Sign of the Zodiac: Aries
[Sign 1: Aries] Hope

Anaru and Kaharap grew up together since childhood. Kaharap comes from the famous uluwero estuary, while the Anaru family is just an ordinary shepherd. Even so, since childhood Anaru was very popular in his village because of his handsome face and friendly nature. Meanwhile, Kaharap, although from a distinguished family, but not many have friends because of his bad temper.

Even so, I hope to have two friends who always follow him. The three of them often resorted to violence and bullying to other children. Anaru was one of the worst victims of Kaharap. Not only physical violence, but insults and abuse are often thrown out.

Not once twice did Kaharap beat up Anaru. Almost every day Anaru came home with a body full of wounds. Anaru always fought back, but I expected much stronger than Anaru at that time. Anaru's parents could not do anything either because Kaharap was protected by his esteemed family. Anaru could only harbor anger. For many years he grew up in the shadow of Kaharap. Until adulthood, Anaru also had to give up her lover who preferred to be with her arch-enemy and leave her.

Because of this, Anaru aspires to become uluwero. He must become stronger than Kaharap. He must be able to defeat him. Defeating Kaharap means defeating the deepest fear of Anaru. Proving that he is not a loser who only keeps quiet when treated arbitrarily.

“Anaru, notice. Your enemy is fighting,” Airyung said breaking the daydreams of Anaru.

Anaru returned her focus to the fight in the arena. Kaharap is now fighting against Bitna, one of his henchmen who followed Kaharap since childhood. A fight that was futile to see. Anaru could immediately guess the end of that fight. Bitna could not possibly fight Kaharap seriously. And sure enough, the fight that did not take long ended in a victory Kaharap.

“What the fuck? Wasn't his opponent deliberately giving up? Obviously this one is just playing around? Can a holy fight be completed in this kind of way?” airyung protest standing next to Anaru.

Anaru shut up. His eyes were still focused on looking at Kaharap who was standing tall in the arena. I hope to look back and look back at Anaru. He grinned with a look of disdain, making Anaru again clench his hands to hold back. The young man was already impatient to make a fight with Kaharap. But he must be patient until the time comes.

Luckily the second-half match of the day went quickly. It was still dusk when the four second-round matches finished. Therefore the third round match was decided to take place on that very day. Four men who qualified in the second round prepare for the next match.

Once again Anaru got his first turn. He had waited in the arena long enough until finally one of the uluwero messengers reported that the opponent candidate Anaru suffered severe injuries due to the previous fight. Anaru was declared victorious without fighting. Anaru was a little disappointed because he actually wanted to measure his abilities while fighting someone other than Airyung.

But Anaru did not say anything and opted out of the arena and went to Airyung.

“You're lucky boy slave.” Suddenly Kaharap nudged him while putting on a sickening expression as Anaru passed by him.

“I'm not a slave, I hope. I've become uluwero,” hiss Anaru sharp.

I hope to snort in disgust. “Do not be arrogant. Before the coronation ceremony, you were just a lowly shepherd. I'll crush you in the last round until you won't be able to move a finger. So you don't have to bother attending the coronation ceremony,” said Kaharap while grinning savagely.

“We see who will be destroyed at that time,” reply Anaru half growled.

Anaru turned around and left Kaharap. But his arm was held back by Kaharap's grip.

“Who can you say? I'm not done talking,” Sergah Kaharap while glaring.

“I don't like to linger talking to you. Nauseating!” Anaru tried to shake off Kaharap's grip. But the grip was too strong. “Let go,” says Anaru gusar.

“Ha! You can't even break away from my light grasp.” Kaharap's grin grew increasingly, revealing an intimidating expression of victory.

Anaru again tried to pull his arm. Failed once again.

“You're out of Ngaio's house! Parasites like you shouldn't be near Ngaio,” said Kaharap then release his grip while pushing Anaru. The bright-eyed young man left Anaru and entered the arena to prepare for his third match.

Anaru cursed in heart. Until when he should be humbled by Kaharap. His pride was hurt and his anger had piled up to the crown. But Anaru kept trying to hold back. He did not want to be disqualified from the match simply for rash actions such as punching other candidates outside the arena.

“Nothing,” replied Anaru with a sour face.

“Do you think it bothers you again? I can secretly destroy it and make you win the last game,” Airyung said trying to cheer.

But the impact of Airyung's words turned out to be different than he expected. Anaru was glaring fiercely at him.

“Do not try to do useless things, Airyung. I will destroy it with my own hands,” said Anaru half growling.

Airyung raised both of his eyebrows while smiling lightly. “I know, I know.. I was just kidding. Don't be too tense, Anaru,” said Airyung while patting Anaru's puggung.

But Anaru could not be joked at all that day. He was still very upset with all the threats and intimidation of Kaharap. Why did I hate him so much? What mistake has Anaru done that he deserves the harsh treatment of Kaharap for many years?

Anaru sighed in annoyance. It is not important to ask these questions. I hope only arrogant young men are cruel. And Anaru will make sure that Kaharap pays for all his deeds.

After arranging his thoughts, Anaru then walked away from the crowd. Airyung followed him from behind while still chattering. But none of Airyung's words entered Anaru's head. The young man was still busy with his plans of destroying Kaharap in the last match.

...***...

“Why are you suddenly feeding horses?” aiyung asked after the two arrived at the Ngaio sheep pen, where Tsagan was moored.

“I need to clear my mind,” said Anaru bluntly.

“What's up with Kaharap?”

Anaru did not answer.

“Listen, Anaru. I don't know if my words mean anything, but as the one who trained you, I wanted to say this: In this world, the hardest thing to conquer is fear within oneself. Only by defeating that fear can you gain unparalleled power.

“Hope it might be the figure you fear. Not because he's strong, but because of your past that might hurt a lot because of him. The shadow of the past that haunts you and weakens you. Defeat your fears first. And later you will be able to defeat Kaharap easily,” said Airyung solemnly.

Anaru turned towards Airyung stunned. The straw in his hand stopped before reaching Tsagan's mouth. A few seconds passed in silence, until finally Anaru was able to let out an amused grunt.

“Pfft... I didn't expect you to be able to comfort me with such words,” Anaru said half-laughing.

Airyung's face flushed with embarrassment. “Don't laugh at me! I did it because you looked moody and uninspired!” airyung cried wrong.

“Hahaha. It's ridiculous, but your words are true. I was intimidated by my bad past memories. I was every day a month of Hope at that time. I had to get rid of those bad memories in order to defeat him,” said Anaru. His laughter had now turned into a gentle smile. “Thanks Airyung,” he continued sincerely.

...***...