Sometimes, while chasing a goal we desperately desire, we lose our sense of self. We end up committing crimes against our own souls, suffering in silence from the consequences of our actions. Yet, we keep pushing forward—because there is no turning back.
In a large arena crowded with groups of people gathered in circles, each group was watching a duel. In one of those circles, two fighters faced each other. One of them, Kazem, tall and broad-shouldered with a powerful build, stood in a close-combat stance. Facing him was his opponent—strongly built as well, but slightly smaller and just a little shorter, mirroring Kazem's stance.
The crowd cheered with excitement as the fight went on. The duel leaned in Kazem's favor as he pushed his opponent back until he knocked him down. But before he could finish him, the opponent threw sand into Kazem's eyes.
――――――――
In a crowded hall resembling a cafeteria, a young man sat alone at a table, eating a simple meal. He seemed absent-minded, staring at one corner of the place. His thoughts were cut off by a voice:
"Stop staring at her, Yazan. She's not going to look at you anyway."
With a fake scowl, Yazan replied, "What do you want, Saher?"
"I want you to focus," Saher smirked. "And stop staring at Layla. I have something to talk to you about."
Yazan snorted. "And what business is it of yours? I'll do what I want."
Saher sighed in annoyance and followed Yazan's gaze. At the corner table sat a beautiful young woman, surrounded by many admirers. She was of average height, with brown hair and eyes of the same shade, a fit figure, and a bright smile as she chatted with a friend.
The cafeteria was dull and ordinary—except for Layla's table, which seemed alive with energy. Everyone present wore matching black military-like uniforms.
Saher stood up and said, "Come on, let's go find that idiot."
Yazan smirked, "He's probably getting beaten up somewhere."
Dragging his friend along, Saher muttered, "Just stop staring and let's go." Together, they headed toward the arena.
――――――――
Kazem staggered back, blinded by the sand in his eyes, struggling to recover. His opponent seized the moment, unleashing a barrage of precise blows to his jaw, liver, and chest. Kazem was forced into a defensive stance, barely withstanding the assault.
But as soon as his vision cleared, Kazem countered with a single strike—a perfect blend of speed, power, and precision—landing squarely on his opponent's jaw. The man collapsed instantly, the match ending in Kazem's victory.
The crowd roared as Kazem cast a disdainful glance at his fallen opponent before walking away.
When the spectators dispersed, only two remained, staring down at the man still lying on the ground.
Yazan chuckled, "Still trying to cheat, Sajid? Why even bother entering these fights?"
Sajid stayed silent.
Saher offered his hand with a grin. "Come on, Sajid. Yazan won't leave you alone tonight."
Sajid accepted his hand and stood up beside them.
"Why not just surrender for once?" Yazan teased.
"Never," Sajid replied firmly.
"Then you'll just keep showing off while getting beaten again and again, my foolish friend," Yazan said, laughing.
Sajid tugged at Yazan's hair, and the two broke into playful scuffling while Saher laughed lightly before stepping in to break them apart.
"Come on, idiots," Saher said, chuckling. "Let's head to the barracks. I need some rest."
The three made their way to a cluster of medium-sized buildings resembling military dorms. Entering one of the shared rooms, they each took their own bunk.
"So," Sajid asked, "how was your mission?"
"Nothing new," Saher replied.
"Just clearing out pests as usual," Yazan added.
"Boring as always," Sajid sighed.
Saher leaned back, frowning. "But something feels strange. We've been going to the borders too often lately."
"And I've started hearing screams," Yazan said quietly, "from the restricted zones."
"I don't know, guys," Sajid muttered. "I don't want to think about it."
Yazan grinned. "Because your head still hurts from all the blows you took, right?"
Saher burst out laughing, and Sajid threw a pillow at Yazan. Soon the two were in a pillow fight. Saher tried to stop them but got hit himself, and laughter filled the room as all three joined the silly brawl until night fell and they finally drifted off to sleep.
Little did they know… good times never last forever.
To be continued.....