Ahh, my problems with updating have struck once again! I have no clue how long has it been since I last updated, but it must've been quite a while! I had a stellar month or two of depression and stress, so I'm extremely sorry for my lack of updates. Trust me, I'm really in the mood of finishing this too!
(Flashback)
Yuki felt immense guilt for not visiting Ou-sama the instant they had arrived back to the Winter Palace. She was simply overwhelmed in the work she had to do with the surrendering of the Summer Court, especially since most of the time she was in charge of both hers and her Sovereign's duties. Still, her main duty was to care for her Sovereign, and currently, she failed to do so.
Sighing, Yuki hoped that she wasn't too late.
The woman traversed through the halls that were lit up by blue orbs of light ingrained in the walls and floors. Still clad in her bloodstained, light blue war cloak, Yuki held a silver tray of food. She had picked out Jack's favorite dishes, from his signature vanilla ice cream he created with Ma'at to the honey roasted beef he'd inhale during feasts. A platter of herbal mint tea sat along with the meal, complemented with a pile of milk biscuits in a white, ceramic dish.
Nevertheless, even as she softly hummed an old Japanese tune, her mind was still haunted by the dark glint in her charge's eyes when they arrived back to the palace.
Pausing for a moment, Yuki took in a deep breath, her eyes closed to cut off her tears. She really hoped she wasn't too late.
Although, the pit of guilt in her stomach didn't help her at all.
She continued to walk through the glowing halls, passing by delicate ice statues and magnificent paintings without a single glance. Yuki's face remained grim as Winter Generals passing by greeted her, all knowing where she was heading to.
What she did not expect was General Old Man Winter whispering in her ear, "Our Sovereign must be protected against himself."
Shocked by the bearded man's message, Yuki's pace increased, her dancing walk becoming a fast stroll.
In her speed, she nearly skipped the ice door marked with Jack's emblem, a crown embellished with swirling frost patterns underneath acting as a pillow. Once she saw the sign, Yuki paused at the door and calmed her racing heart. Of everything, he shouldn't see her panic.
Typing away on the lavish keypad for the security alarms, as Gwendolyn called them, Yuki kept the tray from spilling its contents. After what seemed like forever, the device let out a quiet beep before the glowing, green outline of the engraved emblem in the door washed out, replaced with its original silver color.
Opening the door, Yuki froze.
The typically pristine room was a mess: papers scattered around and mixing with the shards of glass and ice littering the floor of the palace-like room. The soft, baby blue blanket that decorated the king bed was a crumpled pile on the floor, revealing the white comforter holding the cotton duvet. Scratches covered the walls of ice surrounding the pentagonal room, the white plush chair at the back of the room spilling out its fluffy contents from its large tear.
Standing in the center of the storm, his backside facing her, was her Sovereign, the hood to his navy blue war robes down. A pale hand clenched a fistful of snow-white hair as his katana was held above in a shaky grasp, about to swing down.
Yuki could do nothing as her vision flashed with the image of a teenage Japanese soldier kneeling on a stone ground, a stream of blood flowing from him as he used his own weapon against him. Yuki could do nothing but hear the thump of his head falling to the ground, the wails of a distressed mother filling the wooden tavern.
She couldn't fail her Sovereign as she did with her son.
She distinctly heard the crash of glassware, the clatter of the silver tray as blood rushed in her ears. She distinctly heard Jack yelping as he turned around in a swirl of blues and whites to see who had interrupted him, a hoarsely whispered "Yuki?" escaping his lips. She distinctly heard him whimper in fright as she stepped towards him, the boy stepping back.
However, her mind tossed away those sounds as she rushed up to him, entrapping her friend she looked upon as a son in her arms. She didn't care that he minutely froze in the embrace, didn't care that he dropped the katana and weakly hugged her back, didn't care about the tears that escaped from both of their sets of blue orbs.
All Yuki wanted was to protect him, protect him like the priceless gem he was.
(Mother Nature's Palace)
Yuki tried calming herself by inhaling the faint scent of fresh snow and winter flowers carried by an eternal zephyr. However, it only reminded her of the fact that she was in Ou-sama's Sanctuary without him, something that she was still highly displeased about.
You failed him like you did when he was imprisoned by Hel over a century ago. Tremors of hatred shook her frame, yet she held her cup tightly. You failed him like you did when he nearly bewedded Khione against his wishes. You failed him like you did when he fought against his own friend.
