THE REBIRTH OF HOPE - VOLUME I

'The Conflict of Madness'

The ground shook with the rhythmic and thunderous footsteps of the Major Commander's soldiers, who advanced determinedly towards the final battle. Each footfall caused the earth to tremble beneath his feet, echoing the determination and ferocity that fueled his advance. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the desire for conquest that boiled in their hearts. The Commander, imposing in his armor of greed and hatred, led the march with an aura of undeniable power. His eyes sparkled with a thirst for dominance as he barked commanding orders, echoing across the desolate landscape.

"Kill them all! Jetiah is my planet. Attack now!"

On the other side, the guardians waited, holding the shining star in their hands. Its radiance radiated an intense light, bringing with it the promise of renewal and the hope of a better future. Accompanied by the tigers, guiding spirits of that sacred place, the two chosen young people advanced towards the star square, accompanied by the two older wise men, Ali and Padiah.

While the Commander continued to shout his merciless orders, the soldiers fought against an invisible force that seemed to trap them in the quagmire of evil and human degradation. His legs struggled to run, but they seemed to sink into the very mud generated by his cruel acts. They could hear the Commander's screams, they could feel the whip of punishment, but something was stopping them from advancing. It was the light of truth, illuminating the dawn of a new day and revealing the redemption that could be achieved.

The star guardians, followed by a hopeful crowd, finally arrived at the star square. The mud had turned into firm ground, and the murky water would give way to a crystal clear liquid that flowed, harmonizing with the exuberant nature. The arid land germinated hope, giving life to long-dormant seeds. In front of the obelisk, even though it was broken, Ali and Padiah, wielding the power granted by the Star, erected a new monument, shaping it only with the energy that flowed from their hands. Sarati and Alair, moved by the strength of love that united them, carefully placed the Greater Star in its original place. The light was so intense that it blinded the vision, but it did not stop the good-hearted souls from gathering in a choir of jubilation, applauding the restoration of balance.

Sarati asked for silence and addressed the gathered people.

"People of Jetiah, a new era begins for our planet. Through this union, we will be able to live in harmony. May the king and queen come closer and, before the star, reaffirm their commitment to protecting our planet and its people. We, the guardians, will keep the flame burning and the light will spread throughout our land."

The king and queen knelt before the obelisk and, surprisingly, were blessed with a divine light that descended directly over their heads. In a gesture of selflessness, they abdicated their thrones in favor of the two guardians, thus fulfilling the will of the star itself. From that moment, Ali and Padiah began the legacy of guardian kings and queens, guiding Jetiah in times of peace and prosperity.

However, somewhere far away, Carliah woke up abruptly, and plunged into a harrowing nightmare. Panting, he leaned back in the shadowy corner of his prison cell, shared with other men. His body shook convulsively, and a mixture of fear and despair dominated his thoughts. Little by little, he regained his composure and, still trembling, began to give orders to his cellmates.

"Kill them all! I want my planet back!" Carliah shouted, her voice full of anger and determination.

Lucadelli, who was on duty that night, observed him from afar and saw a man tormented by pain and frustration. His eyes met Carliah's, and for an instant, Lucadelli saw beyond the facade of an implacable enemy. He glimpsed a man wracked by grief and loss, a man who longed to take back what had been taken from him.

Amid the darkness of the cell, Lucadelli felt a pang of compassion. Although they were on opposite sides of the battle, he recognized the humanity in Carliah and the pain that consumed him. For a brief moment, the barriers of war were lifted, and Lucadelli wondered if there was a way to find peace and reconciliation.

However, at that moment, the reality of the situation separated them. Carliah continued to give orders, fueled by her relentless determination to take back what she believed was hers. Lucadelli, in turn, remained at his post, watching in silence, as the prison kept its walls impassable.

Jetiah's story was still far from finding its conclusion. The fate of the planet and its inhabitants was in the hands of those who carried the shining star and in the hope that one day, understanding, and peace would prevail over hatred and greed.

Meanwhile, Lucadelli kept with him the memory of the man cornered by pain, a memory that made him question whether there was a way to break the endless cycle of conflict and find common ground for reconciliation.

****

A necklace, a bracelet, and the stellar sword-sacred objects that are part of the secrets of a great prophecy. In the early days of the planet Jetiah, still a barren and inhospitable land, a star appeared, bringing life to this desolate realm. Through the light of life, infused with energy, plants sprouted, grew, and flourished; flowing rivers nourished agricultural fields, providing sustenance for the men and women who called this place home.

"And what happened next, Dad?"

"Daughter, you're very eager! It would help if you were patient. This is a long tale filled with secrets, adventures, love, and destruction. You'll need to test your patience. Allow me to introduce you, my beautiful princess."

"Yes, Dad, but I want to know everything about this beautiful story."

"You will know everything, so pay close attention. Every detail is crucial. There are numerous adventures, and not all of them are picturesque. Remember that."

"I promise I'll pay attention."

With her round, black, and curious eyes fixed on the book her father had been writing for some time-a collection of short stories-he embarked on recounting tales inspired by the paintings and writings left by the great guardians of the star. It was a journey through the generations, revealing the story of the family of guardians of the star and their role in Jetiah's revival.

"Daddy, are you teasing me? I'm getting anxious again."

"I'll never let that happen," he said, smiling at his beautiful princess. "Pay close attention."

Over a thousand years ago, a man named Luthiah was the first ruler of our kingdom. He built a magnificent city, the one we inhabit today, but before he could transform this planet into a habitable land and construct the city, he needed to make numerous discoveries.

"What were those discoveries, Dad?"

"You're getting impatient again. There's no way I can tell you then," said the father, almost closing the book and making a move to leave the bed.

The father pondered where such impatience stemmed from in a child. Thus, he gazed upon his daughter with unconditional love, the princess of his heart, who clung to his arm, unwilling to let him depart, all the while smiling.

"One last chance, alright?"

"I promise I won't say anything else."

"Then remember that promise well."

One day, Luthiah ventured into the desert with his wife Sarah, searching for food and shelter while they explored the unknown planet further. For now, they resided in a place still under construction, along with other inhabitants. The weather was unusually rainy, given the arid nature of the land. The planet was characterized by dry, arid conditions and water scarcity. On this particular day, lightning streaked across the sky, posing a danger to them and the animals they herded. After a long journey, they entered a cave at the foot of a mountain, known as Acadeh, where they sought refuge for the night.

"How did they know the mountain's name? I can ask that, can't I?"

"The star revealed it to them, so I must finish the story."

The following morning, the rain persisted, albeit not as heavily as the previous night, with no signs of abating. They remained inside the cave, keeping warm by a feeble fire fueled by the sticks they gathered. Restless, Luthiah, despite the danger, took a torch and ventured outside to explore.

During the previous night, while his wife slept peacefully, he noticed peculiar lights and heard strange voices emanating from outside. Curious, he approached his wife, who was preparing food, to inform her of his intention to explore further.

