Demrik is not the best place to live, but those who do try to make the best of it. It has been ruled by a chain of humble kings, not one being a tyrant. No one would dare try taking over this place anyway. It's already broken down and it's not heard of at all; can't be found on any type of map without some traveling being done.

We live in a sort of poverty. Not too poor, but poor enough to not be able to afford much. Most of the Kings money funds are put into education. Anyone could come to town and immediately dislike how bland and broken down the houses and shops look. Then they'll find the gorgeous school buildings polished to perfection and change their entire mindset of the place. It's hard to miss since it's the only buildings that don't look like they're falling apart.

Whenever there are visitors, that is, to make that kind of judgement. Besides Demrik not being on the map, the king doesn't socialize as much with other kingdoms. Only like, two which barely give us enough food or clothing by how little we can exchange back with them. Especially the attention this town desperately needs.

We make most of the stuff we use here anyway. There's the people assigned to farming our food and make sure it's baked to a healthy perfection. Then there's the people in charge of passing it out, the merchants. Currency is non existent. If you wanted to have something from someone, you'll either get it free or have to trade one of your own valuables. It comes in handy when everyone is nice to each other.

I've learned to make my own clothing from the material my parents have around. My mother taught me to sow, though she does eventually create new clothing scraps for me by spinning cotton into thread in her free time. She's very helpful, but I think she's too kind and let's me get away with some of my chores and responsibilities. My father on the other hand is the one who provides her with cotton. We have our own little land that can grow cotton and other foods and my father is usually the one that attends to it. He doesn't let me pick the cotton, scared to hurt my soft baby hands.

Before I get ahead of myself, my name is Tyler Ellis, but people call me Ty for short. I'm one of the many poverty driven teenagers in Demrik that have gotten used to the life style. It's a nice place, though I'd wish there were more.

Last time I heard someone tried to leave Demrik was a couple months ago -- almost a year in fact. No one knew what happened to them or if they managed to make it to better lands. Since that folk tale blossomed once more from the missing person incident, no one dares to exit Demrik. Not even the king himself wants to confirm the truth behind what actually happened to them.

I understand why they would've wanted to leave however, really. I feel the same way whenever I have a reflection moment about my future. But I have reasons for staying here.

My parents.

I'm an only child, so having me was the happiest moment of their life, from what they've told me. Since then, I somehow feel obligated to keep watch of them, to not leave their side. My brain imagining just how terrible their life would be without me in it to lighten up their mood.

Overall, I wouldn't say I despise it here. I'm actually quite happy. I have the best parents a son could ask for and an oddly amazing education system that keeps my brain busy and learning.

Too bad I'm the shy guy that would typically get picked on if some bully just isn't having a good day. From that statement, you can correctly conclude I don't make or have any friends. I've always been an outcast. I can't help but feel a sensation that I don't belong here; that I don't belong in any social clicks due to me being me. Everyone seems to take one look at me and judge whatever they see. Hallway monitors think I'm a trouble maker, teachers think of me as their perfect pet with straight A's, bullies see me as a stepping stone, and I see myself as nothing special.

I try to keep a good outlook on things though. I can imagine one day leaving this place for a better area of living. I would bring my parents and we could all live the way we should be living, together. Where education and starvation isn't the only thing keeping us occupied. Where we can see the beauty of the world in its truest form. Where a future exists and voices could be heard.

Where I'll make a friend and fit into a world I was meant to placed in.

Welcome to Demrik.

Population: The Outcasts