The sun rose higher into the sky, bathing the small town in golden light. Anik walked alongside Arpan and Luna, the soft crunch of gravel under their feet blending with the distant hum of life. The streets were lined with small, humble houses interspersed with stretches of lush grasslands. The occasional farmer worked in the fields, their movements deliberate and practiced.
Arpan looked up at Anik with a bright smile. "This is our small town," he explained, gesturing around. "Not much happens here, but it's peaceful. Everyone knows each other."
Luna chimed in, her voice soft but cheerful. "And the air is always so fresh. It's one of the best parts about living here."
Anik inhaled deeply, feeling the clean, invigorating air fill his lungs. His mind briefly wandered to Thomas's words: "This planet has infinite clean energy. It's a Type 3 civilization, but its beauty lies in how it keeps things simple."
He smiled to himself, appreciating the balance between advanced technology and nature's untouched charm.
As they continued walking, the houses became fewer, replaced by more grasslands and clusters of children playing in the open. Anik watched them closely, their laughter carrying on the breeze. He guessed their ages to be close to Arpan's, their carefree demeanor a reminder of what life should be for children.
"Our school is just ahead," Arpan said, pointing to a modest yet well-maintained building.
Anik paused outside the school gates, taking in the sight of students running around, teachers chatting in groups, and the vibrant energy of the place. He turned to Arpan and Luna, crouching slightly to meet their eyes.
"Study well," he said with a warm smile. "I'll be back after school. Make the most of it."
Arpan grinned. "We will! See you later, Anik."
Luna waved enthusiastically before they both ran inside, disappearing into the crowd.
Left alone, Anik decided to explore the town further. He wandered the streets, observing the way life moved at its own steady pace. Occasionally, he stopped to lend a hand—carrying groceries for an elderly woman, helping a child retrieve a ball from a tree, or offering a kind word to passersby.
"This is what life should feel like," he thought, a rare sense of peace settling over him. "Simple acts of kindness, a community working together... It's a reminder of what I'm fighting for."
Hours passed, and the school day came to an end. Anik returned to the gates, where Arpan and Luna greeted him with wide smiles.
"Anik!" Arpan shouted, running up to him.
Without hesitation, Anik lifted him onto his shoulders, laughing at Arpan's delighted squeal. "You look like a king up there," he teased.
Luna giggled. "Arpan always thinks he's royalty when you do that."
As they made their way home, Luna suddenly pointed toward the horizon. "Anik, let's go to the riverside! Near that ancient tree."
Arpan nodded excitedly. "Yeah, it's a great place. And it's where we first met you."
Anik hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Alright, lead the way."
The trio arrived at the ancient tree, its massive branches sprawling in every direction, casting cool, dappled shade. The sound of the river's gentle flow mixed with the soothing rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
They sat beneath the tree, the breeze carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers. Luna and Arpan leaned back against the trunk, while Anik stretched out, closing his eyes.
The atmosphere took him back to a memory he hadn't visited in a long time.
He was in Rose's treehouse, the fluttering of leaves and the golden rays of sunlight filtering through the windows making the space feel magical. Rose stood on the balcony, her radiant smile lighting up the world around her.
"Anik, look at this view!" she called, waving her hand.
Anik moved toward her, his heart light and full. He reached out his hand to wave back, but suddenly, Rose slipped.
"Rose!" he shouted, his voice breaking with panic as she fell.
Before he could act, a dark, looming figure emerged. Its hand wrapped around his neck like a vice, choking the air from him.
Anik's eyes snapped open, his breath quick and shallow, sweat forming on his brow.
A gentle hand touched his cheek, and he flinched before realizing it was Luna. Her face was filled with concern.
"Anik, are you okay? You're sweating."
He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present. "It's nothing," he said softly. "Just... a dream."
Luna studied him for a moment, her gaze filled with quiet understanding. "Dreams can be scary, but remember, you're safe here."
Anik nodded, offering her a small smile. "Thank you, Luna."
As the breeze continued to whisper through the leaves, Anik couldn't shake the image of Rose from his mind. Her smile, her voice—they were etched into his soul, driving him forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
"I'll protect this peace," he vowed silently. "And I'll find the answers I seek."