"Where are you going, restless man?"

"I'm not sure. Something compels me to explore."

"It's still raining heavily. It could be dangerous."

"I'll be cautious. Stay here, no matter how late I am."

"But, Luthiah..."

"Sarah, I've seen strange lights and heard voices. I need to investigate."

"Do you think it's safe? The ground might be slippery from the rain, and there could be floods."

"Something tells me it's safe. Besides, I see a faint light that seems to draw me in, and the voice I hear has a melodious, feminine tone, as though it's speaking directly to my mind."

"Trying to entice me with a feminine and melodious voice?"

"Never. You're the only one for me. But I must find out what's happening."

Sarah chuckled at her husband; he was always adventurous, always seeking discoveries. She accompanied him to the mouth of the cave.

"Don't be too long. I'm preparing food, and if you sense danger, return to the safety of our shelter."

"I'll return, and I have a feeling it will be with remarkable discoveries."

Luthiah left and wandered until he noticed the light again, which led him to the entrance of a stone corridor at the base of the distant and immense mountain. He gazed into the infinity of the corridor and started walking down it, without fear or uncertainty. As he ventured further, the light grew brighter, intensifying in silver and gold hues, nearly blinding him. With each step, the illumination strengthened, urging Luthiah to quicken his pace. In a matter of minutes, without running, he reached the mountain's summit. Before him stood a towering stone entrance, painted in his eyes with the color of gold. Contemplative, his inner voice urged him to enter. Ten steps forward, he encountered a space resembling a large, semicircular room.

At its center stood an obelisk slightly taller than Luthiah, about six feet in height, crowned with a seven-pointed golden star. Overwhelmed, he stood transfixed, scarcely able to move. The star radiated at its maximum intensity, a blend of gold, silver, violet, and blue. Luthiah's legs seemed reluctant to move. After a few seconds, he felt a peculiar force compelling him to kneel before the monument. Bowing in reverence, with his head touching the ground, he heard the same voice as before, calling out to him.

The voice addressed him by name, recognizing him as the adventurous resident of Jetiah, and welcomed him to its abode. Luthiah was deemed the chosen one of the stars, entrusted with a special mission. He was instructed to take the star resting atop the obelisk to the city he was constructing, ensuring the planet's inhabitants lived in abundance, unity, peace, and love. As their leader, he was tasked with teaching them the true essence of goodness and ensuring they never forgot the sacred mantra of unity, peace, and love.

"How can I accomplish this? I'm only human, flawed, and imperfect," Luthiah questioned.

"All humans, regardless of their planet of origin, possess flaws. Yet, with proper guidance and the power of the star, they can always thrive," the voice reassured him.

Though fearful of the unknown, Luthiah rose to his feet, solemnly retrieved the star from the obelisk's tip, and noticed it shrinking in size, transforming into a small ball emitting a flame of eternal fire, which did not burn or harm upon touch. Ready to return to Sarah, he passed through the entrance door, back into the corridor, beginning his descent. Another large star formed at the previous location, issuing another crucial warning to the initial guardian.

"Luthiah, remember my final words well. As long as the planet basks in light, this light shall endure. However, should the vast lands succumb to darkness, the star will extinguish. Yet, if that time comes, it shall return through two children chosen by themselves, who will guide Jetiah back to the path of light. This shall occur only if the people of this vast planet fall prey to the worst of evils-vanity, pride, lack of love, and greed for power. I reiterate, remember these words, Luthiah. Now, go forth, follow the path back, and fulfill your mission."

"The prophecy, Sarah. The star itself warned about it. Is that why there were no writings?"

"Yes, and there is much more, listen."

"Much more? I want to hear everything!"

Luthiah returned to his worried wife, Sarah, and recounted his experience. Initially skeptical, Sarah doubted the existence of a talking star, let alone its transformation into a ball of fire. However, Luthiah showed her the small flame, which, despite its proximity to the fabric, did not burn. Despite her lingering disbelief, Sarah accompanied her husband home.

"I see nothing in your hands, Luthiah."

"How can you not? It's right here!" he insisted, extending his arm towards her.

"I see nothing. Perhaps my lack of faith blinds me. Perhaps, one day, I will believe. For now, let us return home. If you've been entrusted with a mission, you must fulfill it."

Unfazed by her skepticism, Luthiah felt compelled to return. After days of travel, upon arriving at the still-under-construction city, he rushed to the square, now just a pile of dirt. Standing at its center, he called out to the people, eager to share the news and message bestowed upon him.

Some laughed, others were surprised, and some didn't believe it. Luthiah was not upset.

"I know it's difficult to believe, but it's okay! The star himself said: we are human and full of flaws. I will do what she asked me and I will fulfill my mission."

In two days, driven by the desire to fulfill the mission, he built a monument to place the small ball he carried with him and performed the ritual that his heart commanded and directed. On his knees, in front of the small obelisk, he took the small star out of his pocket and placed it on top of the granite stone. He returned to the reverent position when he felt the force of light.

In a few seconds, the earth shook, and a light of gigantic proportions shone, leaving everyone who passed by, whether working or at home, shocked. Water began to gush from the obelisk, and, incredibly, a river of clear water formed. The energy emanating from the Star went beyond the city limits and rushed over the dry land. Trees sprouted from the ground and flowers, of varied specimens, colored the environment. Beautiful animals, including tigers, came to greet a new planet that was emerging. The people ran to the center of the square. They were surrounded by a huge number of tigers, but they were not afraid. They made the same gesture as Luthiah and revered the light that gave them a new planet and a new chance to live.

The new leader stood up and saw that the people, including his wife, now believed.

"People of Jetiah. This star gave us life. We just have to always walk our lives, remembering three words: union, peace, and love."

Luthiah needed to be grateful and, that same day, he harnessed his mount and set off for Mount Acadeh. To his surprise, the mountain was inaccessible. Separated from the rest of the planet by an oval-shaped cliff that surrounded it, and a dense forest. The sound of the wind picked up, and then he was enveloped by a cloud of dust. Thereafter, he began to distinguish the sounds clearly around him.

"Luthiah, you have fulfilled the first part of your mission, now make this planet the most beautiful of homes and keep this home in harmony. You will be the first king and the first guardian of the star, too. Others will appear to help you and will always be presented with a star necklace and bracelet. They will also carry with them the sword that chooses them."

"But how will I do that? How will I know who these guardians will be?"

"This sword, which will reach your hand, will multiply, at the right time, and will choose the guardians. Every chosen guardian, who does not deviate from their mission, will have a companion who will also be a guardian, and Sarah will soon find her powers. There will be two more couples who will also meet at the base of the star, and you will forge the symbols for them, using the sword."

"Will my children also follow me?"

"It depends on the teachings given to them and, of course, on the learning themselves."

"Who are you? I only hear the voice, but I don't see it."

"I am the Star of Thuman, guide of the planet Jetiah."

