-Then I'll wait for you outside the temple. Don't forget your belongings, I said calmly as I made my way to the entrance.
-Yes, okay! Masha replied with a light smile, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder.
I let out a soft sigh, a mix of calm and excitement, and headed out of the temple. I slipped on my sneakers quickly and crossed the threshold, instantly greeted by the warm touch of summer air. I walked over to the stone benches under an old tree, right in the front yard. I sat there, letting the shade and the sound of the leaves wrap around me.
The moment was perfect. The gentle breeze stirred the branches above me, and the scent of the temple's wood mixed with the natural fragrance of the garden. I wanted to prolong that peace, so I pulled out my phone and played one of my favorite songs. I slowly closed my eyes, allowing the music to blend with the tranquility around me. It was one of those rare, simple moments when everything felt in balance. No pressure, no fear, no responsibilities... just that moment.
But soon, that serenity was gently interrupted by familiar voices:
-We're ready!
I opened my eyes slowly and looked up to see the girls coming out of the temple full of energy and enthusiasm. Ren and Masha carried their bags, Sakura had a small crossbody backpack, and Kaori led the group, adjusting a bracelet on her wrist.
-Got everything ready? I asked with a smile as I stood up.
Ren was the one who answered, her voice confident:
-Yes, we've got everything. Nothing's missing.
-Perfect. Then let's go, I said, motioning for them to move.
We began walking down the path out. I stayed a few steps behind—not out of laziness, but to watch over them and make sure everything was okay. I liked that position: protecting from the rear, silently, like an invisible guardian.
But just before crossing the temple gate, I saw one of the students on patrol. He was walking along the side stone path, probably doing his daily rounds. When he noticed me, he raised his hand in greeting.
-Hi, Leo! How's it going today?
-All good, thanks. And you? How are things? I replied in a relaxed tone.
-All calm here too, he answered with a genuine smile.
-Good to hear. Hey, by the way... can I ask you a favor?
-Sure, go ahead. What do you need?
-I'm heading out of the temple for a few hours with the girls. Could you keep watch until the master and Tom return?
The young man looked at me with determination and nodded without hesitation.
-Of course, Leo. Don't worry, we'll take care of everything here. Enjoy your outing.
His words gave me relief. Knowing the temple was in good hands lifted a weight off my shoulders.
-Thank you so much, really. I owe you one... See you in a few hours, I said with gratitude, giving him a friendly tap on the shoulder before running off.
-Stay safe! he called after me, raising his hand.
-Yeah! See you later! I responded, raising my hand too without stopping.
I picked up the pace to catch up with the girls, who were already crossing the stone gate that marked the edge of the temple grounds. The sun was shining brightly, and a new adventure was beginning.
I was just a few steps behind them, so I slowed down. I walked calmly, letting the relaxed atmosphere of the path carry me. From where I was, I could clearly hear their voices blending together, their laughter and chatter filling the air with unexpected warmth.
Ren was the first to speak, her tone calm and a bit nostalgic:
-Summer just started a few days ago... and I already miss school.
That sentence made me smile internally. So typical of someone like her.
Sakura was the one to answer, with that carefree honesty of hers:
-Miss school? Pfft... I was always getting punished. I spent all my time fighting with the boys and never got good grades.
Ren turned her head slightly, one eyebrow raised, and shot back with a tone of irritation:
-Of course the teachers scolded you, Sakura! You caused trouble for no reason, led on the boys who confessed to you, didn't do homework or projects... and almost started a war between your group of misfits and other schools!
Cornered by the truth, Sakura went silent for a couple of seconds, trying to come up with a good reply. Finally, she sighed and said with a nervous chuckle while scratching her head:
-Aaah... yeah... well... it's true, hehe.
As soon as she finished speaking, Ren gave her a sharp flick on the head, loud enough that even I heard it clearly: Paf!
-Ow ow ow! Why'd you do that!? Sakura complained, rubbing her head.
Ren didn't respond. She just kept walking calmly as if nothing had happened. Masha, more relaxed, came over to Sakura with a gentle smile and rubbed her head to soothe the pain. It was a sweet gesture.
I had seen the whole thing from behind and could barely hold back my laughter. But I forced myself to keep a straight face. I knew if I laughed, I had two options: either Sakura would hit me for teasing her, or Ren would for not stopping her. Neither sounded great.
I took a deep breath to suppress my laughter and approached Sakura with a half-serious, half-worried look.
-You okay, Sakura? That hit echoed from another temple.
She looked at me with squinted eyes and a pout.
-Yeah, I know... ouch, my pride hurts more.
Just then, Kaori, who was ahead, turned slightly and called to us with urgency:
-Hey, hurry up! We're going to be late for the train station!
I helped Sakura fully get back on her feet and we continued walking to the station. That moment, despite its chaos, had been one of those memories you never want to forget. A genuine and lively instant.
We were nearly at the station that would take us to the shopping district. Just a few more steps when, suddenly, I stopped cold. Something pierced my chest like a chill. A presence... faint, yes, but unmistakable. A distant energy—very far, but real. I closed my eyes and tried to sense it more clearly. It came from far away, outside the country. It felt like an echo fading, a whisper in the wind.
I looked around to trace its direction, but the feeling had vanished. Only a void remained where it had been. And just then, a hand touched my shoulder. I reacted instantly.
It was Ren. She looked at me seriously, her brow furrowed from the same sensation.
-You felt it too, Leo? she asked in a low but firm voice.
-I did, I replied, also in a hushed tone, my gaze still on the horizon. It was a weak presence... but it was there. It came from far away, I'm pretty sure it was from outside the country.
