the pain. But don't let it consume you. Our dad wanted you to be happy. We can honour his memory by living our lives fully, just like he wanted."

He nodded, taking a deep breath. The memory of his father's final words echoed in his mind, a reminder that life, despite its pain, was meant to be lived. With Iris by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope that he could find a way to move forward.

Nathaniel stood by the lake, the quiet ripples reflecting the fading light of the day. The gentle rustling of the trees and the soft lapping of the water created a serene backdrop to the conversation. Iris's words hung in the air, and Nathaniel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his emotions beginning to shift.

"Maybe you're right, Iri," he said softly, his voice laden with both relief and lingering sadness. "Maybe I've been so consumed by the pain that I've forgotten what it means to truly live."

Iris gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the setting sun. "It's okay, Nathaniel. It's natural to grieve, and it's okay to feel lost. But remember, Dad wouldn't want you to shut yourself off from life. He wanted you to be happy, to find joy even in the midst of sorrow."

Nathaniel looked at Iris, his heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and hope. "I don't even know where to start. It feels like everything has been so dark for so long."

Iris took a step closer, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Start by taking small steps. Allow yourself to feel, to remember, but also make space for new experiences and moments of happiness. We can do this together. We can find ways to honour his memory while also moving forward."

The sky was now a blend of orange and pink hues as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the lake. Nathaniel felt a sense of calm settling over him, the weight of his grief slightly lifted by Iris's presence and the beauty of the scene around him.

"I've missed this," Nathaniel said, glancing around at the lake and the familiar surroundings of their past visits. "I've missed having someone to share it with."

Iris's smile widened, and she squeezed his shoulder gently. "I've missed it too. And I've missed you. We may have both changed, but that doesn't mean we can't reconnect and rebuild what we once had."

Nathaniel nodded, feeling a sense of resolve growing within him. "Thank you, Iri. I needed this—more than I realized. I'll try to remember what Dad said and live life to the fullest, just like he wanted."

Iris's eyes softened, and she looked out over the lake, the evening light casting a peaceful glow on the water.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Nathaniel and Iris stood side by side, the sense of companionship and shared purpose providing a balm for their wounded hearts.

After meeting Emily at the lake and reliving the painful memory of his father's death, Nathaniel walked back to his apartment, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. The conversation with Emily had stirred something within him, but the familiar weight of depression was hard to shake.

Back in his apartment, he sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the blank wall. The question that had plagued him for months resurfaced: What is the point of life? Why continue to live?

He stood up abruptly, unable to sit still. Pacing around the small room, he tried to make sense of his thoughts. The apartment, once a refuge, now felt like a prison. The walls seemed to close in on him, echoing his own doubts and fears.

Nathaniel grabbed his jacket and left the apartment, needing to escape the suffocating confines. He wandered the city streets, the bustling life around him a stark contrast to the turmoil within. People rushed by, seemingly with purpose, their lives moving forward while his felt stuck in a perpetual cycle of despair.

He found himself in a small park, the greenery offering a slight reprieve from the concrete jungle. He sat on a bench, watching children play and couples stroll by. He envied their apparent happiness, their sense of purpose. The question gnawed at him: What is my purpose?

His father's words echoed in his mind: "Live life to the fullest. Be happy." But how? How could he find happiness when the world seemed so dark and meaningless?

Lost in thought, he didn't notice the elderly man who sat down beside him until he spoke. "You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders, young man."

Startled, Nathaniel turned to look at him. The man had kind eyes, a gentle smile, and an air of calm wisdom. "I suppose I do," Nathaniel replied, not really wanting to engage but too polite to ignore him.

"Mind sharing what's on your mind?" the man asked, leaning back on the bench.

Nathaniel hesitated but found himself opening up. "I just don't see the point in life anymore. Every day feels like a struggle, and I can't find a reason to keep going."

The man nodded thoughtfully. "I've been there myself, you know. Lost my wife ten years ago. Thought my life had ended with hers. But then I realized something important: life doesn't have to have one grand purpose. Sometimes, it's the small things that give it meaning."

Nathaniel frowned, unsure what he meant. "Like what?"

"Like a sunrise," the man said, pointing to the horizon. "Or a kind word from a friend. Helping someone in need. Even a good cup of coffee. It's the little moments that add up, that make life worth living."

Nathaniel looked at the man, considering his words. He had been so focused on the overwhelming question of purpose that he had overlooked the simple joys in life. Maybe, just maybe, there was something to what the man was saying.

"Thank you," Nathaniel said quietly. "I think I needed to hear that."

The man smiled warmly. "Anytime, young man. And remember, you're never truly alone. There's always someone willing to listen, to help. Don't be afraid to reach out."