"Will I listen to it again?"

"I will be with you, everywhere, including in the center of the central square, as long as you follow the good. If evil takes over them, I will be erased from this world, I will remain only in threads of light, in people who still follow the paths of love."

The wind then died away, and Luthiah, kneeling on the ground, wiped the dust from his eyes, as he saw thick grass and flowers growing around him. Suddenly, a flaming, silver sword flashed amidst the greenery and when wielded by the hand of its guide, it increased in brilliance to supreme intensity.

Alair was so absorbed in the story that he didn't realize that his princess had already slept. He didn't even realize that he had been watched by his wife for some time, leaning against the doorway.

"Did our little one sleep, Alair?"

"Thanks! I don't know where so much anxiety comes from for a simple story about a star."

"Let me think...bout her parents, could it be? Tomorrow I will start telling her my story. Then we take turns with other stories. What do you think?"

"Thanks. I'm exhausted."

They left the room hugging each other. After all, the first royal couple after Jetiah's return needed to perform other duties before bed. In addition to knowing that they would have a long day to face, a six-year-old girl. She eagerly awaited to learn the story of the guardians who brought the Star to its place of origin.

"How will you begin your story?" Asked the husband.

"Hmm, I always think with 'Once upon a time...'"

*******

In the room, Alair and Sarati changed clothes, so that, as kings and guardians, they went to the central square. Dressed in white tunics with golden ribbons, they arrived to perform the light ritual. The guardians of the star awaited them, including Sarati's mother, Ali, Padiah, Magdali, and others who had joined the star in its great triumph seven years earlier. Hand in hand, around the obelisk, they gave thanks, and the Star of Thuman shone at maximum intensity, to tell its great story of resurgence.

*******

Looking at the sky from Jetiah, on a night full of stars, brought a magical scene. This beauty, so rare, amazed the loneliness of the lifeless desert in which that family lived. Sarati liked to see the stars outside, especially on a moonless day, when the biggest spectacle was just them. Since she was little, still on her mother's lap, she would point her index finger upwards, smiling, showing the bright dots that covered the sky of the small property where she was born.

After she learned to walk, even with short steps, after dinner, the girl would always tug at her mother's dress or her father's clothes, who didn't have much patience in taking her to admire the luminaries, with an implicit request that they would take her outside so that she could delight in the magical enchantment of the stars that made her smile.

She, when she was a little older, asked herself several times: "Why was something so simple so important? I was born and raised in a cold, dry land, without water or any kind of life, but where the sky manages to provide me with this magical spectacle. Why do I like stars and the shine they emit so much?"

They were questions from a young woman who had already been born on a destroyed, dirty, ugly, and lifeless planet, but a young woman who also only knew that small piece of ground, and a few kilometers further, when she went to a traditional party. Most of the animals had already become extinct. There was no access to small towns, except when their parents went to sell their small productions or when there was a typical celebration. As Sarati was just a child, she would not have imagined that, at eight years old, on a dark, starless night, she would see the most beautiful of all. The star that would change his life and that of his home for the better.

The family house was made of clay and was built by the father himself. It was small, with just a living room, kitchen, and three bedrooms. In total, five people lived in the hut. The head of the house was called Ané, he was 38 years old, with light-brown skin, and short black hair curled in curls. He worked in subsistence farming and small goat farming as well, which provided the milk to feed them. The milk production was sold to another village that was about 5 km away from where they lived.

Her mother, Ali, was the most beautiful of women for Sarati. She had an angular face, was medium height, was 30 years old, straight black hair. She had a smile that, even in the greatest of adversities, was unable to leave her beautiful face, at least that was what Sarati saw. She had married Ané at age 21, out of love. Regarding how they met, Sarati only learned the true story years later, when she was surprised by unimaginable revelations. He worked to manufacture fabrics, which were also sold every three months in the Walled City.

In every great story, the maternal grandmother must appear. The matriarch also lived with Sarati's family, in another house, on the same property. She was considered the local doctor. The spinner's trade had been passed on to her daughter, and on the farm, she dedicated herself to the second thing she liked most: discovering plants and the cures they could provide. The paternal grandparents, who could not be missing, especially in this story, under any circumstances, lived far away, hidden, and were called Liviá and Anatid. Contact with them was very scarce. Only on special occasions, or some cultural celebration, would they get together to celebrate the family. They were reserved, especially the grandmother, who was always sick and preferred to cloister herself in the darkness of her room.

The fifth inhabitant of Sarati's property was her brother, who inherited his second name from his paternal grandfather. His name was Jacob. He was the youngest, tall, thin, darker than Ané, curly hair, a mix of his mother and father. The family's child prodigy was Sarati herself, four years older than her brother. The girl completed the family. She had beautiful black hair, very white skin, and medium height, with the most beautiful eyes anyone could have seen in Jetiah, large and the color of the sky on a starless night.

Sarati was taught the gift of writing. She was passionate about stories. There he always told him facts about the world, but only the most recent ones, which referred to the seizure of power by kings by a tyrant. The guardians' past and the history of Thuman's Star, however, came to light abruptly and led to spectacular adventures. The young protagonist discovered that she had the mission to save the planet Jetiah from evil, as an adult and discovered herself in a new world.

Sarati imagined that the planet Jetiah had always been like that: desert, with few plants and animals. Therefore, that scenario was something normal and every day for everyone who was born, after the great star went out and disappeared. It turns out that life can take turns, and before those turns happen, it can take very, terrible turns. Therefore, this story could never remain just in the pages of Sarati's memory. That was how, after becoming an adult and after all the adventures she had experienced, she decided to tell her life to the people of Jetiah, in the form of a beautiful manuscript.

The dark place was full of water on all sides. A slime formed beneath Sarati's feet and seemed as if it would suck her under the wet earth. She desperately tried to run. Her long dress dragged on the ground, getting tangled in the dry branches, even in muddy waters, of dead plants. Someone was following her, but she couldn't tell who it was. Furthermore, at the end of the trail, there was no way out, just an abyss and nothingness. Sarati woke up screaming, once again, sweating and breathing heavily. Ali entered the room hurriedly, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Oh, my daughter, another dream?"

"Yes, very bad. This time, it ended in an abyss. There was something following me. All I could see was a light in the distance. That light seemed to be far away. I ran and ran and couldn't catch her. When it got stronger, I saw that I was on the edge of an abyss, there was no way out."

"My daughter, you only have eight years to dream of such insight. I know you're very smart for your age, but I think you're sleeping too late. As we read yesterday, until after the usual time, you created this scenario in your mind."

"It's not creation, mom. I saw everything! I even think I'm going to wake up wet and with mud all over my sleeping dress. I wake up screaming, but in the dream, I'm not a child anymore, I'm an adult, and I'm not afraid, I'm just running away from something. I think it's one thing, but it could be someone, who's chasing me."

