Chapter 8: Skeletons In The Closet
Unknown Location
It wasn't clear what this space was. An illusion? Time Travel? A parallel Dimension? It didn't matter. What was clear was that it was side by side so both could finally see the past of the other. Maybe to find some kinship or understanding.
The women who made very significant claims had vanished. While Esdeath was certain of her relationship, Akame...
I know my family. Yet, she seems...no, it's better to just see how things go...
Akame's POV
She saw a much younger version of the woman she had just seen along with a younger version of the woman that Akame claimed to be her mother. While the woman had graceful long raven hair, a toned body, and reminded her of herself- the other woman had messy, black hair in twin tails, very narrow eyes, and a thin body type.
They were drying clothes on the clothesline of their quaint house in the middle of the forest. Akame recognized it from Wakoku as a forest location in the Tenrou nation.
"Make sure there's no spots.," said the girl with a resolute expression.
"I got it. I got it. Big sis.' said the other girl with a scowl.
The two then turned around to see a strapping young man with black hair tied in a tight ponytail dressed in humble garbs.
"Rose. Iris. I'm back.," he said.
"Brother.," said the first girl as she hugged him.
"Hey, Big Bro, Enji.," the other girl said.
That's the name of the Elder...must be a coincidence., thought the young woman observing the events.
"Hey, have you found some gal? You're very popular with the ladies around here.," Rose said as she got Enji in a tight chokehold.
"Sister. You're choking me.," he said weakly as he struggled to get out of it while Iris ignored the action as a usual routine. It was clear that this was a close bond. He got out of the grasp as he panted.
"You're a man, y'know. Can't be too weak.," Rose said with her arms crossed with a stern look. From what could be gathered, she was a tough big sister who tried her best to shape up the man, but it was apparent he had a different way of getting what he need. Enji then managed to recompose himself as he gave a resolute yet reluctant look, which made the woman confused.
"I'm going to be joining the Tenrou Military. My assets are in my mind.," he said, which caught Rose off guard.
Her tears welled up as she went to hug him but he kept his distance to her confusion.
"That's wonderful. I'll start packing so I can help you. You're really helpless on your own.," said Rose.
"So you're moving up in the world? Great.," Iris said sarcastically as she leaned against a tree.
The wind billowed as he said his next words.
"I can't get either of you involved. It's better that we cut our ties so you can't be a liability.," he said to her shock while Iris wasn't surprised.
Rose paused as if not registering it at first.
"Hey. That's not funny. I'm your big sister. You can-," she said as she walked forward but he turned his back on her.
"It's for your sake.," he said as soldiers appeared from the bushes. Their faces were obscured to hide their expressions, being primarily about business.
"You said your goodbyes?," asked the man as Enji nodded.
"Wait-," Rose said before two of the soldiers drew spears to block her.
"I'll make sure you're well-taken care of.," said the younger brother as Rose collapsed on the ground crying Iris gave a passive look. Despite being the best fighter in her village, she was ultimately just seen as a mere woman. It was heavily implied that it was a time when women were not seen as the equals of their male counterparts.
As Enji walked away, Rose cried as Iris went back into the house.
Akame then noticed that the scenery rapidly altered as the seasons moved at a blinding pace- going from spring, fall, summer, and winter repeatedly as the house began to show its age.
Everything slowed down as it settled into a winter setting. A man bleeding from combat fell to the ground, panting and barely keeping alive due to a gash he had managed to get from some fallen. The door opened to reveal the same woman except more adult. It seemed like years had passed. She looked down at the man and without hesitation, proceeded to pick him up and take him inside.
Iris was now an adult as well with her features more haggard and Akame realized that this woman...was that person.
Akame felt contempt for Iris due to how she shamelessly sold Akame and Kurome to the Empire and experienced the hells involved- seeing the woman again made her blood boil. But then passed as it gave clarification for one thing, that the other woman was maybe...
"Why'd you bring the deadweight? Animals could've picked him off.," Iris complained as Rose looked at her with disappointment. Years being with her with Enji had changed the relationship from an implied tolerance of unpleasant to a forced obligation to endure what was an increasingly unpleasant person. The almost barren amount of supplies hint that while they were getting by, Tenrou had been otherwise supporting them to the barest minimum.
"It's that kind of attitude that prevents men from dating you.," said Rose as Iris scowled while she lay the man on the couch.
