After collecting Ruka's diary from her cold hand, they confirmed it truly belonged to her. On the final page she had written, "Zaid is my everything.
Not even death can take him away from me." Those words were enough to prove her identity beyond doubt.After her death, Pxco, her brother, began his research once again.
He believed he could bring her back—not as a spirit, but as flesh reborn through science. Using her DNA, he tried to create a clone.
It looked human, spoke a few words, even mimicked her emotions, but it was not truly her. It was only a shadow—an empty echo of a life that once existed.One night, Pxco said nervously to his brother, "I hope it works this time. But I'm not sure.
I was created only a week ago, and the formula still feels unstable." His voice trembled as he checked the glowing tubes filled with synthetic liquid.
Orbegdo placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. You've always been the one who never gives up. How many days will this take?""I can't say exactly," Pxco replied, looking into the glass chamber where a pale shape floated. "Maybe a week. Once she starts to regenerate fully, I'll tell you.""Alright," said Orbegdo.
"Let's go home. Everyone must be waiting. Tomorrow will be a bad day for all of us."Pxco frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
Orbegdo didn't answer. He looked down, heavy with guilt. Then Pxco remembered—their father had arranged marriages for tomorrow, binding brothers to their own sisters.
Pxco sighed heavily. "Yes, I know. It's horrible for all of us."As they walked, Orbegdo asked quietly, "Is there really no way to create living humans from the DNA of the dead? If we could, maybe we wouldn't have to marry our sisters."
"I told you already," Pxco replied in frustration. "It's impossible. I can grow clones in the glass tubes, but they break down when removed from the liquid. I've tried thousands of times on rats, but they never survive. Every result ends in failure."When they reached home, they stepped into the dimly lit living room. "We're back," they said.
Their father, Chucky, stood near the fireplace, his face stern. "Where have you been? You're late. Wash up. Dinner is ready." His tone was cold but weary.
The brothers obeyed. They went to wash, changed their clothes, and sat down with the family for dinner.As they ate, Chucky turned to Pxco and asked, "How is your research going? Are you closer to creating human life again?"
Pxco lowered his head. "No, Father. I failed again. I'm a fool. I don't deserve your trust."
Lieo, their older brother, interrupted firmly. "Stop talking like that. You've already changed the world with your discoveries.
You've created new materials for farming and artificial animals that breathe and move. You're not a fool, Pxco. Don't insult yourself.
"At the end of the table, their mother, Euka, noticed that Orbegdo was staring into his plate, lost in thought. "My son, why aren't you eating? Don't you like the food?" she asked softly.
He forced a smile. "No, Mother. I'm fine. Everything's fine." Then he got up quietly and went to his room.That night, after everyone had gone to bed, Euka stayed in the kitchen, washing dishes. Tears fell silently onto her hands. She whispered, "Tomorrow must never come. I can't watch my children marry each other."
Her trembling hands dropped a plate, and it shattered loudly on the floor.Chucky entered, pretending he came for water.
"Euka," he said softly, "I know you hate this marriage. But I have no choice.
Our bloodline demands it. The elders insist. I wish we had died with Zaid and Ruka. They poisoned the balance of the world when they created life from nothing—humanity itself now pays for their sin."
His voice broke, and tears rolled down his cheeks.Euka took his hand. "I know, my love. But if you lose hope, how will we survive this? We must be strong for them."
Chucky sighed deeply.
"You always bring light to my guilt. You've carried me through every storm."
He kissed her forehead gently.Their daughter Sua stood quietly near the doorway, unseen. As she watched them cry and comfort each other, she thought to herself, Even in pain, their love never fades. They stand together even when the world falls apart.The next morning came dull and cold.
The house was decorated with flowers, but none of them brought joy.
Every corner carried sorrow. Chucky, dressed as a priest, stood in the garden trembling.He called first, "Alia and Orbegdo, step forward."
Alia walked slowly, her hands shaking. Chucky asked, "Do you, Orbegdo, take Alia as your wife, under the mercy of God?"
"I do," Orbegdo said faintly.
"And do you, Alia, take him as your husband?"
She said nothing. Chucky repeated the question three times. Finally, in a whisper, she said, "I do.""Then seal this marriage with a kiss," Chucky said quietly. Orbegdo hesitated. "Father… must this be done before everyone?"
"Yes," Chucky insisted. "God must witness it."
Orbegdo swallowed hard. "Forgive me, my sister," he murmured, and kissed her lips. The world around them felt silent, heavy, and cursed.Then Pxco and Sumi were called. Both stood numb, their eyes empty. They spoke their vows in unison—"I do." They
kissed mechanically, bound by duty, not love.
At last, Orbegdo and Sua stepped forward to repeat the same ritual.
When it ended, Chucky raised his trembling hands and said, "Now go to your rooms. The ceremony is complete.
i