The afternoon sun began to lower, casting long shadows through the branches of the ancient tree. Anik, Luna, and Arpan remained seated beneath it, the tranquil scene a contrast to the storm of thoughts brewing in Anik's mind.
"I have no more time," Anik thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I need to return home, take the ruler's position, and fulfill my responsibilities. This peaceful life isn't mine to hold onto."
With a deep breath, Anik stood up, determination etched into his expression. Luna and Arpan watched him curiously.
Anik placed his hand on his chest and pulled out the blue crystal, its light and energy so radiant it seemed alive, like a miniature star in his hand. The illumination bathed the area in a soft, ethereal glow.
Luna instinctively took a step back, hiding behind Arpan. "What is that?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Arpan's eyes widened, though inside he felt a surge of greed and excitement. "The blue crystal," he thought. "I can't believe it's right in front of me. I don't even have to manipulate him further."
Still, he feigned surprise, stepping forward protectively. "Anik, what's going on?"
Anik turned around, holding the crystal carefully, though his face looked pale. His hand trembled slightly, and he felt his body weaken without the crystal's power sustaining him.
"I've decided," Anik said, his voice calm but firm. "I will find my true strength without relying on this crystal. I believe in my own potential, and this... it belongs to someone else now."
He took a step closer to Arpan, his gaze steady. "Arpan, come here."
Arpan's heart raced. "Is this really happening?" he thought. "I don't even have to take it by force. He's handing it over to me willingly."
Arpan approached, trying to maintain a composed demeanor, though his excitement threatened to spill over. "Anik, are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with false humility.
Anik nodded, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I know you're ready. You're dedicated, determined, and your mindset aligns with what this crystal stands for. You told me once that you wanted to be the strongest. Now's your chance."
Arpan nodded solemnly, though inside, his thoughts were anything but noble. "This is perfect. With this power, I can dominate everything. No one will stop me."
Anik reached forward, holding the crystal to Arpan's chest. For a moment, Arpan hesitated, but Anik's hand pushed through his chest effortlessly, embedding the crystal within.
Arpan gasped, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through him. His body shuddered as the crystal's energy fused with him. A surge of power unlike anything he'd ever felt filled his veins, his senses heightened to a godlike level.
Luna, watching the scene unfold, stepped closer with concern. "Anik, what's happening? Will Arpan be okay? Is this safe?"
Anik, now visibly weaker, nodded reassuringly. "He'll be fine, Luna. The crystal chooses its bearer, and it accepts him. This is what he's been preparing for."
Luna looked at Arpan, who was catching his breath and adjusting to his newfound strength. "Are you sure, Arpan?" she asked softly.
Arpan turned to her with a confident smile. "I'm fine, Luna. This is a dream come true." He turned back to Anik, placing his hands over Anik's palms. "I promise, Anik. I'll use this power to help people and uphold justice."
Anik's eyes softened with pride. "Thank you, Arpan. That's all I could ask for. Use this power wisely, to protect and maintain balance."
Arpan nodded, but in his mind, his true thoughts churned. "Balance? Protection? None of that matters now. I hold the power of the blue crystal. Soon, everyone will bow to me."
As the energy around them settled, Anik stepped back, his exhaustion becoming more apparent. He turned to Arpan with a faint smile. "Keep training with it. I'll guide you until tomorrow. After that... I have to leave."
Luna frowned, stepping closer to Anik. "Wait, Anik. This is too sudden. You didn't even tell us where you're going. What's happening?"
Before Anik could answer, Arpan interjected, his tone calm but firm. "Luna, Anik has responsibilities beyond this town. He's the rightful ruler of the multiverse. We can't hold him back from what he's meant to do."
Luna hesitated, her concern evident. "But—"
Arpan placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice soothing. "He's doing what's best for everyone. We should support him."
Inside, however, Arpan's thoughts were far from supportive. "Let him leave. With the blue crystal, I don't need him anymore. Soon, the multiverse will be mine to control."
