Frostblood: The last dragon Hunter

Moonlight sifted through the twisted branches of Moon Forest, scattering silver shadows across the moss-covered earth. The night was silent but alert — the kind of silence that could be broken any second by claws, teeth, or steel.

Hana moved through the woods with practiced calm. Her sword rested against her shoulder, not out of carelessness, but confidence. Her senses were honed, her steps light, her gaze scanning for danger that never came. Until—

A sudden rustle. A branch creaked. Then, with an awkward thump, something dropped behind her.

She didn't flinch.

"Boo~!" came a half-whispered voice from behind a tree, clearly trying — and failing — to sound spooky.

Hana sighed, not even bothering to glance back. "You think you can scare a monster hunter?" she said, flat and unimpressed.

Above her, Kaoru dangled upside down from a low-hanging branch, cloak fluttering like bat wings, his grin wide and ridiculous. "Aw, come on," he pouted. "Didn't even flinch!"

She finally turned, arms crossing as she raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing now?"

"This," Kaoru replied, swinging slightly like a lazy pendulum, "is why I want you to join my clan!"

"You're still on that?" she muttered.

He pointed a finger at her — still upside down. "Think about it! If we unite hunters from every clan, maybe — just maybe — they'll stop tearing each other apart long enough to face the real threat: Rai and his monsters."

Hana tilted her head. "And if that doesn't work?"

Kaoru grinned even wider. "Then your sword and my neck can get better acquainted. Fair?"

For the briefest moment, her expression cracked — just enough to suggest the hint of a smile. "You're ridiculous."

He let himself drop, aiming for a dramatic landing — but ended up flat on his back with a grunt. Hana stepped over him, shaking her head, and disappeared into the trees.

"Still counts as a maybe!" Kaoru called after her.

---

The next morning, the forest glowed with early light. Mist rolled low, curling between tree roots and rocks like ghostly snakes. Hana moved swiftly through the underbrush, mind replaying Kaoru's words from the night before.

"Maybe it's worth trying," she muttered under her breath.

She stepped into a clearing — then froze.

Blood, dark and fresh, was splattered on the ground. Beneath the ferns lay a boy — young, barely conscious, dressed in the tattered uniform of the Wind Clan.

Hana rushed forward, kneeling. "Hey — stay awake! Who did this to you?"

The boy coughed. His hand trembled as he pointed into the trees. "Monster… scales… white hair… she's… coming back…"

Before she could react, more rustling — this time behind her.

Kaoru stepped into the clearing, casually munching on a rice ball, backpack slung over one shoulder. "Morning, Moonlight! I brought breakfa—" He froze.

"What happened?" he asked, instantly serious.

"Abyss mark," Hana said. "He's Wind Clan — and dying."

Kaoru dropped beside the boy, tearing strips from his sleeve and pressing them to the wound with surprising skill. "Easy, friend. You're safe now."

The boy blinked. "You're not… Moon Clan?"

Kaoru shook his head. "Clanless. For now."

Hana glanced at him. "He's building his own clan. Says it's for everyone."

The boy tried to sit up. "If I go back… they'll kill me. I failed. Please… don't send me back…"

Kaoru leaned in, voice gentle. "Then don't go back. Join me instead."

The boy stared, confused. "What…?"

"One hunter from every clan," Kaoru said. "You'd be the first. Well, second — Miss Grumpy Moonlight here beat you to it."

"I'm not in your clan," Hana muttered.

The boy's lip trembled. "I… I'll fight with you."

Kaoru beamed. "Welcome to the clan, Wind Blade."

Hana gave him a look. "You just name people like that?"

"Of course," Kaoru said, helping the boy up. "Makes it official."

---

By twilight, the trio arrived at a mossy wooden house hidden in the mists. Kaoru stood before the door, whispering, "Wonder how Mom will react…"

"This is your home?" Hana asked.

"Yep," Kaoru nodded. "Grew up here."

The door creaked open. A sharp-eyed woman stared in shock — then softened. "Kaoru… my son! Did you fulfill your goal?"

"Not exactly," he said sheepishly. "I have my own clan now. Meet the members!"

Ayame looked from Hana to the injured boy. "Members? This early?"

"They're real," Kaoru insisted. "I swear!"

Hana folded her arms. "Unfortunately, yes."

The Wind Hunter tried to stand straight. "It's true. I'm with him now."

Ayame shook her head, but smiled. "Still so stubborn. Alright. Come in — all of you."

---

Inside, they sat around a small fire. Ayame gently cleaned the boy's wounds as Kaoru leaned forward. "So… Wind Blade — what's your real name?"

The boy blinked. "Oh… Hayate."

Ayame wiped his brow. "Who attacked you?"

"I don't know. A girl — white-haired… serpent-like… Her presence… it shut out my dragon. Like she caged its voice."

Hana looked grim. "One of the Abyss Generals."

Kaoru leaned back, exhaling. "Well… at least now I know what we're up against."

As the fire crackled, the clanless boy, the silent warrior, and the wounded Wind Blade sat together — the first embers of a new clan beginning to glow in the darkness.