Rain pounded the cobblestone streets of Ravenwood as Alex and Ben sprinted through puddles, their laughter echoing off the old buildings. Each splash sent water flying, soaking their clothes, but neither of them cared. There was a thrill in the storm, a freedom that made the world feel alive.
"Careful, Ben!" Alex shouted, shoving his friend playfully.
"Ha! You're too slow!" Ben shot back, dodging a puddle just in time.
They raced until Alex's house appeared ahead, warm light spilling from the windows like a small beacon against the gray, wet world. Gasping and dripping, they pushed open the door and stepped inside, grateful for the warmth.
Alex's grandfather was seated by the fire, a cup of tea in his hands. His eyes, deep and knowing, flicked up at them, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Another adventure in the rain, I see," he said softly, his voice calm but carrying weight.
Alex didn't wait for Ben to speak. "Grandpa… we heard people talking about… the Cosmic Force. Who are they?"
The grandfather's expression shifted subtly. His hand tightened around his cup, and he leaned back in his chair. The firelight flickered across his face, emphasizing the lines of caution etched there.
"No one truly knows," he said, his tone low, almost a whisper. "All anyone knows is that they were… dangerous. Power beyond what most could imagine. They nearly destroyed half the kingdom. That's it. Nothing more. No one alive can tell you why or how. It's better if you don't go asking anyone else about them, Alex. Promise me you won't."
Alex tilted his head, curiosity burning in his eyes. "But… if they're so dangerous, why hasn't anyone stopped them? Or… why haven't we heard of them before?"
His grandfather's eyes darkened as he stared into the fire. "Because they vanished. Just like that. One day… gone. No trace. Only whispers, rumors, and fear. Some say they lost control of their powers. Others believe they were betrayed. Some even think they saved the world from something worse than anyone could imagine. But nobody really knows. That is the truth of the Cosmic Force."
Ben frowned, trying to make sense of it. "So… they were heroes or villains?"
"Neither," the grandfather said firmly. "They were just… people. People with gifts no one else had. But gifts like that… they terrify most of the world. And sometimes, fear makes monsters out of the innocent. That is why the story ends with nothing but questions and warnings. Remember that, boys. Some things are better left alone."
Alex and Ben exchanged a glance. The spark of curiosity in Alex's eyes only grew brighter. "I want to know more, Grandpa. I have to. Don't you want to know?"
His grandfather sighed, the sound carrying years of weariness. "Curiosity is natural, Alex. But sometimes… it can be dangerous. The Cosmic Force was never meant to be understood. You ask too many questions, and some truths… can hurt. Remember this, always: the world is not ready for the full story. And some legends… are better left as whispers."
Alex nodded, though his mind was already racing with possibilities. Who were they? What had they done? Why had they vanished? And most importantly… what would happen if they ever returned?
Outside, the storm raged on, as if echoing the questions swirling in Alex's mind. Somewhere, out there, the truth of the Cosmic Force waited… hidden in shadows, secrets, and time itself.