The moon hung solemnly above the quiet temple, its silver glow bathing the stone balcony where Sita stood. A gentle breeze stirred her hair as she looked skyward, her small hand raised as if reaching out to someone far beyond.
"Mom... Dad…" she whispered. "It's been years since you both left me here. People at the temple take care of me with kindness, but... nothing is more precious than the love of one's own."
Her voice trembled. Her eyes, reflecting the moonlight, brimmed with unshed tears.
"Every night, I miss you both. I wonder who I really am… why I have these nightmares. I wish you were here, so I could ask you all the questions I carry inside. What am I? Why do I feel so… different?"
A tear slipped down her cheek, gliding silently to the cold marble beneath her feet.
"But I still imagine it—how beautiful it would be to spend even a little more time with you."
Behind her, the shuffling of feet echoed softly. Grandfather Monk—known as Dadaji to her—appeared at the threshold of the balcony, his white robes flowing gently in the night breeze. He watched her with quiet warmth.
"Sita?" he called gently. "Why aren't you asleep at this hour?"
Startled, she turned to face him but quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Dadaji... I couldn't sleep. The nightmare came again."
He walked up beside her, placing a comforting hand over hers. The wrinkles of age did not hide the strength in his touch—gentle yet grounding.
"Ah… my child," he sighed, stroking her hair softly. "To lose your parents at such a young age is a wound no time can heal. But even with that pain, look at you—you've grown to be so soft-hearted, so strong. If your parents could see you now, they'd be proud."
Sita's gaze remained locked on his face, as though hoping for words that would stitch her broken heart.
"One day," he said slowly, "someone will come who sees your true worth. He'll love you in such a way that you'll never feel that void again. The love you lost… will return in another form."
She shook her head softly.
"I don't think I can live up to anyone's expectations, Dadaji. My life… hasn't been smooth."
Dadaji chuckled lightly, his eyes crinkling with that gentle wisdom only the old carry.
"Expectations? Life doesn't ask for perfection, my dear—just courage. Now, off you go. You've got an early morning ahead."
Sita looked up once more toward the sky. She smiled faintly, whispering a soft goodbye to the stars.
As she turned away, a shooting star streaked across the horizon.
Elsewhere... Under the Blood Moon
The air was thick with smoke and the stench of blood.
A man was tied to a steel chair in a dim warehouse, his face bruised, trembling under the harsh light above. Towering over him stood Master Kim, a man with sharp eyes and a storm beneath his skin. His voice, low and venomous, echoed through the dark space.
"Where is she?"
The captive coughed, blood spilling from his mouth.
"She's… she's no more… Please… I-I don't know anything…"
A vicious glare crossed Master Kim's face. With a final punch, the man collapsed, unconscious. Master Kim spat to the side and growled:
"What spell did those two traitors cast on these people? Why are they protecting her?"
From the shadows, footsteps approached. Kaito, his son, emerged—tall, with armor-like muscle and a dragon tattoo crawling down his back. His eyes held a dangerous calm, always tinged with crimson, as if blood simmered just beneath the surface.
"What happened, Dad?"
Master Kim exhaled sharply. His rage had taken its toll.
"I can't keep interrogating these useless servants of Hanuel. They've hidden her… sealed her powers. But I know she's alive."
"You really think so?" Kaito asked.
Master Kim's voice grew somber.
"I knew her father. That bloodline doesn't die easy. That girl… she's somewhere out there."
Kaito nodded, his tone softening just slightly.
"Once I'm done with college, I'll help you track her down."
Master Kim looked at his son with something between pride and sorrow.
"I've been waiting for that day. For you to stand beside me..."
He coughed—once, twice. This one lingered.
"Dad?" Kaito asked, concern now replacing composure. "Are you okay?"
"It's nothing," Master Kim replied hoarsely. "Go ahead, meet your friend. Just… stay alert."