"M..Meat.," the man said weakly. His wild mane of hair covered his face and he appeared to be wearing old black armor. He also noticeably very large for a man, let alone a human- easily being bigger than the couch itself.
"Meat? No, you need medicine.," said Rose as she rushed to the medicine cabinet before he grabbed her arm.
"No...Meat...," he said.
Rose reluctantly nodded as she went out and after a few minutes brought a Freak in to cook. She then fed it to him as the injury healed, which made Iris observe with a pensive glare.
"So who are you?," asked the woman as the man tilted his head to the side.
"I'm currently away from my people you...uh.," the man replied, which made Iris look suspicious. His tone was archaic and aristocratic as if he was several centuries old despite his appearance of a middle-aged man.
"Rose. That's Iris. In any case, you shouldn't go till the storm's gone.," Rose said with a pout.
"Something like this is nothing to me.," he said as he got up, but bonked his head on the ceiling as he did so.
"You're crazy. You'll die.," Rose argued as she locked the door.
"It's not like I'm alive.," the man replied as Rose gave a skeptical look.
Iris pulled Rose to the side as she whispered-
"His armor doesn't look like anything from Wakoku. He's a foreigner and no one's that big, not even the Giant human hybrids. And he just healed himself quickly. I have a bad feeling about this."
"You're being paranoid, Iris.," Rose replied.
She then walked and sat on a chair next to the couch.
"So what're your people like?," the woman asked as the man seemed to stare at the ceiling. His eyes were obscured by his hair so his emotions were hard to read.
"People would not get along with them even though I enjoy their company aside from exceptions I barely like.," explained the man.
"We all have that. Just stay till you feel better.," the raven-haired woman said.
Akame then noticed that months had passed and Rose was enjoying his company as he awkwardly aided with the chores as Iris would gather fruits.
"So what's the outside like? I'm not exactly allowed to leave.," the woman said as she chopped firewood.
"A shame because the world is beautiful when it's not being defiled.," Mume replied.
"I would like to go out of here when they allow me to leave, but that doesn't look like it'll happen.," Rose replied as she looked to the side.
The man then patted her on the forehead as he said-
"Limitations are a human construct. Beings like me are free...and hopefully, you will be soon."
There was some closeness between them that Akame noticed yet something instinctively told her that the man was somehow not human. While he was fond of her, he seemed hesitant to talk more about his past than was necessary. He also seemed hesitant in accepting the offer to be in bed with her until a few months in. And at the same time, Akame noticed that both Rose and Iris experienced subtle changes- they had pointer ears, sharpened teeth, and slit pupils- all traits Akame realized were what was off about Rose when she first met her. Mume didn't bring it up, but had a guilty look.
One day, out of nowhere, bandits had managed to kidnap Rose and Iris.
"We'll get a price from selling these beauties.," said the leader who wore a cloth tied around his upper mouth while wearing traditional Wakoku thief clothes as did his lackey. He then noticed the large man.
"Who are you fucker?," asked the man as he suddenly was covered in markings Akame recognized-
How does he have the Murasame powers? she thought as the men fell, dead. Rose and Iris got to their feet while the latter went down to feel their pulse.
"They're dead!," Iris noted.
"Did you do this?," asked Rose as she looked at the man.
Later that night, the man sat outside the house as Rose and Iris confronted the man.
"I didn't want to bring it up before, but what are you?," the raven-haired woman asked.
The man sighed.
"I am Mu-," the man said before Rose injected.
"Mume 'cause you got no eyes. At least I can't see.," Rose noted.
"That's not exactly right..," Mume said.
"Why did you kill them?" asked Rose.
"To protect you. You're more engaging than most people and I enjoy the company you've provided," explained the man.
"But, that's wrong.," Rose argued as he patted her on the head.
"Mercy is wasted on the filth that doesn't give to others. They're better off dead. They serve as an example of-," he said before noticing rustles from the bushes.
It was the local priest- a thin man dressed in traditional Wakoku robes and the fellow villagers, they had always distanced themselves from Rose's family for reasons that were only clear to the elders even when Enji was around, but they isolated themselves even more than before from the siblings.
"Humanity's flaws.," the man said as he noticed them holding rope and torches.
"Enji's gonna call you out for this.," Iris remarked.
"What's with this? Is it because he-," Rose asked as she walked to them, but backtracked when they glared furiously at her.
