Chương 6
Chapter 6: The Mystery of the Ice Untold, Brothers United Once More
"There was a snow woman I was reincarnated within. She was beautiful, smart... and very, very powerful.
In the Ice Realm, she was known as Yuki Hakai.
I watched her defend her realm from monsters, demons, and even gods countless times. Her people loved her-revered her like a god.
Eventually, we met face-to-face within her soul... and I knew I had found a dear friend. It felt almost like watching a daughter grow.
However... power and status always invite fear.
In her case, that fear came from her own mother."
Evoni'No's voice softened.
"Her mother, Queen Kori, labeled her a threat... a traitor. Not out of truth-but out of fear, hatred... and jealousy.
She sent her finest warriors-entire armies-after her.
And... one can only fight for so long..."
A quiet pause filled the space.
"She was killed.
And her soul... once filled with love and kindness... became consumed by hatred."
Madam Mochi's expression tightened.
"I could not allow her soul to remain in such a state," Evoni'No continued. "So I took it with me... and cared for it for many years."
Her tone grew gentler.
"Then, on the day Queen Tamamo became pregnant with a baby girl... Yuki Hakai's soul took interest in the unborn child.
She chose that moment to be reborn.
Her soul... and the child's soul... became one."
Madam Mochi's eyes widened.
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"The result," Evoni'No said, "was that Kuzuno's natural affinity for fire magic was replaced... with the ice magic of a snow woman.
That is why she cannot use fire-or struggles to do so."
Madam Mochi exhaled in shock.
"Yuki Hakai... the legendary snow woman warrior..."
She shook her head slightly.
"Her power and skill were known across all realms. To learn that Tama's daughter is her reincarnation... I did not foresee this."
Then, a small smile formed.
"However... this means I can train her properly. I happen to be friends with a snow woman myself."
Her expression dimmed again.
"But... it is difficult to hear of Yuki Hakai's fate. The Ice Realm... they don't know the truth, do they?"
Evoni'No shook her head.
"No. To them, she is a traitor who tried to seize the throne.
Only one person knows the truth.
Long ago, they gave Yuki Hakai a password. If Kuzuno defeats Kayo... I will give it to her when that person reveals themselves."
Evoni'No's form began to fade.
"It seems I can no longer maintain this form, Madam Mochi. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
And I trust... this conversation will remain between us."
Madam Mochi felt herself being pulled away.
"We will meet again, Tanuki Goddess."
Madam Mochi returned to reality.
Kuzuno looked at her with concern.
"Did everything go well, Madam Mochi? You look... a little worn out."
Madam Mochi stood slowly.
"I learned much, young Kuzuno. Enough to begin training you properly."
She paused.
"However..."
Kuzuno tilted her head.
"However...?"
Madam Mochi gave her a serious look.
"You may want to remain seated. What I have to tell you... concerns your power."
Meanwhile - Tanuki Realm, Market District
Kuroyasha walked through the lively streets, smiling as tanuki of all kinds greeted him warmly.
As he moved further along, he sensed two familiar energies.
A grin spread across his face.
"They're nearby... and of course-it's our favorite food spot."
Soon enough, he arrived at a ramen shop called "Beri Dansu."
Inside, three young tanuki were happily eating.
Kuroyasha smiled.
The brothers.
Biki-Bi (15) - The eldest.
5'6, light tan skin, spiky brown hair, blue eyes behind glasses.
Wore a blue kimono vest with black pants.
A gifted healer-even among the best in the Tanuki Realm.
Biki-Bu (14) - The middle brother.
5'5, light brown hair, orange kimono vest.
Laid-back appearance, but powerful.
His magic allowed him to transform into weapons-enhancing whoever wielded him.
Biki-Ba (13) - The youngest.
Quiet and mysterious.
Black hair, red eyes, red kimono vest.
Known as "Sukaiwoka"-one who sees what others cannot.
His power had yet to manifest.
All three turned at once.
Their eyes lit up.
"BIG BROTHER KUROYASHA!!!"
They tackled him instantly.
Kuroyasha laughed as they nuzzled him.
"It's been a while, my little brothers. I'm sorry I haven't visited as often."
"It's okay!" Biki-Bi said proudly. "We know you're busy! We've been helping Mother protect the realm!"
Biki-Bu leaned in excitedly.
"I've been mastering weapon transformations! We should spar sometime!"
Then he blushed.
"Also... is the second fox princess with you? Did she bring her sister Kayo? I always wanted to meet her... maybe share ramen with her..."
Kuroyasha's smile stayed-but his eyes softened slightly.
He said nothing.
Better their mother tells them...
He turned to Biki-Ba, patting his head.
"And how is my little Biki-Ba? You've grown the most."
Biki-Ba said nothing-just smiled brightly.
Kuroyasha stood.
"Well, you all know Mother... she's probably preparing a feast. If she finds us here instead-"
A voice cut through the air like a blade.
"-Then perhaps you'd all like to explain yourselves."
They froze.
Slowly... they turned.
Madam Mochi stood behind them.
Smiling.
A terrifying, motherly smile.
Other tanuki immediately bowed in reverence.
But her sons?
They were completely still.
"Now," she said softly, "why are my four foolish sons eating ramen... instead of preparing for the special dinner I planned?"
Silence.
Four boys.
One very dangerous mother.