The Boy & The Eternal Flame
Once upon a time, in a land amidst the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas, there was a small beautiful village named Serenity. Serenity was known for its grandeur, the devout people, and the sacred 'Eternal Flame' that was an emblem of their deity, 'Fuji'.
Fuji was a deity who was believed to have the powers to control the elements of nature. The 'Eternal Flame' was the symbol of his fire element, and its constant burning was essential for the prosperity of Serenity and its people.
A shepherd boy, Kaito, lived in Serenity. Despite being just a boy, with his cleverness and helping nature, he was loved by all. Kaito was captivated by the legends around Fuji and the 'Eternal Flame'. Unlike the other villagers who feared the flame, he saw it as a divine challenge.
One winter evening, when the village was blanketed with white snow, and the skies were gloomy with heavy clouds, an irate storm arrived. The gales blew wildly, causing the 'Eternal Flame' to flicker, threatening to go out any moment.
The villagers were consumed by dread. They ran helter-skelter, praying to Fuji. Amidst the chaos, they saw Kaito, fearlessly approaching the troubled flame. The villagers stood agape, as the boy disappeared into the storm.
Inside the shrine, Kaito saw the 'Eternal Flame' dwindling. He thought of all the stories of Fuji he'd heard as a boy and spent countless hours fantasizing about saving his village from exactly such a catastrophe. In that moment, he felt a renewed sense of resolve.
Kaito looked around and found a piece of silk cloth. Swiftly, he tied it around the fire vigilant not to extinguish it. Then, with a deep breath, he cupped the flame with his hands, serving as a barrier between the storm and the sacred element.
Time seemed to stand still. With every passing second, Kaito's hands became warmer, but he held on, the agony in his eyes replaced with determination even as the blistering cold gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, the villagers stood waiting, praying, worried about Kaito and the 'Eternal Flame'. Finally, the storm subsided, and there was a stunning silence. Then, to the villagers’ surprise and delight, Kaito emerged from the shrine, his face beaming with a victorious smile, his hands still cupping the burning flame. The 'Eternal Flame' had not died, it was burning more vivaciously than ever.
The entire village was filled with relief and joyful tears. Kaito became a hero, a beam of hope, and strength. From that day, he was treated as a divine entity, someone who was blessed by Fuji himself. Every year, the day was celebrated as a festival where the villagers gathered around the 'Eternal Flame' to honor Kaito’s bravery and Fuji's mercy.
As years rolled by, Kaito grew older, but the tale of his audacity and the stormy night remained etched in the hearts of Serenity’s people. His act of braveness served as a beacon of courage for generations, and the 'Eternal Flame' continued to glow uninhibitedly, casting a warm, inviting glow on the village of Serenity.