Destinies: Separate Ways

8th Fate: The Lifeless Performer

Galuh pov

It all started with the fire-the fire that burnt down our friendships, the fire that changed all of us, and the fire that destroyed everything we once were. A month has passed since that accident, and everyone has gone their separate ways. Honestly, I wanted to leave too, to find some peace of mind. But when I saw Artha's condition, I changed my mind. Artha looked so fragile, and I feared that if I left him too, he would be even more devastated. So, I decided to stay with him for this past month, hoping it might also help me heal a little.

However, my presence didn't seem to help Artha. His mind became more unstable, and now he was even talking about bringing Fadli back from the dead. I immediately tried to stop him before he spiralled further. Playing with death is dangerous-it's strictly forbidden, and I knew it would only harm him if he continued down that path. I didn't expect Artha to suddenly become furious and shout at me when I tried to stop him.
Artha:"Then go! I don't need you or your negativity here!"
My heart shattered the moment I heard those words, and without thinking, I slapped Artha very hard.

After that, I ran away, crying loudly as I left him behind. I couldn't believe that, despite everything I had done for him, Artha would say such cruel things to me. I used my magic to disappear and speed away, wanting to escape as quickly as possible. I didn't look back, not even once. I no longer cared about Artha or what might happen to him. All I wanted now was to leave this place and forget everything.
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Several weeks have passed since my breakup with Artha, and during that time, I've been overwhelmed with tears and uncertainty about what to do next. I can't go back to see Artha since he kicked me out, and I don't want to face him now. I also don't know where the others are, so meeting them is not an option. Currently, I'm in Liverpool, where I've noticed a street magician performing simple tricks to attract attention and collect money. As a magician myself, I can easily perform these tricks in just one try.

The next day, I decided to try my hand at street magic to earn some money since I needed it. I performed in a different location from the previous day's magician. Because my magic skills went beyond mere tricks, I quickly attracted a lot of attention. I created illusions to entertain the crowd, and as a result, I earned a significant amount of money in a short time-much more than I had anticipated, and it hadn't even been a full day yet.

Feeling satisfied with the amount of money I had collected, I ended my show for the day, thanked everyone who had watched, and went in search of a place to relax. While walking, I saw a child fall from a third-floor balcony. I quickly used my magic to release a yellow energy that caught the child before he hit the ground. Once I gently lowered him to safety, I smiled, signaled him to stay quiet, and left the scene to avoid attracting too much attention.
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It's been about a week since I became a street magician in Liverpool, and I'm earning more than enough money from my shows. I occasionally use my powers to help people in trouble but always leave quickly to avoid any complications. As my street magic shows have gained popularity, I've started receiving invitations to perform at circuses and other major events, which has further increased my fame. I've also begun using a stage name for my performances to keep my identity hidden from Artha.

Yes, I still feel deeply hurt every time I think about him and will always remember the words he said before we parted. Yet, I also miss him greatly and long to see him again. That's why I chose the stage name "Ardnahc," which is "Chandra" spelled backwards. Artha is the only person who calls me Chandra. I hope, even if the chance is small, that Artha will recognize the name's significance and come to apologize.

Although it may seem like just a dream and possibly impossible, I am currently performing at an opera house. I begin with some basic magic tricks to engage the audience, and once their interest is piqued, I start showcasing my true powers. I create various illusions and use yellow energy to enhance the stage, shaping it into floating animals and objects that complement the illusions. The audience is captivated by the increasingly mesmerizing and realistic show. By the end of my performance, they give me a standing ovation.
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A few days after the opera performance, I received an invitation to perform at a circus called "The Illusion Circus." The name intrigued me, so I decided to accept the offer. Upon arriving at the circus, I was even more excited to see that it still used a unique tent, unlike the luxurious buildings used by other circuses. I entered the tent and found that a large crowd had already gathered.

I noticed many people dressed in vintage clothes and saw various vintage items in the tent. I'm not sure what happened next, but when I came to, I was already on stage performing my magic tricks for the audience. It felt strange-like my body was moving on its own, performing the tricks despite my conscious mind not directing it. I also felt my consciousness fading while I was on stage, but thankfully, I managed to stay aware until I completed my show and left the stage.

When I got off the stage, I immediately noticed something unsettling about the circus. The audience and other performers all had blank stares, as if they were being controlled and had lost their consciousness. Realizing this, I urgently tried to escape before I became like them. I needed to leave while I still had control over my own mind. I had to get out before it was too late; I didn't want to end up as a lifeless performer....