Child of Winter

[Apotolofo 2204]

 

⁎──˳˙❀ 冬のこども❀˙˳ ──⁎

 

 

⁎────────────˳˙❀ ○ ❀˙˳ ────────────⁎

 

The Child of Winter

Hidden away from the World

For fear she could melt

 

It was the longest night of the year that Yukiko, Child of Winter, was born. The day of her birth was a turbulent one. Born with skin paler than milk, arctic hair, and naught a sound from her purple lips- her mother did not know her future.

 

Prayers were raised, to the kami Aritsuki and Chiyoko- Death, and Life. Beneath the full Moon, amidst the fallen petals of the Sakura, did Child of Yu take her first breath. There, did her eyes open for the first time- A light pink, like the petals beneath her silken swaddle. 

 

⁎────────────˳˙❀ ☾ ❀˙˳ ────────────⁎

 

A decade she hid 

From Summer’s ruthless sun rays 

Too fragile to shine

 

For ten years, Life and Death toyed with the girl. Like phases of the moon, she waned to sickness, then rose to health. Most days were spent shivering beneath covers, with only her siblings and her books for company. 

 

Every night, she dreamed of the moon and sakura. She heard nothing but the faint whispering of the wind- Yukiko, she thought they murmured. Invisible eyes watching- waiting. 

 

⁎────────────˳˙❀ ⬤ ❀˙˳ ────────────⁎

 

With the first spring bloom

When the sun was still gentle

Out the door she stepped

 

Those years were lived to the fullest. Her sight was vague, but full of tessellating shapes and beautiful colors. She ran, she lept, she sang, she wept- she cherished every moment of her health. 

 

Still, every night, she dreamed. As her vision dimmed, her twilight visions sharpened. Yukiko found peace, in those dreams- until the moon turned red, and the blossomed branches swayed in the violent wind. The wind howled, and the clouds shouted. Yukiko watched, and listened. 

 

⁎────────────˳˙❀ ❍ ❀˙˳ ────────────⁎

 

The Moon takes the Light

Only Night will bring Color

To the Blind One’s eyes

 

“I miss colors.” Yukiko wept, as her brother held her in his arms. “I miss colors, Mikaze.” 

 

Every day she prayed, and every night she dreamed. To the spirits that gave her life- yet too, pushed and pulled upon her soul. Day by day, night by night, her love of life faded.

 

You give me life, but take my sight. You bless me, then curse me. I cannot bear this cycle any longer. I beg of you, make your choice. 

 

Life, or Death.

 

⁎────────────˳˙❀ ◑ ❀˙˳ ────────────⁎

 

. . . 

 

What curse?

 

Yukiko understood. The Kami did not curse her- she was simply given another set of skills. Who was she to deny the gifts that they gave? It was foolish to wish for sight- cruel to deny a gift. 

 

She slips her noir sash from her waist, the silk fabric shifting in her palms. She raises it up to her head, tying the cloth across her face- she covered her eyes.