Frostblood: The last dragon Hunter

Farewell Beneath the Frost

The soft morning sun spilled gently through the quiet village trees as Kaoru stood by the small wooden gate of Kotoha's home. His cloak rustled in the early breeze while little Mai and Shiro clung to its edges, their wide eyes shimmering with worry that tugged at his heart.

"Big brother… are you really leaving?" Mai's voice broke the hush, small and trembling.

Kaoru looked down at her with a gentle smile. "Yes. My time here is up."

Behind them, Kotoha stood with her hands folded neatly in front of her apron. Her eyes held warmth, but a sadness lingered in their depths. "Thank you, Kaoru. If you hadn't been there that night… I don't know if we'd still be here."

"There's no need to thank me, Kotoha-san," Kaoru said softly. "You gave me a roof, warmth — fighting off a few monsters was the least I could do."

Mai's tiny hand tugged at his sleeve again. "Don't go… please?"

Kaoru crouched down to her height, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "If I stay, I'd only bring danger closer to you — and to myself. But I promise, I won't forget you."

Before he could stand, Shiro clambered up his back, wrapping his small arms around Kaoru's shoulders just like before. "Will you visit us again? You won't forget us, right?"

A small grin curved Kaoru's lips as he lifted Shiro off with playful ease. "Never. And when I come back — you two will be the first I'll find, alright?"

Kotoha stepped closer then, pressing a small wrapped cloth into his hands. "Take this, please."

Kaoru peeked inside — a few neatly packed rice balls and dried fish. "What is it?"

"Food. For the road. Just in case you get hungry."

He lowered his head, voice touched with quiet gratitude. "Thank you, Kotoha-san… for everything."

Ruffling Mai's hair one last time and bumping Shiro's forehead with his own, Kaoru stepped away from the warm doorway that had sheltered him for days. Kotoha stood in the soft light, watching him with that same quiet, motherly smile.

The Road to Moonlight

By noon, Kaoru had reached the forest's edge — the same rocky path where Hana's blade had once met his neck under moonlight. He sat alone on a large stone, his sword resting by his side as the cold breeze brushed strands of dark hair across his eyes.

He tilted his head back, staring at the shifting clouds overhead. A small chuckle slipped from his lips. Now… where'd that moonlight troublemaker run off to? Last time, she found me… guess it's my turn now.

Closing his eyes, Kaoru slowed his breath — feeling the faint flicker of spirit energy hum beneath his skin. He focused, reaching for the pulse of life that drifted through the forest shadows. There — hidden beyond the pine wall — that familiar presence lingered like a silver thread.

Got you… little moonbeam's still inside Moon Clan territory, huh? He cracked one eye open, catching sight of distant silhouettes — Moon Clan guards, drifting like shadows beneath the trees.

Kaoru clicked his tongue, leaning back on his hands. Great. She's deep inside. No way they'll let me waltz in during daylight…

He let the thought drift with the clouds. The forest breeze ruffled his cloak as he smirked to himself — a hunter waiting for nightfall, a fool for moonlight.

Guess I'm camping here till nightfall. Better be worth it, Hana.