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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A Warrior Returns

The Mikage House — Early Morning

The first light of dawn poured softly through the small wooden windows of the old Mikage house. In the kitchen, a gentle fire crackled. The smell of warm broth rose with the steam, mixing with the quiet scent of dried herbs hanging from the ceiling.

Ayame Mikage, now older, stood at the hearth. Her hands were rough from years of work, but her touch remained gentle — every motion a small prayer for the family she'd held together alone. She hummed an old lullaby, one that Kaoru hadn't heard in years.

Then, the door creaked open. A cold breeze slipped in, carrying with it a shadow that filled the doorway.

Kaoru, now twenty, stood there — tall, broad-shouldered, wrapped in a simple cloak. The same sword that once belonged to his father hung by his side. His long black hair was tied loosely at the back, a few strands falling over his calm, steady eyes. He looked every bit a warrior — yet when he saw his mother, a quiet warmth flickered in his gaze. He was still her son.

Ayame turned, the ladle in her hand frozen midair. For a moment, she only stared at him — her lips parted in awe, then curled into a trembling smile.

> "Look at you…" she laughed softly, her voice shaking. "My son… so grown up now. Once you only reached my shoulder — and now, I can't even reach yours properly."

Kaoru smiled — a small, rare smile that made him look like the boy she'd raised, not the fighter he'd become. He stepped forward and bent his knees slightly so she wouldn't have to reach too high. Ayame touched his face, her fingers brushing the faint scar near his jaw — the mark of years spent alone, fighting in the frozen wild.

> "Stronger?" she half-laughed, half-cried. "You look like you're carved from stone. If your father were here… he'd be so proud to see what you've become."

At the mention of his father, Kaoru lowered his head. He gently took her hand, wrapping it in both of his — a silent promise resting in his touch.

> "Mother," he said softly. "It's time. I'm ready to join the Ice Clan. I'll protect what Father protected."

Ayame's smile didn't fade, but her eyes shone with a mother's secret worry — the fear every mother hides behind pride. She pressed her hand lightly against his chest.

> "Go, Kaoru…" she whispered. "But promise me one thing — never let your heart turn to stone. Keep the warmth inside you alive. That's your true strength."

Kaoru nodded. His eyes stayed calm, but deep inside them burned the same quiet resolve that once lived in his father's. He squeezed her hand once, then released it.

> "For three winters I forged my body. For two winters I became the Frostbite Dragon's heir. Now… I stand where my father once stood."

Outside, the wind picked up. Flakes of snow whirled around the small wooden house, drifting like dancing spirits — a silent witness to Kaoru's vow.

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