The Forest

The forest was dense and mysterious, its towering trees creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into delicate, dancing patterns on the ground. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and every step Martin took was cushioned by a soft layer of moss and fallen leaves. His breaths were ragged, each gasp a testament to his exhaustion. He could feel his strength waning, his legs growing heavy as he pushed forward.

He couldn't go on much longer. The whispers in his head were relentless, echoing through his mind like a haunting chorus. They told him he was the chosen one, that they needed him. But Martin felt anything but chosen. He felt lost and afraid, each step more uncertain than the last. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden vision ahead—a dark, shadowy figure that seemed to materialize out of the very air.

His legs buckled beneath him, and he fell to his knees, his heart pounding in his chest. The figure loomed closer, its form shifting and indistinct. It had the shape of a demon, its eyes glowing with a sinister light. Martin's fear intensified, his mind racing. He could hear the whispers again, urging him to find Grimond, promising that they were with him. But the fear was too overwhelming, and he let out a scream that echoed through the forest.

The world around him darkened, the trees and sky fading into an inky void. His consciousness slipped away, and he was engulfed in blackness.

When Martin awoke, he was met with a gentle shake and a concerned voice. He blinked his vision clearing to reveal a girl with bright, curious eyes and a kind smile. Her wild mane of dark hair framed her face, giving her an untamed yet endearing look.

"Hey, hey, wake up," she said, her voice soft yet urgent.

Martin groaned, trying to shake off the remnants of his unconsciousness. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice weak.

"Uhh, actually, I'm supposed to ask you that," the girl replied with a slight smile.

He sat up slowly, his body aching from his earlier collapse. The forest around them was serene, the sunlight filtering through the leaves in a way that seemed almost magical. "I... I am Martin from Estimont town," he managed to say.

The girl raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what are you doing here in this forest?" she asked.

"I left my house," Martin replied simply, the weight of his journey evident in his voice.

"Hmm," she mused, "then maybe you should come with me. I'm Jade."

Martin hesitated for a moment, but there was something about Jade that made him feel he could trust her. He nodded, and she helped him to his feet. "Do you live alone in this forest?" he asked, curious about his rescuer.

Jade laughed, a light, musical sound that seemed to lift some of the weight off Martin's shoulders. "No, I live with my friends Gary and Kate," she explained. "Come on, I'll show you."

As they walked, Martin took in the sights and sounds of the forest. Birds chirped in the trees, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. Soon, they arrived at an incredible sight: a tree house built on a giant manchineel tree. The tree itself was known for its poisonous properties, but the house looked inviting and magical.

"Wow, is this your tree house?" Martin asked, his eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes, it is. Do you like it?" Jade replied with a grin.

"I love it," Martin said, his awe evident.

The tree house was a marvel. It had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a common living room. Everything was infused with magic—dishes washed themselves, and a basket was always full of food. The walls were intricately carved with symbols and patterns, and the roof was covered in leaves and moss, blending seamlessly with the forest around it.

"This house is full of surprises," Jade explained. "Our master built it. He is a magician. He comes over once a year."

Just then, a tall, lanky boy with tousled hair appeared from one of the rooms. He had an easygoing smile and an air of confidence about him. "Hey Jade, who's the new guy?" he asked.

"This is Martin. He wants shelter," Jade replied.

The boy nodded, extending a hand to Martin. "Okay, you can live here," he said. "I'm Gary, by the way."

"Hello," Martin replied, shaking Gary's hand gratefully.

A girl with fiery red hair and a mischievous grin popped her head out from another room. She wore a bright, colourful dress that matched her vibrant personality. "Hey, nice to meet ya," she said cheerfully.

"Hello," Martin said nervously.

Kate studied Martin with keen interest, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Does Grimond know about him?" she asked.

"I'll handle him," Jade said confidently.

Martin looked between them, confusion evident on his face. "Grimond?" he asked.

Jade nodded. "I told you about him. He is our master. He created us and this house with his magic."

"I'm looking for him," Martin said, his voice tinged with desperation.

Jade's eyes widened with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Jade, I often have weird dreams, and I hear voices saying 'find Grimond,'" Martin explained.

