As the smoke cleared, a monstrous figure emerged—an 8-foot beast.
Its sharp horns jutted from its elbow joints, wolf-like feathers bristled across its body, and green, glowing eyes pierced the chaos. A dragon's tail lashed behind it, crackling with flames that scorched the deck.
The creature stepped forward, its guttural voice booming. "Mortals, bow before your reckoning. These two fools dared to defy me!"
Khusi smirked, stepping forward. "Big words for someone about to lose. Come at us!"
Aryan, silent as ever, locked eyes with the beast, his stance calm but ready.
"HELLO, HUMANS. I AM MEARLION, GUARDIAN OF THE MAHAL," the beast roared, its voice shaking the air.
Its towering frame and fiery tail made everyone freeze in terror. The crowd cowered, their fear palpable—except for Aryan and Khusi, who stood unmoved, staring directly at the beast.
Mearlion smirked, noticing their calm. "Ah, no fear from you two? Interesting."
It clapped its clawed hands, and the air erupted with fire and chaos. "Let's begin the entertainment,"
A garden full of blooming roses stretched endlessly, their vibrant colors painting the scene with life and beauty. Violet wandered alone among them, her fingers brushing softly against the petals. The air was filled with their sweet fragrance, and in the silence of human presence, rose petals danced in the gentle breeze, swirling around her like a magical embrace.
In the distance, she saw someone kneeling among the flowers. Her eyes lit up as she recognized him—it was her dad, lovingly planting more rose bushes. His hands worked the soil with care, his face serene and content.
"Papa!" she called out joyfully, her voice breaking the stillness.
She ran toward him, her heart brimming with happiness, a radiant smile on her face. Her father looked up, his eyes softening as he saw her. He stood, opening his arms wide to catch her as she ran into his embrace.
In that moment, surrounded by roses and love, everything felt perfect.
In a grand house bustling with maids, little Aryan laughed as he played with his mom and dad. They built towers, tossed balls, and clapped at his every move. Their pet dog joined the fun, wagging its tail as it chased after Aryan's throw.
Laughter filled the room as his mom hugged him, and his dad ruffled his hair. It was a moment of pure joy, surrounded by love and happiness.
In a bustling market, a woman purchased apples and placed them in her handbag. A street kid, hungry and desperate, observed her and stole the bag, fleeing to an abandoned slum.
Inside, he eagerly pulled out the apples, his eyes lighting up as he bit into the juicy fruit—it had been three days since his last meal. Just as he savored the taste, a knock came at the door.
An old man stood outside, his voice harsh. "Hand over the bag, kid!" he demanded, his presence threatening.
The next day, the woman found her bag discarded on her way home. Checking its contents, she realized everything was intact. At the end of the street, she noticed the boy watching her.
The woman caught up to the boy and gently held his arm as he tried to pull away. Noticing his limp, she knelt down and checked his broken leg. Concern filled her voice as she asked, "What happened to you?"
The boy hesitated, then looked at the ground and said softly, "Some old man in my slum told me to hand over your bag. I said no because… it wasn't theirs to take."
She frowned, confused. "Then why didn't you just give it to them?"
He glanced up, his eyes wide with honesty and innocence. "Because… I only took it because I was hungry. It wasn't for them. I'm not a thief like they are." His voice trembled, and he added shyly, "I'm sorry for taking your apples, but I was so hungry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
The woman's heart melted at his words. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, seeing not a thief but a child clinging to his principles despite his desperation. "What's your name?" she asked.
"I don't have one," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I don't have parents to give me one."
Her eyes softened as she said, "From now on, your name is Richard. Come with me."
For the first time, the boy smiled faintly, his innocence and hope shining through the pain.