Due to Destiny

Everyone was battling, chaos reigned, as I stood amidst the forest. I noticed a pair of eyes, appearing pained yet brimming with love. Suddenly, I felt a burning sensation all over my body. I tried to escape, and then I woke up. Pheeeeww!!!! It was the same dream I have had since I was 7 years old. My whole body is shivering, and I am completely drenched in my own sweat. I was still trying to catch up with my breathing when I heard a knock on the door. "Come In," I said. An old lady was standing in front of me. Old Lady - Master Sebastian! I have already prepared breakfast for you. How soon will you come to have that? Or should I bring the food to your room? Sebastian - I will meet you at the table within 20 minutes, Maria. Maria - Okay Master! She left the room, closing the door behind her. Maria is one of the oldest servants in my family. After my parents died, she and her husband have always been taking care of me. They love me as their own son. They don't have any kids. I took a deep breath and stepped into the shower, the hot water easing my mind and body. Following a quick rinse, I entered my closet and selected a gray three-piece suit consisting of pants, a blazer, a white shirt, and a gray tie. I walked downstairs to have my breakfast. But to my surprise, all the servants were standing and clapping, and Maria and her husband Jonathan brought a Chocolate Truffle cake with a candle on it. They all started singing, Happy Birthday, Master. Oh, s**t!!! It's my birthday. I completely forgot about my birthday. Maria took the cake in front of me and said, "Master, Happy Birthday!!! Please blow out the candle and make a wish." Upon hearing the word "Wish," I nearly chuckled. Sebastian - Oh Maria, you know I don't believe in "Wishes". But thank you so much for this lovely surprise. I practically forgot about my birthday. I chuckled once more. Maria - Master, I knew this already. Now please try to make a wish from your heart, and I am sure it will be fulfilled. Sebastian - Okay okay! I closed my eyes and made a wish. "I wish I knew the reason for my dreams" And I blew out the candle, everyone started clapping. I cut the cake and I gave a piece of it to Maria and Jonathan. Maria did the same thing to me. I saw the hesitation in Jonathon's eyes. I nodded yes, and he also gave me a small piece of cake. After cutting the cake, I went to have my breakfast. Maria cooked my favorite dishes - Bacon, Chicken Sausages, Bread and Butter, a full Mug of Cappuccino Frappé with Whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top of that. After finishing my delicious breakfast, I went to the garage. William, my driver, was already there and opened the gate for me. William - Happy Birthday Master! Sebastian - Thank you, William, but today is your day off. Enjoy your time with Lea. William - But Master, office... I interrupted him before he could complete his line. Sebastian - I will take the Mustang. And I am going to drive that by myself. William - Okay Master, but please drive carefully and, once again, Happy Birthday. William left... I took my favorite car, and drove to the tallest building in the city. Yeah!! It's my office, or should I say I own this building? Okay, let me tell you more about who I am: I am Sebastian Gomes, 21 years old. I inherited a massive fortune and their entire empire to manage from my parents, who passed away in a car accident when I was 11. Maria and Jonathan looked after me until I came of age at 18. Ever since reaching adulthood, I have taken on the responsibility of managing our business. I have yet to encounter someone who captivates my interest, hence my lack of belief in relationships. I have a close friend named Alan Bender. Unlike me, who is serious all the time, he is lively and enjoys partying and flirting with women. Now, let's move on to the day. After reaching the office, I called my secretary, Linda, to assist me with my whole day's schedule. While going through the schedule, there was a sudden bang on my cabin door. I turned to look in the same direction. Sebastian - Oh God Alan! Can you ever make a post without getting so excited? Alan - Happy Birthday Baby Boss!! Sebastian - Linda, you can leave now, and I will be there for the meeting within 10 minutes. Alan - Hey Sweetheart (to Linda), Cancel all of his meetings because he won't be here to attend any of them. Linda looked confused and started looking for an answer from me. Sebastian - Do as he said, Linda. There is no point in arguing with him. Linda nodded After Linda departed, Alan smirked at me. . Sebastian - Alan, I recognize that expression. You are aware that I strongly dislike pubs and parties. Alan - Bro, don't worry. I am not taking you anywhere near the pub or club. Sebastian - Then? Alan - We're heading to the woods. Sebastian - Camping? Oh god! Alan, it's worse than a pub. I grimace in disguise. Alan - Oh! Please be quiet. Do you want to know our destination? Then listen. Alan whispered something in my ears, and my eyes were about to pop out. Sebastian - Are you sure this will work? Alan - I think so. I heard about this place from trustworthy people. Sebastian - And may I know who they are? (I rolled my eyes) Alan - My grandfather and his friends. In one of our story nights sessions. Sebastian - So, it is kinda folklore. Alan - Only one way to find out bro (he took the keys of my car from my desk). What are you waiting for now? Christmas? Sebastian - You won't stop, right? Alan - That's my boy. You know me well. Now stand up, we are leaving. Alan and I drove towards the woods, and upon reaching our destination, we parked my car close to the bushes at the edge of the woods. Before taking a step, I glanced at Alan, seeking assurance that we were making the right decision. In response, he simply nodded, understanding my unspoken question. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the dense forest as Alan and I ventured deeper into the woods. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the sound of rustling leaves accompanied their every step. Birds chirped intermittently, their songs echoing through the trees. I glanced at Alan, who was striding confidently ahead. Sebastian - Are you sure this place exists?” I asked, my voice was tinged with a mix of skepticism and hope. Alan - He nodded, his eyes alight with excitement. “Not sure Bro!. But my grandfather spoke about this countless times on our story nights. It’s a stone that can answer any question you ask. He called it the "Oracle Stone". We’re almost there.” My mind raced with questions. Ever since I could remember, I had been plagued by vivid nightmares—dreams of battles, losing someone I loved but couldn’t identify, and a burning sensation all over my body, as if I were engulfed in flames. These nightmares left me waking in a cold sweat, my heart pounding with fear and confusion. If this stone could provide any answers, it might finally give him some peace. The path grew narrower, and the trees denser, as we ventured further into the heart of the forest. Alan navigated with ease, his grandfather’s stories guiding him like an invisible map. As I stumbled over roots and brushed away low-hanging branches, my anxiety mounted with each step. We finally reached a clearing, and Alan stopped abruptly. Before us lay ancient ruins, overgrown with algae and tangled with branches. Most of the walls were shattered, and the structures that remained were covered in a thick layer of moss. It was clear that this place had been abandoned for over a century, its history hidden beneath the forest's embrace. I observed the ruins, taking in the eerie beauty of the decaying structures. Alan broke the silence. Alan - "In order to get to the Oracle Stone, we need to go inside that room," he said, pointing to a crumbling building ahead. "But, brother, only a person who truly needs answers can find that stone."his voice solemn. I turned to Alan, confusion and concern etched on my face. Sebastian - “What do you mean by that? Aren't you coming with me? I don't know this area. You’re joking, right?” Alan shook his head, his expression serious. Alan - No, bro. My grandfather always mentioned in the stories that this stone could be a boon or a curse. By using this stone, anyone can achieve amazing things, but if it falls into the wrong hands, the world will be doomed. My brow furrowed. Sebastian - “What are you saying?”