Chapter 1: FireBound.

1709 December 19.

Daiyu stood outside the warm glow of her family's modest home, her katana glinting faintly under the moonlight. The air was colder than usual, laced with a stillness that unsettled her. Haruto's laughter, innocent and unguarded, floated from the house, mingling with his father’s deep chuckles. She smiled faintly, savoring the peace. But then, a shadow moved at the edge of the forest. Subtle, yet deliberate. Her hand tightened on her blade.

“Mother?” Haruto’s small voice called from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder, his wide eyes peeking from the doorway.

“Go back inside, Haruto. Stay with your father.”

As she turned back to the forest, she saw her. Yumi Hoshigawa—the goddess she once admired, now cloaked in an aura of malevolence. Her white hair seemed to drink in the moonlight, her golden eyes alight with an unnatural glow.

“Takemura Daiyu,” Yumi said, her voice as smooth as silk yet colder than the winter air. “It’s been too long.”

Daiyu raised her katana, the blade igniting with the brilliant blue flames of her soul. “Yumi,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest. “You’ve crossed a line.”

Yumi's smile was a dagger in the dark. “Oh, Daiyu,” she cooed. “You’ve always been so righteous. But tonight... righteousness won’t save you. Or them.” Daiyu's heart clenched. She could feel the malice radiating from Yumi, suffocating and absolute. Behind her, she heard the faint scuffle of footsteps—Haruto’s father, Renjiro, stepping out to stand beside her. His bow was drawn, the string taut and ready.

“Stay with Haruto,” Daiyu said quickly. “Protect him.”

Renjiro hesitated but nodded, retreating inside to shield their son. Daiyu squared her shoulders, flames dancing along her blade. She knew Yumi was a force beyond mortal comprehension, but she would stand her ground. For Haruto. For Renjiro. For everything she loved.

And yet, deep down, she knew this night would end in blood.