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.