Fiction: Group 4
“The outsiders are impervious to our land. Sooner or later our forest will be completely denuded. All that
will be left are the remains of city debris. We must think of a way to protect or move the forest spirits from
this island,” a woman commanded in a serious tone.
“We certainly cannot move them, they are spirits of this very land; they protect what’s here not
elsewhere. Besides, where can you move them? The whole Pearl River Delta is poisoned,” another man
protested brusquely.
“There is nothing to worry about. The spirits have chosen a young boy for the job. The forest reacted to
his presence,” an old woman with wizened skin chimed in. the crowd murmured in excitement at the news
but I was dumbfounded, hoping that the others realize what a ridiculous theory the geriatric woman has
proposed.”Hush! I sense that the boy is here.” Terrified, I panicked and left the scene in a flash without
looking back.
Panting from all the sprinting and hiding, I sprinted away as I desperately tried to escape. Night fell and
the battering of bat wings fluttered animatedly. I tripped a couple of times, leaving bruises on my arms and
legs. Suddenly, the birds circling overhead let out shrill cries, like monsters ululating in darkness. I began
sobbing uncontrollably, knelt down and curled into a ball.
“This is not happening” I squeaked helplessly to myself. I imagined the bestial old woman with the
vulpine face coming for me. Unpleasant thoughts invaded my mind as I curled up, covering my ears.
Everything came to an abrupt pause, the forest of the island returning to its tranquility and I no longer
sentient of any danger. I opened my eyes, expecting to see nothing but a dark void provided by the night.
But instead, I saw copious semi-glowing entities with satiny dresses floating around. With beaming tawny
eyes and sheen wavy hair the color of gold, the beautiful spirit-like people lingered in mid-air and gawped
at me. We stared at each other in awkward silence, checking out one another. Just when I was about to
speak, a melodious voice of a young lady spoke up from the group of ghostly figures.
“Hello Xi, we’ve been expecting you.”
“Uh what are you?” I stammered anxiously.
“We are spirits and guardians of this island. This islet is in a grave situation and we are in need of your
help. That is why we summoned you.”
“No hard feelings, but I really need to get home. I think you summoned the wrong person.” I answered
glibly. I hurriedly stood up and began walking away, but I was stopped by an invisible barrier and clunked
my head on the transparent wall.
“My head!” I squealed in humiliation.
“Sooner or later there will be no home to return to if you refuse to aid,” the spirits uttered.”
“ Fine! What do you want me to do?” I questioned irritably.
“Follow us.”
I unwillingly complied and followed those nimble figures skidding across the forest floor with ease, while I
comically stumbled and tripped occasionally due to the lack of light. Very insensitive and proud creatures
they must be I thought. As we trampled deeper into the forest, I spotted an iridescent pool of water
surrounded by tall dragon spruce trees, like a piece of sacred land fortified by strong walls. The pool was
unimaginably beautiful, the depth of the water seemed to stretch on forever, but yet contradictorily it
seemed quite shallow. With crystal like walls and marine plants swaying to and fro, the whole scene was
absolutely outlandish. Mesmerized by the beaming water, I had a thought that just maybe this would be the
cure for all sickness everyone was talking about. I surreptitiously dipped my hand into the water, intending
to feel the magic radiating from it, but then one of the spirits grabbed hold of my arm, shooting me a
warning look.
“If you actually believe that this is the cure, then you are certainly misled. There is no such thing as a cure
for everything. There are only karmas. When we harm the world, it retaliates.” A spirit spoke in its wise
sonorous voice. “Then why take me here? You’re wasting my time!” I seethed deplorably. The other spirits
sighed and moaned in frustration as if I had done something unbelievably insatiable. During this sudden
impasse one of the spirits spoke up, “But there are certain things you could do to rewind what man has
done. This is the pool of truth and rebirth, look hard into the water and see for yourself.” I stared into the
water as told and then I saw something I could never forget.
There were flames eroding the forest bits by bits, the water surface was bubbling and dominated by deep
shades of brown and sickening green, unknown materials were also floating aimlessly on it. I saw Ying and
my parents picking up the remains of what seemed like a carcass of a trout. There in the distance, I could see
