Night Market – The Mission Begins

The girl walks Hana across the bridge. Behind them, the river glows like glass. Ahead— the Night Market.
The food steams. Lantern light glows yellow and orange. Spirits in strange clothes, joyful and weary, wander between the stalls.
The girl has closed her umbrella, her steps a little playful. She stops at a steamed food stand.
– “You survived today. That means you’ve earned something to eat.”
Hana hesitates, but her stomach growls. They laugh. The girl buys her something: tiny translucent dumplings with a soft blue glow.
– “Made from moon’s tears. They say it cures stomachaches.”
Hana takes a bite. It tastes strange—bitter and sweet at once.
The girl watches her and says quietly:
– “But if you want to see your mom, food isn’t enough. You need to do something. For the castle.”
Hana listens, her mouth full.
– “You have to go through the forest.– Find the old man at the far end.– He has the Crystal Tear. The only thing the witch can’t steal. Every year we send for it to keep the castle balanced.”
Hana asks:
– “Who is the old man?”
The girl slings the umbrella over her shoulder and gives a half-smile:
– “An ancient spirit.– One of the few beings who can turn pain into light.– But he only gives the Tear to someone who’s truly… cried for another.”