The Heartbreaking Incident

As the gas poured into the tank, my brother and I exchanged relaxed glances. We talked about the previous evening, about the fight and the challenges ahead at the Academy. But even in these seemingly everyday moments, the unforeseeable lurked.

Little did we realize that this refueling break would set off a chain of events that would rock our world.

The gas station seemed like any other rest stop: bright neon lights, the smell of gasoline, and the quiet hum of the refrigerated shelves. Exhausted, my brother Takeshi and I entered the small sales room, looking for a short break. But the peaceful atmosphere would soon turn into a dark scenario.

Suddenly I felt a strange tension in the air. I looked around and realized something was wrong. The men manning the shelves seemed to be watching us more closely than necessary. An oppressive unease spread through me.

When we were about to pay, everything happened very quickly. Three masked figures emerged from the shadows and surrounded us. One of the men pulled out a gun and the world seemed to stop for a moment.

"You'll come with us, boy," one of the masked men hissed menacingly. They grabbed Takeshi. Panic seized me and my heart was beating wildly. I tried to help him, but I had no chance against the overwhelming numbers and the ruthless violence of the attackers.

The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a scarred face, grinned spitefully. "Quickly shut up and come with me, otherwise there will be a bloodbath here."

The men pulled Takeshi away and I wanted to help him. My hands were shaking with fear and anger. Before I could react, a hard blow from a weapon hit me, like a sledgehammer. The pain shot through my head and the world blurred before my eyes. I sank to the ground as the bitter aroma of blood hung in the air.

 The darkness enveloped me as my consciousness gradually returned. A dull ache throbbed in my head and my arm ached with every movement. I tried to orient myself, but everything was blurry and gloomy. An internal dialogue began as I tried to piece together the fragments of my memories. Where am I? What happened? Where is Takeshi?

I fought against the darkness, my thoughts circling around Takeshi. Tears mixed with the blood on my face as I struggled desperately to my feet. Despite the pain, I tried to pick myself up and find the remaining spark of courage within me. Takeshi needed me now more than ever.

A soft moan escaped my lips as I sat up. The cold of the ground penetrated my clothes and I felt a damp haze on my forehead. My head pounded in time with my aching heart.

At that moment I heard quiet footsteps approaching the room. The uncertainty about who or what surrounded me increased my internal dialogue. Who could that be? Friend or foe?

The door swung open slowly and a dim light flooded the room. A figure entered, partially hidden in the shadows. My tense muscles reacted to the threat as I addressed the person: "Who are you?"

A gentle smile appeared on the figure's lips as she answered, "I'm Lilim. I've been watching you for a while, Claire."

The mention of my name gave me a hint of unease. The darkness in Lilim's eyes and her mysterious aura awakened a mixture of fear and curiosity in me.

"What happened to my brother? Who were these people?" My questions escape me as the pain lingers in my voice.

Lilim stepped closer and her answer was clear and precise: "They were members of a dangerous organization. We could help you save your brother."

The words echoed in my head. My inner dialogue raged between distrust and the urgent need to save Takeshi.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of desperation and determination.

Lilim smiled and said, "I offer you two options. Either you fight this darkness alone, or you join Team Shadow Garden, swear your loyalty to us, and we will help you save your brother."

The words hung in the air and I felt my thoughts swirling around this decision. The idea of fighting the shadows alone seemed hopeless to me. Team Shadow Garden seemed to be the only hope.

After a moment of thought, I nodded resolutely. "I join you."

Lilim held out her hand and suddenly particles of slime began to dance in the air. They formed a black slime robe that slowly enveloped my body. The robe felt like a second skin, a protection from the darkness that enveloped my world.

The black slime robe was interspersed with delicate gold elements that shimmered in the dim light of the room. The fabric hugged my contours and a feeling of power and protection filled me.

Lilim smiled contentedly as the transformation was complete. "Welcome to the team, Claire. Your journey into the shadows begins now."

The darkness enveloped me like an impenetrable fog as my consciousness gradually returned. A dull ache pulsed in my head, and each breath felt like I was breathing through a straw. My eyelids seemed heavy as lead and it took me a moment to adjust to my surroundings.