The Yamigami : Path Of God’s Tear

"Let's just say," she said, leaning closer, "I'm curious about how far you're willing to go."

Her words sent a chill down his spine, but before he could respond, exhaustion overtook him again, and the world faded to black.

Back to Mochi's Perspective when she killed by Ren…

Mochi's world became an explosion of light and agony as Ren's blade struck. Her tiny body hit the ground, the sound of Kai's scream echoing in her fading consciousness. Everything blurred—the stall, the sky, Kai's tear-streaked face as he cradled her.

"I'm sorry," she thought, her vision dimming. "I couldn't protect you."

Then, silence.

Mochi opened her eyes to a strange landscape. It was neither day nor night, but a pale twilight stretched endlessly in all directions. The ground beneath her paws shimmered like glass, reflecting a sky filled with swirling stars.

"Where… am I?"

"You are in the Soul Realm," a deep, melodic voice answered.

She turned to see a figure descending from the sky. It was unlike anything she had ever seen—a Phoenix Angel, its fiery wings illuminating the void. Its body shifted between the form of a great bird and a humanoid shape, its voice resonating in both forms.

"You were torn from your mortal life," the angel said, its golden eyes fixed on her. "But your soul lingers, bound by unfinished purpose."

"My purpose?" Mochi's voice felt strange, echoing in this place without her moving her mouth. "Kai… I need to go back to him. He needs me."

The angel's gaze softened. "Love and loyalty are noble, but they alone do not grant passage. To return, you must prove your worth."

A golden circle appeared at her feet, and a flame erupted before her. From the fire emerged a challenge—a shimmering blade in the air, its edges glowing with heat.

"Fight," the angel commanded.

Mochi leaped at the blade, her claws extended. She swiped once, twice, but the weapon was relentless. It struck back with precision, grazing her side and leaving a fiery mark.

She stumbled, panting, her eyes burning with determination. This isn't for me. It's for him.

The angel watched silently as Mochi charged again, dodging and weaving with feline grace. Her small frame was no match for the blade's raw power, but she fought with everything she had. Even as the blade cut her down, she didn't falter.

Finally, she collapsed, her breaths shallow. The blade hovered above her, poised for a final strike.

"Why do you persist?" the angel asked.

"Because Kai…" She struggled to lift her head. "Kai needs me. I don't care if I lose. I'll fight a thousand times if it means I can protect him."

The angel's wings flared brightly, and the blade dissolved into sparks. It approached her, kneeling to meet her gaze.

"Your selflessness is worthy," it said softly. "But to return, you must leave behind your past form. You will walk as a human, bound by the limitations and burdens of their kind. Will you accept this?"

Mochi hesitated. "He won't know it's me, will he?"

"No," the angel admitted. "But you will know, and that is enough."

She closed her eyes. "I'll do it."

A blinding light enveloped her, and when it faded, she found herself standing on unsteady legs. She stumbled to a nearby stream, falling to her knees as she stared into the water.

The reflection staring back at her was not her own.

A young woman with sharp, almond-shaped emerald eyes and long, silver hair tied in a simple braid gazed back. Her face was familiar in a way she couldn't place, and around her neck, a small bell hung from a delicate cord.

Her bell.

Her hands shook as she touched it, the faint chime resonating through the quiet forest.

"This is… me?" she whispered, her voice alien but her heart steady.

From the shadows, the Phoenix Angel's voice echoed one final time.

"You are reborn as Amaya. Go forth and fulfill your purpose."

Mochi—no, Amaya—stood, her new legs trembling but resolute. She stared at her reflection once more, then turned toward the horizon.

"Kai… I'm coming back to you."

And with that, she stepped forward, ready to begin her journey anew.

.

.

.

Kai awoke to the sharp crackle of a campfire and the faint scent of roasted meat. His muscles protested as he sat up, his hand instinctively gripping Yamigami. The silver-haired woman—Amaya, she'd called herself—sat on a fallen log, humming softly as she turned a skewer over the flames.

"You're finally awake," she said without looking at him. "You must've been out cold for hours. Honestly, I'm surprised you're not dead after using that blade."

Kai narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about Yamigami?"

Amaya glanced over her shoulder, a playful smirk curling her lips. "You're not exactly subtle, swinging that glowing sword around like it's your first day on the job. Anyone with half a brain could figure out you're… special."

"Special," Kai muttered, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, that's one way to put it."

As Amaya turned back to the fire, Kai studied her cautiously. Her movements were fluid, almost feline, and there was an air of confidence about her that set him on edge.

"What do you want from me?" he asked.

"Straight to the point. I like that." Amaya grinned, stabbing the skewer into the ground. "I'm a wandering swordswoman. Been traveling these lands for years. When I saw you flailing around with that katana, I figured you could use some help."

"I don't need help," Kai said quickly, though even he didn't believe it.

Amaya raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because from where I'm sitting, you're one bad decision away from getting yourself killed."

Kai opened his mouth to argue, but the words died in his throat. She wasn't wrong.

Amaya stood, stretching lazily before walking over to him. "Look, you're heading somewhere dangerous, right? It's written all over your face. I'm offering to guide you. No strings attached."

"No strings?" Kai asked skeptically. "Why would you do that?"