Frostblood: The last dragon Hunter

Snow fell gently over the hidden Ice Clan village, drifting through the silent air like a blessing and a warning both. Kaoru and Hana walked behind two armored Ice warriors, their footsteps crunching softly on ancient stone steps carved into frozen cliffs.

Children peeked out from doorways, old guardians paused in sharpening their blades, and women carrying baskets stopped mid-step. All eyes fixed on Kaoru — as if they were seeing a ghost from an age-old tale.

Kaoru felt the weight of their stares. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Beside him, Hana leaned in, whispering with a small grin.

"They're all staring at you," she murmured.

Kaoru smirked faintly. "Yeah… strange. I've never even been here before — maybe that's why."

"Or maybe they see your mark," Hana teased. "The Frostbite doesn't choose just anyone."

Kaoru's hand brushed the faint glow beneath his robe — the Frostbite's ancient mark that now bound him to this land of endless winter.

One of the warriors barked over his shoulder. "Keep up. General Arashi is waiting."

They climbed the last steps, passing frost-covered pillars that glowed blue under the torchlight. Ahead stood the towering hall, carved straight from the heart of the mountain — the beating heart of the Ice Clan.

Inside, pale blue torches lined the massive chamber. At its center sat General Arashi — massive, broad-shouldered, his long silver hair tied back in a warrior's knot. His fur cloak draped over thick armor like a glacier resting on stone. Across his knees lay an ancient frost blade, runes older than the clan etched into its guard.

Kaoru and Hana stopped a few paces from the dais. The warriors stepped back, silent as the snow.

General Arashi's voice rolled through the hall — calm, but heavy like thunder over a frozen plain. "So… the Frostbite returns. And it marks the blood of Kazuki Mikage again — centuries later."

Kaoru bowed his head, his voice respectful but firm. "Kazuki is just an ancestor. I am Kaoru — son of Shimoji Mikage."

Arashi's pale eyes narrowed, the flicker of recognition hidden behind an icy calm. "Shimoji… He who fell fighting the Abyss. A warrior who met the endless dark without fear."

Kaoru's jaw tightened — he gave a single nod, honoring his father without another word.

Arashi studied him in silence, then asked, "Tell me then, Kaoru Mikage — why did you choose this path? You bear the Frostbite's mark now… but for whom did you accept this burden?"

Kaoru lifted his eyes — his voice was soft, yet it carried through the frost-laden hall. "Because my mother wanted me to."

A single heartbeat of surprise flickered through the general's eyes — then a faint smile curved the corner of his mouth. "Sometimes… a mother's wish weighs more than a warrior's pride. May it keep you steady where steel alone cannot."

Arashi's gaze shifted to Hana. "And you, Moon Clan guardian — Hana. What brings you to the Frost Hall unbidden?"

Hana stepped forward and bowed, her movements graceful yet sure. "I found Kaoru lost on our borders. He meant no harm — I guided him here to ensure he reached you safely."

The general's eyes softened just slightly. "I see. The bond between Moon and Frost holds strong then."

Hana folded her hands together. "General Arashi, it was an honor to stand in your presence — but if you permit, I'd like to return to my clan now."

He watched her for a heartbeat longer, weighing more than just her words. Then he inclined his head once. "You have my blessing. Return to your people — and tell them the Frost stands as their friend still."

"Thank you. May the moon's light guard your storms," Hana said softly.

Before she left, she turned to Kaoru — their eyes locked for a brief moment, an unspoken promise that this was not goodbye. Then she turned, walking out through the snow-dusted hall, leaving Kaoru standing alone before the general's eyes.