Yuki Miori

The beach reverberated with laughter and cheer, basking in the spirit of camaraderie and shared joy. But the idyllic moment was punctured as a new figure approached. Miori, Ryomaru's mother, a woman of delicate beauty and an icy aura, arrived. Her presence on the beach was like a chilly breeze sweeping through the warm sand.

"Ryomaru," she called, her voice soft yet commanding. All eyes turned to her as she crossed the sandy expanse with graceful strides, her white robes flowing around her. Her ice-blue eyes fixed on Ryomaru, revealing an intense affection that could almost be mistaken for worship.

Ryomaru pushed himself off his beach chair and waved to his mother, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Mother," he greeted her, his voice filled with warmth and love. There was no mistaking the deep bond between them, and the whole beach seemed to quieten at the moment.

However, her gaze then flickered to Killer B, her smile morphing into a polite, albeit slightly frosty, nod. "B," she acknowledged. The warmth that filled her eyes when looking at Ryomaru was replaced by a cold reserve.

Despite her less than warm greeting, Killer B responded with his usual vibrant energy, not missing a beat. "Yo, Ma'am Miori! Brightening our day, ain't you a glory!" He offered her his typical, boisterous greeting, but his eyes held a tinge of understanding for her subtle iciness. The Hidden Cloud's past actions towards her had left a lasting chill.

Miori merely nodded again, her features as calm and serene as a still pond, revealing nothing. Her focus turned back to her son. "Ryomaru, it's time to go."

Ryomaru glanced at B, who nodded at him, a silent understanding passing between them. "Sure, Mom," Ryomaru responded, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head. "Let me just say goodbye to Uncle B."

B stood up from his chair, stretching out his hand for a shake. Ryomaru accepted, their hands clasping in a strong, mutual respect. "Keep up the rhymes, Ryo. Keep the spirit alive, yo!" B encouraged, his grin as infectious as always.

"Thanks, Uncle B. I'll see you soon," Ryomaru replied, returning B's smile.

Miori watched the exchange quietly, her gaze thoughtful. She might not warm up to Killer B, but she could not deny the positive influence he had on Ryomaru. It was clear to see that Ryomaru admired the man, and that B's boisterous energy had a positive effect on her son.

As Ryomaru moved to stand beside his mother, he turned to face the beach one more time, his gaze sweeping over the golden sand, the vibrant umbrellas, and the people still watching them. With a confident grin, he waved at them, earning a round of cheers and waves in return.

As they walked away from the beach, Miori gently reached out to adjust Ryomaru's robes. Her touch was light, yet it held an immense amount of love and care. "How was your day, Ryomaru?" she asked, her tone softening considerably as she looked at him.

Ryomaru couldn't help but smile at his mother's tender touch, a warm glow spreading through him. "It was great, mom. I had a lot of fun with Uncle B. He taught me some new rhymes."

Miori gave him a small smile, "That's good, dear. As long as you're happy."

As the mother-son duo walked away from the cheering beach, they moved out of earshot of the lively chatter. Miori's demeanor shifted as she drew Ryomaru closer, wrapping an arm around him protectively. Her icy aura melted away, replaced by a wave of affection so strong that it seemed to radiate off her in palpable waves. Her gaze, previously reserved and cold when faced with the villagers, softened into a look of adoration as she looked at her son.

"Oh, Ryomaru," she murmured, her tone layered with a heartfelt warmth that was a stark contrast to her previously composed persona. She bent down to his level, her ice-blue eyes meeting his identical pair, a mother's love reflecting in them.

Ryomaru leaned into her, the four-year-old relishing in his mother's comforting presence. His pale blue eyes twinkled with innocent delight, the rhythm of the beach still echoing in his heartbeat. "Yes, mom?" he asked, his voice soft and expectant.

"What else did you do today?" she inquired, brushing away a strand of his hair that had fallen onto his forehead. Her fingers were gentle, a stark contrast to the frosty demeanor she had shown earlier.

