Since the dawn of existence, Light and Darkness waged an endless war. While Light sought balance, Darkness craved absolute control. Their cosmic battle raged within the Lomei realm, home to the god-like beings known as Titans, who possessed immense power and the ability to merge with both nature and species from the Living realm.

  At the pinnacle of the war, battles seeped into the Living realm, leaving devastation carved into every corner. Neighboring kingdoms, desperate for dwindling resources, turned on each other in bloody conflicts. Rivers ran red with the blood of the innocent. Fertile lands withered into barren wastelands and the stench of rotting flesh became the realm's new fragrance.

  Corrupted by Darkness, many swarmed to join its ranks. With each soul claimed, it grew stronger as Light struggled to keep pace.

  When all hope seemed lost, four brave warriors emerged and forged the renowned army branded Arekuruukemono. They allied themselves with the Titans in their battle against the encroaching Darkness, helping Light to push back and restore balance to the realms.

  The forces of Darkness were driven into exile, their armies fractured between realms and hidden corners of the Living realm. Before returning to Lomei, the Titans gifted the four warriors each a portion of their power in hopes it would aid with the reconstruction of their shattered realm.

  Challenged with restoring devastated lands, broken families and a dismantled social structure, conflicting ideals swirled, causing quarrels amongst the warriors. The partnership of the once-inseparable allies crumbled, fracturing the realm into four distinct clans. Each warrior ascended to kingship, ruling their territory under personal conviction and producing heirs to carry on their will and strength.

  Yet even as new life bloomed, darkness lurked in the shadows. The Yazumi, tainted creatures born from it, continued to plague the Living realm. Eagerly biding their time waiting for the return of their leader to rise up against the Light and plunge both the Living and Lomei realms into eternal darkness.

  ---

  "The End."

  Kaito Chika, King of the Chika clan, said with quiet finality, closing 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 forward. "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 brown teddy bears, rustled with his excitement.

  "Describe it," Kaito gently challenged.

  "Well, uh... uh... umm, LIGHT,” Yasushi yelled, shooting his small hands upward towards the ceiling "IS BRIGHT LIKE THE SUN!"

  "Yes, son. But settle down before your mother hears.” A low chuckle escaped Kaito's mouth watching his son's stunned expression. “Now, can you describe darkness?"

  Yasushi flopped back against his pillows, his brow furrowing in concentration. The bedsprings creaked softly beneath his shifting weight. "Hmm... Well, it's like when you can't see. Right, Father?"

  Kaito reached out, his calloused fingers ruffling his son's dark brown hair. "You're correct, my boy. Well done."

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

  "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. This is why darkness will always exist when there is light."

  Yasushi's small face scrunched trying to understand. "Then why does the Darkness not want balance?"

  "Simple" Kaito responded, slightly hardening his voice. "It wants control and to devour our ability to exist. That's why we and the other three clans fight the Yazumi."

  "I know Uncle Mari, King of the Kokoro clan!" Yasushi said, his voice brightening at the familiar name. "But who are the other two kings, Father?"

  "Well, there's King Masahiko of the Nami clan and King Izumaru of the Takeshimego clan.”

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

  Kaito nodded, a hint of pride threading through his voice. "Just like you and me, they are all descendants of the original four warriors who were blessed with the Titans powers. These powers allow us to control, alter, and manipulate natural elements existing within our realm. Those who master all the foundational elements develop new abilities like time or space manipulation. But those abilities are beyond rare and haven't been seen in centuries."

  "Have you mastered your powers?” Yasushi asked, eagerly leaning into his father.

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  "Ah, well, to some extent you can say I have.” Kaito awkwardly exhaled. "Our clan specializes in water, so, of course, I've mastered our inherit ability. I can control earth and wind as well."

  He then laughed, running his hand through Yasushi's hair. "I'm a little rusty with fire, though."

  "Awesome!" Yasushi shouted, his eyes shining with excitement. "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. The walls trembled, dust raining from the ceiling. 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 like broken glass.

  "Father, wha…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 village! They're attacking the villagers!"

  Kaito's face hardened as he turned to the guard,"Release soldiers to the southern village immediately!"

