It was a much darker night than before and a lot colder. Snow falls faster than normal and the winds screech as it carries the cold cold breeze.

"Man this storm wont let up. Its hard to see in this blizzard" I complain.

Here I am lying on my bed, supposed to be sleeping but the sound of the storm awakens me in every opportunity it gets. The storm just came in unpredictable. It was just a normal day in the morning but when night came out a storm appeared engulfing the surroundings in thick snow. Good thing my dad and I stayed safe and manage to navigate through it and made it back home before it gets worse. Though if it isnt due to my eyesight seeing the dim light of our house, we may just be completely lost and under the mercy of the storm.

"Can you please shut up? Im trying to rest" Koori spoke. "If you want to complain, then atleast do it in your head lest mom catches us not sleeping"

I looked at her and raised my brow "What are we kids?"

"You're 13 and I'm 10 which makes us children"

"Im ThirTEEN!" I emphasise the 'teen' part of it. "You hear that teen there? The root word for teenager which makes me not a child"

"Though your mental age is the same as a child, please be mature" she tuck jerself to sleep as she rolls over on the other side, not facing me.

"Why you got to be jerk about it" I let out a sigh as I put my hand beneath my pillow just belowy head.

I never had a sister much less a sibling in my past life, I even remeber myself wishing for one. I had the dreams that I'll take care of her and I'll be a great brother and she in turn will respect me and treat me right. Well it certainly quite hard to experience that right now. Elders really are wise, especially in their saying of being careful on what you wish for. Seeing as the storm wont let up soon enough I should sleep now. Mom is really scary when shes mad and I dint want to be scolded for an hour in the middle of the night. I was about to shut my eye when I saw Koori sitting right up. For someone who claims we should sleep already she certainly doesnt look like one. I was about to telase when I saw the look on her eyes. Her eyes are everywhere, looking for something that probably wasnt here. Her eyes are in its utmost focus. Then she started holding her arms hugging herself like a child in danger. Thats it, something wrong and its big time though it may probably be a nightmare she had. But as my duty, I need to make sure. I started holding her shoulder, catching her attention. She looked at me, her eyes are shaking.

"Whats wrong? Nightmare?" I whispered.

She shake her head "No I feel weird. Like someones watching us".

I looked at her and urge her to continue.

She force herself to calm down "N-never mind, its probably just the cold, you know due to the s-storm" she looked at me and smiled apologetically. "Let's go back to sleep"

I sigh for a momment then looked at her. I raised my hand towards to the top of her head then stroke it gently. I smiled "Its fine, I'll look outside the house to see if soemthings wrong"

I stood up from my bed and open the window. Eye forward the storm as I carefully inspected the area, looking for something unusual. As usual all I can see if snow falling hard around. What did Koori felt to be that alarmed. I knew my sister very well and she's not the type to joke around something that can be dangerous. Though her she likes to tease it doesn't go pass the norms of teasing. So what makes her uncomfortable. Wolves has the highest possibility but during this time they should be hibernating and before they can enter the perimeter traps should been activated and alarm will be set off. Maybe I'm thinking so much and it'll be just a normal cold? It really is freezing to the point of it being uncomfortable. No, it wouldnt be the cold that bothers her. She hold her shoulder as a way protecting herself from danger. If she really is cold then she should have rubbed her shoulder to create friction for heat. Something is wrong and what Koori felt is probably right. I return back to my bed then get my knife below my bedding.

"Koori what your feeling may be something else" I spoke then returned to the window, still trying to look for possible dangers. "Wake mom and dad, we're probably being attacked"

"By what? Wolves?" She asked confused probably not expecting her discomfort to be something else.

"I dont know but I rather be ready to tackle it than regret later on, so can you do me a favor and wake up our parents?"

She nodded hesitantly but still managed to stand up and leave the room. Hopefully Im wrong but living here safetly for 13 years is really testing my luck. Well compare to fighting that thing I rather test my chances fighting wolves. Im hearing noises near me, its seems that my parents are already awake. Thats great at least we wont be taken by suprise. A few seconds, my parents entered our room drowsy, rubbing their eyes in their pajamas.

"Ren what is going on" my father asked yawning. "Its probably 2:30 in the morning"

"You better think fast and give me a good reason before I give you a scolding and possibly ground you" she threaten softly still sleepy.

