Draniela’s Adventure : A New Beginning I Story by Dhriti, 14, Delhi
Draniela’s Adventure by Dhriti, 14, from Delhi is a mysterious tale of a girl whose hidden past holds the key to a secret. Will she unlock the secret?
Draniela’s Adventure : A New Beginning
Draniela’s Adventure
I was running for my life. Breathing heavily, losing my breath. Then suddenly I saw a cave and ran into it…
Hi! I’m Draniela Bridge, I live alone in a hostel room. Maybe I am an orphan. I haven’t met my parents since I was 1. They have left me or they are dead. I love my school. My school; Bellmont Edge School. As a 9th grader I love exploring and going on adventures. So, to full fill my every weekend I go on some or the other adventure. This weekend I have planned to venture in the Jungle of Solara, its just 2 km from our hostel.
I prefer solitude so here I’m on my cycle alone heading towards the jungle. As soon as I entered the outskirts of the Jungle of Solara, the air thickened – not just with heat and the scent of moss but with something… otherworldly, I ignored and kept moving.
I locked my cycle to a tree (just in case) and stepped in further. About ten minutes, I heard something – a rustle, no, footsteps. Then – Crack.
The Gatekeeper
A branch broke behind me. I turned sharply. Nothing.
But instinct kicked in. I ran. My legs fought against the wet earth, breath ragged in my throat. I didn’t know what was chasing me, or even if anything was. Still, I ran.
After running for a while in terror I stopped, turned back and had chills shot through my spine. I heard some voice, some bizarre voice.
Suddenly a whisper echoed all around me, though I could see no one.
“Welcome, Draniela Bridge… The Gatekeeper awaits.”
I was scared yet interested. As I turned back someone was standing right in front of me. Of course, that almost gave me a heart attack.
He looked creepy. Had long rough golden hair with moustache and beard. He was giving full-on 90’s villain vibes. Like the ones from old VHS tapes dramatic, over-the-top, and terrifying in a weirdly way. Somehow my vibes matched.
The Key
He had a key attached to his clothes. A golden key, shimmering bright, covered with glitters. shimmering bright, covered with glitters.
“Touch it,” he said, voice like thunder muffled in cotton. I gulped.
“The key?” He smiled. Not a friendly smile. The kind that makes you regret asking questions.
“Yes,” he rasped. “The one your parents died protecting.”
Boom. My heart dropped.
I replied asked in astonishment, “My parents?”
“Yes! My child.’’
Discovering The Secret
How exciting. I asked him to explain further because I was already bursting of curiosity.
Now you must be thinking I’m taking it in a fun manner but please I haven’t seen my parents since I was 1 and they just disappeared one day so I don’t know what is parents love or how it is to have someone as your pillar.
He started ,“Your parents weren’t ordinary. They risked everything to keep something dangerous out of the wrong hands.” I swallowed hard. “What kind of something?”
He looked straight at me. “You.”
I blinked. “Me?”
He nodded. “They locked away the key ‘this key’ because they knew one day you’d need it. They didn’t leave because they didn’t love you. They left because they did.”
I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to scream at him, cry, punch something, hug someone. Anything.
Instead, I just said, quietly, “So… they really cared?”
He gave a tiny smile. Not evil this time. Almost sad. “More than you’ll ever know.”
I stared at the golden key in my palm, its glow softening, as if it had been waiting to rest. The man stepped closer, his voice gentler now. “Your parents were powerful Protectors of Realms — not wizards, not warriors, just two brave people who made the hardest choice. They locked the Gate of Aetherium, a world where thoughts become reality because someone tried to twist it into a weapon.” And that could only happen if a baby was given and his/her blood was poured on the key. He paused. “That someone… was you.”
My heart froze.
“I was once their friend, who always stood by their side” he added quietly. “Until I hungered for power. Those evils promised me to give me great power if I get you to them. They stopped me, sealed the gate, and vanished into it… to keep the key out of anyone’s hands.” I looked at him, breathless.
“So… they’re alive?” He nodded. “Trapped beyond the gate. And only you can bring them back.” The key pulsed with light again. And in that moment, I knew this wasn’t the end of my story. It was just the beginning.
***
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