In an unknown corner of the Earth, there existed a small village nestled amidst a dense forest, like a hidden wonderland. In this small village, there lives a wonderful creature called LightBao. Just like humans, they have four limbs and five senses. There are two happy children here, named Bimple and Bubble. They had been inseparable friends since childhood, sharing the same dream of exploring the beautiful and magical world that surrounded them.
Bimple was a clever and brave boy, fond of reading and acquiring new knowledge. He was full of curiosity about the mysteries hidden within the forest. On the other hand, Bubble was mischievous and playful, delighting in running and jumping around, often frolicking with the forest creatures and admiring the natural wonders.
One day, they decided to venture into the deepest and most mysterious part of the forest, where an ancient and colossal tree stood majestically. This tree was known as the “Tree of Life” to the villagers. According to legends, it had witnessed thousands of years of history and served as the guardian of all creatures in the forest. However, some whispered that the tree harbored some forbidden secrets and anyone who dared to offend it would suffer grave consequences.
Bimple and Bubble didn’t believe in such tales, thinking they were mere fables invented by the village elders to scare children. They believed the tree must be a thing of beauty and longed to see it with their own eyes. Thus, with their backpacks packed, they set out early in the morning for their grand adventure into the forest.
Following a familiar path, they ventured deeper into the lush forest. The leaves gently swayed in the breeze, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating dappled patterns that added to the enchantment of the woods. Though they were familiar with much of the forest, they knew it was a place filled with endless surprises. They came across a babbling brook, where birds hopped and butterflies danced among the flowers, filling their hearts with joy.
They walked for what seemed like an eternity, delving further into the heart of the forest. They encountered an array of never-before-seen flora and fauna, and listened to a symphony of unheard-of animal sounds. The wonders they witnessed left them both amazed and elated, as though they had stepped into a dreamlike realm.
Finally, after passing through a dense and ancient grove, they laid eyes on the majestic “Tree of Life.” It was a sight that took their breath away! Towering into the sky, it obscured half of the heavens. Its thick and twisting branches resembled enormous dragons, while its leaves formed a lush canopy, resembling an ocean of green. Bimple and Bubble were awe-struck by its grandeur, feeling as tiny as a grain of sand in its presence.
Drawing nearer, they were eager to touch the tree and feel its life force. But just as they were about to reach out, they heard a voice, low and stern, like a fierce roar:
“Who dares disturb me?”
Bimple and Bubble were startled, their heads turning in every direction, seeking the source of the voice. However, they saw nothing but leaves gently swaying in the wind.
“You ignorant and reckless children! Do you even know what you are doing?”
The voice rang out again, this time with greater severity and anger. Bimple and Bubble felt puzzled, not understanding where the voice originated or what it meant. They believed they had done nothing wrong; they merely wished to see the tree.
“I ask you, who are you? Why have you come here? What do you seek?”
The voice posed three questions, this time sounding closer, almost as if it whispered in their ears. Bimple and Bubble shivered, finding the voice both terrifying and reminiscent of a concealed beast lurking in the darkness. Unable to respond, they clung tightly to each other’s hands.
“Aren’t you going to speak? Don’t you wish to answer my questions? Very well, since you disrespect me, I shall show you the extent of my power!”
Bimple and Bubble felt a surge of fear. The voice now seemed dangerous, akin to a beast ready to attack. They wanted to flee, but they found themselves immobilized, as if an unseen force held them in place.
In that moment, they noticed a glimmer of light emanating from a hollow in the tree. The light was soft and beautiful, akin to a bright star. Bimple and Bubble were drawn to it, forgetting their fear and predicament, desiring only to approach and see it up close.
Summoning every ounce of strength, they took a few steps forward and finally reached the source of the radiance. There, they discovered the light emitted from a glass sphere about the size of a ping-pong ball. The glass sphere was clear and transparent, resembling a crystal ball. On its surface, it displayed fantastical and mesmerizing patterns, as if painted by magic, sparkling and dazzling, ensnaring the senses. Bimple and Bubble found the glass sphere both magical and beautiful, and they longed to hold it in their hands.
“Do not touch it!”
The voice rang out once more, this time louder and more urgent. Bimple and Bubble were startled, halting their movements and refraining from getting any closer to the glass sphere.
“This is my treasure, and you must not touch it! You know not of its power, its secrets, and its dangers!”
The voice now sounded even more impassioned and intimidating. Bimple and Bubble felt perplexed, not comprehending what made the glass sphere so special or why the voice guarded it so fiercely.
“Who are you? Why can you speak? And why are you here?”
Bimple finally mustered the courage to ask, yearning to learn more about the voice’s identity and origins. Bubble nodded in agreement, indicating his curiosity as well.
“I am this tree, the Tree of Life. I have lived for over a thousand years, bearing witness to the world’s changes and history. I am the guardian and bestower of blessings upon this forest, granting all living beings life and power.”
The voice responded to their queries, this time with calmness and dignity. Bimple and Bubble were astonished, never expecting the voice to belong to the tree itself, nor did they anticipate the tree’s noble and exalted status.
“Then why are you angry with us? We only wished to see you.”
Bubble posed his question, seeking to understand why the tree showed hostility towards them.
“Because you trespassed into my domain, and because you desired to touch my treasure. That glass sphere is my greatest secret, as well as my greatest burden. It hails from another world, a world more wondrous and magical than this one. It harbors infinite wonders and adventures, but also conceals boundless dangers and curses.”
The towering tree spoke again, its words carrying an air of enigma. Bimple and Bubble were intrigued, eager to unravel the mystery behind the glass sphere and the world it originated from.
“Could you tell us more about the glass sphere and the other world? We’re very curious to know.”
Bimple spoke once more, his tone sincere and respectful.
“Do you truly wish to know? Do you possess the courage and wisdom to face it? Are you truly ready for the adventure?”
The voice posed three more questions, this time with seriousness and gravity. Bimple and Bubble felt challenged, but they believed they had enough bravery and intelligence to explore the unknown. They felt prepared for the adventure ahead.
“We do want to know, and we absolutely have the courage and wisdom to face it. We are ready for the adventure.”
They responded in unison, speaking with determination and confidence.
“Very well, since you are so insistent, I shall tell you. But remember, this is an irreversible path. Once you step inside that glass sphere, you’ll be entirely on your own, with no one to help you. Will you continue?”
Bimple and Bubble felt a moment of hesitation. They hadn’t anticipated such great risks involved, and they weren’t certain if they could leave everything behind to pursue the unknown. After a private discussion between the two, the desire to venture into the unknown and explore won over their fears.
“We’ve made up our minds. We’ll continue.”
“Good. Your courage is commendable, but before you’re qualified for the adventure, you must first complete three tasks I assign within this forest.”
“What tasks? We will definitely accomplish them.”
The tree of life then explained the first task to them. “On the eastern side of this forest, there is a wounded fawn that cannot move. Before sunset, you must safely bring it back here to me. Once you’ve completed this task, I will tell you what the second one is.”
“Alright, we’ll save the fawn right away.”
With determination, Bimple and Bubble bid farewell to the tree and hastened towards the eastern part of the forest.
They ran along the forest path, eager to find the injured fawn and bring it home safely. They felt that the task was meaningful and exciting, and they saw themselves as brave and kind-hearted heroes.