This is the story of how I died.

I wouldn't consider this story to be remarkably sad, at least not for myself. Because you see, it's not even my story. This is the story of a young prince with a power unmatched by any other, and I was lucky enough to see it with my own eyes.

Once upon a time, there was a mighty kingdom, blessed by the powers of the moon. This kingdom was called Aperture. Aperture was ruled by a king so strong and proud that no other nation dared to stand against it. Many could say the king was dearly loved, but I believe he was really feared. Out of this fear arose the need for a queen, someone to stand by him and be his guide, his support; a steady hand to stay his eccentric behavior.

There were two sisters, members of a noble family and who had both taken the king's fancy. The younger, with her unbridled temper and thirst for greater knowledge took the king's initial interest. He had gone as far as to commit to proposing to her, that is until her sister entered the stage.

Much like the younger, the elder sister was filled with a spark so dangerously bright the king could not look away. Inspired by her inquisitive nature, and better acclimated with her gentler touch, the king took her to be his queen instead. And thus began the reign of King Cave and Queen Caroline.

The younger sister, feeling cheated out of the throne, swore to have her revenge. She waited, plotted, biding her time until the greatest of chances presented itself.

It happened on a night when the moon was fullest. The king and queen had just brought their firstborn into the world. It was a son, blessed by the moon with the ancient powers of an art lost to all other lands. But Aperture was different. Aperture delved deep into the arts of magic long since abandoned. And because of this, because of their unrelenting quest for greater knowledge, the moon graced –or cursed- them with more power than any one land should be given.

The younger sister knew this well, knew of the gift that would be placed on the firstborn of the greatest king to ever rule over Aperture. And in her hatred, her lust for power, she stole the child in the dead of night and vanished into the darkness, never to be seen again.

The kingdom suffered a great loss. Mourning took over the land and every year on the day of the prince's birth lanterns of orange and blue fire alike were released into the sky, under a silver moon, in hopes that one day the prince will find his way home again.

This is not my story, but I have managed to entangle myself in it.

This is the story of a prince who finds his way home.

And the thief who died to get him there.