Since the dawn of existence, Light and Darkness have waged an endless war. While Light sought balance, Darkness craved absolute dominion. Their cosmic battle raged in the Lomei realm, home to the Titans—god-like beings of immense power who could merge with nature and creatures from the Living realm.

As the conflict reached its zenith, it spilled into the Living realm, leaving devastation in its wake. Neighboring kingdoms, desperate for dwindling resources, turned on each other in bloody conflicts. Rivers ran red with innocent blood, and once-fertile lands became barren wastelands. The stench of decay became the realm's new perfume.

Corrupted by Darkness, many inhabitants of the Living realm swelled the ranks of its armies. With each soul claimed, Darkness grew stronger, and Light struggled to keep pace. The fate of both realms hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of oblivion.

In this darkest hour, four brave warriors emerged. They forged an army known as the Arekuruukemono and allied themselves with the Titans in their battle against the encroaching Darkness. With this newfound strength, Light began to push back, slowly restoring balance to the realms.

The tides of war turned, and the forces of Darkness were driven into exile, their armies split between the Lomei realm and hidden corners of the Living realm. As the Titans prepared to return to Lomei, they bestowed a parting gift upon the four warriors who had aided them so valiantly. Each received a portion of the Titans' own power—a divine blessing to help rebuild their shattered world.

Little did they know, this gift would shape the destiny of generations to come...

As the dust settled, the four warriors faced a daunting task: rebuilding a world shattered by war. Ravaged lands, broken families, and crumbling social structures lay before them. But what should have been a time of unity soon turned to discord.

Conflicting visions of how to reconstruct the Living realm drove wedges between the once-inseparable allies. Their partnership crumbled, and the realm fractured into four distinct clans. Each warrior ascended to kingship, ruling their territory with the conviction that their way was best.

To secure their legacies, the kings sought to produce the strongest heirs—children who would inherit both their powers and their ideals. Yet even as new life bloomed, darkness lurked in the shadows.

The Yazumi—nightmarish creatures born of the Dark—continued to plague the Living realm. These relentless terrors bided their time, awaiting a leader who could unite them. Their goal? To rise up against the Light and plunge both the Living and Lomei realms into eternal darkness.

The stage was set for a new chapter in the ancient conflict—one that would test the limits of loyalty, power, and the very essence of humanity itself.

---

"The end," Kaito Chika, King of the Chika clan, said softly as he closed the leather-bound book titled Rekishi.

"Father, why didn't the Titans just incinerate the Darkness?" Yasushi Chika, Kaito's only son, asked with wide-eyed curiosity.

Kaito leaned in, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Well, son, let me ask you a question. Do you know what light is?"

"Of course, father!" Yasushi shouted, suddenly standing up in bed. His blue-striped pajamas, adorned with teddy bears, rustled with his excitement.

"Describe it," Kaito challenged gently.

"Well, uh... uh... umm, light is bright like the sun!" Yasushi yelled, jumping in the air with his hands raised high.

Kaito chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, son. Now, settle down before your mother hears. Can you describe darkness?"

Yasushi plopped back down onto the bed, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Hmmm... well, it's like when you can't see. Right, father?"

With a tender smile, Kaito reached out and gently patted Yasushi on the head, swiftly ruffling his hair. "You're correct, my boy."

"Then why didn't the Titans just kill the darkness?" Yasushi grumbled, his curiosity unsatisfied.

Kaito's eyes softened as he explained, "Because, son, light and darkness cannot exist without one another. You were able to explain what light was because you know what darkness is. Too much light can burn you. Too much darkness can lead us astray. There must be a balance, which is why darkness will always exist when there is light."

Yasushi's brow furrowed. "If that's the case, then why does the Darkness not want this balance?"

"Simple, son. It wants control. It wants to lead us astray and devour our ability to exist," Kaito said, his voice growing serious. "This is why we and the other three clans fight the Yazumi."

"I know Uncle Mari, King of the Kokoro clan," Yasushi mused, "but who are the other two kings?"

"There's King Masahiko of the Nami clan and King Izimaru of the Takeshimego clan," Kaito replied.

Yasushi's eyes twinkled like stars. "Oh, wow! Are they strong, Father? Like us?"

Kaito nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Just like you and me, we are all descendants of the original four warriors who were blessed with powers from the Titans. These powers allow us to control, alter, and manipulate natural elements that exist within the Living realm, such as water, air, fire, and earth. Those who master their power can even control time and space, although those abilities are rare and haven't been seen in centuries."

Leaning forward eagerly, Yasushi asked, "Have you mastered your powers, Father?"

"Yes, son," Kaito said. "Although our clan specializes in water, I can control earth and air as well." He then laughed, running a hand through Yasushi's hair. "I'm a little rusty with fire, though."

"Awesome!" Yasushi shouted, his eyes shining. "One day, I'll control all the elements and be the strongest member of our clan!"

Suddenly, an explosion rocked the palace, shaking Yasushi to his core. Kaito rushed to the window, throwing it open. In the distance, fire and smoke billowed from the villages. Screams and cries pierced the night air.

"Father, what was that?" Yasushi whimpered, trembling beneath his bed sheets.

A sharp knock at the door preceded a guard bursting in. "Your Highness! Yazumi have invaded the southern villages. They're attacking the villagers!"