You failed as you did with your son.
Stop, stop, STOP! She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth as she fought against the onslaught of remarks. I helped him through the pain—
How would that be? All you've done is make it worse. A soft gasp left her mouth. You only know how to destroy, not mend.
A frozen teardrop fell into her cup, causing a foaming swirl of salt water to form within her lemon tea. Even your tears destroy serenity.
She stared at her broken reflection in shame. He's shown me so much, revolutionized my realm of sorrow into a realm of joy. Why can't I offer the same?
"Yuki, do you have anything to say?"
Launching out of her stupor, the newly crowned Winter Sovereign caught herself from accidentally spilling her cup's contents over herself. Setting the porcelain parcel down, Yuki promptly responded, "I duly apologize, Lady Nature. May you explain again?"
"Of course." Lady Nature's concerned look didn't disappear from Yuki's head as she pushed the evidence Yuki collected towards her. "We were discussing the implications of Boreas's alliance with Hel. By any chance, has Sabrina told you any more troubling news?"
Yuki sighed. "Sabrina mentioned that Jack finally cracked and revealed his lineage."
"What?!"
Yuki saw Aster's eyes widen in surprise as he grabbed Lady Nature's arm in an attempt to calm her down. "Emily, relax, okay?"
She jerked her appendage out of his grasp and clutched her forehead. "He isn't supposed to know. How did he find out?"
"Maybe Emma leaked something to him," the Herald of the South Winds suggested, "Jack must've wondered why she looked so familiar."
"Plus, Emmy sucks at keeping secrets," the Herald of the West Winds added.
"Which leads to more chaos." Lady Nature tiredly sighed, clasping her hands on the table. "Yuki, when will Gwendolyn and Gwenith finish their devices?"
"In about a day or two," Yuki replied, "They have completed a majority of them, but they need supplies from the dwarves in Nidavellir. The journey will take no longer than two days."
"As for the attack?"
"It can occur any time we wish; however, we are reliant on those trackers. Including the time required to test them, the earliest we can infiltrate Helheim is the 15th," Yuki continued when she saw Lady Nature's scowl, "I hate it myself as well, my Lady. Gwendolyn said that they would have finished already if they had the synthesized orichalcum-silver alloy they needed from there. The warehouses we have access to have none as we speak."
"Wait, did you say orichalcum-silver alloy?" Aster asked, "How much do ya need?"
"Approximately 1 or 2 karats," Yuki answered back, "Why do you ask?"
Yuki was surprised when a grin formed on Aster's face, one so similar to Jack's. "I happen to have a stash of the metal to ward off evil spirits while I'm hiding my googies."
A moment of silence passed through as they all realized what he was willing to do.
"I-I do not know how to recompense you," Yuki finally said, "I was planning to go to the winter domain mineries that give us a share of their materials already. The economy within the Winter Court has declined significantly and will do so until Ou-sama regains his throne. Perhaps I could—"
"There's no need," Aster interjected, "Snowflake's one of my mates, and I'll help him if I have to go to the end of the world to do so. I don't need anything else either."
He chooses such incredible companions. "Thank you."
"No problem, I'll take ya to the Warren after this meeting," Aster replied.
"I do not see why not now," Lady Nature suggested, "Yuki needs the materials promptly, and there is little else to discuss. You two can be dismissed early."
Aster rose from his seat after hearing her command, Yuki following suit. "Alright then."
With that, the Pooka and the winter immortal dropped down into a tunnel leading to the Warren.
(The Warren)
As Yuki sat on one of the roots of Aster's storage tree, she couldn't help but get lost in the beauty surrounding her.
The grass, so green and so soft, gave way to towering trees with roots as thick as her frame, leaves as dark as they can be, and vines as thin as frost. An assortment of flowers was sprinkled around, from red tulips to purple lilacs, the gentle breeze wafting their delicate smells throughout the area. Yuki could hear the rush of the dye river from afar as white eggs with stubby legs scampered past to reach its water.
She was so lost in its beauty that she allowed a trickle of joyful memories to escape from her barriers.
"Jack, come out wherever you are!"
She ran through the Burgess forest, looking through trees and flora alike. "Ou-sama, where are you?"