As the man stood up and walked away, Nathaniel felt a small shift within himself. The weight on his shoulders seemed a little lighter. He still had questions, still felt the pain of his father's loss, but maybe—just maybe—there was a way forward.

He stood up, ready to continue his day, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope. Life might not have one grand purpose, but perhaps it was the collection of small moments that made it worth living. And he was willing to give it a try.

Nathaniel wandered the city streets aimlessly, his thoughts still swirling but his heart feeling a bit lighter after the encounter in the park. He found himself outside a video game store, the bright neon sign inviting him in. He hadn't played video games in a while, but he remembered how they used to provide a welcome escape from reality.

With a shrug, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The store was bustling with activity, filled with the latest games, consoles, and accessories. Nathaniel wandered through the aisles, his eyes scanning the shelves until he stopped at a display for a game called Elden Ring.

He had heard people talking about it, praising its immersive world and challenging gameplay. The cover art intrigued him, depicting a mysterious, fantastical landscape. Without knowing much about it, he decided to give it a try. As he picked up the game, a man wearing a cap approached him. The man had a British accent and an air of mystery about him.

"Ah, Elden Ring," the man said, a smile spreading across his face. "You've got excellent taste, my friend. That's one of the best games out there."

Nathaniel looked at the man, unsure of what to say. "I haven't played in a while," he admitted, glancing at the game in his hands. "But I've heard good things about this one."

The man's eyes twinkled with a knowing look. "You won't be disappointed. It's a world full of adventure, challenge, and discovery. Just what you need to escape from reality for a bit, eh?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Yeah, I could use a distraction."

The man chuckled softly. "Sometimes, a good game can be more than a distraction. It can be a journey, an exploration of yourself as much as the game world."

He held out his hand. "Here, let me see that for a moment."

Nathaniel handed over the game, watching as the man took it and, with a subtle movement, seemed to pass his hand over it, muttering something under his breath. Nathaniel didn't notice the faint shimmer that briefly enveloped the game. The man handed it back to him, his smile never wavering. "Here you go. Enjoy your journey."

Nathaniel felt a slight chill run down his spine but brushed it off. "Thanks," he said, heading towards the cashier.

The young cashier, busy with another customer, barely glanced at him as he scanned the game. "That'll be $59.99," he mumbled, eyes still on his screen.

Nathaniel handed over the money, the transaction a blur. "Oh, thanks," he said, taking the bag with the game inside.

As he left the store, he couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual had just happened. The man with the cap and the cryptic words lingered in his mind, adding a layer of intrigue to his purchase.

Back in his apartment, Nathaniel set up the game console and inserted Elden Ring. As the game loaded, he felt a strange sense of anticipation. The title screen appeared, and he pressed start. Almost immediately, he was drawn into the game's intricate world, filled with breathtaking landscapes and formidable enemies.

Hours passed in a blur as he navigated through the challenges, each victory providing a small sense of accomplishment. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of excitement and engagement.

Nathaniel sat at his desk, the glow of his computer screen casting an eerie light across his face. He was deep into Elden Ring, his character navigating the intricate landscape of the game with a growing sense of accomplishment. The environment in the game had been rich with details—towering trees, ancient ruins, and a sense of untamed magic that captured his imagination.

As he approached a hidden alcove, his character stumbled upon an ancient, magical scroll resting atop an ornate pedestal. The screen lit up with an otherworldly brilliance, and a message appeared in bold, glowing letters: 'Speak these words to reveal your true path.'

Intrigued and eager to uncover whatever secret lay ahead, Nathaniel leaned closer to the screen. He read the incantation aloud. "Reveal to me the path unseen… Show me what lies beyond the veil…"

The moment the final word left his lips, a blinding surge of energy erupted from the screen. Nathaniel's eyes widened as the light intensified, nearly unbearable, forcing him to shield his eyes.

Suddenly, an irresistible force yanked him forward. Nathaniel's scream cut through the air, raw and full of terror, as he was engulfed by the radiant glow. His apartment warped and twisted, walls dissolving into the swirling brilliance around him.

His body felt weightless, as if being stretched and compressed simultaneously—a terrifying vortex that defied reality. The light reached its peak, amplifying his scream as the boundary between the virtual and real blurred into a chaotic whirlwind. Energy seemed to pull him apart and reassemble him, leaving him feeling disembodied.

With a final, blinding flash, the light vanished. Nathaniel tumbled through the air, the sensation of falling stretching endlessly. When he finally touched solid ground, he staggered and looked around in stunned disbelief. He was no longer in his apartment, but in an entirely unfamiliar place.

Author's Note:

This is my first Elden Ring fanfiction, inspired by a previously deleted story. Elden Ring is one of my favourite games of all time, and I wanted to create my own retelling. While it features the same character name, I've made many changes to their portrayal.