"He will be here in a few months. Then we could solve your problem," Jade said.

Martin's face fell, his hope diminishing. He couldn't wait that long. "I can't wait that long. I have no time. I have to meet him as early as possible."

"We can't do anything, Martin. You have to wait," Jade insisted.

"Please, guys," Martin pleaded, his eyes filling with tears. "Help me. I can't take this anymore."

Jade looked at Gary and Kate, her expression conflicted. "I am sorry, Martin, but there is nothing we can do," she said.

Gary thought for a moment. "Jade, should we go there to see Grimond?"

"It is very risky, Gary. We can't even pass through the Plot Valley. It is very dangerous," Jade replied.

"I will go. Just guide me the way," Martin said determinedly.

"Martin, it is suicide. You can't get out of there alive," Jade warned.

"I am already living a dead life. I'm ready for the consequences," Martin said.

"You can't go alone on this journey, and I can't let any of my friends risk their lives," Jade said firmly.

"I can go alone. Just give me a map if you have it. If not, please show me the directions," Martin insisted.

Kate looked thoughtful. "I think you should leave tomorrow. I will trace a map out of my memory."

"You all have been there?" Martin asked.

"Grimond took us with him once, and it is not a place for children like us," Jade said.

"Thank you, everyone. You guys helped me a lot with all this information. But how could you trust a stranger like me?" Martin asked.

"If you were a bad spirit, you would have been dead as soon as you touched this tree," Jade explained.

"What? At least put a warning there," Martin said, incredulous.

"Don't worry. I can easily identify a cruel spirit. But if I am being chased by one or fail to identify it, the tree will kill it," Jade said.

"Okay, but what is so dangerous there that you all are scared and need all this protection?" Martin asked.

"Don't you know about the epic battle?" Gary asked.

"The great epic?" Martin said, his curiosity piqued.

Suddenly, the tree house began to shake violently. The walls trembled, and the floor seemed to pulse with energy. The tree itself groaned under the pressure, its branches swaying ominously.

Jade's face paled. "Oh no, we are in danger. Everyone to the safe dorm!"

Martin's heart raced as panic set in. "What happened?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"We are under attack by evil spirits. Come on, run fast into the safe dorm!" Jade shouted.

Everyone rushed into the safe dorm, a small, fortified room hidden within the tree house. The walls of the dorm were reinforced with magical runes, designed to repel any evil force. The once serene environment was now filled with sinister energy as the malevolent spirits battered against the magical barrier protecting the house.

"They are a lot, but why is such a big group in this area?" Jade wondered aloud.

Kate looked worried. "What do we do now? Only three of us can pass through the escape path. One has to stay behind."

Jade's eyes widened with realization. "They have stopped?"

The sudden silence was almost more terrifying than the attack. The spirits had ceased their assault, but the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the next move.

In the heart of the forest, where light barely penetrated, a dark force gathered. It was not just a random attack; it was a deliberate move against something or someone within the tree house. The spirits knew their target, and they were relentless in their pursuit. The tranquillity of the forest was shattered, and the ancient trees whispered of the coming storm.

The air was thick with tension as the evil voice reverberated through the tree house, its malevolence palpable. "Leave the kid, and we will let you go," it demanded, its tone a sinister hiss.

Jade's eyes widened in horror. "Kid?" she echoed.

Martin's heart sank as he realized the voice was referring to him. "It's talking about me," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Jade shook her head firmly. "We can't leave you here."

Tears welled up in Martin's eyes as he pleaded, "Leave me and go. You shouldn't die because of me."

But Jade was resolute. "Kate, Gary, take him and escape. I will stay."

"No, Jade, please no!" Martin cried, his voice breaking.

Gary and Kate grabbed Martin, dragging him towards the emergency exit as he struggled against them. The tree house shook violently, and with a deafening blast, the structure began to collapse. "No!" Martin screamed, tears streaming down his face. "Why didn't you let them take you?"

Kate's face was grim as she explained, "Martin, we had a signal to protect you from Grimond. He can't come here for some reason, so he asked us to bring you with us."

Martin's voice trembled with sorrow and confusion. "Why did we not bring Jade with us?"

