The Invitation

"He bit my lip,and drank my war

From years before"

On the way back to the cabin, I was reflecting on everything Uruha had told me about her past and my possible connection as her soulmate. My friends were anxious to know what had happened in the forest since I had left without informing them.

I took a deep breath and said I would tell them everything when we got to the cabin because I was freezing.

Grandma Ayumi was at the cabin door, waiting for me to return from my search in the forest, confident that my meeting had gone well.

She informed me that dinner was ready and that I could share everything I discovered while we ate by the fireplace.

The attentive gazes of my friends showed curiosity and surprise as they awaited the story of the Snow Youkai.

—I'm sorry for leaving without informing you, but since Grandma mentioned the legend, it could be dangerous for young adults in the forest.—I started apologizing; they had been worried and had come after me.

—Akira told me about the dream he had, in which the youkai requested a meeting. I thought it was better for him to go alone.—Grandma commented.

—So, Kai, you were right about the pact theory.—He looked surprised.

—Seriously? Reita, due to the nightmares, it was the most plausible theory I found.—Kai asked, perplexed.

—During our conversation, she said she saved me because she believes I am the reincarnation of General Imagawa Shōhō.—I revealed why I survived that day.

Shocked, they listened in silence, absorbing every detail of what I had just shared.

—She said she felt that her samurai had been reborn in the boy who played with his friends in the snow. I heard your melody and went to meet you.

—So that explains your disappearance; she had found her soulmate.—Grandma sighed thoughtfully—only you were still a child, and she hid you when she heard people looking for you, right?

—Almost. According to her, I promised we would be together. I was leaving with her, but I was freezing. So she hid me and went to find a coat. Only when she returned was I in her arms.—I pointed to Grandma.

—Yes, I was very grateful that she returned my grandson, but now I see it wasn't quite like that.—I remember Grandma hugged and kissed me so much that I almost couldn't breathe.

—Reita, now it explains what happened the day you disappeared in the snow. Later your father got scared, and you returned here infrequently, and we went to college. The nightmares were her way of trying to communicate with you.—Kai commented, summarizing what happened.

—It was as if an old promise was being fulfilled. She saved me as a child, and now that I'm an adult, she wants me to stay with her in the forest.—I sighed, reflecting on the decision to make.—Tomorrow, she will be waiting for me near here.

Kai, Aoi, and Ruki exchanged meaningful glances, trying to process the unique situation I was in.

—Reita, this is surreal! Do you really believe in this reincarnation story?—Kai asked, keeping a skeptical tone.

—I know it sounds crazy, but there is a connection I can't explain. And it's real, she told me her name was Imagawa Uruha. I felt the coldness of her hand, and there's something deeper in all of this.—I responded, taking a sip of my drink.

—Are you going to meet her tomorrow? Are you planning to leave like this?—Aoi asked me.

—I will. But I can't just leave my family without explaining why.

—And what do you plan to do, onii-san?—Ruki expressed concern.

—I need to find a way to explain to our parents.

—Onii-san, do you want to tell them that you found the Snow Woman and are leaving because she said you are her soulmate?

—Ruki, maybe I can take them to the forest and show that I'm not crazy, she exists and wants to be with me.

—Come back to reality, onii-san. Do you really think our father will understand and let you leave everything for a forest legend?

My friends continued discussing the possibilities, trying to understand the unique situation I was in.

Meanwhile, the night fell over the snowy forest, creating a magical and silent atmosphere. I wondered what Uruha was doing out there. Did she have a place to live or was she just wandering the forest aimlessly?

Grandma Ayumi was thoughtful, just listening to our conversation. She finished her ramen, placed the bowl on the table, and I saw her delicately wipe her mouth with a napkin and flash a mysterious smile.

—I have an idea.

Grandma Ayumi looked at each of us with a wise gleam in her eyes, as if seeing beyond the obvious. The suspense hung in the air as she took a deep breath, preparing to reveal her idea.

—Reita, my grandson, you are facing a unique and special situation. This youkai is connected to your past and your promise. She might be the key to unraveling mysteries that transcend the limits of our world.