Slowing down till her white kimono stopped swishing around, she rested her back against the rough bark of the closest tree. "We have to go to—"
She paused when she heard a tinkling giggle and looked up in the branches.
"Found you, you little rascal!"
A tear glistens in her eye as she picked a bright pink primrose, cupping it gently. Soon, a light veil of frost swirled around its petals.
"Hey Yukes, everything alright?"
Instead of responding, she placed a small flower in his hands, its bright pink petals glittering in the street lamp's light. "Do you know what this is?"
"Uhh, a flower?" He replied.
"Not just any flower, Ou-sama." She cupped his other hand over the blossom. "It is a cherry blossom from a Sakura tree."
Noticing his confusion, she gestured with her head to the twinkling lights from afar.
"Even as civilization develops, there are still remnants of the past."
Yuki chuckled when she saw a turned over egg in front of her, its legs kicking in the air. She placed the squirming egg in her hand, setting the primrose down to snatch a paintbrush with a pallet full of colors.
Unbeknownst to her, a pair of green eyes peered at her from behind the tree.
"I believe this is not one of your grandest ideas…"
He rolled his eyes as he tugged her along the underground tunnel. "Oh come on, the Kangaroo's too busy hiding eggs to care."
"Ou-sama, if he sees you have a Yuki Onna as your companion—"
She paused when the passage gave way to a magnificent utopia. "Oh my!"
A smirk grew on his face as he swung his staff.
"May the tour through the Warren begin!"
"Now that is a beaut!"
Yuki flinched when she heard the voice, dropping the egg before the pallet slipped from her grasp and spilled its paint on her kimono. She gasped when she saw the mess she created. "Aster, I profoundly apologize!"
"For what?" The Pookan frowned, catching her when she tripped over her own stained garments. "I was the one who startled you."
"I thought you would be cross with me for painting one of your eggs," Yuki responded, holding herself upright, "Aster, your fur is matted with ink!"
"It's fine, Yuki. Also, just call me Bunny. Any of Frostbite's friends are mine too."
"Of course, Ast—Bunny," the immortal corrected herself.
"As for being angry with ya," Bunny added, frowning, "Why would I ever be? The egg was gorgeous, Sheila!"
Yuki let loose a puff of air she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you."
"Now, I dunno about you," Bunny paused, holding his arms up exaggeratedly, "I think we both need a good rinse off. We both look as if a bloody rainbow threw up on us!"
Yuki, however, disagreed when she remembered why they were there, "Bunnymund, I need the alloy before I do so. We must deliver it to Gwendolyn promptly."
"Haven't cha thought about how messy you look?" Bunny countered, "I know that the Winter Court is a feisty bunch. If they see you covered in paint…they must already disrespect you for being a Yuki Onna."
A glimmer of pain sparked in Yuki's eyes, but she quickly smothered it in nonchalance while hoping he hadn't noticed. "Do not remind me, Aster."
Brows furrowing, the Pookan pursed his lips. "Fine, I'll just get you the bugger, and then we'll head to the pools to clean off. Deal?"
"Alright," Yuki reluctantly agreed, "First, where is the metal?"
Noticing Aster gesturing behind the tree, Yuki followed the Pookan. She was shocked when she saw the lumpy duffle bag, its coppery-gold contents spilling out. "I only required 3 karats, nothing more!'
Bunny just shrugged. "Well, this pile has just been sitting around collecting dust. Plus, I have a shipment of new metals to pick up next week."
"I—I have no idea how to thank you," Yuki whispered as unshed tears welled in her eyes, "I could never compensate the favor you bring us. The orichalcum-silver alloy is phenomenally expensive, especially as pure as these. I could never—"
"Yuki, any of Frostbite's friends are mine too," Bunny repeated, "Not only that but this will help Frostbite and his mates out of that hellhole."
"Thank you."
Bunny chuckled, picking up the bag with ease. "Now, off to the pools?"
Having no choice but to follow, Yuki tailed him. Nevertheless, it didn't stop her from being entranced in the Warren's beauty once more.
As she passed through the meadows of flowers, she couldn't help but think of Jack frolicking through his Sanctuary. As she passed through the line of eggs jumping in the river, she couldn't help but think of Jack settling himself into Lady Nature's pool months after uncovering his memories. As she passed through the trail encompassing the Warren, she couldn't help but think of Jack dashing across stone laden paths as he was chased by Ciara and Bedelia.