Kaito's face hardened as he turned to the guard. "Release soldiers to the southern villages immediately." He then looked back at Yasushi, his expression softening. "Son, I must go now. Please, go to your mother and try to rest."

"But, Fa—" Yasushi started, emerging from under the covers.

"Do not question me, Yasushi!" Kaito's voice rang out, tinged with worry and exasperation. "As King of the Chika clan, it is my duty to protect our people and all who dwell within our lands."

Yasushi looked down, clenching the sheets in his small fists as tears began to form in his eyes. Seeing his son's expression of concern, Kaito sighed softly.

"Son," he said gently. "It'll be alright. One day, when you're older, you'll become king. As you mature, you'll understand that fear should never stop you from moving forward."

Yasushi sniffled, meeting his father's gaze. "I understand, Father. Please come back safely."

Kaito moved to the bed, gently lifting Yasushi out and wrapping him in a tight embrace. The young boy nestled into his father's strong arms, drawing comfort from his warmth.

"Yasushi," Kaito murmured, his voice resonating in his chest. "As a member of the Chika clan, you must stay strong. No matter what threat or obstacle you face."

Slowly, Yasushi pulled away, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. He looked up into his father's honey-brown eyes, so stern and unwavering, yet filled with love.

A determined grin spread across Yasushi's face. "I understand, Father. I'll protect everyone here, including Mother, while you're away."

Pride swelled in Kaito's chest as he gazed at his son. "Thank you, son. Now go to your mother. Duty calls."

As Kaito gently set Yasushi on the floor, they both stepped into the hallway. Suddenly, Airi, Yasushi's mother, Kaito's wife, and Queen of the Chika clan—came running towards them, her face etched with worry.

Seeing Yasushi, Airi immediately dropped to her knees, enveloping him in a tight embrace. "Are you okay, Yasushi? Are you hurt?" Her voice trembled. "Oh, you must be so frightened. Don't worry any longer. Mommy is here."

Yasushi squirmed, his cheeks flushing red as he pushed away from his mother's embrace. "I'm fine, Mother. Stop smothering me!" His voice carried a mix of embarrassment and newfound bravery.

Airi stood, her eyes meeting Kaito's. The playfulness of moments ago vanished, replaced by the gravity of their roles.

"I heard what's happening," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos. "One hundred soldiers have already proceeded towards the southern villages. I've assigned seventy-five guards to protect the outer palace and another fifty for the inner palace."

"How much longer until the barrier is intact?" Kaito asked, his voice tense.

"About five minutes," Airi replied.

Kaito nodded. "Understood. I must get going now. I'll see you soon."

As he turned to leave, Airi grabbed his hand, pulling him back. She wrapped her arms around him, her voice a mix of worry and determination. "I know this must be old, Kaito, and that I say this every time you go off to battle, but... I will never forgive you if you die on me. So get your ass back as soon as possible."

A smile tugged at Kaito's lips. He cupped Airi's face, drawing her close for a passionate kiss. "As you wish, my love."

"Eww! Gross!" Yasushi interrupted, making exaggerated gagging noises. He crossed his arms and looked away. "Get a room, you guys. And Father, shouldn't you be going now? Don't you have lives to save?"

Airi's response was swift—a playful punch to Yasushi's head.

"Mind your business, you brat," she scolded, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. 

"One day, you'll fall in love and desire nothing more than to give that person unlimited time and affection!"

Rubbing the bump on his head, Yasushi grumbled, "Yeah, when I'm dead in my grave."

Kaito chuckled at their antics, the sound a brief respite from the tension.

Suddenly, three soldiers approached, dropping to one knee and saluting Kaito. The moment of family warmth dissipated; reality rushing back in.

"Well, don't wait up for me," Kaito said, turning away. The three soldiers rose, falling into step behind him as he strode off.

"Come home safely, okay?" Airi called out, her voice carrying a mix of love and worry.

"See ya later!" Yasushi shouted, waving goodbye. As Kaito's figure disappeared, he turned to his mother. "Mom, will Father be okay?"

Airi knelt beside him, her eyes soft. "Yes, Yasushi, he'll be fine. He's the strongest member of our clan." She stood, taking his hand. "Now let's get to bed. You have to wake up early for your lessons, and later you'll help with the aftermath of the battle."

Yasushi grumbled but then looked up at his mother. "Okay Mom, but can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Why? Are you afraid?" Airi asked teasingly.

"No!" Yasushi exclaimed, his face turning red. "I promised Father that I would protect you, and I can't do that if we're sleeping in separate rooms!"

Airi grinned, scooping Yasushi into her arms. "Okay, son. Let's go."

As they walked to the master's chambers, Airi sang a soft lullaby. The familiar melody wrapped around Yasushi, soothing his worries. Once there, she tucked him into the large bed, the sheets carrying the comforting scent of both his parents. Lulled by his mother's voice and the familiar smells, Yasushi quickly drifted off to sleep.

Airi moved to the balcony, her eyes fixed on the distant villages. Smoke engulfed the night sky, and the faint cries of villagers carried on the wind. She pressed a hand to her chest, her heart heavy with concern.

  Kaito... she thought. Please... save them!

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