Chapter 1: Winter
Winter.
I hate it.
...
Winter had fallen over the land, covering the villages, farms and forests. All was left was white. The harsh winds blew along with my soak cold robes, now a miko's, sending chill to my spine. But I continued to walk through this thick snow. It was his request- to go to the forest. He was nonetheless behind me, following.
I can hear his every footsteps, nothing more. There was an awkward silence between us two. No one spoke, nor dare to close the distance and face the other.
Till we reach the forest.
Earlier, he said he wanted to talk. It was strange and sudden though. This time, I didn't see a vestige of that boy he has inside. He was serious. So I did not question him, no more. I agreed and went out.
I heard his footsteps stop. But I took a few more steps, astound at my own footprints embedded on snow.
Then I turned to face…
no one.
SANKOTESSU!
The scream broke throughout the forest.
I was late. It was late to scream for the pain the cuts brought upon me, for the wounds now surfacing on my skin. My robes were torn and this white haori was quickly stained with blood. I was loosing my balance. But I didn't care anymore.
Arms, shoulders, legs, face. I can feel the agonizing pain throughout my body. But that pain is nothing compared to what I feel now in my heart.
The feeling was more than weak. It was numb. I was out of thought.
I was loosing consciousness, my vision impaired, but I recognize him closing to me. He bent down and tucked few strands behind my ear.
"The jewel." He whispered a rasping tone.
And that was the last I heard from him.
The once white snow was now tainted with this blood.
'Traitor.'