Monster Project

25. Yuki-onna

     Yukiko shook violently, fingers blue and head dizzy.
     'Father... He waits for me.'
     Her breathing was significantly faster than when she started the agonizing journey but it went unnoticed by her. Yukiko had to make it, father was expecting her.
     Her thoughts were unclear and hazy, body and head alike dripping with fatigue. Yukiko needed to rest, her eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
     There, a tree in the distance.
     The hefty oak was covered in a thin layer of pearl white snow, branches barren of once emerald leaves.
     With her last bit of energy, Yukiko weakly trudged to the tree only to sway unconsciously. Unbalanced steps took her a while to reach the base, only to fall at the end of her lifelong voyage.
     Her shaking stopped, rapid breathing and heartbeat slowing down until it was shallow and barely there.
    'Father... I'm coming.'
     Yukiko perished alone, thoughts of her father and brother her last action as she finished her final breath.

     It was nearly her three hundred year anniversary, the day she died under the great oak soon approaching.
     It was winter once again and the heavy, freezing snow blanketed the ground. Yukiko couldn't stand this time of year, bright feelings towards winter turned bitter and hateful.
     She was especially spiteful on her anniversary, killing anyone she met; regardless if they were a child or not.
     This night was no different.
     The sky was a navy blue that filled with pale clouds, not a star in the sky as tiny snowflakes drifted lazily to the ground.
     Yukiko roamed the woods aimlessly, murdering two hikers in cold blood even before the clock struck ten.
     She lured the first one away with the promise of a sweet night only to plant a deadly kiss upon his lips. He froze to death instantly, a face of horrible agony and sorrow.
     She loathed the hiker even more when she saw his expression.
     You're disgusted with him because he reminds you so much of yourself, yes?
     Yukiko shut her eyes, ghostly white fingers dug into her palms. If her jagged nails could draw blood they would have.
      She found herself outside the tent of the second man soon afterwards, brown eyes downcast and hand holding loosely at the closed flaps of the ugly, green tent.
     The man was already unnerved when his friend didn't return, already packing back up to go search for him.
     "You're worried for your friend, aren't you?"
     His head perked up and shaggy hair bounced with the movement. "Who are you?!"
     A malicious giggle. "No one at all, can you believe that? Perhaps I'm a figment of  your imagination." 
     Isamu shot out of the tent, small hatchet in hand and a disorganized backpack in the other. His head frantically searched the horizon until he caught sight of long, black hair. This woman nearly blended into the frosted landscape if it weren't for her hair.
     Isamu's breathing came out heavy, puffs of condensation forming then disappearing as soon as they came.
     "You there, stop!"
     Out of the corner of Yukiko's eye, she saw him darting towards her. His fingers gripped tightly around the handle of the hatchet and the bag slewn carelessly across his back.
     His call fell onto deaf ears as she weaved through the maze of trees and out of sight.
     Isamu fought against his sore legs and sprinted towards the mysterious woman.
     "S-stop! Where...Where's Katashi?!"
     Out through the maze and into a clearing, his eyes watered at the frigid air and cheeks painted a rosy pink.
     "Katashi! Katashi! Ka-" He turned and saw the frozen body of his friend, face now lifeless and no longer warm.
     Isamu dropped the small axe, wobbling over to the body.
     He was now crying, but not from the cold.
     He reached out, a shaking hand tracing his facial features.
     Isamu dropped to his knees, sobbing bitterly into glove covered palms.
     "Oh G-God... Katashi..."
     "It's terrible, is it not? To witness the death of a loved one is such a tragic thing. But do not fret, you'll soon join tour companion."
     He gazed up from his hands, turning to see barely see the edges of a white kimono.
     His eyes went wide, whole body quivering with fear.
     A yuki-onna...
     Yukiko bent down, yanking Isamu by his hair to plant a rough kiss to his lips. Ending just like Katashi, his face froze just the same.

     It was nearing midnight now, and Yukiko still wandered the forest aimlessly.
     "...ther!"
     A voice in the distance.
     "...ddy!"
     Yukiko ventured towards the voice, hiding behind a bush to inspect the person.
     A child.
     The boy was facing the opposite way, bundled in at least two coats.
     She stepped out from behind the barren bush and began walking towards the distraught child.
     "What are you doing here, boy? Isn't past your curfew?"
     He whipped around and what they found startled them both.
     He looked like her brother.
     "You're... You're a yuki-onna." He backed up, pupils blown and body trembling.
     "Ease yourself... Tell me your name, young one."
     "I-I'm Hikaru Hamasaki."
     Same name.
     "Tell me now, why are you in the forest so late at night?"
     "Well... I-I live near here, a-a-and I was playing in my backyard. I saw a deer, a-and I tried to get near it but it ran away. S-so I tried to chase it a-and I got lost and Daddy's probably looking for m-me.." Hikaru bursted into tears once again that created transparent streaks.
     "Cease your crying. I do not help sniveling babies."
     Hikaru was able to control his crying, however his eyes still watered and his chest heaved with anxiety.
     "Where did you come from, Hikaru?"
     A sniffle. "O-o-over t-there." He pointed to in a southern direction, and in the distance Yukiko could vaguely make out small footprints.
     "We'll follow them back."
     "O-okay."

     They trudged along the snow covered ground, Hikaru holding onto Yukiko's hand.
     "May I ask a question?" He peeked up at her, unusual blue eyes meeting hers as he spoke.
     "What is it?"
     He returned his gaze to the ground. "Why... Why didn't you kill me, yuki-onna?"
     "You reminded me of someone from my past, I was very found of them."
     "Who was it?"
     "I wish to not speak about the matter any further, they have long since died."
     The rest of the walk was silent except for the crunching of snow.

     The pair arrived just as the sun was rising, the sky a vibrant pink and the birds chirping merry songs.
     Hikaru slowly dragged his hand from her touch, peering up at her for a final time. "Thank you, yuki-onna."
     "You're welcome, child. Do not let this happen again, for the next time we cross paths, I will not grant you mercy."
      Hikaru thanked her one last time before quietly sneaking into the sleeping abode, Yukiko herself dissipating into a small cloud of mist.
     Showing weakness to a mere child that resembled your brother? Pathetic, you're growing soft.
     Her eyes clenched shut, however a single tear escaped.
     "Shut up..."

     A/N: Late post, ayooo! And two posts in two consecutive days! I'm on a roll, baby! This is waaaay longer than I expected, but anyways I hope you enjoyed. :D
     Bonus points if you know what Yukiko's name stands for. ;D