"I believe that, if there were still books in this world, you would be the most beautiful of writers. Tomorrow, I don't think I'll let you go out into the yard to see your stars. They leave you with a very, very fertile imagination and I won't tell stories either."

"What will I be doing then? Without the stars and the stories, what will I have left, mom? There is nothing in this land, not even the hope of improvement. Don't take away at least these two pleasures from me. I was born here, but I don't like it. Everything is dry, cold, just the stars that appear in the sky, and only once in a while, do they leave me with a little hope."

"Cheeky!" Said his mother, giving him a kiss. "Do you want to come sleep with me and your father?"

"No need, I'm fine. Just stay here a little longer, until I sleep again."

"You speak like an adult, full of confidence, but you wake up screaming, I don't understand."

"It's because the dream is very clear and real. It seems to be happening here, right now. I just repeat what I see. It's very real."

"Then lie down, close your eyes and try to sleep. Since you don't want to come with me, I'm going to run my hand through your hair."

"Then don't go, even if I fall asleep."

The mother leaned against the wall and placed her daughter's head in her lap. He only left when he saw that she was asleep again. Sarati had been having these dreams that always ended with a glow in the distance. However, before reaching that moment, something very frightening occurred. In the first dream she revealed to her mother, as an adult, she was running from bad men, who had guns and looked like lunatic stalkers. In the second, she watched over a sacred place, which was invaded by a torrent of evil, in the form of dust, devouring the environment. In the third, he searched for answers to a prophecy in books. And, in the fourth, that day, Sarati almost fell off a cliff, behind the light that came from the other side of a river, with the feeling of something chasing her.

"What's happening to that girl? I don't even want to think that it could be that." That was the thought that was going through Ali's head.

His mother believed in dreams, but pretended not to and stopped talking. Sarati only told her part of each of her nightmares and Ali always gave her the same answer: it was great that her daughter had a fertile imagination, she would have been a great writer when books weren't yet banned. In the not too distant future, Sarati would discover that her mother, always intending to protect her, concealed the real meaning of those revelations, or even sometimes, did not imagine that it would be real.

In the morning, after breakfast, the child ran to his grandmother's house, his safe haven. While Manú kneaded and tested his various herbs, Sarati stood by his side, watching and trying to learn. In the same place, Ali wove the threads. That day, everything seemed different. Sarati was agitated, the night hadn't been the best. In his core, he felt that something unusual was about to happen. The room, which was already small, seemed even smaller, almost swallowing her. The restless child, who should have been there to help, couldn't stay still in one place.

"Sarati, what do you have today?" Asked grandmother, with an angry voice. "You are very agitated and disturbing me and your mother in our work."

"Sorry, I had a terrible dream last night. It's already the fourth nightmare in a row. My soul seems to sense that something different will happen. This room is too small, suffocating."

"Then try to calm down, understand?" The grandmother said, her voice a little more incisive.

Manú looked at his Ali differently, but, at the moment, Sarati, despite having seen the exchange of looks that reflected fear, didn't take it seriously, she thought it was just her grandmother being angry because she was disrupting the day's work. Not wanting to be scolded anymore, the girl went out into the yard and played all day, like a normal child, but her heart was still tight.

Some time later, tired of making up jokes, she decided to take a shower to refresh her mind. Nothing that cold water couldn't solve. However, once again, that was not what happened, even jumping into the only pond on the property, the water did not calm her down. Throughout the evening meal, she shook her legs restlessly and picked at her food inattentively, as if she were not present at the table.

"Sarati, are you still agitated? Today, you weren't even able to help me crush the herbs. And you have such a keen eye for plants," said the grandmother, with sweetness in her voice, but worried, "I'm going to prepare a special herb to scare away those bad dreams. They must be the ones leaving her like this."

"I think I'll need to tell you several stories today to calm you down, Mom." Ali said.

"I love it when mom tells me these different stories about kings, queens and a beautiful city that once existed. I'm amazed at the creativity of inventing all of this. And then she tells me that I have a creative mind. It would never cross my mind that this dry land of ours once had a kingdom, with flowers, a city all white and illuminated."

"Your mother really has a great imagination, daughter" said the grandmother, trying to hide her anguish when she remembered her own story. "Then enjoy the beautiful fantasy stories. If they receive that name, it is because they do not exist.

At that time, his father was coughing and choking. Sarati rushed to help him, patting his back. Once again, a different look from Manú to Ali was shot in Ané's direction. The girl still thought it was because she had been agitated all day and, therefore, decided to remain silent until dinner was over. As there was no peace in the legs and arms, the agitation remained. Sarati got up and left the room, without looking back, and ran to the backyard.

"Where are you going, Sarati" he heard his mother ask from afar. "Come back here, I told you that today you won't see the stars, and you'll sleep early."

"I'm going to see the stars. I asked you not to take this pleasure away from me. It's not the light that gives me muddy dreams, but the darkness."

"This girl is only eight years old? Said Manú: "How do you use such adult words? And what's happening to her?"

"I don't know, mom. I'm afraid of what could be and what destiny has in store for us."

"No destination. I will not let my daughter see or sense anything." Ané said in agony.

It was of no use, everyone's concern, on the contrary, made them make bad and hasty decisions, after Sarati grew up. Destiny is certain and plays tricks, so there are no shortcuts to be avoided.

Sarati was already running to climb into the back of the hay cart. A strange energy was pulling her and, at the same time, leading her out. The carriage, where she liked to lie down, was not in the usual place, so she sat down. Sitting next to the Jerah tree, Sarati looked up at the sky, as she did repeatedly, every day. The sky, that day, was starless, black, without any shine, which was unusual, as there was no rain in Jetiah, just a clear sky, without clouds. Suddenly, the girl noticed a point of light, right above her head, and it seemed to descend towards her. It was a brilliant light that slowly arrived and illuminated the place. A star of great magnitude opened and formed in the sky. Sarati couldn't take her eyes off the golden star, mixed with shades of silver and violet in the center. The impressive thing is that the intense brightness didn't hurt his eyes. The star began to grow and there was a crystallized core from which the seven points of the outer part departed.

Sarati's mouth was open and tears fell from her eyes. He didn't realize that he had let out a scream, not out of fear, but out of emotion, and that now everyone was at his side. The residents of the house could not say how long the star remained in the same place; They were afraid when they got very close to Sarati, and it made the girl shiver and tremble with fear, not for the star, but for having taken her away from that moment.

With a hug, her father dragged her into the house.

"Come, Sarati!"

"I want to see. It is beautiful. What star is this? It looks like the planet is spinning. It has colors. Please, I want to see."

"What do you see, Sarati?" Asked the grandmother, in a frightened voice.

"A wonderful star. It will bring life and transform everything around us. I hear a voice, the star is telling me this. Do you see the layers of gold and violet in the center of it?"

"What are you saying, Sarati? Let's go in!" Ordered her father, who this time picked her up, more roughly, and took her away.

