The Forest's requiem

White snow fell gently upon the forest, each flake a silent prayer descending through the skeletal branches. The cold wind carved through the trees with a mournful howl, and somewhere in that frozen expanse, a deer ran for its life.

Its hooves pounded against the snow-covered ground, breath coming in desperate clouds of mist. Then, in a single heartbeat, everything stopped.

The deer's blood painted the pristine snow crimson as its severed head tumbled to the ground. Its body collapsed moments later, lifeless, steam rising from the fresh wound.

A boy stood over the kill, a tattered blue cloak draped across his shoulders. He lifted the deer's body with practiced ease, slinging it over his shoulder as snowflakes continued their gentle descent around him. He sighed softly, his breath visible in the frigid air.

"ICHIIIIINOOOOO!"

The shout echoed through the forest. Ichino turned to see Chip sprinting toward him, panic etched across his face like he was running from death itself.

"Ichino, save me!" Chip screamed, genuine terror in his voice.

Behind him, a massive bear gave chase, its roar shaking snow from the surrounding trees.

Without hesitation, Ichino tossed the deer into the air. In the time it took for a snowflake to fall, he had closed the distance between himself and the bear, his twin blades singing through the frozen air.

"Higo Style: Fallen Snowflake."

The bear collapsed in sections before it could even comprehend its death. Ichino turned to face his companion, his voice flat behind his mask.

"Idiot."

Chip pouted, rolling his eyes as he caught his breath. "It's not my fault that thing was giant." He smirked, running a hand through his hair with exaggerated casualness.

"For a hunter, you shouldn't get yourself into this type of trouble," Ichino said, his tone calm and collected as always.

Chip sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "My bad. But hey, we've already caught enough for at least another three months." He hefted the larger bags of dead animals over his shoulder while Ichino secured the others.

With a nod, they began their trek back to the village. The snow picked up around them, swirling in increasingly violent patterns.

"Looks like a big storm is coming," Ichino observed through the mask covering his mouth.

"Yeah," Chip agreed, quickening his pace.

They reached the village as the storm intensified. Despite the weather, the settlement remained as joyful and carefree as ever. Chip laughed at the familiar sight of villagers going about their daily lives, undeterred by the harsh climate.

One of the village boys ran up to Ichino, his eyes shining with wonder.

"Hey, Ichino! How was hunting today? Did you catch lots of animals?"

Chip patted the boy's head gently, his smile widening. "Of course we did, little buddy."

The boy's eyes sparkled with joy before he ran off to rejoin his friends.

"You should go back to your mom," Chip called after him, concern coloring his voice. "I bet she's worried."

Ichino made his way to his home, his blades held close as he entered. His mother, Luna, looked up from her work, her face breaking into a warm smile.

"Ichino, my baby! You're finally home!"

She rushed over and embraced him tightly, her short white hair brushing against his face. Looking up at him with motherly affection, she asked, "How was the hunt? Did you catch lots of animals today?"

"It was fine, Mother." Ichino cupped her face gently. "How are you? I didn't get to see you this morning."

Luna's smile held a hint of sadness. "You make me so proud, Ichino. Just like your brother and father."

Ichino's eyes fell slightly. "Thanks, Mother. You're the best thing that ever happened to me."

Luna patted his head affectionately. "You should really take that mask off more often. Oh, before I forget—the Chief was here."

"The Chief?" Ichino's interest piqued.

"Yes. He said he wanted to see you once you got back." Luna's voice carried a note of worry.

"Okay, then I better get going. I'll be back for the village feast."

Ichino quickly departed, leaping from rooftop to rooftop across the village, making his way to the master's hakoino—the Chief's residence.

As he arrived and stepped inside, walking to the main room, a guard bowed his head respectfully.

"Master Ichino, the Chief is waiting for you."

Ichino nodded and opened the door. Inside, an old man with long white hair and an equally long white beard sat near an altar, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.

"Hehe, if it isn't the Snow Hunter," the Chief said, his voice weathered but amused, a sly smile on his face.