"He's a fine example of what the village needed- a representative to improve our standing in Tenrou. He was always such a beacon of hope. Unlike you and the rest of your family. And you took care of this...Freak...we finally have an excuse that we've waited to do for years.," the man said as he pulled out a divine-looking shakujō with a red gem in the center.
"Behold my Meihou- Three-Crow Sun. It was gifted to me by the gods.," he said as the others reverently bowed to him as it glowed with solar fire.
"With this, I will smite these heathens.," the leader added as he pointed the staff at Rose and Iris.
"Is it because of nearly 1000 years ago? C-C'mon. Be reasonable. We don't want to leave.," Iris said as the villagers readied their blades and arrows.
"It's not up to you. It's the blood you carry. Blood of deserters. Related to the man who left Tenrou to go to the West!," said the man as he signaled to fire arrows at them.
Rose was appalled at the treachery. While they never truly got along, she had hoped that they wouldn't resort to this.
Mume grimaced as he tapped the ground and kneeled as he asked it oddly-
"Could you clean up the trash, Gasha?"
"Yes, My Liege!," said a demonic voice as a massive skeletal arm burst from the ground as a colossal skeleton emerged. Suddenly, skeletal warriors emerged to the shock of the villagers, slashing them, impaling them, gunning them down, etc. as the sisters looked in horror.
Rose and Iris stood like statues at the sight of everything turning into a nightmare of monsters from folktales that were now killing everyone she ever knew.
"I knew it. Devil Worshippers!," the leader said as he fired a flame at the colossal skeleton, which was casually blocked by its right hand.
It then proceeded to grab several villagers and devour them with the casual indifference of a man eating a large meal. She turned to Mume, hoping he'd fight against them. The months they shared had developed a bond and one to defy these monsters. Yet the truth was staring her in the face as Iris yelled, but her screams were muffled at the sight of the revelation.
"Don't go and devour the children. She has a soft spot for them and hopefully, they will be more tolerant with proper education to not interfere with our ilk and live with nature.," Mume commanded the soldiers. Compared to how awkward and mellow he had been for the past few months, Mume now exuded the presence of a confident and even sinister militant. He also felt less human and more like a physical embodiment of death in human form. Everything she knew about him was just a glimmer of the true terror he had been. One she ignored as she just saw him as a slightly irritable war veteran of need of peace.
He then turned to see Iris looking horrified at the sight of the skeletal hordes and Rose looking betrayed at the man she had spent a great deal of time with. His enthusiasm became briefly shameful before he closed his eyes to be resolute for the sake of his men.
"I never lied, I am Mume who was separated from my people. Every few years I undergo a temporary change when I become mortal again till the next cycle returns me to my true nature. I am also the Black King of the Undead Evil beings. Spending time with you has convinced me that you both are special more so than most naked apes.," the man explained as his voice gradually gained a demonic reverb. Rose backed away as she saw the dismembered bodies of her people on the ground.
"Then what you told me about disliking how humanity is-," Rose inquired.
"Is true. Humanity despite some being noble is mostly a parasite that needs to be purged for the sake of nature. We are the chosen ones to change things for the better.," he explained.
He then offered his hand to her.
"You can't stay here. They'll have reason to kill you more than they already did.," he said, which made Rose even angrier with his attempt at consideration.
"Oi, you haven't slept with her yet. Because Hybrids aren't-," asked one of the skeletal soldiers.
"Of course not. I've been giving them the essence of the Great One to turn them into Evil Beings.," he said as Rose and Iris were stunned.
"W-wha?," asked Rose as she felt her ears for the first time to understand what he had done.
"When did you-?," asked Rose before she and Iris were paralyzed.
"Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. You're dragging me down with you too?" asked Iris.
"You'll come to understand the reasons in time, but it's not likely you'll ever come here again. Either of you. You'll come to accept your place and purpose.," Mume said as the village elder attempted to attack, but was paralyzed as he was covered in markings.
"Demons! Demons!," the elder screamed as he rotted away to the women's shock, his bones collapsing in a heap.
"I am a Death Knight- a Hybrid of the Poison Knight and Grim Reaper Evil Beings. It's said a Death Knight on the side of Good offered a sliver of their blades to create the Murasame and Yatsufusa blades. But that's another story.," he explained as his shadow briefly took on a horned shape as Iris laughed insanely.