The tears she tried to hide fell down her cheeks, dropping to the ground in crystals. So much pain from such happiness, it tore Yuki apart.
Why had everything changed?
"Aster?" Yuki's call stopped the Pookan in his tracks, which caused the woman to hesitate. "W-wi-will w-we—nevermind." She shook her head, giving up on trying to finish her sentence.
"Will we what, Yuki?" Bunny questioned, "Yuki?"
She didn't want to think about it, yet she couldn't stop. "Will we be too late?"
"What do ya mean?"
The woman lifted her gaze, watery blue connecting with fiery emerald. "You are correct to say I have failed him numerous times." More ice drops fell as she sunk to the ground. "He's been Hel's captive for nearly half a century, been married for 3 days to a woman that sexually abuses him, been the leader of a war against his own comrade, been beaten by the vengeful spirits that were his solace, been the target of numerous assassination attempts, been—"
"Yuki," Bunny smoothly interjected as he crouched down, gently tilting her head up. "Look, I was in the heat of the moment when I said that. I've had too much of a time to think, but I learned something." He paused to pick a nearby flower, placing it in the immortal's shaky grasp. "See this flower?"
Yuki gently touched its petals, causing swirls of frost to dust its edges. "What of it?"
"Flowers represent life and hope," Bunny resumed, pulling at one of the carpels of the plant, "But, they need someone to plant the seed. Yuki, did Jack have any gumbies when you met him?"
"No," Yuki tersely answered, "I was the first who did not abandon him."
"Doesn't that make you the one who planted his life and hope into the soil?" The Pooka's smile fell slightly when he saw the other's scowl.
"I may have planted the seed; however, I allowed it to be demolished by birds." Yuki promptly rose, dusting herself off. "If I had not before, then I certainly have now." To emphasize her point, she crushed the flower in her hand with a crunch, letting its frosted remains fall to the ground.
"Yuki—"
"I will not waste valuable time to toy with the effects of my errors," Yuki grounded out, "Aster, please lead me to the pools so I can depart swiftly."
After all, I cannot do more than destroy.
Blinking rapidly, Bunny jumped up. "Sheila, we're already here."
Following his gaze, she finally noticed the rushing waterfall that emptied at a small pool with rivulets streaming from it. She then looked at the Pookan, his fur still matted with swirls of paint, then hesitantly peered at the water.
"Whatcha doing? I thought you wanted to get it over with quickly," Bunny commented.
The winter immortal rolled her blue eyes. "I would if it were not for your hatred of the cold."
"I'll be fine grooming myself further off." With that, Bunny hopped to the other side of the pool and splashed into the water.
Yuki dipped her foot in said water, raising her kimono up as she sunk in. Quick enough to make an ice raft around her to keep her afloat, she immediately began scrubbing away the dried up paint. After a while, however, she felt Aster's stare bore into her, and she paused.
"What is it?" Yuki snarked.
After a moment of silence, Aster spoke, "I don't understand cha, Sheila."
"How so?"
"For one, you change your mood so fast." Aster sighed. "I'm not saying you're bipolar, and hell you aren't, but you seem to try and pull out a mask when you catch yourself revealing too much. Can we just talk? Without you hiding?"
"Why would I ever do so, Aster?" Yuki remarked as she continued cleaning her clothes, "You have never shown me nor Ou-sama kindness unless it is for your own gain."
"What?" Aster's surprise made Yuki scoff.
"Oh please, have you not thought I would realize?" Yuki jested, halting her task, "You only started to tolerate Ou-sama once you saw potential in him. Not only that but you warmed up to me now after weeks of resentment."
Bunny let out a deep breath, as if remorseful. "I always see my problems too late," he admitted, running a paw over his long ears, "I shouldn't've been such an arse to you nor Frostbite, and I'm trying to redeem myself."
Yuki peered at him once more before moving down to brush off the flakes of paint at the hem of her kimono. However, she didn't miss the crestfallen look the Pooka gave her as he went to brush his own fur clean. After all, it was blatantly obvious that he sought forgiveness
Little did he know that she felt the same way.
Whelp, this is one hella long chapter. I thought it was short, then I saw it had nearly 4k words lmao. Anywho, I'm not in my usual chiterry self, so Ima just sign off rn!