"I do not want to go. Let me go."

"The shine is already fading. Come now." Sarati tried to get off her father's lap.

"Daddy, I hear a call. She wants to talk to me."

"Come in Sarati!" Ordered the father, "throwing the girl into the room, who fell on the floor and cried."

Ané didn't like it when the little girl narrated her dreams or said strange things. Which, in his view, didn't make any sense. But it wasn't fear or disbelief in his own daughter, but compassion for what she would have to face, and that was the reason that led him to make decisions that he would later regret.

Ali took a glass of water and went to her daughter's room. Kneeling on the floor, she squeezed Sarati's hand, who walked to the bed sadly and turned away from her mother. The girl still took a look at the sky, but the brightness and the star disappeared, and only darkness remained. Manú also went to the room, said something in Ali's ear and said goodbye. Lying in bed, unable to close her eyes, the little child remembered the light, and asked her mother to leave.

"Go away, mom. I want to be alone."

"You're only eight years old, daughter. Try to sleep, you weren't even supposed to be awake at this time."

"I want to know why Dad was so nervous, at that moment, about the star. He was never rough with me like that. I just wanted to stay and finish watching. I've never seen anything of that intensity."

"We've had enough emotions for today, my daughter."

"A new world will be born, mom. You don't believe me, but it's true. I heard a voice coming from the center."

"I partially believe you. I believe in the beauty of that star, and that we've never really seen anything like it, but don't think about that voice, it doesn't exist. Get it out of your head, please. And besides, daughter, I'm going to tell you something, and don't ask me any questions. Don't talk about what you saw, not even to the animals. We don't know what might happen if they know you saw the star."

"Why?"

"There is no reason. Just do as I say and sleep, please."

There he stood up, also with a very serious face, gave his daughter a kiss and, with the gesture, told Sarati that the conversation was over. She went into the bedroom, following her husband, who was pacing back and forth, and hugged him.

"Ali, what happened? What star is this that has appeared? Don't tell me, it's prophecy. I will never let my daughter be in danger, in the hands of the General Commander."

"I don't know, Ané. I think we should calm down. The description that Sarati made is very accurate, the star that existed on the obelisk in the central square, even more so when it shone.'

"So she could be that child."

"He can."

"What if this light was seen in Central City, and soldiers came."

"She will deny it, we will never let her talk to anyone about the star she saw."

"Sarati, she's only eight years old."

"I know, my husband, and we will protect you. At home, we will always deny any matter related to a star and will not let her talk about it anymore. Now, let's calm down and try to sleep."

"Sarati, did you sleep?"

"He was facing the window. I'm going to the room again to check. Now lie down, and otherwise she might become suspicious depending on our reactions."

The zealous mother returned to her daughter's room and saw that she was sleeping. Despite warning her husband, she herself felt insecure and couldn't sleep well that night.

After that event, life on the small property continued as normal, but there was an apprehension in the air in the house. There, Ané and Manú were worried all the time, and the nightmares were now recurring. Every day, the house woke up to screams, and Sarati was suffocated by fear. The fear became greater when, more or less, a month later, they were surprised by armed soldiers invading their residence in the middle of the night.

Two men came in screaming, swords drawn, and pulled them out of bed. Before that, however, there was time for Sarati's father to pick her up and speak in her ear: - Don't say anything about the star, please, Sarati. Your life depends on it.

"Where is the child who saw a star shine in the sky?"

"We have two sons, soldiers, and we don't know who you are talking about." Ali replied, looking with a tender look, a golden glow in his eyes and a light emanating from his body.

The soldier, who was wearing a blue cloak, turned his face towards Sarati. Seemingly enchanted by her childlike purity, her angelic face and the magnetizing energy that exuded from her skin, he approached her.

"What's your name, girl?"

"Sarati, sir!"

"Was it you who saw a star that shone in the sky?"

"No sir!"

"But they told me that this house is where a girl who loves to see the stars lives."

"I like it, sir, but no stars have ever shone here."

"Julião, our Major Commander, ordered us to stay only on the outskirts of the Walled City. This girl didn't see anything, look at her! An ordinary child, lackluster, angelic face. And besides, we are quite far from the city."

"Don't you want a bowl of water and bread for the trip? I'll get it for you." Ali asked, with the generosity that was peculiar to him.

The soldiers relaxed their tension and turned red with shame at the kindness offered, even in the face of their suspicions. Without caring about the discourteous attitude, the owner of the house went to the kitchen and came back with water and food, so they could make their way back.

"How old are you, soldiers?" The father asked, smiling with a different light in his body.

"18 years."

"So young and already serving the Major Commander! It must be an honor!"

"Yes sir."

"Go in peace." Ali wished them.

As they walked out the front door, Julião turned and returned his gaze to Sarati. With a smile, he said goodbye to the girl and said that one day they would see each other again. Something very bad was going on in the soldier's head. That image stayed in the little girl's mind for days, but, thanks to the Lord of time and the art of being a child, it was easy to forget. In fact, she never believed he would cross her path again. Sarati never imagined that one day she would actually meet him again.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Julião and the other soldier left the house and a few meters later, they sat down to eat, under an isolated tree, still close to Sarati's house. The soldier had a vision in the distance, remembering the day he saw a light, albeit small, shine differently in the sky.

"Thoughtful, Julião."

"Something tells me that child is lying."

"Why did the Commander assign us to this mission, Julião, when they say that this prophecy is nothing more than a legend?"

"The Commander doesn't know, but I also saw, that day, a different movement in the sky. As the Walled City is closer, from where a different ray of light was supposedly seen, we were summoned to find a child."

"I didn't know that our sovereign saw that light."

" Alid, our boss in the Walled City, said he woke up with a start, to a beam of light, which briefly illuminated the room. Afraid that it might actually be the prophecy, he asked soldiers to set out on the path to the light, to look for any child who had seen it."

"Were you intrigued by that girl in the house?"

"She's lying. And if I haven't figured it out now, I'll figure it out later."

"And how will you do it?"

"Not even if I have to marry her. This star cannot return, it has already caused too much misfortune in my family."

"What do you mean, soldier?"

"Nothing that interests you, soldier. Let's finish this lunch and continue our journey. There's only one more, a small village, that we have to look at."

In the village, they went from house to house, but found nothing. The majority did not have children, just young people, already of working age. The prophecy, which Julian knew, was clear, children would see the star. They left, and in the Walled City they reported to Alid, who didn't know how to break the news to the Major Commander, without suffering the necessary consequences.

In other places, much further away, the cave, which will become a real city, was at the end of its normal working day and other activities. The work took turns between planting, harvesting and extracting sand to make artisanal works, which were sold at some festivals, the main one being Laidé - these were the only gatherings in which several friends met again, and could reminisce. A little of what it once was, Jetiah.

