Destinies: Separate Ways

1st Fate: The Failed King

Aditya POV

It all started with the fire-the fire that burned away our happiness, the fire that took away our best friend's life, and the fire that separated us all. About a month has passed since that accident, but I still can't forget about it. The others have all gone to follow their own paths, while I am still struggling with the past. While I was daydreaming about the past, I heard Andika calling my name so many times.
Andika:"Aditya! Are you okay?"
Aditya:"Yeah, I think"
Aditya:"What's up?"
Andika:"Are you still thinking about that accident?"
I nodded, and he sat in the chair in front of me with a serious face.

Andika:"There's something I want to talk to you about"
Andika:"..."
Andika:"I think it's time for us to go our own ways"
I was surprised when he said that, so I immediately asked him.
Aditya:"What do you mean?"
Andika:"I know we have always been together since we were born, and I also really hope that we can continue to be together"
Andika:"But after everything that happened, we will only remember that accident if we stay together"
Andika:"We need time to collect our thoughts after all of this mess and to think about what we will do in the future"

Andika:"Just like the others who have already left to follow their own paths in life"
I thought about what he said carefully then I nodded.
Aditya:"I guess you are right"
Andika patted my shoulder with a smile.
Aditya:"So, where will you be going, brother?"
Andika:"I still don't know, I will just follow where my feet take me"
Andika:"You?"
Aditya:"I don't know, maybe I will check out some art exhibitions around the world or something"

We both then nodded, stood up, and hugged each other while saying goodbye.
Andika:"Well then...... Good luck, brother. Take good care of yourself"
Aditya:"You too, brother, I hope you can find whatever you are looking for"
Aditya:"And I hope we can meet each other again someday"
We let go of our hugs, and then we parted ways.
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A week after parting ways with Andika, I visited an art exhibition in the Netherlands. The display featured many stunning artworks, some of which were so beautiful that they left me feeling envious and wishing I could paint like that. I hope that one day I’ll be able to hold my own exhibition and showcase my own work.
Aditya:'Yup, I can make that one of my goals'
As I walked around the exhibition for what felt like the umpteenth time, I noticed a painting brush and a sketchbook in excellent condition left in the trash bin.

Aditya:"What are these things doing here?"
When I retrieved the brush and sketchbook from the trash, I felt a noticeable drain on my energy. Considering how long I had been at the exhibition, it was understandable that I was exhausted. I decided to leave the exhibition and grab some bagels before resting in a nearby tulip field. I was fortunate to visit during the tulip blooming season, which offered a breathtaking view. After finishing the bagel, I examined the sketchbook, which was still pristine with no scribbles at all.

To be honest, the view of the flower garden is so gorgeous that I wanted to paint it. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any painting supplies or ink for the brush I took earlier. So, I jokingly stroked the brush onto the sketchbook. Surprisingly, the brush left lines as if it were filled with ink. I continued to use the brush on the sketchbook until I had created a drawing of a single tulip flower.
Aditya:"Wow, I didn't know that this brush could be used without ink"
After I finished the drawing, I felt a familiar drain on my energy, and to my astonishment, the tulip I had drawn suddenly came to life and emerged from the sketchbook.
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After using the sketchbook and painting brush for a few days, I began to understand how they worked. The sketchbook can expand and contract at my will, and any illustration I create with the brush comes to life, although this depletes my energy depending on the complexity and size of the drawing. I can also choose which illustrations to save or animate. Pencils and pens do not work with this sketchbook, and the painting brush cannot be used with other media, even when dipped in ink.

I am currently participating in a painting competition in the Kingdom of Schilderijen. I’m not interested in the awards or winning; I joined just for fun. I expanded my sketchbook to the size of a canvas and painted various animals. After finishing, I displayed my painting alongside the other contestants' works. As the judges examined and evaluated my piece, I brought it to life in front of them, showcasing a few stunts with the animals from the painting.

I was surprised when the judges not only enjoyed my little performance but also declared me the winner of the competition. To my astonishment, the winner would be appointed king of Schilderijen. Upon hearing this, I immediately approached the judges with questions.
Aditya:"Wait, what? Become a king? Me?"
Aditya:"But I am still 14 years old"
Aditya:"I am not even a citizen of this kingdom"
Judge:"That won't be a problem, this is a tradition in this kingdom"
Judge:"Every time the current king wants to resign, we will hold a competition to find the best artist to become the next king"
Judge:"As long as one can create the best art, anyone can become king in this kingdom"

Judge:"With your abilities, we believe you can become a great king"
Aditya:"But what about the people here? Will they accept this just like that?"
Judge:"Why don't you see for yourself?"
The judges announced my victory in front of the kingdom's people, who immediately bowed to me. Whether I liked it or not, I had to accept my appointment as king. The inauguration ceremony took place a few days after the competition, and I am now officially the Art King of the Kingdom of Schilderijen.
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After roughly a month as king, I found that it wasn’t so bad. The people here are friendly, and despite my youth, they respect me. I frequently assist the residents with animated drawings I create, which seems to endear me to them even more. Everything went smoothly at first. However, one day, a tremendous earthquake struck, followed by a horrible aura. I immediately left the castle to check on the residents' well-being, only to be shocked by the sight of them assaulting each other and destroying everything. I also saw frightening creatures flying above the city.

Aditya:"What is happening here?"
While I was still grappling with the chaos in the city, I saw several people running toward me, crying for help.
People:"My king! Please help...... Help us"
Before I could reach them, the flying creatures caught the people and possessed them, turning them into agents of chaos like the other residents. I stood frozen in fear at the sight. Fortunately, the golems I had painted to guard the gate immediately sprang into action, attacking the creatures that tried to approach me.

Overcome by fear, I fled back into the castle like a coward. Fortunately, the creatures and possessed residents couldn’t enter the castle grounds. I sat on my throne, which had been positioned to give me a view of the Kingdom of Schilderijen’s beauty, but now all I saw was chaos and destruction. I could only mourn my failures from that seat. I felt like a complete failure—both as a friend, for allowing my best friend to die before me, and as a king, for failing to protect my people. I couldn’t safeguard anyone. I truly felt like The Failed King.