Brighter future

Ken, or Kael as he was known by his Celtic name, had lived a life steeped in darkness. He harbored resentment toward everything and everyone, convinced that the world owed him while he owed nothing in return. But there was one exception: Asiya, to whom he owed everything, including his very life.

As Ken hurtled through the tunnel, pushed by an enigmatic faceless entity, he screamed in defiance. "F*ck you!" he bellowed, refusing to go quietly into the void. Little did he know that this journey was not one of finality but of resurrection.

Then, a feminine voice cut through the darkness, echoing directly into his soul. "A day will come," it whispered, "when you'll look back and realize that survival cannot be achieved alone. You'll regret your choices, Kael."

The voice was hauntingly familiar. "Sister," Ken called out, his emotions raw. He turned his gaze to the side, where holographic screens flickered into existence. Each screen replayed scenes from his life, but one held his attention more than the rest—the last time he had seen her.

"This was the moment," he murmured, grief weighing heavy on his heart. "I am sorry." As he continued to fall through the endless void, he wished he had listened back then. Why had he harbored such hatred for his sister? What had driven him to despise his own sister?

And then, another voice—a name he hadn't expected: "Asiya?" The memory was hazy, like a dream slipping through his fingers. Asiya stood there, tears streaming down her face, yet her pride remained unyielding. She was surrounded by other women, all dressed in regal purple gowns, each with a halo resting upon their heads. But Asiya's halo was different—it formed a crown, its upward-facing shapes marking her as someone extraordinary.

"Are you sure about this?" The elder's voice quivered, her eyes reflecting a lifetime of wisdom. She had been with Asiya since the girl was little, and she knew how stubborn Asiya could be when she set her mind on something.

"Yes," Asiya replied, her gaze unwavering. Her conviction cut through the room like a blade.

"He doesn't care about you. Why do you care about him?" Another elder, an old man adorned in golden armor, stepped forward. His white hair framed a face etched with centuries of experience.

"It's all worth it," Asiya said softly. She reached up, her fingers brushing the halo that hovered above her head. With deliberate grace, she separated it from her own being—a feat that should have been impossible. Placing the ethereal halo on a silver table.

 The old man continued, "You know that the moment you abandon your halo, you are putting the world in a difficult situation. Denying all your powers."

The third elder, a woman with eyes like ancient stars, regarded Asiya with a mix of admiration and concern. "Selfish," she murmured. "You don't see the bigger picture."

Asiya's eyes blazed. "If I cannot find happiness while allowing the world to thrive, then I would rather remain happy and let it suffer."

And so, the ritual began. Asiya, head of the holy maidens and rightful heir to the position of queen mother, spoke her vows. "I, Asiya, relinquish all my power on this day. I abandon my duty as heir and promise never to step foot in the supernatural world again."

As the last syllable left her lips, an energy—vast as a pillar—descended upon her. It stripped Asiya of every ounce of power she had ever possessed. She was banished, severed from the realm of the supernatural.

The room fell silent as the consequences of Asiya's sacrifice unfolded. The elders exchanged glances, recognizing the gravity of her choice. As Asiya's essence merged with the mundane world, Ken's heart weighed heavy with newfound understanding. The ancient stars in the woman elder's eyes twinkled with a mix of sympathy and wisdom. "The path to redemption often comes at a cost, young one." Asiya, now a mere mortal, met the elder's gaze with a soft smile.

Ken watched, fists clenched. "Asiya went through all this for me?" His realization hit like a tidal wave. "I was selfish."

In this surreal moment, suspended between life and rebirth, Ken wondered if redemption awaited him. Perhaps Asiya held the key to his salvation, and the echoes of their shared past would guide him toward a brighter future. 

*******************

Kael woke up to the warm rays of the sun shining through his window, illuminating his cozy room in Mildville. He stretched his hands and body until they made a cracking sound, then rolled off the bed, landing on the floor with a thud.

"It sure feels good to be alive." The boy said, as he looked through the window.

"I promise to be a new me from now on." He promised himself.

"From this day onward, I, Kael, promise to be a changed person from this day until my last breath." He clenched his fist and threw it in the air, making a vow to himself.

"What is this day's date?" He asked no one in particular, as he checked the calendar on the wall.

He felt a wave of relief and joy wash over him, as he realized his sister was still alive in this timeline. He remembered how she died in his past life, at the hands of his uncle. He swore to protect her this time, and stop his uncle's evil plans.

Just then, he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." Kael said, wishing he remembered who knocked on the door at this time in his past life.

A girl opened the door as slowly as she could, then peeked through the door to confirm something. She walked in, holding a tray with a teapot and some cups.

"I just wanted to remind you that it's breakfast time, and would love to ask what you want for breakfast." She asked, as politely as possible.

She was Kael's sister, Edana. She had long brown hair, green eyes, and a sweet smile. She was two years older than Kael, and they were not a bit close in his past live. He hated her so much but morned when she died.

Just then, Kael dived in for a hug with his sister.

Kael's sister's voice trembled as she asked, "A-are you okay?" Concern etched across her face, she waited for Kael to respond. But he remained silent, lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Her gentle pat on his back conveyed more comfort than words ever could.

"I promise to listen to you from now on," Kael finally managed to utter. His throat felt tight, and he wished he could articulate the storm brewing within him.

"It's okay," Edana assured him, her smile genuine. This was the brother she had missed—the one who would confide in her. She stepped away from their tight hug, her eyes softening. "Now," she said, her tone warm, "what will you eat for breakfast?" It was a simple question, yet it held the weight of their shared history.

"Anything, sis," Kael replied, determination in his eyes. "And I'd love to join you in preparing it." His newfound resolve surprised even himself.

As they walked out of Kael's room, Edana glanced at him. "You've changed," she remarked, her voice tinged with wonder. "It's weird, but I like it." And in that moment, they both knew—they were rebuilding more than just a sibling bond; they were rediscovering each other. 🌟