"I think we're being attacked" I answered

"Attacked? By what?" Mom asked

"I dont know probably wolves"

"Did the alarm set off" my father asked, slowly starting to wake up. I shake my head. "Seen something?" Which I shook my head again. He walked towards the window to look for clues.

"Hon get my axe in the storage and possibly some bow and arrow" my dad said, alarm heard in his tone.

My mom quickly took off the room as I look at my father with eyes asking for what is going on. My father walk towards my sister then pat her head telling her to go get change and be ready for anything. At this point the suspense is killing me, and not long ago my father look at me readily.

"Support me Ren, we have a visitor"

Lights illuminate the room as we standby in front of the entrance, cautiously huddled as a group. My father is in front of us, holding his arm in front of us as a protection and another gripping his axe hidden behind his back. My mother is holding my sister close just behind us. Bow and arrow are strapped in my back as I try to calm my nerves. Numerous scenarios played in my mind. Demon slayers doesnt live long due to the natue of their jobs of most these deaths are gruesome and painful. Seeing my family be the victim of those kind of deaths make my stomach turn. For all I know these may be just a silly mistake accompanied by the sudden blizzard hailing over us. I calmed myself, pushing those thoughts on the back of my mind and focusing on the situation at hand. Few minutes later when we heard a knock on the door. At first it was a silent knock then quickly becomes louder and faster in every second. My father step forward and open the door revealing a man in his twenties. His eyes are inspecting the house and its members. Starting to my father all the way to my sister.

"Can I help you?" My father asked, not dropping his guard down as he looked at the man.

He has a thin and tattered yukata that reeks of unpleasant smell. Sharp nails that indicates that he may be wandering for too long. Nothing on his back. No weapons, no bag, no food. This is super suspicious. I signaled my mother and sister behind me to slowly walk back. The man notice the movement as he look back to my father.

"I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion" he raised his hands. "I've been stranded in this blizzard. Can I ask for a place to stay and some food?"

"Where do you live? Why did you stumble here" I asked, attracting all the attention in the room. My mom looked at me with displeasure. I mean what I'm doing is disrespectful as he is a guest and should be treated with respect. However, I need to ask to make sure. I aint gonna let my family be a mcdonalds meal. My father looked at me before he nodded.

"We apologize as this may be disrespectful, but we need to make sure"

"Its fine" the man said as he lowers his hand. "I live in the village south of here, I was a woodcutter making a living in the forest when I encounter wolves. I was scared so I run north until I manage to lose them in the blizzard and ended up here"

"How long have you've been running from the wolves?" I continued.

"For half a day" he said as he scartches the back of his. "Look kid, I know you're being protective but can I enter its cold in here"

I wanted to protest but any more and its outright disrespect and the way my mom is staring at me behind my back will definitely result in a scolding after. So without further ado, the man entered our house as we guide him to the dining room to give him some food and water that we have. After some few minutes of conversation between them, it seems that the man is called Jiro. A single parent with 2 kids under the age of 10. His wife passed away after giving birth to his 2nd child. He earns his keep by selling the wood he cut to his neighbors. Jiro started going deeper to get more wood as winter approaches but wolves block his way home. He has no choice but to continue north.

"Will you stop fidgeting?" Koori said, annoyed. "Youre clearly over reacting"

We are sitting at our room, Koori was. I was busy peaking through the gap of the shoji. Trying to listen to the conversation, clearly finding the visitor suspiscious as hell.

"Dont you think he's suspicious?" I asked

"No? He clearly is lost and from the looks of it, hungry, thirsty, and tired as well" she said.

Yes he clearly looks hungry no doubt. But lost? Kind of weird since this place is hidden between two mountains. The only way he can reach here is going throgh the mountain, in its caves. But if he wouldnt be able to traverse the cave especially if he has no light. As a fellow woodcutter, I dont bring fire with me as it occupies space. If it got dark, I simply head back. I only carry a bag, a bottle of water, and a hatchet. Speaking of things to bring he simply doesn't have anything. Well he's being chased by wolves so he probably trow his bag to be much faster. But for a life and death situation, your weapon is something you shouldn't give up. Thats why I find it hard to believe him. I'm probably being too paranoid about things though.