Ryomaru's lips quirked up into a wide grin as he recounted his day, "We built a sandcastle, and I helped a baby turtle reach the sea!" His words bubbled over each other, the excitement of his beach adventure shining through.

Miori's smile widened, her eyes reflecting her son's enthusiasm. "That sounds wonderful, Ryomaru," she praised, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. Her heart filled with an indescribable joy, watching her little boy bloom under the sun, his spirit as vibrant as the beach they were leaving behind.

Ryomaru's grin didn't falter as he continued his tale. "And Uncle B taught me a new rhyme. Want to hear it, mom?" he asked, his voice full of anticipation. Miori's nod was all the encouragement he needed.

"Ice and Snow, together they flow. I'm Ryomaru, a child of the glow!" He recited, his voice filling the air with an infectious rhythm.

Miori clapped her hands together, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "That's lovely, Ryomaru. Your uncle B indeed has a way with words."

Ryomaru beamed at the praise, his cheeks flushed with pride. He admired his mother immensely, and her words of encouragement were like the highest honor to him.

Miori squeezed him gently in her arms, pulling him even closer to her. "You've had a long day, sweetheart. How about we get home, and I'll fix your favorite meal?"

Ryomaru's eyes lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Can we have tempura tonight, Mom?"

Miori chuckled, her heart warming at his excited expression. "Of course, sweetheart. Tempura it is."

"To thank you, Mom, for all you do," Ryomaru began, his eyes sparkling with playful anticipation. "Here's a rhyme, just for you."

Miori looked at him, a flicker of surprise crossing her elegant features before a fond smile took over. Ryomaru's excitement was contagious, and she couldn't help but mirror it, her icy eyes softening considerably. She loved these moments with her son, the raw, unfiltered adoration he held for her in his young heart was something she cherished more than anything in this world.

"You're my sun, you're my moon, you're my starlit sky," Ryomaru continued, his voice clear and steady. "With you, Mom, I can fly so high."

Miori's eyes widened in surprise, her heart squeezing in her chest. She blinked away the sudden moisture in her eyes, moved by the sincerity in his words. Her little boy, her precious jewel, was maturing so quickly, his words carrying an understanding far beyond his years.

"You're my comfort, you're my peace, you're my shining light," Ryomaru continued, his voice full of conviction. "With you, Mom, everything's always right."

Miori's breath hitched, her heart fluttering in her chest. The pure affection radiating from Ryomaru was overwhelming. She was used to his spontaneous acts of love and affection, but this, this was something else. It was like her son was bearing his soul to her, each word laced with such raw adoration that it almost took her breath away.

"You're my strength, you're my joy, you're my guiding star," Ryomaru carried on, his gaze locked on Miori's. "With you, Mom, I can go so far."

A soft gasp escaped Miori's lips, her hand instinctively clutching her chest. His words were a balm to her soul, each syllable easing the worries and fears she held for his future. Her little boy was growing up so fast, yet his innocence and love for her were as pure and vibrant as ever.

"You're my world, you're my everything, Mom, you're my best friend," Ryomaru finished, his voice ringing with absolute certainty. "And I'll love you, Mom, till the very end."

For a moment, Miori could do nothing but stare at Ryomaru, her heart pounding in her chest. His words echoed in her mind, each one hitting her like a tidal wave. The love and admiration that Ryomaru held for her was something she knew, of course, but hearing him express it so beautifully was something else entirely.

"Oh, Ryomaru," Miori finally breathed out, her voice barely a whisper. She pulled him closer, wrapping him in a warm hug. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, her heart swelling with such overwhelming love for her son.

Ryomaru chuckled, his small arms wrapping around her. "Did you like it, Mom?" he asked, his voice muffled by her robe.

"Like it?" Miori repeated, pulling back slightly to look at him. Her hand moved to cup his cheek, her thumb gently stroking his soft skin. "Ryomaru, I loved it. It was beautiful."

Ryomaru's face lit up at her words, a wide grin spreading across his face. "I'm glad, Mom," he said, his voice bubbling with happiness.