Deep in the heart of the Enchanted Forest, nestled between towering trees and babbling brooks, lies a hidden glade. In this glade, flowers bloom in abundance, their sweet fragrance carried by the breeze, and a peaceful atmosphere reigns supreme. It is home to a community of skilled warriors who practice an ancient form of martial arts. Known as the Gardeners, they are respected and admired by all who know them.
One day, a basket washed ashore on the banks of the glade's river. Inside lay a baby boy, wrapped in a soft blanket. The Gardeners took him in and raised him as their own. They named him Ash, after the tree under which he was found, and trained him in the ways of their martial arts.
Ash showed great promise and an unwavering dedication to his training, but he had one critical flaw: he was too kind-hearted to comprehend the intent to kill. He saw every fight as a friendly spar, unaware of the gravity of real combat. As a result, his skills never reached the standard required to become a true Gardener.
One day, Ash decided to venture beyond the confines of the glade in search of a way to overcome his weakness. He soon found himself lost in the dense forest, tired, and hungry. Suddenly, he felt something tighten around his ankle, and before he knew it, he was hanging upside down from a noose trap.
A mischievous voice taunted him from above. "Well, well, what do we have here? A lost little lamb caught in my trap!" Ash looked up to see a young girl with sparkling eyes and a mischievous grin. She introduced herself as Hazel, a fellow warrior who had grown tired of life in the glade and left to explore the wider world.
Hazel helped Ash free himself from the trap, and they soon became fast friends, exploring the forest together and getting into all sorts of trouble.
Years went by, and Ash had all but given up on overcoming his weakness. However, Hazel never lost faith in him, always pushing him to be better. One day, she disappeared without a trace.
Months passed, and one fateful day, a dark cloud descended upon the glade. A menacing figure, shrouded in shadow, appeared before Ash. It was a demon seeking a new host, and it chose Ash as its vessel. Ash felt a sudden surge of power coursing through his body, but he knew it would come at a terrible cost.
Suddenly, Hazel appeared out of nowhere, wielding a magical weapon that glowed with a bright light. She attacked the demon with all her might, but it was too powerful for her to defeat alone. Ash realized that he was the only one who could stop the demon and protect the glade.
With newfound determination, Ash fought the demon, finally understanding the intent to kill. Hazel fought alongside him, and together, they were able to vanquish the demon and save the glade. In the end, Ash had become the truest of Gardeners, not only in skill but in spirit.
Khmer Storytelling:
EP01: Where does Yin come from?
