Shadows Of The Soul Tree

Prologue

Over the years, humans have exhausted Mother Nature's resources, forcing us all to find alternatives for survival. While animals adapted to their changing environments, we humans were too complacent with our "unlimited resources," becoming weak and unable to adapt quickly.

Most animals perished and became extinct, but those who survived adapted in ways humans couldn't. Their digestive systems evolved to process almost anything. Many became more efficient hunters, with former herbivores turning carnivorous. They altered their appearances to navigate the changed terrain and blend in better, ultimately becoming the new predators.

Scientists worldwide searched for solutions, but their experiments weren't enough to save Mother Nature. They were losing time as humans continued to reproduce at an alarming rate, increasing our population.

Who would have thought that a simple children's book, "The Giving Tree," would inspire scientists to band together to replenish our Earth? They produced a beautiful, massive tree bearing apples of a sinful red. They called it 'The Soul Tree'. The tree's roots would spread nutrients worldwide to rejuvenate Mother Nature, and its fruits would have healing properties – or so they thought. This was a one-time solution to an eternal problem.

The tree's roots provided nutrients to the world and enabled altered vegetation to grow. Most of these plants were unknown then but believed to have medical benefits. Some, however, were harmful and could be weaponized. Due to a lack of knowledge about these plants, experiments were necessary. Some books claim these tests were conducted on animals, while others suggest they were secretly performed on humans.

The apples, however, were said to render a person completely numb. One might ask why anyone would want to feel numb. However, numbness makes a person more resilient to hunger, pain, anger, and sadness. This was done to preserve our new Mother Nature and prevent history from repeating itself. However, one tree could not produce enough fruit for everyone. As soon as people worldwide heard of this, they flocked to the tree. Once the military finally restored order, few apples remained. These apples are heavily guarded and distributed only to those the government deems fit to receive them.

But as humans are wont to do, greed became an issue. Just as in the original tale of "The Giving Tree," human greed soon caused the death of this once wonderful giving tree. No one could enjoy the tree's fruits anymore. The story's prediction had become a reality.

The tree, though willing to give, gave too much. She began to fall ill. Her leaves turned yellow and slowly fell like autumn. Then she started to whine as the wind blew, as if crying about the burden put on her by us humans. Later, the apples left on her bare branches turned black. Finally, nothing remained but an empty shell of what was once a lively tree. Her roots, however, remained strong, buried deep in the soil. Vegetation continued to grow, but even today, many plants remain unknown.

Those who succumbed to the apple's allure became numb and emotionless. While this was their desire, it proved problematic as others found it challenging to socialize and interact with them. Over time, 'the numb' left to live secluded lives, abandoning families and friends. Children were left behind at young ages, as their parents could no longer care for them.

Now we're back to square one. Despite having enough vegetation to survive, the world feels empty, and the humans still crave the red apples. They long to void themselves of emotion, as most have suffered for years if not decades. The government hoards a few they saved before the tree's demise, but it's not enough for everyone. However, young adults aim to revive the tree and alter the apples to restore humanity to the 'numb.' Since the tree's existence, human greed and selfishness have intensified. The wealthy hoard what little resources remain, while the poor struggle to survive.

Now, it's up to me, Kaelin Velis, and a small group of rebels to find a solution to our last hope of saving mankind. A girl who was abandoned and unwanted by her own parents, a dreamer who has never seen the outside world, an adventurer who seeks an escape from his past, and an outsider with a past full of pain—all striving towards a common goal where secrets, mysteries, and riddles are to be solved.