Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

Arnaz and Saliza awoke feeling fresh and eager, anticipating the day's adventure making the early start easier despite their late return the night before. It was just after 6:30 AM, with the sky still a deep, velvety blue as the sun began to rise.

Standing together on the balcony overlooking the lagoon, they were greeted by the tranquil sight of water buffalo leisurely wading through the low tide, their massive forms casting gentle ripples across the water as they enjoyed their morning bath.

Below, the comforting sounds of Madam Kates calling to her menagerie drifted up to them. The clucking of hens, the crowing of roosters, the quacking of ducks, and the soft, melodious calls of swans blended with the meows of cats and the bark of Manja, the loyal guard dog. Madam Kates was feeding her diverse collection of animals breakfast by the beach, the scene bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn, creating a quaint and picturesque tableau.

Unable to resist the charm of the morning ritual, Saliza joined Madam Kates to help feed the eager animals. Their shared smiles and gentle banter set a serene tone for the day.

Meanwhile, Sir Shakes called Arnaz and Saliza to join him for a simple yet hearty breakfast by the dock, where his fleet of boats and elegant yacht were moored. A large, checkered blanket was spread out on the weathered wooden planks of the dock, and on it rested freshly wrapped banana-leaf packets of Nasi Lemak and steaming cups of rich, black coffee. As the sun gradually ascended, its golden rays shimmering across the water, they savored their meal in a peaceful silence, absorbing the calmness of the morning.

Just as they finished, Manja came trotting up, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

Sir Shakes, with a twinkle in his eye, announced, "Manja’s ready. It’s time."

With a nod, Arnaz and Saliza stood, dressed for the journey in their sport wear and sturdy hiking shoes.

Arnaz had pulled on his striking red Sukajan jacket adorned with intricate dragon embroidery, the vibrant color and detailed stitching adding a touch of mystique to his athletic look.

Saliza, equally prepared for their adventure, wore her blue Sukajan jacket with a phoenix motif, the elegant design reflecting her strength and grace. "This is our special day," she said with a smile. "Sukajan for our special occasion."

Madam Kates joined them, her eyes twinkling with a knowing smile. "Better get going before Lila wakes up," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice, clearly hoping to avoid another chase.

She handed them the keys to an old Boon Siew motorcycle, its vintage charm unmistakable. The bike was a classic model, with a sturdy frame that spoke of reliability and adventure. The deep blue paint was slightly chipped, revealing the silver metal beneath, and the leather seat had worn in just the right way to be both comfortable and familiar. The powerful engine, though modest, promised a dependable ride over the varied terrain they were about to encounter.

With Manja leading the way, Arnaz and Saliza mounted the motorcycle. They started on a smooth tarmac road that soon gave way to a rugged red dirt path. As they rode along the coastal lane, they noticed the beach was covered not by sand, but by a shimmering blanket of shells. Saliza was awed by the sight of thousands of shells, their iridescent surfaces glinting in the morning light. The spectacle was both breathtaking and serene, a natural mosaic that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The bike’s tires kicked up small clouds of dust as they transitioned into the lush rubber estate. The air was filled with the distinctive, earthy aroma of rubber trees, a scent that evoked fond memories for Saliza. She was transported back to her childhood, recalling carefree days spent running around the rubber estate with her cousins near the creek of water, their laughter mingling with the rustling leaves.

As the motorcycle wound deeper into the rubber estate, the towering rubber trees arched over them, casting dappled shadows that danced across the trail, enhancing the nostalgic, almost magical ambiance of their journey.

Eventually, they reached the edge of the rubber estate, where the terrain abruptly changed as the manicured rows of rubber trees gave way to the untamed jungle.

The once well-trodden path became increasingly rugged, strewn with rocks and thick vegetation, making it clear that the motorbike could go no further. Arnaz and Saliza dismounted, Arnaz carefully guiding the bike off the trail and securing it among the trees.

They adjusted their hiking gear and set off on foot, with Manja leading the way.

The jungle was alive with the sounds of nature, birds calling, insects buzzing, and the distant rustling of leaves.

The air grew cooler as they ventured deeper into the forest, the dense canopy overhead casting a tranquil shade over their path.

The scent of damp earth and foliage enveloped them, mingling with the refreshing breeze that cut through the jungle's humidity.

The forest floor was a mosaic of fallen leaves, twisting roots, and vibrant green ferns.

Manja trotted confidently ahead, her keen senses guiding them through the labyrinth of nature. The sound of rushing water grew louder, a soothing, rhythmic accompaniment to their hike.

Following the sound, they navigated through a thicket of bushes and over a series of small, moss-covered rocks.

At last, the dense undergrowth opened up to reveal a hidden waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. The waterfall tumbled gracefully into a deep, serene pool below, its crystal-clear waters shimmering in the dappled sunlight.

Manja barked joyfully, her tail wagging with excitement as she bounded towards the pool.

Her enthusiastic demeanor was a clear signal that they had arrived at their destination. The tranquil beauty of the hidden waterfall, framed by lush greenery, felt like a sacred sanctuary, an untouched paradise amid the wild.