  He then looked back at Yasushi, visibly attempting to soften his expression. "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 snapped back, his words ranging out sharper than intended as worry and exasperation bleed into his tone. "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 fists to fight the tears forming in his eyes.

  "Son," Kaito sighed, kneeling beside the bed, "It'll be alright. One day, when you're older, you'll become king and understand that fear should never stop you from moving forward."

  Yasushi sniffled, lifting his gaze to meet his father's steady honey brown eyes. "I understand, Father. Please come back safely."

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

  "Yasushi," Kaito murmured, his voice resonating deep in his chest. "You are the heir to the Chika clan. You will face many hardships, so learn to stay strong…no matter what threat you face."

  Slowly, Yasushi pulled away, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. He looked up into his father's eyes to reveal the determined grin spreading across his face. "I understand Father, I'll be strong and protect everyone 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."

  Kaito gently set Yasushi on the floor, both stepping into the hallway. Airi, Yasushi's mother, General to the Royal Army and Queen of the Chika clan, turned the corner hastily pacing toward them, her face etched with calm worry.

  Seeing Yasushi, Airi immediately dropped to her knees, enveloping him in a fierce embrace. "Are you okay, Yasushi? Are you hurt?" Her voice trembled with controlled apprehension. "You must be so frightened. Don't worry, Mommy is here."

  Yasushi squirmed against her grip, his cheeks flushing red as he pushed away from her protective embrace. "I'm fine, Mother. Stop smothering me!"

  Airi stood, her eyes meeting Kaito's. "I heard what's happening. One hundred soldiers have already proceeded toward the southern village with Captain Haru. I've assigned seventy-five guards to protect the outer palace with another fifty for the inner."

  "How much longer until the barrier is intact?" Kaito asked, appreciating his wife's orders.

  "About five minutes."

  Kaito nodded. "Understood. I'll head to the southern village to support and rendezvous with Captain Haru."

  As he turned to leave, Airi's hand shot out, fingers grasping his wrist with strength. She pulled him back, encircling her arm around him. "I know this must be considered routine by now since I say this every time you go off to battle, but..." She paused, pulling herself away from him. "I’ll never forgive you if you die on me. So get your ass back as soon as possible."

  A smile tugged at Kaito's lips. "As you wish, my love," he replied, cupping Airi's face in his hands as he drew her close for a passionate kiss.

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

  Airi swiftly landed a playful punch to Yasushi's head. "Mind your business, brat!” she scolded. "One day, you'll fall in love and desire nothing more than to give your person affection!"

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

  Kaito chuckled at their antics, the exchange briefly respiting the tension. Three royal soldiers then approached, dropping to one knee to salute their King. The moment of family warmth dissipated, reality rushing back in.

  "Don't wait up for me," Kaito asserted, walking past the soldiers. The three men rose, falling into step behind him as he strode off.

  "Come home safely, okay?" Airi called out.

  "See ya later!" Yasushi shouted, waving goodbye.

  As Kaito's figure disappeared, Yasushi turned to his mother. "Mom, will Father be okay?"

  Airi patted him on his head, her eyes reassuring. "Yes, Yasushi, he'll be fine. He's one the strongest members of our clan."

  She stretched out her hand, grasping his as she gently pulled him closer. "Now let's get to bed. You have to wake up early for your lessons, and later I expect you to help with the aftermath of the battle."

  Yasushi grumbled looking up. "But can’t I sleep with you tonight?"

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

  "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. "Oh, if you insist… hahhaa brat."

  Noticing her son's tension, she began singing a soft lullaby as they walked to the master's chambers. The familiar melody wrapped around Yasushi, soothing his worries. Once within the chambers, she tucked him into the large bed, the sheets drenched in the comforting scent of both parents. Lulled by his mother's voice and the familiar smells, Yasushi quickly drifted off to sleep.

  After taking a few moments to observe his slumber, Airi moved to the balcony, eyes fixed in the direction of the distant villages. Smoke engulfed the night sky, and the faint cries of villagers carried on the wind.

  Kaito... Please... save them!