Six Years Later…
As the morning sun began its gradual ascent over the revered Hakone shrine, it cast a warm, golden hue that filtered through the dense canopy of trees encircling the sacred grounds. The air was crisp and invigorating, infused with the fresh scent of pine mingling with the lingering aroma of incense from the shrine's early morning rituals. Birds chirped in harmonious unison, their melodies creating a familiar symphony that had greeted Haruto every morning for as long as he could remember.
The shrine itself stood as a proud testament to the passage of time and the weight of tradition, its ancient wooden beams and stone pathways worn smooth by the countless footsteps of those who had come before. It was a sacred space where the past and present intertwined seamlessly, where the echoes of whispered prayers and the gentle rustle of leaves combined to create a serene, almost magical atmosphere.
Haruto, once a tiny infant swaddled in a white cloth and left at the steps of this very shrine, now stood tall and confident on his own two feet. At nearly seven years old, he was no longer the fragile child who had been entrusted to the guardians of the shrine. He had blossomed into a lively, inquisitive boy, his bright eyes sparkling with curiosity and a heart that pulsed with a quiet yet undeniable determination.
His dark, unruly hair caught the morning light as he gazed out over the tranquil grounds of the shrine. Today felt different, as if the very air was charged with a sense of anticipation. Haruto couldn't quite place why, but something deep within him stirred, a subtle shift that hinted at the changes soon to come.
The passing years had been kind to Haruto, shaping him in ways both visible and unseen. Under the watchful eyes of Kazuki and the Seven Chosen Ones, he had flourished, evolving from a small, helpless infant into a boy brimming with potential. Each day had been a lesson, each moment a chance to learn—not just about the world around him, but about the depths of his own spirit.
The shrine had been his entire universe, a sanctuary where the ordinary and extraordinary coexisted in perfect harmony. It was here that Haruto had taken his first tentative steps, wobbling clumsily on the stone paths as Kazuki looked on with a gentle smile, pride radiating from his every gesture. It was here that he had uttered his first words, his small voice echoing off the shrine's ancient walls, much to the delight of the Chosen Ones who had embraced him as one of their own.
His earliest memories formed a vivid tapestry of sensations—the warmth of the sun on his skin, the soothing hum of the shrine's energy enveloping him, and the firm yet comforting grip of Kazuki's hand as they strolled together through the lush gardens. Above all, there was the strange, ever-present awareness of the birthmark on his chest. Shaped like a stylized wing, the mark had always seemed more than just a physical trait. At times, it would pulse softly, almost as if responding to his emotions, a subtle reminder of the mysterious destiny that lay ahead.
Kazuki had often spoken to him in hushed tones about the significance of the shrine, of the sacred duties that would one day be his to uphold. But these were heavy concepts for a child, and though Haruto endeavored to grasp their meaning, much of it remained just beyond his reach. Yet, there was a comforting warmth in those conversations, a sense of purpose that made Haruto feel connected to something far greater than himself.
The Seven Chosen Ones had become more than mere protectors and teachers—they were his family, each contributing uniquely to the boy's upbringing. Aiden, with his calm demeanor and thoughtful words, had been the first to impart the virtues of patience and focus. Akira, on the other hand, favored a more hands-on approach, often challenging Haruto to push his physical limits, always balancing sternness with encouragement.
Elena's nurturing presence provided a gentle counterbalance, her soft laughter and kind eyes transforming her lessons into delightful games. She would sit with Haruto in the shrine's gardens, guiding him as he sought to connect with the energy of the plants and the earth beneath him. Jin-Ho, ever the perfectionist, emphasized the importance of precision, teaching Haruto that every movement and thought mattered.
Li Wei's lessons were steeped in wisdom, her words often taking the form of ancient proverbs and tales from distant lands. Nikolai, with his stoic silence, taught through action, demonstrating how to move with grace and observe keenly before taking action. Inaaya, the most enigmatic of the group, often spoke in riddles, challenging Haruto to think deeply, to question and seek answers beyond the surface.
Through these interactions, Haruto began to understand that each of them carried their own burdens, their own histories that had shaped them into who they were. He felt a profound respect for each of them, even as he yearned to learn more about the lives they had led before coming to the shrine. There was a part of him that longed to uncover the stories behind their eyes, to understand the people who had taken him in and embraced him as one of their own.
Now, as he approached his seventh year, Haruto sensed that his life was on the brink of a new chapter. The sun climbed higher in the sky, and with it came the sounds of the shrine awakening to a new day. He could hear the distant murmur of voices, the rustling of robes as the Chosen Ones began their morning routines.
Today, he knew, would be different. His training, which had been sporadic and informal until now, was about to commence in earnest. The mysteries of Eternum—so far only whispered of in passing—would soon begin to unfold before him. The thought filled Haruto with a mix of excitement and a twinge of nervousness.
But first, there were new faces to meet and old bonds to deepen. Kazuki had mentioned something about visitors, and though Haruto didn't know who they were, he felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation. The shrine, his world, was expanding, and with it, so too was his place within it.
As Haruto made his way toward the shrine's main hall, he paused to take in the view one last time. The world around him was still, yet filled with a quiet energy that made his heart race. He could feel the birthmark on his chest pulse faintly, as if in response to the day's significance.
The boy took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever was to come. The years had passed swiftly, but they had prepared him for this moment. And as the doors to the hall opened before him, Haruto knew that his journey—though just beginning—was already shaping him into the person he was destined to become.