Suzune's Childhood (Part 2)

From a young age, Ryujin Wan was recognized as a prodigy within the Blue Lotus Sect. His talents in martial arts and his proficiency with mana were extraordinary, even by the standards of the most gifted youths. At 12, his control and manipulation of mana were beyond what many seasoned practitioners could achieve. He was not just a genius – his dedication to training bordered on obsession. Day in and day out, Ryujin would be seen honing his skills, pushing his limits, and mastering complex techniques that others his age could scarcely comprehend.

The Blood Moon Sect, recognizing Ryujin's exceptional abilities and potential, saw an opportunity to bond with the Blue Lotus Sect. Suzune's mother and Yumiko, a prominent figure in the Blood Moon Sect, decided that it was time for her daughter to meet Ryujin. She envisioned a future where their relationship would symbolize and solidify the alliance between the two powerful sects.

Upon their arrival at the Blue Lotus sect, they were greeted by two young maids, Yumi and Amanda. Yumi, the half-wolf, sported a radiant smile and was dressed in training clothes, her black hair contrasting her attire. It was evident she had just finished a rigorous training session. Amanda, the half-fox, wore neat maid attire, pristine and devoid of any signs of physical exertion.

"Greetings, Yumiko-sama and Suzune-sama," both maids said in unison, bowing respectfully.

"There's no need for such formality, Amanda, Yumi. I'm here as a friend, not as a sect leader. Where might Alexia be?"

Amanda coughed slightly before responding. "She's in the garden... uh, training — I mean, playing with Ryujin-sama."

"Perfect. Suzune, let's go meet little Wan."

With that, Yumi and Amanda led them through the sect as they walked over to the garden where Ryujin and Alexia were.

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Alexia stood poised, her eyes glinting with a challenge as she faced off against Ryujin in their training session. She was not just his mother but also his mentor, especially in mastering the art of ice mana.

"Come on, Ryujin, is that all you have?" she taunted, summoning her ice mana to form a series of towering ice pillars around them.

"Mom, I don't want to rely solely on mana. When can we train without it?"

Alexia's expression hardened. 

"You ungrateful child! Shunning our family's ice mana? What disgrace have I brought into this world?" 

She conjured sharp ice spears with a wave, launching them at Ryujin. He nimbly dodged each one, his movements a blur of speed and agility. Despite his preference for physical combat, Ryujin couldn't help but admire the elegance and power of his mother's ice magic.

Alexia continued her onslaught without missing a single beat, her ice spears becoming faster and more unpredictable. Ryujin, undeterred, matched her pace. He weaved through the icy projectiles, occasionally using his brute strength to shatter them mid-air.

Their training was a mesmerizing dance of power and control – Alexia, with her commanding mastery of ice mana, and Ryujin, with his exceptional physical prowess, deftly avoiding and countering her magical attacks.

The intense training session was abruptly interrupted by Amanda's voice. "Alexia-sama, Ryujin-sama, we have visitors."

Alexia, momentarily startled, turned her attention toward Amanda. Following her gaze, she noticed Yumiko and Suzune, accompanied by Yumi.

"Well, if it isn't my old friend, Yumiko." Alexia greeted her with a warm smile, masking the slight annoyance of being interrupted.

"Greetings, Alexia. I've brought Suzune along to introduce her to Ryujin. It would benefit them to meet and spend some time together." Yumiko bowed slightly.

Alexia nodded her head, then turned to Ryujin with a playful yet stern look. "Ryujin, go freshen up. You're drenched in sweat, and that's no state to meet a young lady."

"Yes, Mother," Ryujin said and hastened to the shower.

Turning back to her guests, Alexia continued, "He's been under intense training, so a quick shower is in order. Amanda, please arrange some chairs for us in the garden. Make sure there's one for everyone, including you and Yumi."

Amanda nodded, "Certainly, Alexia-sama," and briskly fulfilled the request.

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Suzune was the subject of Yumi and Amanda's intense scrutiny in a secluded corner of the garden. The air around them was charged with palpable tension as the two girls closed in on Suzune, their expressions blending curiosity and calculation.

"So, Suzune-sama, what's your interest in Master Ryujin?" Yumi's voice had a sharp edge, her wolfish instincts on display.

Suzune, slightly taken aback by the directness, replied hesitantly, "Nothing... My mother just thinks it's a good idea for us to meet."

"Hmmm, sounds like your mom's angling for a political marriage, doesn't it?" Yumi hummed thoughtfully, her gaze piercing.

"Yes, that seems likely. After all, uniting the Blue Lotus and Blood Moon sects would be quite the power move." Amanda, silently observing, chimed in with a sly smile on her face.

The two exchanged a knowing look, their intentions crystalizing in that silent exchange. It was clear they both recognized Suzune as their primary rival, the biggest obstacle in their quest to claim Ryujin's attention.

From that moment, an unspoken alliance was formed between Yumi and Amanda. Their Yandere tendencies began to surface more prominently, their actions and words laced with manipulative intent. They were ready to use any means necessary to ensure Suzune remained on the sidelines, away from Ryujin.

Suzune, oblivious to the subtle yet dangerous shift in their demeanor, was unaware that this encounter marked a turning point. Intertwined with Ryujin's, her life at the sect was about to become a battleground, with Yumi and Amanda orchestrating the chaos from the shadows.