Ren kept her serious expression. Then, with a soft sigh, she said:
-What do you think it was?
I stayed silent for a few seconds before answering:
-I don't know... but for now, it doesn't seem like an immediate threat. We can relax... at least for now.
I sighed and looked toward the others, who were already entering the station.
-Let's go before they leave us behind, I said with a half-smile.
-Yeah, let's go, Ren replied, and we both ran to catch up.
We made it just in time. We paid for our tickets, and luckily, the girls hadn't noticed our brief absence... or what we had just sensed.
The train was arriving soon, but in the back of my mind, that presence still echoed like a distant whisper—a sign of something yet to come.
As we walked toward the platform, one question lingered in my mind like a persistent echo: What was that presence?
The doubt gnawed at me, but deep inside, something was clear. That faint energy... so distant yet so intense in essence, could only mean one thing. I was completely sure.
It was one of them. One of the ancient beings the enlightened one mentioned during that vision or dream—though I'm more convinced every day that it was much more than that. It felt like its energy was just starting to awaken, like it had let out a sigh after centuries of sleep... and even so, it was enough for me to feel it, even from this far away.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm in my mind. Right at that moment, the sharp sound of the train arriving at our station yanked me back to the present. The warm summer air, the loudspeaker announcements, and the movement of other passengers—everything grounded me again.
-Now's not the time to think about that... I muttered to myself.
This was a peaceful day, a break before the chaos to come. I shook it off mentally, trying to forget—even if just for a few hours—that distant shadow looming on the horizon of the unknown.
As I looked up, I noticed the bright sign announcing the next stop: Next station: Tokyo
I froze for a second, surprised. -Tokyo...? I murmured, disbelieving.
As if reading my mind, Masha turned slightly toward me and explained with a calm smile:
-That's right. Whenever there are important events like this week's, we come to Tokyo. It's where the best stores are, the most elegant dresses... and the highest quality.
Her voice had that cheerful and confident tone she was known for, and without realizing it, it brought me some peace. It was incredible how a few simple words could clear such heavy clouds.
-Get on already or you'll get left behind! Sakura shouted from inside the train, half leaning out the open door.
Masha and Ren laughed lightly and boarded without delay. Still a bit dazed, I followed right behind them.
We sat together in a not-too-crowded car. I settled by the window, watching the landscape slowly slide by as the train started moving.
This was my first time going to Tokyo. The city of endless lights, constant noise, opportunities... but also of the deepest secrets. Though I had heard hundreds of things about it, nothing compared to actually being here, moving toward its metallic heart.
And it was then, as I watched the world speed past us, that the hollow feeling in my chest—left by that distant presence—slowly began to fade. It was like I could finally breathe in peace.
Maybe we could enjoy this day. Maybe we deserved this moment, even if brief, before fate caught up with us.
And so, with a slight smile, I rested my head against the window, letting the train's sway and the girls' soft voices lull me into a calm stolen from the storm.
I was about to fall asleep on the train, my head drooping, when suddenly I heard the girls' energetic voices:
-We're here!
I barely lifted my head, still half-asleep, when thud! I smacked straight into one of the train's poles.
-Ow ow ow! That really hurt... I groaned, rubbing my forehead.
Still feeling the throbbing pain, I rushed out of the car. The girls were already ahead on the platform, so I picked up the pace to catch up just in time, all of us leaving the station together.
As soon as we passed through the automatic doors, my eyes lit up. It was my first time in Tokyo, and everything felt like something out of a movie or anime. The massive skyscrapers, the LED lights shining from above, the giant screens playing game trailers, new anime, and foreign brands. For a moment, my childhood dreams returned, thrilled like it was all a dream come true.
But my trance broke when I heard a voice calling my name:
-Leo... Leo... Leo!
On the third call, I snapped out of it and replied:
-Huh? What is it?
It was Kaori, looking at me with a mix of concern and curiosity. She stepped closer and asked:
-Are you okay...? Huh? What happened to your forehead?
With a sheepish smile, I answered:
-Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I was just staring at all this... it's incredible. And my forehead, nothing serious. I hit it getting off the train, I said, squinting a bit, trying to laugh it off.
But when I opened my eyes, I noticed Kaori was looking at me with a slight frown. She had a faint expression of annoyance or mild frustration.
-Uhh... What is it, Kaori? I asked, a little awkwardly.
She sighed, as if she had expected that question.
-It's nothing... Come here, she said softly.
I stepped closer and felt her hand gently touch my forehead. As soon as she did, a warm sensation washed over me. It was like something heavy and invisible melted away. The pain vanished, and a strange peace surrounded me. It was as if Kaori channeled a soothing, healing energy.
-You had too much pressure built up... too much worry. Tell me, Leo... what's going on? she asked in a soft, almost whispering voice as she removed her hand from my forehead.
I was about to tell her about the presence I had felt before reaching Tokyo. That faint but strange energy from beyond the country. But before I could say a word, a shout interrupted us:
-Hey, let's go already! It was Sakura, calling from the corner with a rushed gesture.
I sighed calmly, looking toward the girls who were already ready to move, then said to Kaori:
-When we get back to the temple, I'll tell you all. For now... let's enjoy the day, okay?
Kaori looked at me for a few seconds, then nodded with a faint smile.
-Okay, Leo. But don't keep it to yourself for too long, alright?
-I promise, I said.
We both ran to catch up with the others, leaving the station behind and stepping into the heart of Tokyo. The city lights, the noise of the crowd, and the place's vibrant energy filled the air. For a moment, I let myself forget the worries and just enjoy the company and the present.