A shiver ran down my spine as I considered Grandma's words. Aoi couldn't hide his concern, asking:

—But what if this creature wants to take you permanently to the other side?

Grandma's response was calm but laden with meaning.

—The strength of a pact is guided by mutual will. Reita, you have the power to decide what you want.

I sighed, reflecting on the decisions I needed to make, waiting for Grandma to complete her idea.

—My suggestion is that you meet her, talk to her, and learn more about this connection. Propose an agreement with the youkai.

Kai, ever curious, wasted no time questioning.

—What kind of agreement are we talking about, Ayumi-san?

—Since she shared her story with you, invite her to come here to the cabin. Ask her to understand your current life, meet your friends, and your family.

Understanding began to form in my mind, but there was still a veil of mystery to be unveiled.

—Grandma, I'm starting to understand your suggestion.

—If she really believes you are the reincarnation of the general, she should recognize that you are a person of this time and have important ties here.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. And then an idea started to take shape.

—You're right. She is focused on the soulmate from the past and not on who I am now. The right thing is a meeting to gain her trust and...

—Like making a supernatural friendship?—Ruki questioned, still processing the information.

—Exactly, Ruki. It could be a unique opportunity to build a special relationship with this spiritual world.

—If she agrees, we might even discover more about the curse that turned her into a youkai and she might still keep her ties here.

We reflected in silence for a moment, absorbing Grandma Ayumi's wise words.

—What do you think?—She asked, looking at each of us. —If you accept this proposal, you know you have my support and your friends'. They are an important part of your life.

Kai, Aoi, and Ruki nodded, agreeing with Grandma's proposal. They were willing to support me in any decision I made.

—It seems like a good strategy, Grandma. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow and propose this agreement.—I decided, feeling confident.

—Remember, Reita, the balance between the two worlds is crucial. Be sincere and maintain your roots here while exploring this unique connection.—Grandma Ayumi smiled, satisfied with my decision.

—Don't go wandering into the forest and leave us worried without news.—Ruki spoke with a bit of fear.

—That's right. This youkai, because of her nature to vanish in the snow, might be hiding in a cave.—Kai made an important warning.

—Reita-san, be very careful when talking to her and trying to bring her home. We don't want to be frozen.—Aoi reminded me that she is afraid of humans who have attacked her.

—I will be cautious. I don't want to be caught up in the cold air and winds she creates when confronted.

And the night went on as we discussed the details of the plan. Then came sleep, and each of us went to our room while I replayed in my mind how this new meeting with Uruha would be.

—Reita, will I be able to sleep peacefully tonight?

—Kai, I believe so. No more nightmares of drowning in a frozen lake.

—I hope so. Oyasumi, Reita-kun.

—Hai, Oyasumi, Kai-kun.

—.—.—.—.

The next day, with my family's support, after a tense and silent lunch, I headed back into the snowy forest. The air was cold, but the sun was shining in the blue sky, creating a peculiar atmosphere between the magical and the mundane. My friends watched as I moved away from the cabin towards the agreed-upon spot in the forest.

When I reached the place where Uruha had first found me, a sense of anticipation enveloped me. The snow around seemed to come alive, shifting gently to reveal a female figure with pale skin and long, grayish-blonde hair. Her eyes scrutinized me from above as I felt immersed in the suspense of the moment.

— Reita-san, you came. — Her voice was as soft as the breeze, showing a mix of curiosity and longing.

— Yes, Uruha-san. And we need to talk. — I chose my words carefully, aware of the importance of this meeting. — My grandmother has a proposal that could benefit both of us.

She tilted her head, showing interest, and pointed to a wooden bench near the bridge, inviting me to sit.

— Tell me, Reita-san, what is this proposal? — Uruha reduced the cold air around us, focusing on my response.

— My grandmother suggests that we could build a connection between us, starting with a friendship. I understand the significance of the promise made in the past — I sighed and continued looking into her eyes — but I want to emphasize that now I have a life, friends, and a family who care about me.

Uruha observed me for a moment. I noticed her black pupils dilate, covering the white iris and penetrating my eyes, as if she were deciphering my soul.

