Path Through The Fate

Flashback: A Moment from the Past

It was a bright morning in Virella Village. Vin Crimson and Renz Xinolen, two eleven-year-old boys who had been best friends for as long as they could remember, were inseparable. Vin was confident and daring, while Renz was cheerful and curious about everything around him.

Surrounding the village of Virella was a lush forest filled with vibrant green trees and beautiful plants. However, some of the trees bore the scars of a past fire, their charred remains standing in contrast to the forest's beauty.

One day, Renz heard rumors about a stunning red flower growing in the forest. His curiosity piqued, but he didn't feel confident venturing out alone without his trusted friend, Vin.

Renz: "This sounds so exciting!" (Renz's voice tinged with excitement.)

Renz: "But I should bring Vin along. It'll be way more fun." (Renz said with enthusiasm.)

Vin, as usual, was training in the backyard. Renz approached him with a bright smile.

Renz: "Hey, Vin! I've found something interesting, haha!" (Renz greeted Vin with a laugh.)

Hearing Renz's voice, Vin paused his training and turned to look at him.

Vin: "What do you mean by interesting?" (Vin asked, his voice heavy from the exertion of training.)

Renz: "I heard about a beautiful flower in the forest." (Renz's eyes sparkled with curiosity.)

Vin: "Nah, I'd rather keep training than chase after something like that." (Vin replied nonchalantly.)

Renz: "Oh, come on! Let's go to the forest together. It'll be fun!" (Renz insisted stubbornly.)

Vin glanced at his sword, pondering for a moment, before finally sheathing it.

Vin: "(I guess there's no harm in checking it out.)"

Turning back to Renz, Vin gave a confident nod.

Vin: "Alright, fine."

Renz: "Awesome! This will be worth it, and besides, we'll have an adventure together!" (Renz exclaimed excitedly.)

Vin: "We're friends; we'll tackle this together." (Vin gave Renz a small smile.)

Renz: "Let's head to the forest. This is going to be fun, haha!" (Renz chuckled softly.)

Vin: "I'll join you, Renz." (Vin said, patting Renz on the shoulder.)

The two friends set off together, walking toward the forest near the village, which wasn't far from the river.

The forest, named Virella Forest after the village, was a magical place. The trees were lush, and vibrant plants decorated the landscape. Small animals like rabbits and wild cats roamed freely, while birds chirped from the branches, creating a serene atmosphere.

Upon reaching the forest, they followed a narrow path. The vibrant green trees and cheerful birdsong surrounded them, but their eyes were also drawn to the blackened remains of trees burned to ash in some areas.

As they ventured further, Renz's eyes lit up.

Renz: "Look at that, Vin! There are so many beautiful plants here!" (Renz exclaimed happily.)

Vin: "Yeah, I see them too." (Vin replied flatly.)

Renz: "Hey, come on, cheer up a little! We're having fun here!" (Renz said with mild annoyance.)

Vin: "Instead of looking at that, look over there, to the north." (Vin pointed in a specific direction.)

Renz turned to where Vin was pointing and gasped slightly. In the distance stood a large blackened Oak tree, completely burned down, surrounded by scorched grass.

Vin: "That tree… it feels like it has a story from the past." (Vin stared intently at it.)

Renz: "Maybe, but we're here for the flower, Vin. Not the tree." (Renz reminded stubbornly.)

Vin: "I think going to that tree is more exciting than looking for some flower." (Vin smirked.)

Renz: "Did you forget why we came here, Vin?" (Renz asked, annoyed.)

Vin: "Investigating that tree sounds more fun, Renz." (Vin teased.)

The two began bickering about their sudden change of plans. Renz wanted to stick to the original goal of finding the flower, while Vin was more intrigued by the mysterious tree.

In the end, neither of them got what they wanted.

Renz: "Fine, have it your way, Vin." (Renz muttered, frustrated.)

Vin: "Heh." (Vin replied teasingly.)

Renz: "Oh, are you mocking me now?!" (Renz smirked, pulling the wooden shield off his back.)

Vin: "You think so?" (Vin joked, drawing his sword.)

Renz: "Let's see who wins, then!" (Renz said excitedly, stepping toward Vin.)

Vin: "Haha, alright!" (Vin chuckled, stepping forward.)

The two burst into laughter as they mock-fought, sparring playfully like the kids they were.

The trees and animals bore witness to their unbreakable bond. Despite their lighthearted conflicts, Vin and Renz remained inseparable friends.

As the day turned to evening, they grew too tired to continue their playful sparring. Both wore smiles of pure joy, cherishing the day they had spent together.

Vin: "Is that... all you've got..., Renz?" (Vin spoke with an exhausted tone.)

Renz: "Look at... yourself first..., Vin." (Renz replied teasingly.)

They laughed together and paused to catch their breath, taking a moment to rest.

Vin: "Hey, Renz. We should head home; it's getting late." (Vin sheathed his sword as he spoke.)

Renz: "Yeah, you're right, Vin. Haha." (Renz chuckled.)

After reconciling, they shared smiles and laughter about their earlier antics.

Before long, they exited the forest with dirt-covered clothes, evidence of their playful day. Walking toward Vin's house, they noticed the park near the river.

There, they saw Diana and Lisa relaxing under a beautiful tree.

Renz: "Hey, Vin. That's your mom and sister, isn't it?" (Renz asked curiously.)

Vin: "Yeah, that's my family." (Vin glanced toward the park.)

Renz: "Let's go there. First one to reach them wins!" (Renz patted Vin's shoulder before sprinting off toward the park.)

Vin: "Hey, that's cheating, Renz!" (Vin yelled in frustration before running after him.)

They began racing to the park near the river, laughing along the way.

Diana and Lisa, enjoying their peaceful day, turned to see Vin and Renz running toward them.

Diana: "Vin?" (Diana looked on, puzzled.)

Lisa: "Is that Renz?" (Lisa asked curiously.)

They exchanged glances, amused.

Although Renz started first, Vin's stamina gave him the upper hand. Gradually, Vin overtook Renz, who was out of breath and surprised by Vin's sudden lead.

Before long, Vin reached the park first, followed by an exhausted Renz.

Renz: "How... is that... possible...?" (Renz panted heavily.)

Vin: "Haha... it was... too easy..." (Vin replied, catching his breath.)

As they arrived at the park, Diana and Lisa watched the two boys, exhausted but laughing together.

Diana: "That's enough, boys. Come here and rest for a while." (Diana spoke gently.)

Lisa: "Over here, big brother." (Lisa called out to Vin.)

Vin and Renz trudged over, panting as they collapsed under the shade of the tree, laughing happily.

Lisa: "Wow, big brother, you really won. Haha." (Lisa teased her brother with a light laugh.)

Diana and Lisa noticed the boys' clothes, now dirty from their earlier adventures.

Diana: "Just rest for now, and don't forget to take a bath afterward." (Diana spoke gently.)

Diana and Lisa weren't upset about the boys' antics. Instead, they laughed at their amusing behavior, admiring the strong bond of friendship between them.

As the sun began to set, Diana and Lisa greeted them with warm smiles, despite their dirty clothes. The day ended with laughter and joy, further strengthening their unbreakable friendship.

The day may have come to a close, but their friendship, laughter, happiness, and those precious moments would remain forever.

Chapter 8