The journey was serene, with birds chirping and the rustling of leaves echoing around her. She passed through tall trees, their branches reaching out like welcoming arms. The scent of fresh greenery and the soft hum of insects filled her senses, but she hardly paid any attention to the beautiful surroundings.
Finally, she reached the cave. It was as beautiful as she remembered.
The secret cave was hidden behind the waterfall, a paradise secluded from the world. The gushing water cascaded down in a fury, its forceful currents creating a misty veil around the cave. The entrancing beauty of the place was enhanced by the blooming exotic flowers around it and the sweet-scented vines that hung from the rocky cliffs. It was a place of tranquil solitude, a sanctuary where Bai and her brother found solace during their childhood days.
Stepping into the cave, Bai found herself engulfed in a rush of nostalgia. The cave was filled with memories of her childhood–the time she spent with her brother, the games they played, the secrets they shared. Every inch of the cave reminded her of Ming, making her heart ache with longing.
Her mind drifted back to the time when she first met Ming. She was a mere child, oblivious to the dangers of the world. She was captivated by a beautiful flower on the edge of the cliff. Her young, curious mind had urged her to pick all of them. In her excitement, she hadn't noticed how close she was to the edge while trying to reach out to it, she lost her balance and fell into the raging river beneath.
Bai remembered how the water had filled her lungs, choking her, pulling her deeper into its cold embrace. She remembered the fear, the helplessness, the pain. But above all, she remembered her brother. She remembered how he had dived into the water without a second thought, how he had fought against the strong current to reach her, how he had held her in his arms as they reached the shore.
She coughed out water, gasping for breath as her eyes landed on her savior–a boy of her age with a worried expression, her brother Ming.
That incident had created a bond between them, a bond that grew stronger with each passing day. They became each other's family, their relationship turning from strangers to siblings. They found solace in each other's company, establishing a bond that was stronger than any blood relation.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a sound caught her attention. The sound of footsteps echoing throughout the cave made her heart race. She immediately took a defensive stance, her heart pounding in her chest. "Who's there? Show yourself!" she demanded, her voice echoing around the cave.
After a few moments of tense silence, a familiar voice reached her ears. "Bai," The voice called out, his tone filled with unspeakable emotion.
She turned around, her eyes widening as she recognized the silhouette stepping out of the shadows.
"Ming?" she whispered, her voice barely a whisper. The figure continued to step forward, emerging into the dim light of the cave.
"Yes, Bai. It's me," Ming responded, his voice filled with a familiar warmth that Bai had missed dearly. His voice made her heart leap with joy, but something wasn't right.
"Ming... it's really you," Bai stammered, struggling to process the scene unfolding before her. Her joy was short-lived, though, as she took a step forward, noticing the black aura swirling around her brother. His face bore a wicked grin, a stark contrast to the warm and loving brother she once knew. "What...what's happened to you?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ming asked, his voice echoing throughout the cave, sending chills down her spine. "I've embraced my destiny, Bai. The destiny we were always meant to share."
Bai felt a knot in her stomach. "But this... this isn't you, Ming. You... you would never want power at the expense of others."
"Maybe once upon a time, but things have changed, little sister," he responded. "Don't you see? We can finally take control of our own lives. No more bowing to the whims of the Golden Dragon Dynasty or the Ashen Flame Sect."
"But... but that would mean becoming like them, becoming the very people we despised," Bai retorted, her heart aching at the sight of her brother. He had always been the one to stand against oppression, to fight for what was right. Seeing him now, a shadow of his former self, filled her with a deep sense of loss.
"Would it really be so bad?" Ming asked, his eyes boring into hers. "To finally claim what we rightfully deserve? To take a stand against those who have wronged us?"
"We were never like this, Ming. You... you were never like this," Bai whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She could hardly believe the man standing before her was the same person she had once called her brother.
"But I am now," Ming said, a dark smile playing on his lips. "And you could be too, Bai. Join me, and together we can take over the whole Paragon Valley."
"Ming...," Bai's voice was barely audible. She was shocked, torn between the brother she loved and the ideals she held dear.
"What do you say, Bai?" Ming pressed on, extending his hand towards her. "Join me, and we can rule together."
Bai looked at the hand before her. It was a hand that had once guided her, protected her, and cared for her. Now, it was the same hand that promised power and control, but at the cost of her humanity.
She took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. "I... I need some time, Ming," she said finally, her voice wavering.
Bai could see Ming's face harden, but he gave a slight nod. "Very well, Bai. But remember, you don't have forever."
With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Bai alone in the cave, her heart pounding in her chest. His words echoed in her mind, a haunting reminder of the choice she had to make.
As the shock wore off, Bai sank to her knees, her tears falling freely. She felt a sense of loss, a feeling of betrayal. The world as she knew it had come crashing down, and she was left alone to pick up the pieces.
She looked around the cave, her eyes landing on the spot where they used to play as children. She remembered Ming's laughter, his warm smile, the sparkle in his eyes. Now, all that was replaced with a darkness she could hardly recognize.
'How had things turned out this way?' her body shaking with sobs as she cried out for the brother she had lost, her heart aching with a pain she had never known.
*****
Author's Note
~ What decision do you think Bai would take?
Could you donate your power stones after reset or when you read this? Show this book your support anyway you can.