"I knew it! I thought you were maybe a turncoat or a spy, but a Devil?! You got me good!," she hollered as tears ran down her eyes
Rose went to one of the villagers- one who had spent time in the army and grabbed a blade with a resolute desire to kill him with intense regret from her tears.
Mume looked at Iris and Rose with a piercing glare. Suddenly, they levitated against their will, and they were dragged into the hole as the other beings entered it.
"Now you have a chance to explore the world. Where you're going is going to be your new home. Unfortunately, it had to be under these circumstances.," Mume apologized with sincere humanity as Rose and Iris cried- the latter out of terror while the former out of utter betrayal.
They eventually stopped as there was no light, but Akame was able to see the horrific event that was about to occur.
In the underground, the skeletons had both Rose and Iris pinned as the man's eyes were revealed finally-
Entirely black voids.
"I've liked to have done this under better circumstances. But you qualify as the right sort of partners to birth Kings.," the man said as his shadow morphed into a horned demonic visage and both women cried- Rose out of furious betrayal and Iris out of sanity-shattering fear.
Akame dropped to the ground stunned at the revelation as the scene went on. Rose was being sexually, physically, mentally, and emotionally violated by a man she thought she could eventually develop a deeper bond with. Except now, his nature was exposed as a monster. One she had no choice but to spend a long time with.
It flashed to nine months as the two women were brought before a colossal mountain with crevasses shaped like a jagged maw and narrow eyes- giving it a demonic visage. Both had stomaches readied for birth. And what happened was a shadowy blur as they were put on a table. Shadowy demonic hands reached into Rose's womb and pulled out from her stomach-
An infant girl who opened her red eyes.
"The other will take some time to develop. What to call her?," asked what seemed to be a physician to Mume.
"Akame. I've never had a red-eyed child before. It'll finally complete the Rainbow collection. And Red is a sign of royalty. At the very least, they're Pure Blood who will never betray His Majesty. The other one will take time to be born.," he told the man as Rose looked at him with contempt as she looked at a startled and skittish Iris who darted around as she cried tears of dread at the sight of the demonic shadows. They had gone from their peaceful house into what was essentially- no it was.
HELL.
"So I'm not even the first...," the woman snarled.
"But you are the one I can actually talk as an equal with.," the man said as he patted her head, which made her even more furious.
Akame collapsed to the ground as she cried silently.
"I-I'm what?" she thought.
Esdeath's POV
Esdeath was in her home village but the residents weren't familiar at first, but she then saw how some of the adults would potentially grow into being Elders of her clan. They would kill Danger Beasts and be very serious about their craft- not having a love for music or arts. Other tribes didn't like how cold and callous they were, plotting to take them down for the sake of self-proclaimed justice including Numa's tribe.
Still, the icy winds and the huts were nostalgic to her, however-
This won't change much. I've had a weird experience so but I'm certain of one thing- I was born with what others consider wrong- a desire to break the strong-willed, torture when I can get with, and discard what's weak. Even if I get the occasional bout of compassion, it ultimately matters not. It's nothing-, she thought before seeing the same woman who looked slightly like her. She dressed in white robes and seemed to be blissfully skipping like a happy buffoon. Yet she seemed oddly comforting.
She then came across a young man with light blue hair worn in a mullet-like style and blue eyes. He wore tribal clothing consisting of a black, short-sleeved turtleneck shirt, a long, white kimono, and a red vest on top of it, with a sash on his waist and a golden medallion around his neck. He also wore a black headband with his clan's symbol on it. It was her father, a man who instilled her beliefs that were tied to her nature.
"Who are ya?," asked the woman as she beamed a smile, which made the young man annoyed and turn away much to her chagrin.
"Get lost.," he said, but the woman sat down.
"The Partas Tribe is falling on hard times, aren't they? 500 years ago, they were a mighty nation.," the woman said as she looked at the sky.
"Can't be helped. My ancestors were weak. So it's nothing to cry about.," the boy replied as he pivoted away from her.
"How lame. Why don't you broaden your perspective on what makes one powerful? Morty?" asked the woman, which annoyed the young man.
"Hey. How do you know-," he asked before she kissed him on the right cheek to his confusion. He flusteredly ran away.
"Maybe 10 years from now, I'll consider coming back again.," she said as she walked away from the village.
