The Yamigami : Path Of God’s Tear

Mochi jumped onto the table, her bell jingling softly. She tilted her head, staring at him with those intelligent green eyes.

"Don't look at me like that," Kai muttered, shoving a spoonful of stew into his mouth. "You wouldn't understand."

Mochi's tail swished, and for a moment, Kai could have sworn she was smirking.

---

After dinner, Kai carried Mochi outside to their favorite spot—a little hill overlooking the village, where the cherry blossom tree stood in full bloom. The petals fluttered gently in the evening breeze, scattering like pink snow.

Kai sat down, leaning against the tree trunk, and set Mochi on his lap. She purred, curling up into a warm, fluffy ball.

"See? This is all we need," Kai said, closing his eyes. "Just you, me, and the quiet life. No wars, no weird strangers, no…" He trailed off, his words swallowed by the serenity of the moment.

The sky darkened, stars beginning to dot the vast expanse. Mochi's purring slowed, her breathing steady and calm. For a brief, fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.

Neither of them noticed the faint shimmer in the distance—like the edge of a shadow too dark, creeping closer to Zephyra.

---

---

The morning after their tranquil night, Zephyra awoke to the sound of bustling merchants and cheerful chatter. The warmth of another uneventful day filled the air. Kai stretched lazily, Mochi perched on his chest, swatting playfully at his messy hair.

"Alright, boss, I get it," he chuckled, brushing her paw away. "Breakfast first, then work."

Mochi meowed in response, leaping off him and heading to her usual spot by the window. Her emerald eyes scanned the horizon, a faint unease stirring within her.

"Still on edge about that guy yesterday, huh?" Kai asked as he poured water into a kettle. "You worry too much, Mochi. We're fine."

But even as he spoke, a shadow fell over the village.

---

The first sign of trouble was the distant thud of hooves. At first, the villagers dismissed it as passing travelers, but the sound grew louder, heavier, until it became a deafening roar.

Kai froze, the kettle slipping from his hand. Mochi hissed, her fur standing on end.

A scream tore through the village, followed by the clash of steel.

Kai rushed to the window, his heart pounding. A dozen men on horseback stormed the streets, their red banners trailing like flames. At their head rode a man with fiery red hair and a scar across his cheek, his golden eyes gleaming with malice.

"Ren," Kai whispered, his blood running cold.

---

The villagers scattered like leaves in the wind, some fleeing, others attempting to fight back with makeshift weapons. It was a massacre.

Kai grabbed his dagger and turned to Mochi, who was crouched low, ready to pounce. "Stay here, Mochi. I mean it."

She hissed at him, her bell jingling as if in protest.

"No arguing," Kai said firmly, before stepping out into the chaos.

---

Ren dismounted in the middle of the square, his men forming a protective circle around him. He called out, his voice booming. "Kai Ryujin! I know you're here. Come out and let's have a chat, brother."

Kai pushed through the panicked crowd, his dagger clutched tightly. He stopped just short of the square, his chest heaving with anger and fear. "What do you want, Ren?"

Ren turned, a grin spreading across his face. "Ah, there you are. I was starting to think you'd lost your spine."

Kai stepped forward. "You have no business here. Leave the villagers out of this."

"Oh, but you see, I do have business here," Ren said, unsheathing a gleaming lance that seemed to radiate heat. "You're my business, dear brother."

---

The word brother hit Kai like a punch to the gut. They hadn't seen each other in years—not since Ren had been cast out for his cruelty. Kai had hoped never to cross paths with him again.

"What do you want from me?" Kai demanded, his voice trembling.

Ren smirked, circling him like a predator. "You really don't know, do you? Pathetic. Our dear father, the great Champion, left you everything. The legacy, the power, the title. And for what? So you could waste your days selling trinkets?"

"I don't care about any of that," Kai snapped. "I just want to live my life in peace."

Ren's eyes narrowed. "Peace? You think peace is an option for people like us? You're a descendant of the 13th Champion, Kai. You were born for greatness—or destruction."

Kai clenched his fists, his dagger feeling woefully inadequate against Ren's lance. "If you hate me so much, then just take it out on me. Leave Zephyra alone."

Ren laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Oh, I plan to. But first…" His gaze shifted past Kai, toward the house.

---

Mochi had followed him.

"No," Kai whispered, panic gripping him as he turned to see her crouched behind him, her green eyes glaring defiantly at Ren.

Ren's grin widened. "Ah, the infamous cat. She's more than just a pet, isn't she? Almost like she's protecting you."

"Don't you dare touch her," Kai growled, stepping in front of Mochi.

Ren tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Why so defensive? Unless…" His lance ignited, flames licking along its blade. "She's your weakness."

The next moments were a blur. Ren lunged forward, his lance striking the ground where Mochi had been. She darted out of the way, but Ren was faster, cutting off her escape.

"Run, Mochi!" Kai shouted, but she didn't move. Instead, she leapt at Ren, claws outstretched.

Ren swatted her away effortlessly, sending her skidding across the ground. Kai's heart stopped as she struggled to stand, her bell ringing faintly.

"You should've kept her safe," Ren said mockingly, raising his lance. "But don't worry. This will be quick."

"NO!" Kai screamed, throwing himself at Ren, but it was too late.

The lance struck Mochi, flames engulfing her small body. Her bell let out one final chime before falling silent.