"The sound of war... the echoing footsteps... just thinking about that day makes me shiver."
Ryuu gasped as he woke up drenched in sweat. "Ah... huh!... huh! Just a dream..."
Outside, the early winter sun struggled to rise through heavy clouds. Snow lightly dusted the rooftops of the silent village of Taihei Sati. The wind outside howled faintly, like distant voices calling from the past.
Inside the wooden house, Taruko, calm and elegant as always, turned from the window. Her voice was soft but firm.
"The war with Tarumaki ended 17 years ago, Ryuu. Why do you still let that day haunt you? Constant reflection will ruin your health."
Ryuu sat on the edge of the futon, rubbing his forehead. "I try to forget that day... but I can't. It never feels like the war truly ended. It feels like it's only sleeping… waiting."
Taruko offered a gentle smile. "Peace has been kind to us. Seventeen years is no small time. Even the deepest wounds can heal, if we let them."
Ryuu exhaled slowly. "Maybe you're right... Anyway, forget that for now. Where is Keedo?"
Scene: Keedo's Training Grounds – Sati Village Outskirts
Keedo, now seventeen, stood alone in the snow-covered clearing. His katana slashed through the crisp morning air with practiced precision.
"Huh! Haa! One more!"
He breathed hard, body warm with sweat despite the cold. His foot slipped slightly—he winced—but kept going.
From the path nearby, Takeo's voice rang out with amusement.
"You're trying to defeat me by training in the snow now?"
Keedo lowered his sword and grinned.
"Yes. I'll beat you soon. Just wait!"
Takeo walked over, clapping Keedo on the back.
"You're obsessed, you know that?"
Keedo shrugged.
"Discipline builds destiny."
Suddenly, his face twisted in pain.
"Your foot... Keedo! You're limping!" Takeo knelt to check, concern flashing in his eyes. "Why didn't you stop?"
"It's just a small injury," Keedo muttered, hiding the discomfort. "Nothing serious."
At that moment, Hana and her younger sister Hanaki appeared, panting from the run.
"There you both are!" Hana shouted. "We've been searching all over for you!"
Takeo raised both hands. "Not our fault!"
Hana ran over to Keedo and immediately noticed his wound.
"You're bleeding! Again?"
Keedo tried to brush it off. "I'm okay. Really."
"Sit," Hana ordered, gently but firmly. "You always say that."
She knelt and opened her small pouch, filled with herbs and bandages. As she cleaned and wrapped his foot, Keedo looked at her in silence.
"You really know how to do this," he said softly.
Hana smiled proudly. "Healer's daughter, remember?"
Then Keedo looked up and said something that caught her off guard.
"You know... you look beautiful in pink."
Hana's cheeks turned bright red.
"W-What?" she stammered, smiling despite herself.
Takeo smirked and nudged Hanaki.
"Oho! Love's blooming in the snow!"
Scene: Village Path
The four friends walked back through the snow-lined village, laughing and teasing each other. The bond between them was more than friendship—it was something sacred.
Villagers paused to smile as they passed, many remembering their own childhoods. Even in cold times, warmth lingered in hearts.
But far away, in the forgotten valleys beyond the mountains, darkness stirred.
Flashback: The War
Seventeen years ago, Taihei Sati was drenched in blood. Tarumaki's forces came with fire and steel. Ryuu had led the defense bravely, but peace had come at a heavy cost.
Some believed the war was over.
But others knew better—peace was only a breath between battles.
In the shadows of a broken castle, a pair of glowing eyes opened.
Azal stepped forward from the darkness. His voice was soft, but full of threat.
"The children of peace… let them grow. I will come when the snow burns red."
End of Chapter 2 – Echoes of a Forgotten War