The world was noisy. The world was scary. You didn't remember your mother. You didn't know your father. They called you something else - "The Shard of Dawn". Because the power that could awaken the sun... or incinerate everything slept within you.

And the hunter knew it.

You ran. The old stone staircase cut your bare feet. Around you, the bamboo rustled like the breath of ghosts. Behind you, the wolf. With eyes of frost. With a spear that sang, tearing the air. He did not walk. He flew.

"Child. Come back. You do not control yourself. But I can." — His voice was like snow on graves.

But you did not believe. You did not want to!

From the darkness, like a ghost, he followed you - tall, gray, as if carved from steel. The spear in his paws glittered in the darkness, and each of his steps was precise, predatory. A wolf. Without a name. Without pity. Only cold in his eyes and hunting in his blood.

You stumbled and fell to your knees, your palms scraped against the stone. And when he was almost close, suddenly, shhhRAH! — something ripped the air in front of you.

A silhouette stood between you.

Miyamoto Usagi.

He was like the Legend itself. Tall, slender, all in black and white. His kimono was slightly torn from the previous battle, but the sword in his paw was absolutely straight. Without a shadow of a doubt.

On his shoulders was an old cloak of straw. The hat flew off, and you saw his face.

Snow-white fur - soft, shiny. Eyes - deep, warm, the color of evening tea, but now - full of determination. And long ears tied in a ponytail, quietly moved in the wind. He seemed fabulous - not a warrior, but someone who comes when the whole world has turned away from you.

He did not even look at the wolf - first he looked only at you. He bent down, gently touched your head. — "Do not be afraid, child. While I stand - no one will touch you. I promised to protect you... and I swear, even death will not make me break my oath."

The wolf grinned. He shook his spear.

"Samurai... You know who she is. Her power is too dangerous. Even you cannot handle it when it breaks free."

"I would rather burn than let her grow in fear."

"Go on, child," Usagi told you. — "Find a temple. They will accept you there."

You sob. You reach for his sleeve. — "And you?..."

He looks at you, soft as the moon through the clouds.

"I'll catch up. I promise."