Anik looked at them both, a mix of gratitude and determination in his eyes. "Thank you, both of you. I'll always remember this place and the kindness you've shown me."
As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the ancient tree, Anik stood silently for a moment, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders. Luna's concern lingered, but Arpan's secret triumph overshadowed everything, a dark hunger for power growing within him.
The warm afternoon sun bathed the small house in a golden glow as Anik, Arpan, and Luna returned home. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, but Anik was visibly drained, his steps heavy and his face pale.
At the doorstep, Rina stood with Thomas, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Anik. With a delighted squeal, she ran toward him, arms outstretched for a hug.
"Big brother!" she exclaimed.
But before she could reach him, Arpan stepped in, blocking her path with a gentle but firm embrace. "Little Rina," he said, smiling down at her, "your brother is too tired right now. He needs some rest."
Rina blinked, her small hands gripping Arpan's shirt as she looked past him at Anik. "But why? Did something happen to him?"
Anik managed a faint smile, placing a reassuring hand on Rina's head. "I'm fine, Rina. Just a little tired."
Thomas stepped forward, concern etched into his features. "What happened, Arpan?"
Arpan gestured for Thomas to follow as he helped guide Anik toward the bedroom. "He's been using too much energy. He entrusted me with something important, and it's taken a toll on him. Don't worry, he just needs rest."
Thomas frowned but didn't press further, carefully laying Anik down on the bed. "I'll keep an eye on him," he said softly.
In the Kitchen
Maya had just finished setting the table when Arpan joined her, Luna close behind. She looked up, wiping her hands on her apron.
"What's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Arpan explained everything: the blue crystal, Anik's decision, and the transfer of power. Maya's face shifted between shock and concern as she listened.
"He gave you the crystal?" she asked, her tone disbelieving.
Arpan nodded solemnly, though inside he felt a rush of pride. "He said it was time. He believes I'm ready."
Maya placed a hand on her chest, her brow furrowing. "But... Anik has carried that burden for so long. Is he really okay without it? And are you truly ready, Arpan?"
Arpan straightened, feigning confidence. "I'll make him proud, Mother. This is what I've been training for. I promised to use this power for good, and I'll keep that promise."
Maya glanced at Thomas, who had returned from the bedroom. His expression was grim as he took a seat at the table.
"I trust Anik's judgment," Thomas said, though his tone was heavy. "But he looked worse than I expected. He's pushed himself too hard."
In the Bedroom
Meanwhile, Anik lay on the bed, his breathing steady but his face pale. Rina had crept into the room, her small frame perched on a chair beside him.
"Big brother..." she whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You didn't even eat lunch. How can you be strong if you don't eat?"
Anik stirred slightly but didn't open his eyes. His hand moved weakly, searching for hers. When he found it, he gave it a light squeeze.
"I'm sorry, Rina," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I'll eat later. Just let me rest for now."
Rina nodded, though her lip quivered. She stayed by his side, refusing to leave even when Maya came to check on them.
At the Table
Back in the kitchen, the atmosphere was heavy. Maya pushed her plate aside, unable to eat.
"It's not just about the crystal," she said quietly. "Anik's been through so much. I'm worried he's carrying more than he's letting on."
Luna, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "He is. I've seen it. He hides it well, but there's so much pain in his eyes. Even today, when we were at the tree, he had a nightmare. He woke up sweating and shouting a name... Rose."
Thomas's jaw tightened. "Rose," he repeated. "That name again. He's mentioned it before, but he never explains."
Arpan remained quiet, his mind elsewhere. While the others worried about Anik, he was focused on the power surging within him, already plotting how to use it.
Evening Falls
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the house grew quiet. Rina eventually fell asleep beside Anik, her small hand clutching his.
Maya and Thomas exchanged worried glances, neither able to find the right words.
Arpan, standing by the window, stared out into the darkening sky. A smirk played on his lips, hidden from the others.
"Anik may have started this journey," he thought, "but I'll be the one to finish it. The blue crystal is mine now, and soon, so will everything else."
The night descended, heavy with unspoken fears and hidden ambitions, as each member of the household grappled with their own thoughts about the day's events.