Born in apocalypse

Chapter 12: Destruction or forgiveness

Everything was strangely quiet at the moment. It's like nature is taking a deep breath, preparing for what's to come.

The air feels heavy and still, as if holding its breath. The wind gently whispers through the leaves, sharing its secrets.

It's so peaceful, it tricks you into thinking everything is okay... birds sense something approaching them and seek shelter. The sun hides behind dark clouds, casting a shadow over everything. It's in this calmness that you know the storm is about to unleash its power.

Dhruv stood atop the watchtower, his eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun dipped below the edge of the world. The sky above was tinged with hues of deep orange and fiery red, a breathtaking sight that whispered of the night to come. The air around him grew cooler, carrying with it the promise of an impending storm. The wind began to pick up, its gentle caress gradually transforming into a forceful gust, as if nature itself were preparing for a tempest of unparalleled magnitude.

As Dhruv gazes at the sunset, he contemplates his next course of action.....

A gust of stormy wind brushes against his face, causing his long hair to sway. At that moment, a defining thunderclap rolled over him, illuminating his face, revealing an expression devoid of its radiance, filled with emptiness and uncertainty.

Despite narrowly escaping the grasp of death, his face was filled with nothing but hollowness and uncertainty... This uncertainty invaded every aspect of his existence, casting doubts on his future, his life's path, his choices, and even his very actions.

'Should he destroy the very world that seems to take everything away?' He thought, yet at the same time, Dhruv finds himself struggling with another question.... 'whether he should grant forgiveness to this world and remain lost and alone, unsure of what lies ahead.'

As Dhruv continues to behold the captivating scene of the sunset, his mind delves deeper into introspection. Lost in his contemplation, a rush of thoughts overwhelms his mind....

'Does this world even deserve his forgiveness?'

Dhruv has encountered countless challenges in a world that is Elaborate and conflicting. It has been an unforgiving entity, consistently testing his resolve and seemingly intent on taking away everything he holds dear. The scars of past battles, both visible and hidden, mar his spirit, casting shadows on the once-illuminated Silhouettes of his being. Doubt and skepticism creep into his mind, whispering their Subtle doubts about the Innate goodness of this world. The weight of disillusionment burdens Dhruv's heart, yet flickering embers of hope are still harbored within.

Despite the scars etched upon his soul, he yearns for a sense of purpose, a reason to believe that the world can be redeemed...

Should he choose to embrace forgiveness, Dhruv contemplates the potential for healing, both for himself and for the world around him....

On the other hand, the temptation to let anger and vengeance consume him grows stronger with each passing moment. The scars of past injustices serve as reminders of the pain inflicted upon him, fueling a desire for retribution. Destroying the world that has taken so much away becomes a tempting possibility, offering a false sense of control and a twisted sense of justice.

In this profound state of contemplation, Dhruv stands at the precipice of a decision that could shape the course of his life and the destiny of the world itself. The weight of his choice presses upon him as he reflects upon the consequences of either path.

As the sun's dying rays paint the sky in a vivid palette of colors, Dhruv's gaze lingers on the horizon.

For now, Dhruv remains suspended between forgiveness and destruction, his path undecided. The sunset fades, leaving him with the night sky as his only witness. The wind, now a gentle breeze, whispers the secrets of the universe, carrying with it the weight of infinite possibilities. And in this moment of profound contemplation, Dhruv searches for the answer that will define his purpose and shape the legacy he leaves behind.

"What are you pondering for so long? Within this new world, you should become death, the destroyer of worlds." A sinister voice slithered through Dhruv's mind, its chilling tone echoing with malevolence. Dhruv clenched his fists, his brows furrowing as he battled the dark whisperings that plagued his thoughts. The evil presence toyed with his deepest fears and desires, tempting him to succumb to its wicked suggestions. It fed on his insecurities, exploiting his hidden vulnerabilities.

CRACK!! BOOOOM!!

Another thunderstrike reverberated through the air. The sudden burst of light cast his surroundings in an ethereal glow, but instead of catching a glimpse of his own face in the rainwater, a vivid memory from his childhood flooded his mind.

In the fleeting brilliance of that lightning-infused moment, Dhruv found himself transported back to the memory of his fifth birthday celebration.

None of his friends showed up to celebrate with him, marking the day with disappointment and frustration. Overwhelmed by sadness and anger, he impulsively decided to sever his friendships with them all. It was a decision made in the heat of the moment, fueled by a sense of betrayal.

But in the wake of that painful memory, Dhruv recalled the tender wisdom his father imparted on that very same day. With a voice filled with compassion, his father gently whispered, "Son, we are a peculiar species. If you seek darkness and evil, you will find it lurking at every turn. However, if you search for goodness and kindness, you will discover that they exist abundantly everywhere."

In that tender moment, the young boy found solace in the gentle touch of his father's hand, which lovingly caressed his hair. The father's touch was filled with warmth and tenderness, radiating a deep affection that enveloped the child's heart. As his father's hand caressed his head, all the pain and hardship that burdened the young boy seemed to melt away, if only for a brief moment.

As the rain cascaded down, blurring the memories, the men watched as his father's figure faded into the distance. He looked at his father's fuzzy back....

Before fading away...

Once again looking back in his eyes, his father said, "So, my son, think deeply about what it is you truly wish to find."

The words of his father resonated within Dhruv's soul, prompting a profound shift in his perspective. He realized that his desire to destroy the world was born out of a place of pain and disillusionment. Yet his father's wisdom reminded him that the world, despite its flaws and imperfections, was also capable of harboring immense beauty and goodness.

His father was right all- along...

Once again remembering his birthday and reflecting on his father's guidance, Dhruv cast his gaze upon his surroundings. Though not the exact type of people he had yearned for, his room was filled with people who cared about him. They may not have been the friends he had once envisioned, but their presence in his life held significance nonetheless.

In that transformative moment, Dhruv understood that his perception of the world shaped his reality. If he chose to focus solely on the negative aspects, he would be consumed by anger and despair. However, by embracing his father's words and seeking out the goodness that coexisted amidst the darkness, he could uncover a different path forward.

The storm's fury began to subside, the thunder's roar giving way to a gentle whisper. Dhruv's heart, once fueled by rage, now pulsed with a renewed sense of purpose.

Beneath the weight of yet another thunderstrike, Dhruv stood at the precipice of a decision. In that split second, as the thunderous echoes reverberated through his being, a resolute determination began to crystallize within him. With the storm raging around him, he reached a moment of clarity, an understanding of what it was he truly sought to find in this world.

The tension hung heavy in the air as Dhruv, his mind racing, prepared to unveil his choice. Would he succumb to the allure of vengeance, embracing the destructive path he had contemplated moments ago? Or would he heed the words of his father, seek out the flickering flames of goodness, and forge a different destiny?

As the storm's intensity reached its zenith, the answer formed in Dhruv's mind, etching itself into his very core. The thunderclap ceased, leaving behind an eerie silence. In that profound stillness, Dhruv's resolve solidified, his heart beating with newfound purpose.

For hearing his purpose, even the world held its breath, anticipating the revelation of his decision.....