A few miles away, she then saw a man with dark grayish skin, red hair styled into a flame, and red iris eyes. He was surrounded by the fire elementals Esdeath saw in Wakoku. For some reason, the man felt familiar to her, but couldn't put her finger as to why.
"Why go for a brat when you have a man like me?" asked the grayish-skinned man as he moved to hold her chin so he could inch closer to his face. His voice was like flickering flames.
She ignored him much to his annoyance. It wasn't the first time he had likely done this with her.
"Ignoring Lord Ignis of the White Faction is so insolent. Why do we even try allowing this continent to live? Let me go supernova.," said a familiar figure- the solar-flame man before Ignis gave him a piercing glance that made him back down.
"Because it provides such useful negativity to feed on. And to rescue his beloved mind. Sorry being so mean," Ignis replied with faux-patriotism that made the men cheer.
Yes, you inferiors. I treat you well so you follow me, but I don't care whether you live or die outside of how good it makes me look., thought Ignis before noticing the woman walking away.
"Oi, Tsurarahime. I wasn't done talking!" he snapped, his calm tone giving way to his fury as his presence caused the ground to melt.
She then gave him a look that reminded Esdeath of her own intimidation at times.
"You should be more careful. Even if they've forgotten their purpose. Being spotted by a Teigu user isn't the most optimal.," she said as sharpened icicles began to rise near him, which made the being quiver with fear.
"I'll keep t-that in mind.," he said as the icicles got closer.
She then breathed as the icicles receded and he gasped for air before gritting his teeth.
"You may be an heiress, but if you don't follow protocol. You know what happens to mutts and their bitches along with the fuckers' people that spawn them.," he cursed.
He gave one scornful look and proceeded to leave. His words shook her as this was definitely true- her kind tolerated most things except killing their own kin and the existence of inter-human breeding. The consequences for the latter were especially severe.
Tsusrarahime then reached out to the sky and said-
"Now to wait. And hope that it doesn't get me into trouble."
The winds billowed as the blizzards came and went. It finally died down as Esdeath saw the village looking slightly familiar to her own time there. The boy was now a man and he spotted an unconscious woman in the tundra.
Doesn't seem to be an enemy. Better to bring her in to ask her., he thought as he picked her up. He looked side to side to see if it was an ambush, given how other tribes would take advantage of any sign of weakness. He was then brought inside.
After a few hours, she woke up and looked around. She then caught the sight of a spear pointed at her, which made her comically confused.
"Which tribe are you with?" asked the man.
"Not from any of your enemies.," she replied as she pointed the spear away.
"How can I believe it?" he asked, looking skeptical.
He looked at her for what seemed to be a long time before relenting.
"I'll talk to my elders about this.," he told her.
"Right, Mort.," the woman said, which the man paid no mind to as he left the tent.
Later that night, he sat amongst the elders, a bunch of traditionalists who kept the harsh traditions of the tribe active. Esdeath never liked them as they never liked her due to reasons that were becoming increasingly apparent from what she now learned.
"This woman might not be what she says she is. Better to eliminate her.," said one of the older men.
"It's for the best. The child that might be born will be an omen that dooms us all.," said another.
Mort sighed as he looked at the sky.
"I was once told that we were once a mighty kingdom till the Empire ruled by a puppet, decided to ruin us. We now are a shadow barely keeping alive on the mercy of the other tribes that will turn their power on us.," the man said.
"And if it happens, it doesn't matter. It just means we were weak as will others are if that comes to pass.," said the head old man.
"She doesn't give an intent to harm. If she does- I'll end her.," Mort said as the elder woman sighed.
"Seeing as you're our champion. Fate will deem whatever will pass.," the elder woman remarked.
The man went back into his hut as the woman sitting in a seductive pose with her clothes very loose and winking at him.
"Shall we get it on?" she said.
The man ignored her much to her annoyance.
Time passed as the two got closer, aiding with Danger Beast hunting, and selling them to traders. While he found her a bit clingy, she did warm to him eventually leading to that night where they got intimate.
Before they did, she offered a strange vial with a black liquid, which made him pause.
"Something special for the occasion.," she said before he grabbed it and tossed it.
"I don't need something like that. You've clearly had second thoughts about our conversation.," he said much to her confusion and then to her fear.
"You don't understand-," she said before he kissed her. She had intended to always court him to be a lover as she found him an interesting man since childhood to eventually act on her lust- something to pass the time as a whim due to living for a very long time. However, this harkened back to an earlier conversation-
After they had killed an Ultra Super Class Springer Kaiser, they had time to relax.