Ichino bowed respectfully. "You wanted to see me, Chief?"

The Chief stood slowly, walking to the window overlooking the village living its peaceful life. His arms folded behind his back, he spoke in a grave tone.

"Ichino, I have something to tell you. A strange beast has been spotted deep in the forest by the other hunters. It doesn't look like any wild beast seen here before."

Ichino's eyes widened as he stepped closer, his voice a mixture of revenge and anger. "What kind of beast? Could it be the same one that—"

"I fear so," the Chief interrupted, his voice low and regretful. He gazed into the snowy sky, his mind drifting back to those dark times. "It could be the same beast that killed your brother Higo all those years ago."

The memory flashed through the Chief's mind—one of the hunters bowing before him, tears streaming down his face. "Chief, we're sorry, but Higo... he stayed behind fighting the beast. We couldn't—" The guard had sobbed, the moment forever seared into memory.

"It's not your fault, Chief," Ichino said kindly, placing his hand on the old man's shoulder. "There was nothing you could do."

The Chief turned to face him. "You must go, Ichino. Kill the beast and finally take revenge for your brother."

Ichino smiled behind his mask and walked toward the entrance alongside the Chief.

"The beast was seen west from here. We don't know its exact location, but it can't have gotten far," the Chief explained.

As they emerged into the village, the Chief added firmly, "I'll send a few more hunters to help you."

"No," Ichino replied. "If anything goes wrong, it's best if only one person dies."

Before the Chief could respond, a commotion erupted at the village entrance.

A group of knights marched through the village streets, and all the adults immediately bowed, forcing others to do the same. At the center of the formation walked a girl with long black hair and crimson eyes, standing around five-foot-ten and wearing a long, stylish coat. A smirk played across her face as she surveyed the bowing villagers.

"Hehe, looks like you all know how to behave. I see. Good," she spoke with dark amusement.

"Princess Lily! I-I didn't know you were coming!" The Chief quickly dropped to his knees, his voice shaking with fear.

The Chief is afraid? Ichino thought, already gripping one of his blades. But the Chief has always been a proud, fearless man. Who exactly is this girl?

A small ball rolled in front of Lily. A young boy ran over to retrieve it, looking up at her innocently. Lily smiled kindly—then kicked the boy away, sending him flying several feet.

"Next time, boy, don't walk in front of me. Got it?" Her voice dripped with malice despite her smile.

Ichino moved to intervene, but the Chief grabbed his leg, signaling him to stay still.

"This village... how do you even live in this cold? And the smell—it's completely disgusting," Lily complained, her face twisting in disgust.

Luna rushed to help the crying boy, wiping his tears with her thumb. "It's okay. The mean lady won't hurt you anymore."

One of Lily's guards grabbed Luna forcefully, pulling her to her feet. "Oi, you should bow in the Princess's presence, not help some brat." His eyes roamed over her body lecherously. "Mmm, maybe we should make an example out of you, haha."

In an instant, Ichino slammed the guard's head into the ground with devastating force.

"Don't touch my mother, you old pervert!"

Lily's eyes twitched with rage. "How dare you kill one of my puppets!"

"I didn't kill him," Ichino exclaimed, his eyes locked with Lily's.

"But you almost did. I may hate these pieces of trash, but they're still mine." Lily poked Ichino's chest, looking up at him with blazing red eyes.

"You and your guards started it by coming here and acting like you're above everyone else," Ichino retorted, poking her forehead and flicking it.

Lily punched his chest lightly, though it still caused him to wince.

Taking a deep breath, Lily stepped back and looked at the Chief with a smirk. "I wanted to come see this piece of shit you call a village. I'm looking for something, so don't get in my way." She glanced back at Ichino. "Bye-bye. I'll make sure to kill you the next time we meet."

Ichino scoffed and walked in the opposite direction. "Ma, I'll be home a little late. I have some business to take care of."

Luna looked at him with a worried expression, already knowing what the Chief had told him. "Be safe, Ichino."

Lily smirked and began walking away, her men following closely behind.

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