— If you accept this proposal, we could share our lives and exchange our experiences while maintaining a balance between our worlds. — My words hung in the air, waiting for her response.

The suspense was almost palpable as Uruha studied me.

— Reita-san, you are the exact image of General Imagawa, but there is a uniqueness in you that distinguishes you from him and captivates me. — Uruha gently traced the outline of my face with her hand, starting from my forehead and ending at my chin. I took a deep breath, feeling a certain apprehension in response to her gesture.

For a moment, she simply stared at me, analyzing and processing the proposal. Then finally, she smiled. A mix of relief and gratitude flooded my being.

— I accept your grandmother's proposal. We can build this connection and thus honor the promise in a way that harmonizes with your current life.

It seemed that an important and balanced decision had been reached.

— Arigatou, Uruha-san. We will build something unique between us.

— Reita-san, I believe this connection will be good for both of us.

The afternoon continued with a lighter and more relaxed conversation. Uruha showed interest in learning more about my life, while I learned more about her supernatural existence. The balance between our worlds began to form, bringing with it a sense of hope and possibility.

—.—.—.—.

The darkness began to settle in, enveloping the environment in a cloak of suspense as I gathered the courage to invite Uruha to share a bit of her life by visiting the cabin to meet my grandmother, my brother, and my friends Kai and Aoi.

— Uruha-san — I began, my voice trembling with hesitation — You are invited to come to the cabin. I want you to meet my family and friends. They are wonderful people, and I'm sure they'll enjoy meeting you.

Uruha remained thoughtful and cautious. Her expression reflected a mix of hesitation and concern, casting a veil of mystery over her response.

— Reita, I appreciate the invitation, but it is risky for me. It's been a long time since my last meal. Being in a closed space with attractive young people could result in a tragic situation. Especially now that I've found who could be my soulmate…

— I understand, Uruha. You don't need to worry. — I acknowledged her concern and reassured her. — My family and friends are trustworthy.

A shiver ran down my spine as she shared her worries.

— Since our paths crossed, I've learned the art of extracting vital energy from the disoriented without causing irreversible damage that would lead them to a fatal cold.

I felt the tension in the air outlining a dark scenario looming over us as Uruha revealed more about her supernatural nature.

— As my strength waned and our connection faded, I clung to the scarce energy I had left, shaping it into a dark message of nightmares intended for my soulmate, hoping you would understand the message and return for our reunion.

Understanding dawned as she expressed her motivations, shedding light on the mysterious events that had occurred in our lives.

— I didn't understand what those nightmares were until I remembered getting lost in the snow and returning to the holiday parties. Grandma Ayumi told me about the snow youkai legend, and I'm here to learn everything about your story.

The atmosphere shifted as Uruha hesitated for a moment before accepting my invitation to the cabin. The journey back was filled with silence, but I could feel the tension surrounding Uruha. The snow around seemed denser, and the cold air announced the impending nightfall.

When we arrived at the cabin, my friends were curious and a bit apprehensive upon seeing Uruha. However, Grandma Ayumi welcomed her with a warm smile, as if she already knew what was happening.

— Welcome, Uruha-san. I'm glad you accepted the invitation. — Grandma Ayumi greeted her with serenity.

Uruha responded with a shy bow, further immersing us in the enigma surrounding her presence.

—.—.—.—.

The cabin was cozy with the crackling fireplace casting a soft light across the room. Nervous, I introduced Uruha to everyone as she curiously observed the surroundings, her eyes shining with a mix of enchantment and caution.

— Uruha-san, these are my friends Kai and his brother Aoi. And this is my younger brother, Ruki, and, of course, my grandmother Ayumi. — I said, pointing to each of them.

My brother, always curious, watched the scene attentively.

Uruha was an enigmatic figure. Her imposing presence was accentuated by her unusual height, and she wore a dark overcoat, shrouded in mystery, covering every inch of her body.

The somber and heavy fabric was adorned with a hood, adding an extra layer of enigma to her presence. Uruha lifted her hand to the hood and slowly removed it, her expression blending androgynous traits where femininity and masculinity coexisted in an intriguing harmony.