The cave was divided into rooms, rooms, but there was a refectory where everyone ate together. It was their way of socializing after a day of work. The mini-city was built after the great escape from the Central City, and Padiah, the guardian of the star, was its administrator and creator. He was a middle-aged man, he looked about 50 years old, brown hair, green eyes, medium height. He always liked to walk around with a staff in his hand and, even if no one saw him, he never left his guardian necklace safe, he carried it close to his body, even though he knew that the star was no longer shining.

Padiah was married to Magdali, also a guardian, his companion in love and war. She was a beautiful woman, with long, light blonde hair, long eyebrows and blue eyes with greenish pupils. The couple had an only son, Alair, at that time, 13 years old. Alair was a young-looking teenager, robust, tall and muscular, a result of manual labor. He helped with the harvest and in any other role he was asked to do, but that little boy had one striking characteristic: he loved to see the stars, just like Sarati.

Padiah's family always sat at the central table and, with them, his closest friends, Lucadelli and Jonas, former soldiers of the last monarchs, who once ruled Jetiah. The conversation flowed freely, informal dialogues, and the joy of knowing that Laidé's party was near and that, once again, part of the planet's people could meet again. Only one person was out of character at that table, Alair, who was restless, moving the food from one side to the other, and most impressively, not giving any input into the two soldiers' conversations.

"Alair, are you all right?" Lucadelli asked, slapping the boy's hand and making fun of him. "Are you in love with someone? It looks like you are in the moon world."

"Everything is fine. I just don't want to eat, nor am I very hungry today."

"That boy is sick, Padiah. He eats more than Lucadelli and Jonas combined! My son, what is happening?" Magdali said, jokingly, but with the attentive concern of every mother, "You saying you're not hungry is something very worrying for a mother."

"Nothing, Mom, I mean, I don't know. I'm restless, I had some strange dreams last night. Can I go there to the stone? Today is a great day to see the stars."

"Dude, you really aren't feeling well today!" Lucadelli exclaimed. "There are no stars in the sky, and it looks like the world has just gone dark for good. I just did the outside round and everything is black, lifeless, nothing."

"But it will. I can go?"

Magdali fixed her gaze on Alair and felt the presence of the star, but, at first, she didn't believe in such a possibility and could only say: "Yes, my son, you can go, but don't forget to come back. When you sit on that rock, you seem to forget the world inside."

"I won't forget. When I see the first star of the night, I'll go back inside."

Alair left without even touching the food. He went to the back part of the cave. At that moment, Padiah's heart began to beat faster when he heard his son's speech and felt the same thing as his wife.

"Padiah, has the time come?"

"I don't know, but it's very strong, very strong. Even more so when Alair said he will return when he sees the first star of the night."

"What are you talking about?" Lucadelli asked.

"We don't know yet, Lucadelli, but if what we suspect happens, we'll tell you."

"The prophecy?"

"We don't know, but the heart is racing and there is a force pulsing in me and Padiah." Explained Magdali.

"Come on, Magdali."

The couple left for the room, while Alair arrived outside the cave. As soon as he stepped out into the night air, Alair saw that Lucadelli was right, as there were no stars in the sky. If it weren't for some torches that were placed for lighting, everything would have been dark and dangerous, the nocturnal animals couldn't be seen and were dangerous. He remained restless and sat down on the side rock to the right, as he did almost every night. This stone, which looked like a clay sculpture made by nature, Alair always used to admire the stars or, on that day, just rest and relieve his agony.

The young man lay down with his arms behind his head and stared at the immensity of the universe. It was all so vast, so mysterious, but so beautiful. At that moment, it seemed even more so because, without explanation, no stars occupied the sky that night. It was clean, dust-free, and there had been no imminent sandstorms or rain. Alair smiled at the beauty and the feeling was of accomplishment, for being there that day.

Inside the cave, Magdali excused herself and went to her room, followed by Padiah. They hadn't used their stellar objects in a while. Despite believing in the prophecy, they saw no need to expose themselves to any of the Commander's soldiers. Padiah, still kept close to him, hidden in his tunic, but not his wife. Magdali opened the third drawer of the dresser and took out a wooden box, engraved on its lid with a seven-pointed star. With the key given by Padiah, who always hid it in the pocket of her tunic, she opened it and took out a violet bag, which already emanated a subtle luminosity.

"Padiah, look. It is weak, but the object is emitting a light, albeit lifeless and deformed, but a luminosity."

"Is it time to return, Magdali?"

"And is our son the chosen one?"

"I believe so, but who will be the other child?"

"Let's not think about that now, let's go to Alair. He will need us."

With emotion running high, the guardian opened the bag. From there he removed the star necklace and bracelet, which shone a little more brightly when they went into the hands of their owners, respectively, the necklace for Padiah and the bracelet for Magdali, unable to contain her emotion, Magdali cried.

"Magdali, we need to go after Alair."

"Is happening! With the growth of light, it is confirmed, Padiah. Our son is the boy of the prophecy. I had premonitory dreams, but I didn't believe them. Padiah, what awaits us? What will become of our little boy?"

"Let's not think about that now. He needs us. Come!"

When they left the room, they felt the ground shake and ran to the stone, but not before returning to using their sacred objects.

While the parents ran to meet their son. Alair observed the sky, and was still wrapped in thoughts that roamed the longest lands when he felt a tremor. This one started slowly, but grew in intensity. There was a flash in the sky, which until today has never been known as to how it did not blind him. It was very strong, and it went down very quickly and in a few seconds it arrived very close to the boy's eyes. The central fireball formed seven golden points, mixed with violet, and from then on, the young man began to hear a distant voice, which became louder every second.

"Alair..."

"I'm crazy, hearing voices."

"No, young man. I found your other half. You will have a beautiful and difficult mission to accomplish."

"Who are you? Where does this voice come from?"

The light and the voice increased in intensity and transformed into an even larger seven-pointed star. There was: in the center, a sphere with a strong violet light, now even more visible; At the edges it was intense gold, even more shiny and radiant. The star arrived and made Alair get down from the rock and run, but he was surprised by the sound of the voice calling him, again: - Don't be afraid, Alair, you are the chosen one. Today, the star grants you and your companion the mission of bringing Jetiah back. First, however, you will have to find her, she is far from you.

"Who are you? What a mission, I'm just a thirteen-year-old."

"I am the path of light that should lead Jetiah to his rebirth. I am THUMAN'S STAR."

"But you're just a legend, a story that we hear every day, but no one believes."

"Your father and mother will be able to guide you. You will have a long road and a painful mission, but I am sure you will be able to overcome all barriers."

"You've already said that, but it's hard to believe."

"Believe and live this mission."

"What will I have to do?"

"For now, ask your father to forge a bracelet and a necklace. These two artifacts, which are stellar objects, will be made from the piece of the star that he still has, and will belong to you and your companion."

"What companion? I don't understand. Who..."

Alair was going to ask one more question, but was interrupted.

"There's no more time for questions, I can't let you be discovered. When the time is right, I will be with you."

