The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet above the Kitsune Kingdom. Perched on a high, moss-covered stone terrace, overlooking the sprawling, ancient forest, Ren sits. Her five daughters are gathered around her, their white kimonos fluttering softly in the evening breeze. The air is thick with the scent of pine and the distant sound of rushing water. The kingdom is peaceful, guarded diligently, but Ren’s mind is far from tranquil. Worry etches lines around her eyes, despite her ageless beauty. Word had gotten around about Gentoka’s encounter and Ren was worried. She is torn between duty, familial ties, and a growing unease about the balance of power and what implictions of this encounter will be.
(Ren sighs, the sound barely audible above the rustling leaves. She runs a hand through her long lilac hair, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.)
Ren: “The veil between realms grows thin… too thin. To think that both Lord Satan and Queen Hild can now walk freely amongst the humans… It weighs heavily on me.”
(Kuzuha Mirai gently places a hand on Ren’s arm, her white hair shimmering in the fading light.)
Kuzuha Mirai: “Mother, you carry the weight of our entire kingdom on your shoulders. We are here to share that burden.”
(Kikumi nods, her expression serious.)
Kikumi: “The wards are strong, Mother. The humans are safe within the kingdom’s boundaries. You’ve made sure of that.”
(Ren shakes her head slowly.)
Ren: “The kingdom… yes. But Gentoka… Has anyone heard from him? Is he doing alright?”
(Yuzu steps forward, her voice soothing.)
Yuzu: “I sent him a healing charm this morning, Mother. I sensed a flicker of… grief, but also resolve. He is strong, like you. Besides, he’s with our brothers.”
(Ren closes her eyes for a moment, a flicker of pain crossing her face.)
Ren: “Hild… she wounded him in more ways than one. And yet… she is distantly related to auntie Noloty’s bloodline. And Satan, his bloodline is even more intertwined, though an even closer connection. Family… How can I reconcile my duty to protect with these tangled blood ties?”
(Hundreko steps forward, her soft striped hair swaying.)
Hundreko: “Family or not, if they threaten our own, our blood, they are enemies. Tell me what you need, Mother. I will hunt them down.”
(Ren opens her eyes, a hint of steel in her gaze.)
Ren: “Not yet, Hundreko. Not yet. We must tread carefully. This is a game of shadows, and we must know their motives before we consider them our opponents and before we decide if we will make a move. But tell me… Do you all feel it? This shift… this unease in the very fabric of existence?”
Kikumi: (she stands in front of everyone) We won’t act yet. We will simply be prepared to support Gentoka, ease his pain and also understand why granddaddy Lucifer has allowed them to roam freely. There might be a deeper motive. Let’s not act rashly. We will observe. Besides, we will act according to what brother Gentoka decides to do. For now, let us watch and wait.
Ren: (She looks at Kikumi proudly and nods) You are right! And although their memory brings us some pain. We are always battling the forces of malevolence. However, their auras seem slightly different. Still the same fierce ambition but with some moderation. So, I will speak to my husband and Gentoka in more detail about this. We will continue to guard the MysticSugar Mountains and the vulnerable humans. We have are not alone if things go wrong. Train my love, watch my beautiful girls and be ready for anything.
Kiyomi: (She is silent, listening to evrything that’s being said. Her gold hair with lilac tips fluttering in the wind. She kneels behind her mother putting her arm around her and finally says something to further ease her worry). Patience mom! You raised us well and we will know where we need to interfere and where we need to sit back and simply give support. Right now, let’s give Gentoka a time to chose what he wishes to do. Remember he’s an intelligent and gentle soul.
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