The chief breathes heavily, remembering the death of his wife.
Flashback
The chief walked into the dojo medical room and gasped at the flames covering the floor. Hana laid there, sweating as she tried to give birth to Karu. The chief ran toward her but fire erupted from the ground, blocking his view.
"What's going on" the chief thought, clenching his fist. "Hana where are the workers to help?" he shouted, striking the flames with his enlightened fist.
"Too strong for me" the chief thought.
"They died in the fire. It's the baby. His mana is too strong for even you" Hana said weakly, sweat dripping down her face.
"Then if your mana is too weak don't give birth" the chief said.
"It's too late for that. I decided a long time ago this baby's name. Him being this strong makes me happy. Karu…" Hana whispered, screaming one last time.
The chief gasped, charging through the flames with his fist clenched.
"Just stop" he shouted, swinging his fist. "Ahhh" he roared in pain as the fire scorched his hand.
"You're really going to die for this baby" the chief asked, a bead of sweat sliding down his face.
Hana smiled.
"Yes. And once he lives a happy life while I'm gone… yes?" she asked, waiting for his answer.
The chief looked down at the floor, his body shaking, eyes glowing red.
"So you'll just leave your legacy. Take your life. When you could end this by pushing your mana ba—".
He stopped, trembling as he felt her mana fading.
"Your mana" he muttered, collapsing to his knees as his eyes dimmed back to normal.
"It's ok. But I want the village to know who Karu is to me. I want him to know he's my light. So call him…" Hana breathed heavily, her strength slipping away.
"Karu of light" she whispered, giving one last push. One last breath.
Present
Sweat drips from the chief's hand as he steps away from Karu.
"Father. Who wa—" Karu starts, but the chief's glare cuts him off.
"It's the chief and your mother was someone strong who tried to give birth to you. All you need to know" the chief says. Then he vanishes, leaving Karu gasping.
"I've never seen.. eyes that bright" Karu thinks.