The flash ended abruptly, and Alair fell backwards to the ground due to the energetic force that was released. Padiah and Magdali, who only saw a glimpse of what happened, approached and welcomed their son, who was quite scared.

"Alair, are you okay?" The mother asked, trying to emanate as little concern as possible.

"Did you see what I saw? I am getting crazy! I saw a star, and in addition to seeing it shine, it spoke to me. She asked you, daddy, to forge a bracelet and a necklace. What does it all mean?"

Padiah motioned to Magdali, who showed the two objects to her son.

"The time has come, my son. There is a prophecy, and you are the chosen one of the star. Your mother and I will tell you everything we know so that you can prepare yourself when the time and moment is right."

"And I will have, now" expressed Padiah "to create a task force, to try to find the other child, your companion, who must, together with you, fulfill this prophecy."

"What a companion. I'm only thirteen years old...''

Alair couldn't say anything else, he was in pain all over his body and began to shiver from the cold due to the impact of the revelation.

"Come on, son. You need to lie down, it was a huge impact."

In the room, the mother spent the whole night, applying warm water bandages, to alleviate the fever that dominated her son's body. It was star power. Alair stayed like that for three days, until his body regained strength, and he woke up with his mother beside him, reading a book.

"Mommy."

"Hi son. It's better?"

"Yes, but what happened that night. I'm tired, with body aches."

"It was the energy of the Star, son. Dad and I will explain everything, but calmly."

As the days went by, Padiah and Magdali revealed only the content of the prophecy, as the rest would be left for when they found the other child, chosen from the star. So the cycle of objects would be completed with the delivery of the bracelet to Alair's companion. The sword, an object of protection, and its importance were also left to be revealed later. Alair still had to learn how to survive the Major Commander's men and their fury. It was necessary to learn the art of fighting. One day, while fighting with Lucadelli, he noticed that his father had two other swords, different from the one he used, in his hand.

"More swords, father? Lucadelli is already kicking my ass!"

-These are the swords forged from starlight. I won't explain how yet. I just need you, with your energy, to discover what yours is. And when you find your companion, do the same exercise with her, her sword will find you.

Alair followed the ritual taught by his father, and the stone that adorned the sword shone towards him.

Central City was experiencing another normal day, the day the star shone in the sky of planet Jetiah. The population, for the most part, was made up of drug addicts scattered across the floor, experiencing their moment of hallucination, and soldiers protected the Palace and the Major Commander, who reigned sovereignty on his stolen throne. Years ago, Carliah usurped the throne from Anatid, his second cousin, after an unfair and bloody fight.

After taking the throne, the final blow was to destroy the star monument. He, on his golden throne, loved to remember that day. The guardians fled, and their soldiers were on the hunt, but it would no longer be necessary because without the light of the star, they would be nothing. The monument, dedicated to the Star of Thuman, was located in the city's central square, where all the guardians gathered for their daily tasks, including the consecration of day and night. With the dominance of Carliah, who began to call himself Major Commander, the guardians, in fear, began to move away from their tasks and abandon the city, fleeing the wrath of that destroyer.

The energy of evil, ambition and greed for power, which came out of Carliah's heart, weakened the light energy of the Central City. All that was needed was one final blow. The planet was also ending its energy of peace and each day, more and more, it was left in dryness and darkness. When he realized that he had this power within him, he made a point of destroying the planet's energy center and destroyed the star. With a stone hammer in his hand and with an untamed fury, he descended with his followers from the Palace, straight to the square. She was still at the tip of the obelisk, reduced in size, and with only a very faint strand of light. With ten blows, in a few minutes the entire obelisk and the star fell to the ground, leaving only pieces scattered in the parched mud of the river.

When you have power in your hands, human beings become blind, and with the Major Commander, it couldn't be any different. Full of certainties, he just forgot that there was a prophecy, dictated to the first guardian, and that, one day, it could come true. And he forgot, even more, that the planet had already gone through times of darkness, but had regained its glory, overcoming the energies of evil.

After years of command, the supreme leader, on any day and at any time, considered and celebrated his great victory, as if he had taken power at that moment. That day, it couldn't be any different. He came down from his royal chamber accompanied by two half-naked women to have breakfast. They only wore a transparent red robe, it was their way of seducing him, transparent, sensual and insinuating clothes, which he liked so much.

As a form of manipulation, he encouraged his subjects to consume drinks and drugs, a perfect tactic to prevent rebellions from happening. Satisfied and dependent, they would not dare run away or rebel. What he had to face in the past was enough, which ended up culminating in a mass escape of several people, including those who called themselves guardians of the star.

For a time, he even looked for the rebels, but his pride was superior to any prophecy, and as Major Commander, he believed he was invincible, he had dominated and destroyed the Star. That was enough! He was a man in his 35th years, with a hard face, without smiles, short black hair, and eyes that were also black, like the night. He appeared to be much older than his true age. Carliah's life was to build factories that produced drugs for his followers, and weapons for his army, all located in the Walled City, a city a few kilometers away from the Central City, and to have several women for his delight and pleasure, who were treated in the worst way. Possible.

That morning, the Commander sat down and immediately expelled the women to the service area. Despite being hand-picked, always beautiful, well-dressed and smelling good, they were nothing more than mere servants to the sovereign. After breakfast, he went to make his rounds around the city and pastures. He liked to savor the poverty of the population and, above all, the moral misery produced by himself. Those were the only moments he laughed with delight.

When he passed through the Central City, he decided to follow a path that he had stopped following for several years. He looked at the destroyed houses, avoided the people on the ground, passed by a few businesses, as the food distribution practically all came from the Walled City, and ended his walk in the central square, or rather, called Star Square. He dismounted his animal and joined a woman who was looking at the broken monument. Despite being far from the Commander, Liá was startled and jumped back, bowing somewhat awkwardly.

"What are you doing here, woman? Are you a fan of the Star that no longer exists?" The Major Commander mocked, letting out a nasty laugh.

"No, sir, despite living here, I had never been to the central square. I just went to take an order and decided to stop to understand the meaning of this monument."

"Firstly, there is no monument. And if there isn't, there is no meaning. Can't you see, are you blind? Everything is destroyed, by my own hands. I am the Major Commander of this planet, so I am ordering you, now that you have been here for the first time, do not come back. This location is prohibited."

"Yes sir. I will withdraw. Sorry, Major Commander." Liá, left with a somewhat awkward bow.

"I think it's better, and I repeat, don't stop in front of that monument again. We don't know what could happen to you. My soldiers love to catch women, even elderly ones, who don't obey what I say."

"I will not disobey."

The woman bowed again and strode home. Liá was shaking, scared, but managed to hide it and return home safely. The soldier who accompanied him at the time was intrigued and called for his master.

"Sir, you want me to follow this woman. She seemed very taken with these pieces of monument."

