In the heart of a snowy valley, nestled between the towering Kashi Mountains to the north and east, and the vast Malla Forest to the west and south, sat a peaceful village — Malla Village.
That evening, the village was alive with celebration.
Children laughed as they chased each other across the snow-covered ground. The air smelled of roasted meats and spiced dumplings, and the beat of ceremonial drums echoed like a heartbeat through the village square. Flames danced in a bonfire at the center, casting flickering shadows on the villagers wrapped in warm, fur-lined cloaks and woolen scarves. Joy filled the cold air like a song.
Around the fire, men and women danced, their faces flushed from cheer and warmth. One of them raised his cup and shouted through the music, "Brother Shinko! Truly, our village has been blessed by the heavens!"
Another villager laughed. "Ever since the Eclipse family's young master was born, Malla has been showered with peace and prosperity!"
A sudden gust of wind swept through the square, and along with it came a streak of blue — a boy, no older than six, zipped through the crowd like a spirit of winter joy. He wore clothes made of soft, shimmering fabric that sparkled like sapphires under the firelight. His blue eyes, wide with wonder, and his soft fair skin made him look like a doll carved by the gods themselves. His black hair flew in the wind as he leapt over a bench and vanished into the crowd again.
Cheers and chuckles followed him. Everyone's gaze was drawn to him with affection.
"Young master Uzaka!" came a hoarse, exhausted voice from behind. "Please stop! You might get hurt!"
A middle-aged man trailed behind, huffing and clutching his knees as he paused to catch his breath. His name was Ben, a long-time caretaker of the Eclipse family and a proud worrywart. His brow was wrinkled permanently from years of concern.
"Uncle Ben," Uzaka shouted over his shoulder, his voice playful, "if you catch me, I'll tell Father to give you a two-day holiday!"
Ben's eyes widened. "R-Really?!"
But the boy vanished into the crowd again, and Ben's face fell in despair.
'The young master disappeared?! If anything happens to him, Mistress Eclipse will skin me alive!' Ben shivered, breaking into a panic-fueled jog.
Meanwhile, Uzaka raced through the outskirts of the village, breath fogging the air, until he crashed into a small canvas tent.
"Ouch!" he cried, tumbling back onto the cold ground.
Clutching his arm, he looked up with a pout. "Can't you see? I got hurt because of you! I'll tell Father and he'll punish you heavily!" he huffed—only to realize there was no one there.
Just the tent.
"Oh... it was just a tent," he mumbled, a bit embarrassed.
Looking around, he noticed the noise of the village had faded. The trees of Malla Forest loomed close now. He had reached the outer edge.
'I shouldn't stay here for long,' he thought with a frown. He was about to turn back—
—when something shimmered in the distance.
A lump of darkness, glowing faintly, pulsed a few meters ahead of him. It was small, yet the air around it seemed still... heavy. His childish curiosity flared. As a pampered young master, he had rarely been told "no," and this was no exception.
Step by step, Uzaka approached.
The glow grew clearer—a floating orb, swirling with pitch-black mist and flashes of violet. It glowed like the sun, yet seemed to erase light at the same time. The snow beneath it didn't reflect its glow.
Uzaka's breath caught. "What... is this?"
He reached out, fingers trembling with wonder.
The moment his skin nearly touched it, the orb quivered—then burst silently into the air, vanishing like it had never existed.
A gust of wind followed. The trees behind him rustled with a strange, unnatural rhythm.
Just then—
"Young master! I finally found you!" came Ben's strained voice, full of relief and exasperation.
Uzaka turned, still wide-eyed. "Uncle Ben! Did you see that?!"
Ben approached, wheezing. "See what? There's nothing here. Are you feeling sick?" He leaned forward, his face wrinkled with concern. "You didn't eat something weird again, did you?"
"Oh… nothing. Let's go back. I want Auntie Kisa's dumplings!" Uzaka grinned.
Ben gave him a suspicious look, but sighed. "Let's just get you home before you start glowing or flying or something."
The two returned to the village, laughter trailing behind them.
Neither of them noticed the faint flicker of darkness that briefly danced in Uzaka's shadow—nor the soft hum in the air, like something ancient had awoken.
And it had chosen him.