Arnaz and Saliza stood at the edge of the waterfall, the roar of the cascading water drowning out all other sounds. The air around them was thick with moisture, the mist rising from the pool below wrapping them in a cool, ghostly veil.

Above them, the sky was clear, but in this hidden sanctuary, the atmosphere was charged with something ancient, something powerful.

Manja stood a few feet away, her golden eyes locked on the water’s surface. She barked once, short and sharp, as if giving them a final command.

This was where their journey had led them. The artifact lay somewhere in the depths of the pool, but retrieving it would not be a simple matter of diving in and plucking it out.

Madam Kates had warned them, this was more than a physical task. They would have to face themselves.

Arnaz took Saliza’s hand, his grip firm, grounding her in the moment. The look they exchanged was filled with both resolve and vulnerability. Together, they would dive into the unknown.

They leaped into the water.

The cold shock of it stole the breath from their lungs, and for a moment, it felt like the world had vanished, just the sensation of icy water enveloping their bodies.

But as they swam deeper, the light from the surface began to fade, the waters darkening, and then......

They were no longer in the waterfall’s pool.

Arnaz found himself standing in the middle of a vast, barren desert. The heat was suffocating, the sun a blinding, relentless force overhead. Sweat dripped down his brow as he looked around, disoriented. This wasn’t real. He knew it wasn’t real. Yet, the weight of it felt all too familiar.

In the distance, a figure appeared, a shadow, moving toward him slowly, deliberately. As the figure drew closer, he recognized it.

It was himself.

But this version of Arnaz was different. His face was cold, hardened by an unyielding ambition. His amber eyes, usually so full of warmth, were now hollow, a reflection of power without compassion. The figure spoke, his voice echoing across the desert, smooth and seductive.

“You don’t have to bear the burden of destiny, you know. You could walk away. Live for yourself. Why sacrifice everything for a fate that will only lead to suffering?”

The words gnawed at Arnaz’s heart. For a moment, he faltered, his mind swirling with doubt. Could he really turn away from everything, Saliza, the artifact, their destiny together and choose a simpler life? The temptation was fierce, like a siren’s song calling him to abandon it all.

But then, in his mind’s eye, he saw Saliza. Her smile. The warmth of her touch. The strength of their bond. It was a reminder of why he had come this far. Arnaz clenched his fists, his body shaking with renewed determination.

“I will never abandon her,” he growled, his voice slicing through the illusion. “And I will never abandon my purpose.”

With a roar, he shattered the vision, the desert crumbling away as the waters rushed back in, pulling him back into reality.

Meanwhile, Saliza was trapped in her own nightmare. She was standing on a cliffside, the sky above her swirling with dark, ominous clouds. Below, the ocean churned violently, waves crashing against jagged rocks. A storm was brewing, but that wasn’t what made her heart race with terror.

Arnaz stood at the edge of the cliff, his back to her, looking out at the horizon.

“Arnaz!” she called out, her voice trembling. “Please, come back!”

But he didn’t move.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him began to crumble, the cliffside eroding as the waves crashed harder and harder. Panic seized her chest as she realized what was about to happen. The ground gave way beneath Arnaz, and he fell, his body plummeting toward the deadly rocks below.

“No!” Saliza screamed, sprinting toward the edge.

But it was too late. Arnaz was gone, swallowed by the abyss.

Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees. The pain of loss was overwhelming, threatening to consume her. But even in the midst of her grief, a small voice whispered in the back of her mind.

This isn’t real.

Saliza closed her eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath. She had been here before, lost in the pain of what could be. But she knew, deep down, that their connection was stronger than any fear. She had to trust in it. Trust in him.

With a fierce determination, Saliza stood, her tears drying as the storm around her calmed. The cliffside began to solidify again, the chaos receding as her mind cleared. Arnaz wasn’t lost. He never would be. Because their souls were bound, two halves of the same whole.

In a blink, the illusion vanished, and she was back in the water.

When they emerged from the pool, gasping for air, they were no longer the same. Their hands were still intertwined, but now, something deeper had shifted between them. The trials had tested the strength of their bond, and they had both passed.

At the bottom of the pool, glowing faintly in the light, was the artifact. Arnaz reached for it, lifting the pendant from its watery resting place.

Together, they held the artifact, its light casting a soft, calming glow across the waters. It was warm in their hands, pulsing gently, as if the essence of their journey, their bond, their love and their struggle, had crystallized into this single moment.

They had done it!

Arnaz and Saliza exchanged a look, the unspoken understanding between them as clear as the stillness of the water around them.

They had reached the end.

Every challenge, every step, had led them here to this final victory.

------------END OF CHAPTER 20------------

Dearest Esteemed Readers,

Arnaz and Saliza have lovingly crafted a small Wishing Well just for you.

For every tip you donate into this Wishing Well, you are invited to make one wish.

May your wish be absorbed by the essence of the Twin Flames, and may it bring you the very best in return.

Your generous support will also aid Arnaz and Saliza on their magical journey ahead.

Thank you, kind readers, for being a part of this enchanting tale.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arnaz and Saliza