The adventure of '4' // Book 2 // Discovering the endless sea

....the worst decision ever

After a lot of searching
Only few more minutes until we reach the pillar of peace.

Imagine a tall, shiny column made from smooth, dusty marble. Covered with beautiful designs of birds and flowers, like someone spent a lot of time carving them perfectly.

The pillar starts wide at the bottom, so it doesn't fall over, and gets thinner as it goes up.Somewhat leans to the right. It's surrounded by serene colors like hazel and tranquil white that make you feel calm just by looking at it.

Around the pillar, there are colorful corals and sea plants that sway gently with the water, and lots of little fish swim around it, making it look even more alive. It's like a secret, peaceful place under the ocean, where everything feels calm and beautiful. The Pillar of Peace stands there quietly, reminding everyone who sees it to feel peaceful and happy.

Okay, enough with the dreamy descriptions. I got carried away, my bad.

Anyway, we were following the light from my silver sword when we heard tumbling, as if a landslide-collision was waiting in front of us. Of course, I didn't see the landslide but as I said, I had my doubts.

'What happened?' Stella squeaked

'Trust me kid, if I had any clue...' One of the boys said from the group. I couldn't make out who

'You thought I left you alone?' A voice laughed through the dark.

My heart jumped into my throat, my eyes slowly widening processing what was going on. For a second I felt horrified. then, I just felt angry. It wasn't fair! I was barely even thirteen, I had to endure the torture of Vaspiea and its insufferable goddesses that never listened. And why were all the deities in Vaspiea female? Then my sword blazed on a woman with blue rhinestones near her eyes, at first I thought

My god, Did we find an enchanted disco ball in the endless sea?

And then I realised

Nah, with my luck it's probably India again

And to my not-so-surprised self. (Spoiler alert) of course, it was India.

You know, when I was in kindergarten, My aunt Nadine always read me fairytales about how honourable it would be to meet a supreme soul— A leader, A star, a god or a goddess. But ever since I've met India, I've recently been feeling more annoyed than honourable. But right now, my kindergarten affairs don't matter—Because I'm currently deciding on whether we should run or confront the lady. But before I could process my own question.

India gasped in mock-surprise and grinned at us, 'oh wow! I guess, the hunt is over!'

I shifted around nervously

'Guys...what's our exit strategy...?' I whispered

'Our what?'

Oh god. We're all going to die.

Silvia, (Very wisely) decided to do what she was born for. Talking.

'Uhm hey..India?'

'You remember me!'

'Yeah...you're pretty...uhh..unforgettable..'

'Dearest, drop that knife. It ain't harm me...'

'You drop your attitude first then I'll drop it!'

'Oh? So you wanna play with fire?!'

'We're underwater!'

'I know what you seek.' India interrupted 'you foolish children stole the emerald. Now you want to disperse without returning it? How awful!'

Stella's voice quavered from among us 'S-she knows about the pillar—'

'—of peace?' India completed with a sly smile.

None of us dared speak another sentence.

India frowned, 'Introverts? No fun..'

'You still won't give the jewel back?' She hisssd 'Well, if Sirena doesn't get the jewel. Nobody does'

A metallic taste formed in my mouth and Before I could comprehend her sentence I heard an explosion that sounded like the firing of a shotgun. I heard the tumbling again. This time— I could feel ripples and cracks. Then I saw the pillar of peace tumbling into three parts scattering out into the unknown. Suddenly, all the possible peace disrupted. The magic fishes attacked each other, floating seaweed planks pushed each other. Water currents fought for dominance.

At this moment. I understood we were completely doomed.