The conversation in the table has concluded and it seems my parents decided to trust and help Jiro. Since we didnt have any guest room, we offered the place in the dining room. We remove the kotatsu and set up the futon. Feeling tired from overthinking, I decided to get some shut eye especially since its probably 2 or 3 in the morning.

Human settlement is scarce in the north. I thought that going north will let me monopolize human meat. After all, human meat taste really good. But as there is no demons to compete for food here, humans are also hard to find. The blizzard is annoying as hell as it makes scent harder to track. I've been wondering for days right now and no wolf meat can satisfy my hunger. As I was wondering around, it seems that my luck has finally turn up. A family of four and healthy to boot has been living in the cozy hut. It seems like dinner will be a buffet. I can also use the house as a temporary resting place. As I enter the house disguise as a person in need of help, I was suprise to see them not help me immideitly. This family is really suspicious of me, especially that boy. He asks too many questions that it's hard to think from the spot for answers that is at least plausible. Good thing the mother is kind hearted. She started suggesting to her husband to help me the moment I stated my desire to return home immediately as no one will take care of my made up children. Ah mother's love, so easy to fool. Well, I wonder what will be her reaction to the corpse of his son. Knowing that she is the reason why her family is dead. Human meat really is fantastic and seeing the despair in the eyes of human, especially when they see their love one die in front of them is ecstasy. Ah how delicious. Them sleeping peacfully as these children has no idea what will happen to them any second. I'll start with the boy as he annoys the hell out of me. I'll leave the girl alone for now, she's pretty and I can find some uses for her.

What the fuck is this dream, I can't breathe. I feel something heavy in my abdomen. Did Koori misplaced herself. Fuck, I'll die at this rate. With no choice, I forced myself to push her off me. Strange, Koori has a soft body but what I felt is a hard and strudy one. I opened my eyes and saw Jiro kneeling in front of me, face full of suprise as he didnt expect me to woken up so fast. My mind was still preocupied with answering how the hell did he get in here, when I saw how his nails are a lot sharper than ever and his mouth was drooling. I felt my body being forced to wake up and focus on the situation at hand.

Jiro stand up while looking at me. In his eyes, shock is replaced by amuse.

"You should know that this is not your room" I titlted my head, still confused. "I know its cold but you shouldnt just enter a room just to get my blanket"

He stared at me for a moment before he laughed silently, forcing himself to contain it. Thought the noise has woken up Koori, not fully as she stirred in her sleep. As Koori started sitting, one hand as a support while the other is used to rub her drowsiness away. As she start to look at me and ask a question I saw Jiro pounce on Koori's unaware back.

Adrenaline surged throughout my body as it forced it to react. I suddenly jump towards the direction that Jiro pounced. I tackled him hard as he flew to the corrider. Then my body grab my sister's arm and pulled her behind me in one smooth motion.

Jiro stoop up and rub his chest, the part where I hit him. "3 times" he said as he looked at us. I looked at him, focused. Adrenaline not giving way to confusion as my body starts to wake up.

"This is the third time that you suprised me kid" he said. He started walking towards us. As we keep on walking back avoiding him, we slowly circled the room in the midst of the conversation.

"First is the questions you've bombarded me in the start, normally people would help another one they see it..." he raise his pointing finger, indicating the number 1. "...second is that you suprise me when I was about to take a bite at you..." he raised his middle finger. "...and third and the most suprising of all is that you are able to react to my attack. Though not fast, the distance between us would've made it hard to react."

He kept on talking as I focused and think of how to escape this room with my sister. I felt my sister's body as she trembled in fear. Not knowing what was happening and seeing the crazy man he thought to be someone who needed help. I grab her hand and squeeze it slowly. Telling her that I'll protect her. She relaxed, only a little.

"Go to mom and dad, wake them up again and quickly tell them what is happening right here" she hesitantly nodded.

"W-what about y-you?"

"Someone needs to stall this guy" I said not leaving my eyes from Jiro. "Just do it quickly"

My sister is scared as hell. Well who am I kidding, its taking every thing I had not to buckle down and piss my pants. But contrary to that I need to protect my family. I looke around and recognize that the exit is behind us. Thank goodness. As Jiro kept talking, probably in his own little world, I quickly open the door, grab my sister's hand, then push her out of the room just as I close it afterwards. My sister bangs the door calling for my name as tried my best to hold the door down. After a few second, the voice dissapeared as she run towards our parents room. Good grief. Now on to the problem at hand.

