AN UNKNOWN ADVENTURE

CHAPTER 21: MIRROR WORLD

After about an hour, she once more witnessed the return of a white light accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drum.

Same smoke Appeared over her heard and once again Alishka heard her sinister laugh.

Dravilla: {Sinister Grin} WELL, MISS LUCKY, OR THIS TIME NOT! I DON'T CARE! HERES YOUR SECOND RIDDLE AND AM DAMM SURE YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT!

Alishka just rolled her eyes and strengthened her arms, being set for the unknown quiz.

Dravilla: Your second quiz is here!

"I'm a twin without flesh or bone, in my world, reflections are prone. Seek your face, you'll see your own, but I'm more than just a clone. What am I?"

Alishka: {utter confusion} What? A twin without......

Dravilla: Miss overconfident. You only have 5 mins to solve, only one guess and wrong answer......

Alishka: I know! Just let me think! Flesh or bone? Reflect......wait a minute....... I'm more than clone......

Alishka: {thinking} It must be the answer......Yes, it is....

Dravilla: Ticktock, the clocks ticking's. Oops Looks like you're losing a life.

Alishka: MIRROR.......... ITS MIRROR.

As she heard those words, she said nothing, and the smoke disappeared above Alishka's head. Shortly thereafter, a new type of maze began to take shape. It shimmered in the white room and appeared to have narrower passages compared to traditional mazes. Seeing that image, she hesitated, unsure whether to step in or not. Her uncertainty dissipated when she noticed a temporary timer materialize above her head, composed of black smoke, ticking away 30 minutes. With a deep breath, she stepped in. As she ventured forward, she discovered that the maze was constructed entirely of mirrors, each reflecting a different image of herself. Every mirror revealed a different aspect of her life, reflecting various moments and facets of her existence. As she ventured further into the maze, she encountered a reflection of herself as a child. She saw a beautiful, childish and innocent smile forming in her lips. But it didn't last even a minute.

"I HATE YOU''

Alishka turned around to see who it was and was shocked to see Aleena Glaring at her from the other side of mirror, her hand bound in chain Seeing, she became furious and punched the glass wall between them.

Alishka: Aleena? You're still hating on me.........

Aleena: {Punching the wall again} Why shouldn't I?

Alishka just ignored her words and ventured in; she was eventually led inside a circular room filled it mirror. But this time she could see Aleena's Reflections everywhere.

Dravilla: Now you have only 10 mins to think and break the glass or mirror which truly contains Aleena not her reflection and yes you have only one chance to break glass if it's wrong, she dies, GOOD Luck

Alishka was panting heavily, she turned around to observe each and every mirror. She was panting heavily, as it was all consuming her mind and making her vulnerable, unsure of what to do next. She meticulously observed every mirror surrounding her. She saw Aleena's reflection, containing an expression of anger and envy, which grew more intense the longer she looked. But one mirror caught her attention as she saw a tear running down her cheeks. She half-closed her eyes and looked closely, just to find her reflection trying hard to conceal its tears. Now she knew which mirror she had to break. She ran towards that mirror and began relentlessly pounding it with her fist. Suddenly, a baseball appeared beside her. She grabbed it and began smashing the mirror with force. The mirror shattered into pieces, finally breaking apart completely.

As Aleena saw Aliksha, tears welled in her eyes. She dropped to her knees, clasped her hands together, and began begging for forgiveness. She ran towards her and hugged her tightly, as she hadn't seen her in four long years. But before they converse Aleena's body levitating in air and she disappeared in thin air. Suddenly same black smoke surrounded Alishka and made her drift into a long sleep.

On the other side, Saina woke up near the entrance of the cave, she sat up straight taking support of a huge rock kept nearby, she was holding her head unable to process anything suddenly she saw Aleena levitating in air and was dropped to the ground at the same spot. Seeing her Saina somehow got on her feet and ran toward Aleena.

Saina: {patting her cheeks} Aleena? Wake up, wake up!

As she took her hand to check for a pulse, she was shocked to see bruise marks on her wrist. As she examined her body all over, she was even more terrified to see her vulnerable condition, with bruises present all over and certain cuts marring her skin.

Aleena: {weak voice} Am I free?

Saina: Yes, you're free, open your eyes to see the sky above.

Aleena opened her eyes slowly and tears started dwelling in her eyes as she felt the presence of fresh air with voice of water and the light of sky. A small stroke cold wind made her believe she was finally out of that hell she's been suffering in for four years.

Saina helped her to standup right. Looks like she even forgot how to walk in these four years.

Saina: I think you should wash yourself in a river nearby. You will feel better, till then I will try to contact Daaniya to get you help.

Aleena just nodded and dragged herself towards the river and splashed the fresh water all over her face