"You're getting good at this.," Mort said while she had a look of lament.
"It's a shame that they couldn't find enlightenment for their situation, but that's that.," the woman said.
"It was weaker than us. That's all.," the man replied as he wiped his blade.
"What if you could be even stronger? More than a man?" asked the woman as he sighed as he looked to the sky.
"I am meant to be a normal man and if my tribe is to die easily, then that's that. But, I don't want to betray what I am. As should you, strange Danger Beast woman.," the man replied, which shocked her.
"When did you?" she pondered as she drew away.
"You had a way of being blissfully living to the fullest. And having something my tribe lacks. To think Danger Beasts could have hearts.," he said as he grabbed her arm.
"D-don't refer to us like that. Fine, I'll tell the truth- I am an Evil Being who has been living with you to fulfill my whims as a lover, but circumstances can't go to the next step because-," she said.
"So that talk was turning me into a monster to be a better partner due to your own prejudices?" he asked but she gave a worried look.
"You don't get it. It's not me. It's the world I belong to. There are standards set by people I have to listen to that I can't totally ignore with my whims. What could come of our relationship if it continues without a change- I've seen it. And it doesn't end well.," she replied as she looked down.
The man then grabbed her face and stared at her directly.
"I am strong so you can rely on me now. A woman who follows me shouldn't be so weak as to give in to the demands of the world. And if our child is something they fear, then they either die or rise above them. I'm ready to take that risk. You're much more capable than most women I know. You're suitable to be my partner.," the man said.
This made the woman cry beyond her control as she began to believe that she could count on him.
Remembering this, the woman resigned to the potential backlash it would have for having children with a man...a Human. Giving into passionate love-making. Thrusting, kissing and hugging in the night as the room generated ice and retreated in a repetitive cycle.
Nine months later, the woman was carrying a big cloth obscuring what was inside as the man smiled.
So that's it, she's my mother., thought Esdeath.
"They're not men, but they can train to get stronger. What to call them?" the man asked as he touched the forehead of what was underneath...and then again to her confusion.
"This one likes to tug because she has a vicious side. The other is hesitant. A sadist and a pacifistt. Esdese...nah, Esdeath. And Pacifista...nah, Pacifi.," the woman said with a tinge of regret.
Sorry for not being careful, she thought.
Esdeath's eyes widened as this was something that her father never brought up.
I...had a twin? she thought.
Next Chapter: Mother- Akame and Esdeath learn about the pasts of their mothers the truths of their identities and how it led to their current situation.
The chapter's contents were a reminder that this is still an AGK story with its darkness permeating into its narrative.
The parallels between them are deliberate. Akame's mother faced what seemed like love but turned into a truly nightmarish situation while Esdeath's was born of love. Which is very ironic with how their lives turned out. The next chapter will focus on how they came to be at the start of Akame Ga Kill.
I decided to connect the Stranger Elder to Akame- giving Hinowa Ga Cursh a greater importance than its implied nature of a side plot to restore Akame to full power along with Tatsumi back to humanity- by being her uncle but sadly they never learned while he was alive. Akame takes a lot after Rose while Iris is a potentially cynical Kurome. There is a tragedy to their relationship which will become clearer in the following chapter.
Mume is a complex character- while he did love- he also had the responsibility of being a Demon Lord to do what was needed even if it was vile to do so. The Eye- Me naming motif will become prominent in the next chapter.
Ignis is what I describe as Syura but with an actual bite to equal his bark along with being a pyromaniac. He has a deeper relationship with Esdeath that will become clearer in later chapters.
Tsurarahime is based on the Tsurara onna yokai if it weren't obvious enough from the name. They are beautiful woman that is created from the loneliness of single men during the winter time. When a man gazes longingly at a strong, beautiful icicle hanging from a roof and reflects upon his loneliness, a tsurara onna may appear shortly afterward. On the surface, a tsurara onna appears to be an ordinary—though exceptionally beautiful—woman. They are very similar in appearance and behavior to yuki-onna, which inhabits the same areas during wintertime, but Tsurara Onna tends to be friendlier in comparison. When the winter snows melt and icicles can no longer be seen hanging from roofs, tsurara onna disappears along with the cold weather. That relationship will be explored through a different context in the story.