Jiro stopped on what he was doing as he eye me out. Silently questioning me on the act I've done. Few seconds passed as he release a sigh he was holding. "No matter, I can start my feast with you"

Then he lunged at me, as I jump sideways which I didnt finished as he grabbed my ankle and proceded to throw me. I felt the wood hitting my back as I struggle to get back up, just as I see him preparing to lunge again. With no time to lose, I quickly grab the closest thing next to me before being pushed back with a force strong that destroyed our rooms wooden wall. We flew towards the snow, blizzard still roaring, as I put the thing I grabbed between me and Jiro's mouth. Before I land, I used the momentum we gather to roll backwards and kick him in his abdomen, creating a gap between us. I look at what my hand snatched which is a thick blancket we use to sleep on. I quickly rolled the blancket to my fist and used my other hand to hold the excess, to make it like a rope. Jiro stood there eyeing me out like a predator marking his prey. Scared shitless as I was I stood my ground, resolved to atleast making me his target.

I decided to wait for his move, after all I fully know that I can't beat a full grown adult, never mind a demon. Raging blizzard has decreased both visibility and sound as I stayed focus, as my heart pumps widely and my eyes focused on whats in front of me.

Before anything could happen, an arrow struck Jiro in his heart as he took a step back with the sudden force he received. Looking back I saw my father in his clothing, a bow in his hands, and a quiver full of arrow. Behind him is my mother and sister with a worried face but stood still, probably instructed by my father.

Raging in anger, the demon run towards my father as he dodges arrow by arrow. Ocassionally grabbing my father's hand as he proceed to take a bite on his neck. Before the fangs manage to connect, my father quickly cover it with his hand, blocking the bite.

"No!"

I ran quickly towards them and punched Jiro in the face with all I have. However it only fazed him as he kicked me strongly before grabbing my fathers arms as he makes himself comfortable. I can see my father's eyes as he screamed in pain, trying desperately to remove the clutches of the demon thay grab a hold of his arm.

"Stay still little one, let me just finish eating this arm" Jiro smirked.

My mother quickly ran inside and return with our cooking pot in hand then swing it to Jiro's head. The force in which she swing it is so great that the demon temporarily release his mouth from the arm. My mother quickly put her hands to his eyes as my father kicked him away.

Koori quickly pulled my father near hear as she quickly use a bandage we have in store to stop the bleeding. She was trying hard not to vommit as a part of my father's arms has his flesh removed. My mother stood in front of them as she try to figure out what to do next. Having her pot broken she is left vulnerable as she has no way to protect herself. I forced myself standing up as I can feel the pain in my back. I need to move now and find a way to finish this. Either by killing him or immobalizing him until the sun goes out. I looked up, how much time before sunrise. The blizzard thought is subsided, the thick clouds makes it hard to determine the time right now and I'm not even sure if the sun rays can penetrate the clouds that the snow generated. I need to decide right now. We wont last long if this continues especially how father's blood is quickly colored the bandage. I need to end this now. But how? I first need a weapon. Traditional bow and arrow wont work. Thinking back on what I knew base on my knowledge, unique kinds of weapon will only work. Considering different ways on how I can help and idea came over me as I quickly run inside the house in the broken wall of our room.

"Now you done it woman, dont you know its rude to disturb someone eating" the demon said as he touched his head, feeling the impact of a solid pot smashed at him.

Mother just stood there, scared but resolute in protecting her family.

"Now your next..." As he closed his eyes, he suddenly feel pain as he holds his hand and screamed.

"What did you do? My eyes hurt you fucker" he screamed. "I'll swear I'll kill you last and take my time enjoying you"

Before he recovered however, he felt someone tackled him behind hard as he and the person fell down the slope.

"Ren!" My mother shouted as she followed me down the slope.

Grabing a hold of my the thing that I get inside the house. I readied myself as I put my self in position. I needed to create distance between my family and the demon so that they can focus on taking care of my father. Good thing that Jiro is standing near a shallow slope but just enought for him to focus on me. Seeing as my father laying down near Koori as she tries to put pressure on the wound made me mad. Bloodlust can be felt within me as I wanted to murder this demon in every way I can.

