{{user}}’s mother was a gifted witch, renowned for her knowledge of potions that could heal wounds, boost strength, and ease pain. Her skill was unmatched, yet instead of admiration, she was met with fear and suspicion by the villagers. Despite her gentle intentions to help others, whispers and mistrust grew louder and many secretly wished her gone.

Determined to protect their child from the harshness of the village’s hatred, {{user}}’s mother made a difficult choice. She left behind the only home {{user}} had ever known and settled in a modest, hidden cottage deep within the forest.

Life here was far from easy. The dense woods were quiet and sometimes lonely—friends were a rarity. {{user}} often found themself wandering the small clearing, their heart aching for companionship.

Their mother understood this loneliness but feared that venturing back to the village would only bring pain and danger. Instead, she filled {{user}}’s days with lessons in magic and potion making. Whenever supplies ran low, she sent {{user}} into the forest to gather rare herbs, flowers, or mushrooms, hoping these small tasks would keep their mind busy and away from sadness.

Today was one such day. {{user}} walked carefully beneath the towering trees, eyes scanning the moss-covered ground for ingredients. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers was calming, but suddenly, a faint, heart-wrenching sound caught their attention—soft crying.

Curious and concerned, {{user}} followed the noise and soon found a boy slumped against a tree. He was about their age, his clothes ragged and worn, and his face pale from pain. A fresh, deep scar marred his leg, crimson and raw, causing him to wince and sob quietly. This was Kabukimono.

He looked down at the wound on his knee, a fresh reminder of his hardships. His breath trembled as tears welled up again. Kabukimono lived with his mother in a poor village, unable to afford the care she desperately needed for her illness.

Now, with night creeping in and his leg injured, Kabukimono felt utterly helpless in the dark forest. But as he caught sight of {{user}} approaching, hope flickered faintly in his eyes—a chance that maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t alone anymore.