"World never show you something that is useless, Everything is important"-- Unknown(but know)
Sunlight pouring down on a quiet stone street.
Ansh stepped forward, the heels of his shoes tapping lightly against the ground.A cool breeze swept past him, carrying the faint smell of mist and mountain flowers.
A few meters ahead, a crystal-clear fountain shimmered under the morning light, droplets scattering tiny rainbows with every splash.
Ansh's eyes moved to the large sign standing beside the fountain:
KASHMIRJ-89 TOWN — CRYSTAL CITY
He blinked slowly, taking in the strange, beautiful place.
"Crystal… City?" he whispered.
Siya stepped beside him, eyes wide with wonder, while Misti bleated softly, nudging her leg.
Ansh walked a little ahead, scanning the street, then noticed an old man arranging fruit crates near a shop.
Ansh stepped closer to the old man."Good morning, Uncle… do you know any place we could stay?"
The old man wiped his hands on his shawl and said,"Yes… there are places to stay. But most of them are expensive."He coughed lightly, then added with a faint smile,"If you want… you can stay here."
Ansh hesitated for a moment."Uncle, you don't need to worry, we—"
Before he could finish, the old man raised his hand."You can stay," he said firmly. "Just help me a little, young man."His voice softened."I am saying this as a father… You are new here. Staying here will be better for you children."
The old man adjusted his shawl and smiled faintly at Siya's words.
Ansh glanced at his sister, then stepped forward."Okay, sir… I'm ready. How much will it cost?"
The old man waved a hand."You don't need to pay anything, child. Just help me in my shop. That's enough for me."
He turned toward a narrow lane beside the fountain and added,"Come with me, both of you."
He walked slowly, tapping his wooden stick on the stone path, and Ansh and Siya followed quietly behind as he led them toward his small home.
Inside the small house, the old man led Ansh down a short wooden corridor.He stopped near two doors and pointed with a steady but tired hand.
"These are your rooms," he said.
Ansh nodded politely.
The old man took a few steps away, then paused and looked back over his shoulder."Oh—and don't mind the other person living here," he added casually. "His name is Yami. He's a bit frustrating at times… but he's kind."
With that, the old man continued walking deeper into the house, leaving Ansh and Siya standing quietly in the hallway, exchanging a quick glance.
Ansh nodded. "Okay… so let's try to live here."
Both siblings walked toward their rooms.Just as Ansh placed his hand on the door handle—
the trident mark on his neck flickered.A faint blue glow pulsed once… then again… bright enough to catch Siya's attention for a second before it faded.
Far away, beneath ancient stone and echoing bells—Raghunath Temple.
The temple bells rang on their own, echoing through the empty stone halls.A sudden gust of cold wind blew across the idols, and the shadows along the pillars stretched unnaturally long…
Suddenly, on the rooftop above the temple, the mirror snow owl perched silently—its wings faintly reflecting the morning light.
A ripple passed through its body.The mirrored feathers twisted… folded… and the owl shifted back into Rudra, landing lightly on the tiles.
A second figure stepped up beside him, boots scraping against the stone.He brushed back his short, messy red hair, exposing the thin cut across his nose. His eyes narrowed as he inspected Rudra.
"Back already?" the red-haired man muttered.
Rudra exhaled, still catching his breath, the ring on his wrist glowing faintly with the mantra भ्रमाः.
Rudra straightened and said firmly,"Commander Daksha.The mission… is a success."
The tiny bot buzzed beside him, laughing,"Yeah, yeah—he's good at running! A real coward… but he did it."
Rudra clicked his tongue."Why this bastard always—"
Daksha raised a hand, stopping him without even looking."Give me the relic. We need it secured before the other realms sense its pulse."
Rudra immediately reached into his cloak and pulled out the glowing ring of illusions,the mantra on it still faintly floating — भ्रमाः.
"Yes, Commander," Rudra said, placing it in Daksha's hand.
Daksha slipped the ring into a sealed metal pouch,then casually lit a cigarette—the tip glowing orange in the snowy wind.
"Good. Mission's over for now," Daksha said, exhaling smoke."Soon… we'll meet again."
And without another word, his body unraveled into wind, scattering off the rooftop.
Rudra watched him disappear and muttered,"Why is he always in such a rush…?"
The bot hummed in annoyance."Because he has work. Unlike you."
Rudra glared at the bot."Oh shut up…"
The morning air was fresh.
Ansh stretched outside the house, breathing in deeply, feeling unexpectedly light. As he rolled his shoulders, a boy in a black suit walked past him without noticing — sharp eyes, calm face, slightly messy black hair brushed to the side.
At the gate, Siya stepped out, fixing the strap of her handbag.
The black-suit boy paused.His eyes met Siya's.
For a second, everything stilled.
A faint blush rose on his cheeks. He straightened his collar and said, almost too quickly—
"H-Hello, ma'am… I'm Yami.Would you… like to be friends?"
Siya blinked, then giggled in surprise.
Something changed in the air around Ansh.
A sudden gust of wind brushed past Ansh.
A girl with light blue hair tied loosely behind her ear ran across the street, barely touching the ground, her footsteps soft like mist. The wind swirled around her as she crossed between them.
Her presence left a brief shimmer in the air, almost unreal.
Ansh stepped back for a second.He saw her clearly now—her eyes glowing the same blue as his,and at her neck…a trident mark identical to his own.
with that-Chapter ends...