"Kid you got to control your emotions a little"

Remembering what my father said in our hunt weeks ago. I tried to control my feeling and tone it down to the minumum. The bloodlust is still there but more controlled. Counting inside my head to three, I calmed my self and proceeded to execute my plan.

"What did you do? My eyes hurt you fucker" he screamed. "I'll swear I'll kill you last and take my time enjoying you"

Before he recovered however, he didnt notice me closing in as I tackled him behind hard as we fell down the slope.

"Ren!" My mother shouted as she followed me down the slope.

"Stay there, take care of dad and Koori" I replied as tried to carry the basketball sized Nevermelt Ice in my hands. The cold still penentrates my hand even though I used double scarf to cover it.

I dont know what suddenly came over me as I looked like someone playing basketball with a demon no less. When I thought of using something unique to kill the demon, the rock I found few days ago came to my mind. Sure its unique, but I dont know if this will work. Feeling the need to surivive, I need to try this and hope for the best. Then I run inside the house, cover my hands with clothes two times to make sure I can handle the cold, get the stone, then proceed outside to tackle the demon down the slope.

It was hard as I can feel the cold in my hands. It was more bearable atleast than when I first carried it. I carried it and faced the demon who by the looks of it is still in pain. Holding his eyes as what my mother has put in continues to make him uncomfortable.

I tackled him hard once again but instead of rolling down the slope, I manage to stay on top of him. We wrestled each other as I try to get momentum to bash him with the stone. Arms flail widely as he thrash sode to side determined to get out of the hold he's subjected into. I steeled my self, holding him down as this may just be the opportunity I needed and may not present itself once again. I used my elbows to push his grabbing hands away from me. I can feel it that any minute I started to dominate him. I just need to stop his hands from grabbing me. But who knows when this advantage will stay. So, I swing my arms in once swift motion to the side, creating a space in the middle as I used the force the raise mthe stone and bash his head hard.

Krack

I heard bones cracked and blood spewing as I manage to connect a strong blow to the demon. His hands died for a while and I saw the sight of victory coming. Continuing the notion, I continued to bash him again and again, determined to make a point that I want him dead. However, desperation soon took hold of the demon as he thrashed harder than ever before. His attack become more lethal and fierce becoming more wild and uncontrollable. Like a wolf cornered only thinking about survival. My bashing continued as I can feel my blows becoming more slower and lighter. Fatigue is catching up to me as I feel the demon started to gain back his strength. He scratched my chest, marking it as blood drips out and the feeling of the pain and burning sensation is felt. Then he grab my shoulder hard wanting to push me back as his claws penetrate through my skin, sinking into it. The pain made me drop the Nevermelt Ice in my side as I now remove his claws and hold them in place. In a second we both look at each other eye to eye and I saw his red eyes piercing into me. Ashes can be seen in the sides of his eyes and fragments of timber stick out. The realization hit me. As of this moment, I can see the hope in the eyes of the predator that reflects the eyes of the prey desperate to live yet knowning the inevitable fate it will experience. He started standing up as I feel his strength overcoming me. Smile decorated his disfigured freezing head as he turned the table and hold both of my eyes. I am losing this battle.

"I dont know what you did on why my body is slow to recover however youre dead meat now" he said as laughter exited his mouth.

Fwoosh

The faint sound of an arrow is heard in the distance. The arrow is fast and true as it comes in unexpected as it struck Jiro's head. The arrow manage to penetrate the demon's neck as he gurgled his blood. The next arrow landed on his hand as he release his hold of me.

"Ni-chan do it!"

