From the novel: Incomplete Love, Immortal Soul
Author: Darshpreet Singh
Long ago, in an ancient land lost to time, two powerful villages—Tarumaki and Taihei Sati—existed side by side. Though the land they shared was rich in beauty and tradition, hatred had grown between them over generations. Their people had forgotten how peace once bound them. Now, they knew only rivalry.
Tarumaki was ruled by a fierce and ambitious king named Azal. He was a warrior who believed that strength was the only path to glory. His kingdom was built on conquest, and his eyes were set on expanding his power by claiming the sacred lands of Taihei Sati.
Taihei Sati, on the other hand, was ruled by King Ryuu—a wise, compassionate leader known not for violence, but for his devotion to balance and peace. Under his rule, Taihei Sati had flourished through unity, tradition, and respect for the sacred land they vowed to protect.
As tensions rose, Azal sent word to Ryuu: surrender or face war. Ryuu, unwilling to let his people suffer, offered peace one last time.
"War is merely a symbol of hatred," Ryuu said. "Even if you defeat us, what will you truly gain? Sacred land taken with impure intentions brings only curses. Let us walk the path of peace."
But Azal scoffed at his words.
"Your peace is weakness, Ryuu. Only power survives in this world. And only the strong are remembered."
With that, the battle began.
The skies turned dark with storm clouds as both armies met on the field. Steel clashed with steel, warriors cried out, and the earth trembled under the weight of violence. At the center of it all, Ryuu and Azal faced each other in a duel that would decide the fate of their people.
Blades swung. Blood spilled. The two kings moved like shadows in lightning.
After a long and brutal fight, Azal stumbled. Ryuu, though wounded, stood firm. Azal fell to his knees, gasping for breath, his sword clattering to the ground.
"I... I can't lose," Azal said, trembling.
Ryuu looked at him, not with hatred, but with calm.
"I never wanted this," Ryuu replied. "I warned you that hatred only brings sorrow. Power built on pain does not last. What our people need is peace."
Azal, broken and weary, lowered his head.
"I didn't want this either... but I couldn't stop it."
Ryuu helped him to his feet.
"Then stop it now," Ryuu said. "Let this war end here."
A treaty was formed that day. No one from Tarumaki or Taihei Sati would cross into the other's land again. Any violation would be seen as a return to war. Azal and his samurai agreed.
But while the world above changed, something new stirred below.
That same day, Queen Taruko, Ryuu's beloved wife, gave birth to a son. They named him Keedo Sati—a child born into peace, but with the soul of a warrior.
At the same time, Ryuu's best friend, General Seto, welcomed a daughter into the world. Her name was Hana Seto, born under the same stars as Keedo.
Two children. Two souls. One destiny.
The war had ended, but a new story was just beginning.
And so, the tale begins.
End of Chapter 1