"Do you want to know more than me, soldier? She owns the store that supplies useless people who live on drugs, and you soldiers, or don't you recognize her?"

"Sorry sir. I didn't know, it's always like at home."

"So now you know. It's useless."

Without another word, the Commander got back on his horse and left for the royal palace, without noticing that a small piece of the star was shining faintly on the ground.

In a small room, inside the warehouse, which he kept disguising the real reason because he still lived in the Central City, Liá entered. The path was short, but at that moment, it seemed miles and miles away. Liá was lost in questions, especially when questioning why the Commander was in the central square. Did he feel something different, like Liá herself?

The night before, he slept early and dreamed of the star that shone for two children, but in completely different places. In the morning, since waking up very early, Liá had a feeling that something strange was about to happen. With the photo of the sisters in his hand, he tried to calm down, but his heart was in disarray, beating out of rhythm. A magnetic force imperceptible to the naked eye pulled it close to the star. She got up reluctantly, but she had to feed the soldiers who passed by the warehouse to eat before going home or to work at the palace. A low-ranking soldier and his superior entered the tavern. At that time, another bakery.

"Coffee, Liá."

"Yes sir."

As he served the coffee, he continued to feel the weight in his heart, and even, a few times, he reached for his hand on his chest, which raised some worried questions.

"Are you all right, Ms. Liá?" Asked the highest-ranking soldier, called Alid "She looks haggard."

"I don't know, soldier. I didn't wake up very well today. I think I ate some bad food yesterday."

"Take care, Dona Liá, I won't be able to do without your wonderful cupcakes."

"I think it's just tiredness, Mr. Alid."

Liá smiled and, when the warehouse was empty, she closed the doors and walked to chase away the agony. The most surprising thing is that, without realizing it, she ended up in Star Square, where she carried out her guardian mission so many times, and which was now devastated. He didn't stay long. After the shock of meeting the Major Commander, Liá ran back home and thus lay in her room until night when she received an unexpected call. Through the energy transposition method, her great friend came to the room. I couldn't see her, but I felt her alive. It felt like a dream, but much more realistic.

"Liá, my friend, it's me, Magdali."

"Magdali, did something happen? All day I had a feeling, an agony in my chest."

"What we had been waiting for years happened: the star shone! One of the children she chose was my son Alair. Now we have to look for the other child. Stay alert."

"The prophecy will come true. Thank you, Starlight. Magdali, do you have any suspicions as to who the other child is?"

"No. We will try to find out information at Laidê's party. But we have to be as discreet as possible. And you, Liá, saw something in the Central City, or just felt the force of the star."

"I think so. Today, as soon as the soldiers had coffee, I discreetly left and walked, somewhat aimlessly. A restlessness took over me. When I saw it, I was in the square. I saw a very small beam of light on a piece of the Star. I just hope the Commander didn't see what I did."

"May the star protect us and be careful with your words, even if we are in your home. We are always in danger with the General Commander. And why did you say that I hope he didn't see what I did?"

"He approached me, a little after I arrived at the square. I was very scared."

"Then take extra care. Don't speak out. Stay like a lady, owner of a small grocery store. We don't know when we will meet the other child and when it is appointed for them to begin the mission entrusted to them."

Liá realized that her friend needed to go, her energy was running out, and she was just becoming white smoke. Within seconds, Magdali's energy was gone. Liá began to cry with emotion at this news. At night, both Liá and the Palace Commander saw an unexpected light in the sky from their bedroom window. Liá cried and the bracelet, assigned to her, glowed dimly, saying it was true, the path to Jetiah's return was close. The sovereign lord of that planet, who never believed in the prophecy, found himself scared and cornered. He ran down to the room, and shouted orders to his soldiers to travel the planet in search of the light he saw and the supposed child of the prophecy who saw it.

"Call Aladir, now!" He shouted, already downstairs. The Commander seemed out of his mind.

One of the commander's servants, also a former guardian, disguised as a housekeeper, came in to bring a drink.

"Sir, your drink."

"Leave it on the table, and when Aladir gets to the Palace, bring it here quickly."

"Yes sir.'

The servant ran to the back of the palace and looked at her communicator, a broken watch in the eyes of the soldiers and other officials, but a message communicator. He looked quickly and saw that the only sentence was the one he wanted to hear, and that's why the Commander was so nervous.

"She returned in brilliance and sublimity. Keep an eye on everything and everyone. Be careful".

When he entered the kitchen, he came across Aladir, the first General who took care of the Central City.

"Where was the servant?"

"In the bathroom, sir. Pardon me."

"Where is the Commander. The soldiers came to look for me, but I couldn't find him in the room."

"He locked himself in the Oval Office, where there are books."

"Don't go out again, especially when you have an emergency."

"Yes sir."

Aladir, scared, headed towards the library. Even though he was a General, he feared the sovereign's fury, even more so in the way he was called, in a hurry and at night. He slammed the door and heard a boom of voice.

"Because it took so long."

"Sorry sir. I was doing the rounds."

"When I call, drop everything and come." Aladir was hit on the head, which almost sent him to the ground.

"Sorry sir." He spoke while kneeling, as the Commander ordered with a gesture of his hand.

"Listen to what I'm going to say so you don't make mistakes. I saw a very strong light in the sky, coming from the east of the planet, it must be in the Laidê region. Find any child who may have seen a great star, the biggest star, and the brightest."

"You want me to kill her or bring her to the palace."

"First, highlight some soldiers, the youngest, most eager to show service, and place them from house to house."

"And if we don't find anyone, sir."

"If, with absolute certainty, they don't find anyone, I will be sure that I am the Major Commander and that this prophecy is just a legend. Now go and don't disappoint me."

"Yes, sir Commander."

Aladir's horse galloped at the speed of the wind and he, still at dawn, entered the gates of the Walled City. Without hesitation, he went to the house of Julião, the soldier, trained by him and the son of a cousin. He slammed the door with force and urgency.

"Who is it?" Julião shouted, in a sleepy voice.

"Aladir, your commander."

Julião opened the door very quickly. The dream was to grow up as a soldier, and to do so he had to first ingratiate himself with his chief officer, and then with the Major Commander.

"Come in, sir."

"I'll be brief. Choose three groups, with two soldiers each and head to the Laidê region, but also explore the entire region, including farms and small villages. Don't let anyone escape."

"What happened, sir. Any rebellion?"

"No, the Major Commander saw a light in the sky yesterday. He wants them to find any child who says they saw a big, very bright star."

"Does he think it's the prophecy?"

"He doesn't believe her, but, like he said, children are easy to manipulate. If you find one who talks in detail about what he saw, bring him immediately and kill his parents."

"And if we don't find it."

"He said that if they don't find it, after going through everything, it will only confirm that everything is nothing more than a legend, and he is really the Major Commander of this planet."

"If that child exists, I will find him, sir."

"Then be quick."

That same morning, Julião, even though he was still so young, with a commanding voice, gathered the three groups and they left.