I tread as soft as I can. Any sudden noise and I'm caught.
Wind-chimes cast their twinkling tunes as a breeze begins to pick up. This doesn't worry me, not yet.
Closer. Just a little closer.
My heart beats uncomfortably against my chest. I can feel the pulse of my body as I near.
The twinkling stops. I'm forced to stay behind to avoid detection.
I calm myself before going forward. Wiping a sheen of sweat off my forehead, I carry on.
The breeze is gone. The clouds obscure the pale sun, graying the winter sky.
All is silent but my light footsteps. I'm afraid to admit that I've lost sight of my target.
I mustn't lose. I mustn't.
If I fail, I won't get my pay. And pray tell that the gods know just how much I need that pay.
A rigid cry emits from up ahead. I curse and rush towards the now obvious screaming.
A haggard woman and child. Endless streams of crimson pour from the child's throat.
The woman holds the child tightly, rocking back and forth.
I look away and catch sight of a lead. As I track my target down, the image is still there.
The image of the child's lifeless eyes directed straight at me.
I reach a secluded lake. A sheet of thick ice embraces the landform.
This is where the trail ends...
A chuckle.
I start and brace myself.
The impact is swift. I find myself with mild scratches.
Mockery.
My target speaks. Saying how brave I am.
But foolish.
I strike, landing a hit. Daggers fly at me, but I simply dodge.
I switch to full offensive mode. My target cries out when I implant a direct hit.
A chuckle...
I spit. The white ground has dotted marks now.
I cough, then gag. More of those dreaded marks appear.
Another chuckle. Foolish, my target says.
I grit my teeth, willing this symptom to go away.
Not now.
I rise, taking a stance.
I'm forced to take defensive mode as those bloody knives fly at me. Shallow nicks and cuts here and there.
My patience is wearing thin.
Risk it now or suffer later.
My choice is made.
...
...
...Ah...
That fluff up there...is snow, right?
It's my first time seeing this strange wonder.
My hometown and other jobs have always been in the sweltering heat or mild weathers.
I took this job for the snow.
My chapped lips split as I smile.
It's a wondrous sight.
The countless spheres, sluggishly making their way towards the earth. Swaying gently with the icy wind, letting it carry them to where it lead them.
Some of the fluffs land on my body. They are cool to the touch and melt right away, chilling my already numb body.
I'm a wreck, I know.
But you know, this job was worth it.
A sudden urge of tiredness overwhelms me. My eyelids threaten to close.
I don't want them to. The sight before me is too wonderful.
So there I lay, eyes drooping lazily as the light from them fade away.
The icy ground and ever slow piling snow making the perfect grave.