Chapter 7: Anu

  Three days until the Festival of Hope.

  The dark mist swirled through the hall, enveloping the room in moving shadows as Shin struck with a mighty sword blow. The blade sliced through the air with quivering force, and only at the last moment did Taro manage to throw himself out of the path of the attack. The blow struck the stone wall behind him – it crumbled into the finest rock, raising a dust cloud. But Shin did not let up. Without hesitation, he followed up, delivering two more blows, dark mist swung in the air, but Taro dodged with an ease that betrayed his years of experience. Then he counterattacked.

  His sword clashed with Shin's blade – or rather, it should have. The dark mist instantly swallowed Taro's blade as if it had dissolved into a foreign dimension. Taro reacted immediately, letting go of the blade and following through with a powerful kick that hit Shin hard in the chest and sent him flying several meters. But before Shin could get up, Taro was already standing in front of him. His grin was sharp, almost defiant, and with a blow of his elbow, he struck down Shin again.

  Shin lay on the ground, panting, while Taro leaned over him slightly. “You're getting better,” he said in a sincere voice. “Your Divine Blessing... a fascinating power.” Then he reached out his hand and pulled him up. Shin looked at him, his gaze penetrating. “Why do you want to give up your life as an outlaw just to... accompany me on my way?”

  Taro didn't seem surprised by the question. Instead of a direct answer, he laughed softly. “You're still too young to survive in this world alone,” he said, amused. Shin grimaced, annoyed by this trivial answer, but then Taro's tone changed. He grew more serious, his voice calmer. “Your words... they came from the deepest pain. They reflect your heart.” He looked to the side as if traveling through time. “I once knew a boy. He was like you. And I... left him alone. Years later, he died—before my eyes. And there was nothing I could do.” His voice trailed off. “On that day, I lost my eye... and my arm.”

  A moment of silence. Shin's expression softened. He could feel how deep Taro's wounds really were. But the next moment, Taro pushed him aside and laughed mockingly. “But if you continue to be so weak, I can't save you even when I'm close to you.” He walked away, the laughter echoing through the hall – and yet his gaze was serious, hidden behind the shadow of his own history.

  He reached for a water container at the edge of the hall and took a deep gulp. “In three days we will see where our destiny takes us,” he said more to himself than to anyone else.

  At that moment, Sana entered the hall, her steps light but purposeful. She came to them, greeted Taro briefly, and then turned to Shin, smiling. “Hello, Shin.”

  He returned her greeting, visibly relieved to see her. “It's good to see you, Sana.”

  Sana told them about her purchases for the festival. Everything was ready, everything was in preparation. “I've also cooked something for you,” she said proudly. “I hope you can finally eat – otherwise I've stood in the kitchen for nothing.”

  Shin's eyes lit up. “Thanks, Sana!” he exclaimed. Taro nodded. “We're done for today. Let's enjoy our meal.”

  A little later, they were sitting at a table, the steaming food in front of them. Taro was already reaching for the chopsticks, but Sana held him back and looked at Shin. “Tell me, Shin... do you have some kind of ritual in your village before eating?”

  Shin looked surprised for a moment, then touched. Sana smiled gently. “Show us what we should do. I want you to feel at home.”

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  A brief, solemn moment ensued. Shin closed his eyes briefly, then made a sign with his left hand: his thumb held in front of his mouth, his index and middle fingers spread upwards, his ring and little fingers pressed to the palm of his hand. “Anu,” he whispered softly – but clearly enough for everyone to hear.

  Sana repeated it, reverently. Taro also repeated the word. Then he asked: “Anu? What does it mean?”

  Shin stared into space for a moment, as if searching for a meaning that was never quite spoken. “Anu... is a word I never learned. But I once heard it... in a dream. From Fugare, the head of my village. I believe it is a word that speaks to those who are no longer with us. It gives me strength... it accompanies me.”

  Taro understood. Sana nodded, moved by the depth of this simple word. “A beautiful word,” she said. “I believe it will always be a helper to you.”

  Then they ate—in silent respect and new trust.

  —

  At the same time, in a strange place.

  The night seemed never-ending there. In a narrow alley, hidden in a nameless city, a man was running – fleeing, breathless, through shadows that no longer knew light. His figure was cloaked in a dark robe, his face hidden. His skin was punctured, but no blood flowed. Something was hunting him, something that did not belong to this world.

  He scurried on, from wall to wall, ducking, darting through every dark corner, as if the darkness itself would swallow him up. But then – a shadow seized his leg. He tore himself free, staggered on, but in front of him – a dozen silhouettes, inhuman, silent, fearless. They surrounded him, every movement became more difficult. But the man did not give up. In his last moment, he formed a sign with a trembling hand. The same one that Shin used.

  “Anu.”

  A glow erupted around him. A monster appeared – large, flaming, golden-eyed. A being of pure power. The silhouettes screamed, dissolved, crumbled. But the man... fell to the ground exhausted. His energy used up. The victory tasted bitter. And the shadows... retreated. Just for this moment.

  Evening before the Feast of Hope

  The palace of Paraiba glowed in the soft glow of countless crystal lamps, their light reflected in the polished stone walls. The air was calm, almost reverent, as the city's most important people gathered in the great hall. Taro, Shin, and Sana stood together before the three keepers of the mountains – Jaseol, Lazuli, and Zircon.

  Zircon, dressed in a festive robe, stepped forward, her voice calm as always, yet firm: “What wonderful news that you are well, Miss Sana.”

  Sana bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Guardian. I appreciate your concern.”

  Lazuli, whose eyes looked like sparkling gems at that moment, turned to Taro: “Have you been able to gather any new information since the last incident?”

  Taro let his eyes calmly sweep over the three guardians. “Unfortunately, there have been no further incidents since our last encounter with the Black Orlov. But we are prepared. We will position guards at the crucial points for each of the five stones and their leader – the gate to Alexandrit, the palace, and especially the festival grounds themselves. He paused briefly, his gaze serious. “In addition, Shin and I will mingle with the people in groups of two, inconspicuous but ready. We will go underground – and ensure safety.”

  Lazuli nodded thoughtfully. “Will someone be guarding the temple itself?”

  Zircon stepped forward, her presence as heavy as stone. “I will take care of that myself. I will not allow anyone to desecrate the heart of our faith.”

  Jaseol frowned, his voice filled with concern: “But Guardian Zircon... we need your presence at the festival itself. The humans expect the Guardian of Alexandrit."

  Lazuli gently placed a hand on Zircon's arm, her voice calm but firm: ‘Then I will take on that task.’

  Zircon looked at her, for a moment time seemed to stand still, then she nodded slowly. ‘Then it will be so.’

  Taro stepped forward again. His voice was clear, structured, military. “Guardians Jaseol – I ask you to guard the gate to Alexandrit. You know the area better than anyone else, and your instincts are sharp. Guardian Zircon – you will secure the festival grounds with us. Your gaze alone will deter many, and your presence will calm the people.”

  Jaseol nodded firmly. “Then that's how we'll do it.”

  Taro bowed his head briefly, a sign of respect. “I thank you for your trust. Now... let's just hope there are no surprises. May the festival be a success for us – without terror, without panic. And may it be a day and a night of hope for the people, as its name promises.”

  Zirkon looked at him, her eyes serious, but with a faint glow deep within them: “We will be ready.”

  The room went silent.