Gary's expression was sombre. "Only three people could escape through the emergency door. It was made this way so an evil spirit can't chase us."

Martin's heart ached as he screamed into the void, "Jade!"

The dream that followed was a swirl of voices and images, a chaotic cacophony of urgency. "We need you," one voice intoned. "You are the chosen one," another declared. "You will meet the separated part with a strong self," the voices echoed in unison.

Morning came too soon, and Gary shook Martin awake. "Wake up, Martin. We have to leave."

Martin groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Ahhhh, morning guys."

Kate was already up, her expression stern. "You idiot, get ready. We need to move," she said sharply, walking away.

Martin turned to Gary, puzzled. "Is she always like that?"

Gary gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. She'll be okay after some time."

Kate's thoughts were a storm of anger and determination. "This idiot was just faking to cry yesterday. He doesn't have any regrets about the loss we faced. Jade was a big sister to me, and I will avenge her," she thought bitterly.

Martin, oblivious to Kate's internal struggle, asked, "So you guys are coming along with me?"

Kate turned back, her expression serious. "Yes, now listen carefully. The path we are going on can end us in hell. The creature we are going to face can turn you into one of their kind with just a bite."

Martin nodded resolutely. "Right, I will not allow them to bite me."

Kate's gaze was piercing. "Do you know how to fight?"

Martin shook his head. "No, I don't know how to fight."

Gary chuckled. "Come on, dude. Then how do you think you're going to survive?"

Martin's frustration boiled over. "I am a kid. How would I know how to fight, you idiots?"

Gary laughed, the sound almost comforting in its normalcy. "Oh yeah? Then I think you should sing poems to defeat deadly monsters, you moron."

Martin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I don't know. You have to teach me a thing or two."

Kate sighed, her tone softening. "Okay, Martin, what is your spiritual power?"

Gary rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, Kate. I don't think he knows anything about spiritual powers."

Martin's confusion was evident. "Spiritual what? I don't know anything at all."

Kate's expression was patient as she explained, "Martin, we humans are blessed with great powers within our souls, which we can use to fight or protect. To use it, we have to focus and force our body to protect itself. So you have to torture yourself. You have to keep trying no matter how hard it gets."

Martin's eyes widened with apprehension. "That sounds scary."

Gary nodded. "It is scary. Are you ready, Martin?"

Martin took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Yes, I am. I will do everything to get rid of those nightmares and live a happy life with my family."

Kate gave a determined nod. "I will make all the arrangements." She took a bucket, made a hole in the bottom, and filled it with water. "Martin, you have to sit under this bucket for four days."

Martin's confidence wavered, but he nodded. "That's it? I can do that."

As the water began to drip onto Martin's head, it seemed easy at first. But as hours turned into days, the cold, relentless drops began to wear him down. The pain grew, and his brain struggled to function under the constant torment. Each drop felt like a dagger, chilling him to the bone. Yet, Martin persevered. Suddenly, he felt a change. Heat began to radiate from his body, his muscles hardened, and his senses sharpened. He could dodge each drop with precision, his physical strength astounding.

Gary watched in awe. "All right, Martin. You can now use your spiritual power. I think we can head to our journey and reach Master Grimond. You would love to meet him."

Kate shot Gary a sharp look. "Shut up, Gary. He is not ready yet. He is still a newbie. He has to train harder. Martin, now for the second training."

Martin stood tall, his determination unwavering. "Yes, Madam."

Kate lit a candle, placed a leaf beside it, and set a rock and some water nearby. "Martin, you have to focus on each item one by one for 30 seconds."

Martin concentrated on the fire, but there was no change. He shifted his focus to the leaf, and to his amazement began to change shapes.

Kate's eyes widened with approval. "Now you are ready, Martin."

Gary was equally impressed. "You can possess nature and change it to the way you want it to be. It is a rare ability. I've seen people possess nature, but changing it as they please is out of this world."

Kate's voice was firm and encouraging. "We will start our journey as soon as the sun comes up."

As the first rays of dawn broke through the forest canopy, Martin, Gary, and Kate stood ready, their faces set with determination. "Let's go!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the trees.