Her long, ash-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, adding a touch of wild elegance to her appearance. Her almond-shaped, deep eyes were like windows to her soul, conveying a melancholy that echoed through the ages, telling a story of centuries spent in the solitude of the snowy forest.

On her feet, Uruha wore an old, worn-out boot, a silent witness to her centuries-long journeys. Each mark and wear told tales of an ageless existence.

My friends' looks showed a mix of fascination and caution.

— Reita told us about your special connection, and we're happy to meet you. — Grandma Ayumi completed the greeting.

Uruha, still a bit hesitant, thanked with a nod.

— The pleasure is mine, Ayumi-san. Reita spoke very well of all of you.

As everyone sat around the table in the room illuminated by the fireplace, the tension in the air was palpable. Uruha seemed uneasy. Grandma served tea, trying to create a warm atmosphere.

— Uruha-san, tell us more about yourself. — Grandma Ayumi encouraged, trying to ease the tension.

Uruha took a deep breath before speaking, and I believed it was the first time she had conversed with others besides those she enchanted in the forest. Sitting, holding the teacup that had grown cold in her hands, Uruha began to share her story.

— Long ago, I was a noble of the Takeda clan during Imperial Japan. My father was a general leading the imperial forces, and I was a descendant of Emperor Seiwa. On one of those days of war and duties, I met a young samurai named Imagawa Shōhō. We fell in love, married, but the war separated us.

— And then what happened? — I asked, looking at Uruha with curiosity.

— Without news of him for weeks, one day I received the terrible news of his death in battle. They were ambushed, and the bodies were thrown into the lake. Desperate, I sought out a sorcerer to bring him back using the lotus flower magic. But, without his physical body, only the soul responded to the call. The attempt had a high price. — Uruha answered with sadness in her eyes.

— And what was that price? — Grandma Ayumi asked, interrupting her.

— The magic had a catastrophic effect; something went terribly wrong with the spell. His soul was destined to be reborn in a future generation, and I was cursed. I was condemned to live alone in the forest, which became my prison until his rebirth.

— And how did you end up freezing those men? — Aoi asked with a worried expression.

— The curse forced me to use a seductive melody to lure men and freeze them, draining their vital energy until I eventually found the chosen one destined to break this cycle. And here I am, telling this story for the first time to you, as you were not afraid of me.

— Your story is very tragic. — Ruki commented, crossing his arms.

— Yes, very much. My hope was to find the chosen one who could break this curse. Only then would I be freed when there was a connection with the reborn soul.

— Now I understand why you wanted to take me away when I was a child. — I think about how many centuries she has waited for the moment to be free.

— So, when I saw that boy playing in the snow, I felt a connection that the soul of Imagawa Shōhō had been reborn. But I feared hurting him; I believe you are the key to breaking my curse.

The heavy silence hung in the room as everyone processed the words.

— I didn't want to hurt anyone, but the hunger was insatiable. Human food had no effect; only vital energy kept me alive. Until you, Reita, appeared and brought a new perspective that the solitary life might come to an end. — Uruha said, holding the cold teacup that remained untouched.

— Grandma Ayumi always knew about the snow youkai legend and the curse. — Ruki commented — She warned us before we went out to play in the snow and my brother disappeared.

— Reita, you are the hope that this curse might be broken without more sacrifices of lost men in the snow.

— Uruha-san, we are here to help. — I expressed my understanding and solidarity.

Everyone was absorbed in the revelation. Grandma Ayumi, with her experience, broke the silence.

— I understand, Uruha-san. If you wish to break this curse, perhaps there is a way to do it without harming anyone. Let's work together to find a solution.

Uruha, relieved to find understanding, nodded.

— I appreciate your compassion, Ayumi-san. For years, I have survived by consuming the vital energy of those I encounter in the forest, but this is not the life I wish for.

It was time to find a solution to break the curse that had trapped her for centuries.

"She exhales vanilla lace

I barely dreamt her yesterday (yesterday)"

—.—.—.—.

What sacrifices will Reita and Uruha have to make in order for the curse to be broken?

So, what will it take to perform this ritual of liberation? Leave your theories in the comments.

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Translated into English by open ai