Waking up I grabbed the arrow that strucked his hand and stab it and his other hand freeing myself from his clutches. Grabbing the stone in the side, I step on his left hand as I stand up shortly to create a stronger momentum, hold my breathe, then release it the moment the bash connected. I repeated the steps continuously until I slipped and fell down. Looking at what I slipped on, I saw his entire arm that I was standing on a feet away from us. I looked back and noticed that the bashing has not ontl broken his arm but also dismembered it. Blue stains in the shoulder can be seen as what I think frosbite starts to eat him away. With no more hand to continuously hold me in place, I hold him down once again and started on pounding this head this time little resistance can be felt as I can feel him dying. How the tables have turned. I can see in his eyes the despair and fear that I projected within him. With a desperate resistance he tried to bite my hand but I avoided it. I took hold of his hair and repeatedtly bashed his head in the cold hard layer of dirt. Once the resistance died down, I stood up and placed my foot in one of his arms and another in his neck. His head is destroyed beyond recognition as frostbite symptoms are now seen. Large blisters can be seen as black spots decorated his head. The amount of bashing I did is enough to kill a man many times over but due to the tenacity of demons he is still alive. And I know fully well that in order to finish this fight death shall be the result not injured. So putting every strength that I can once again raised my arms carrying the Nevermelt Ice. The stone has a large chunk of it colored red. A weapon that I didnt though would be this helpful. With one final look, I breathe in, air occupying my lungs as I feel it expand. When my lungs expanded enough, I throw the stone with all my might towards the head.

Krackck

Hands dies down and never came back to life as blood started to flood the area. While it didnt severed the head, the result is still disgusting. His head had cave in. Insted of a circular structure, a cresent of its overall shape has been flattened.

Fatigue came over me as I step away and fell down. Bile can be felt building up as I vommited away the digust of what I've seen. Using the scarf I used to remove excess bile in my mouth I once looked away to the corpes in front of me and remebered what I survived in this time. It was a hell of experience. A slight alteration fo the events that happened may create a different result. If that arrow didnt pierce Jiro, I would be the one on the ground right now. Speaking of arrows, I never knew Koori is proficient at one. I saw her practising in the backyard a couple of times but never knew her to be thay good. Probably better than me. To hit a target precisely with a wide distance that is close to someone in nothing short of amazing, though we are stationary at that momment. I guess she has a talent for it.

I forced myself up despite the pain in my chest and shoulders. The wound itself is not that deep but without first aid it may prove to be fatal. Hearing movements near me, I turned and saw my sister. Bow notched with an arrow is seen in her hands and a quiver strapped on her back. She is breathing heavily, no doubt feeling the fatigue of doing what she has done. Its understnadable as she rarely go outside and her stamina is lacking. She looks at me, panting, with an eyes full of worry and hint of fear is visible. Before her eyes can law in the disfigured corpse behind me I quickly close the distance and hugged her closely. I know that the normality that we have grown used to will change and that she is no longer innocent on what happens in the world. However, as a brother I wanted to atleast spare her on seeing a disturbing scene that may hunt her forever. Good thing that she reciprocate the hug as she her focus shifted away. Warmness envelope both of our bodies as we enjoy the hug. Remembering that both of us are alive despite the things that happened. Battered up and shaken but still alive.

After both of us distance ourselves, we took a good look at each other. She's fine for what I can see, though her hair is dishevelled and her yukata has wear and tear visible.

"You look fine" I said as I sigh

"You're not" Koori replied.

We both laugh at our circumstances. I grabbed her hand then walk towards back home slowly, leaving the fight that had happened. The fight might be finished but I think that this is just the start.

Thinking about the days that will come has only pushed my fear and anxiety to the hell that I may be walking. Being in my own thought, I didnt noticed the warm rays of light that touched my skin. Despite the coldness of the night, the warm of the sun still comes and give us another day to survive and enjoy life as it is.

Well this journey is a lot harder than I thought. But lets take the time to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Hey guys sorry for the late update. To be honest I ha dthe feeling that I dont want to continue this story. Especially since I have a lot of problems putting into words kn how fight scenes should happen. Im sure you've felt it as some words are often used. Im someone with a low wordbank after all. Still this is my first story so I think and hope that I'll improve a lot more. What pushed me to continue this story is the review I've get. The world is really great you know, being motivated to do something from just one good job. So whoever you are, I want to tell you good job and keep it up but dk t forget to rest.

So how is the story guys? Have I properly put the fight scenes into words or is it all over the place? Contructive criticism is welcome. You provide me with good feedbacks ill provide you with better quality of story. Nevermelt Ice is something I have been thinking about for years. And how cool and dangerous frostbite is (pun intended). Based on different stories Ive read on KNY there are always death of parents and sort, I wanted to change that. Im sure we all agree that KNY has given us a lot of heart breaks and I dont want to make you guys suffer.

Anyway thats that! The same still applies. This is a hobby so updates may be slow but it'll definitely be faster if I see a positive on it. Stay tuned and goodluck with your life! Fighting!!!