Theo the Street Kid and the Extraordinary Competition

Chapter 25 - An Ethical Dilemma at the Apsaras' Pond

 After wandering around for a while, Theo's whistle began to glow. Just like how it had led him to the pyrope earlier, the whistle began glowing brighter and brighter, leading him to the Apsaras' Pond.
There, in the near distance, was a solid cloud formation. And on that formation was what looked like a pond.
He gave his whistle a kiss.
He could never do without it.
When he arrived, he noticed that a rama-rama was already parked there. Someone had already beat him there, but he didn't see any other competitor.
Perplexed, he looked around.
He saw four beautiful women surrounding the pond. One was even playing a qinee. The haunting melody was sad and soulful.
Another woman beckoned to him. "Come with me."
He was in the middle of a competition. He had to focus on getting the water into his vial.
The spell was strong though. The music made him want to follow the Apsara.
Resisting with all his will, he covered both ears with his hands.
Then, he indicated the pond. "May I?"
The Apsara sighed. "Oh, very well. You seem immune to our advances and spells. You've passed the test."
"What test?" he asked as he approached the pond.
"The test of distraction," she replied. "We play some music and see if you still focus. If you do, then you deserve some water."
He knelt down at the pond and began to extract some water. "What is this anyway?"
"Our tears," the wind spirit responded. "We cry because of the plight of the Kingdom."
Theo nodded. "I know exactly what you mean."
The Kingdom was in a complete mess. Society had never been more unequal.
He took off the cap, dipped his vial into the blue liquid and then put the cap back on. Next, he put it into his pocket carefully.
Then, he looked up.
Due to the mist and fog, he didn't see it before, but now, some of the mist had dissipated and the monk Anugit was about to fall right off the solid cloud ground.
For a brief moment, Theo debated whether he should help the monk. It was an ethical dilemma.
If he didn't help the monk, then one more competitor would die and he'd be one step closer to winning the contest.
But at the same time, he couldn't just watch someone die and not try to save him.
Right at that very moment, squawks filled the air.
He looked behind him.
Borm and Sovana had arrived on their rama-ramas.
If he ignored the monk, then he could race back to the finish line with his vial of Apsara tears and be first to cross.
If he saved the monk, then he would risk being last and maybe being eliminated.
Decisions, decisions.
Whatever choice he made, he knew he had to act fast.
The Apsaras started to play their music for the new arrivals.
Theo sighed.
He knew what his mother would have wanted him to do and he knew what the right thing to do would be.
He raced back to his rama-rama, passing Borm and Sovana on the way.
Then, he climbed onto his bird and pointed in the direction of the monk. "That way!"