A Spring of Change

His only memory before he died was of the cold.

The landscape around him was white. Snowflakes were blowing every direction, relentlessly and harshly. Around him were lots of thick green pine trees that were covered with ice and snow. There were no signs of humans around him and he was lost among the large trees.

“Where are you master? Master?!”

He tried his best to call out for his family but his voice died against the harsh shrieks of the wind. He could feel a sharp pain against his snout, but if he stopped he would never find his family again. The dog’s reddish fur had started collecting clumps of snow that were weighing him down. His paws felt heavier and heavier and the pain was starting to numb, along with his paws. The dog felt sweaty yet cold at the same time. His limbs felt like they were tightening. It was cold. Cold. Cold.

He still didn’t understand what had gone wrong. One moment he and the young master were playing together and the next he had been left here. But that couldn’t be true. No, this was just some sort of mistake! The dog told himself this over and over as he continued to try and find his way home.

The freezing dog’s name was Haruki. His young master had happily told that it meant bright sun. His purpose had been to bring warmth and joy to his family, just like the sun. And he had filled that duty for a long time. Whenever they were with him; they were always so happy. So why had they left him? How was he supposed to bring them happiness if he was away from them? It just didn’t

As if on cue, the wind grew harsher and Haruki could feel his consciousness slipping away. But he needed to see his family again; he needed to know that he wasn’t alone. He had to see them one last time.

“H-hey! Are you okay little guy?!”

He could a voice calling for him but he was feeling so tired. Resting suddenly didn’t sound as bad as it did before. Before he could fully lose his conscious, he felt warmth and at peace. He could hear his young master’s laugh calling for him, along with the rest of his family. The sun was so bright and warm that he could hardly see. But he didn’t care anymore.

Haruki was happy.

----------------------------------

Swelterrier loved the heat.

He loved that sticky, sweaty feeling of being cramped in a crowded subway, he loved that feeling of staying outside during a sports event and getting dizzy from the heat. He also loved eating steamy ramen under a kotatsu during summer.

Yes, life couldn’t be better for Swelterrier. He was a powerful youkai, had many friends and lived a comfortable life.

“Yoo hoo! Terry!”

Well almost comfortable.

Gripping his cloak closer to his body and tail wand ready, Swelterrier hid under the kotatsu and hoped that she would just float on by. Already feeling that dreadful cold getting closer, he tried to stop his shivering and be quiet. It was ironic that one of the hottest youkai out there only started to sweat when he was around one of the coldest youkai.

“Found you!”

The woman, or rather youkai, in question was beaming with pride for finding her furry companion. She could be described no less other than beautiful, with her long luscious lashes and large turquoise eyes. Her generous figure was not obscured by her blue kimono and the obi only seemed to help show it off. And finally her long indigo hair with frosted tips, all held up by her glittering glacial clip.

“Terry how could you hide from your best friend?!”

Blizzaria gave him a pout as she put her hands on his legs. She started to drag Swelterrier out with all her might from under the kotatsu. At this point, he had already given up from trying to resist.

“I’m sorry Princess Blizzaria…” Swelterrier sighed. He just didn’t know where this enthusiasm came from. Of course she was nice but…

She put her hands on her hip and floated over in front of him. “How could you even call me that Terry? Just call me Blizzaria! Or any other cute nickname!”

“Okay...Blizzaria.” He muttered quietly. Why did he always feel a odd heat around her?

Blizzaria squealed and grab Swelterrier bridal style and spun him around the room while hugging him. By doing so, snowflakes started to form around the room and danced around them. The temperature was starting to lower drastically and he could feel frost building up on his body. He had a look of terror on his face.

Swelterrier meekly begged her. “Please put me down Blizzaria…” It was odd. With anybody else he would get mad but with Blizzaria he would start feeling shy. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings; was it out of fear or genuine concern? It was probably a mixture of both.

Despite the shy way he acted, Swelterrier really did care for the eccentric Blizzaria because he could sense how much she really wanted the thermal youkai to get along. The problem was that she was physically dangerous to most of the hot youkai. Any one of their meetings would be ruined by her excited blizzards. She could technically control her storms and but she did occasionally release them if she was too excited; like now.

Blizzaria finally relented after being satisfied. “Okay fine.” She gently lowered Swelterrier back onto his paws. He was still wobbly and cold so she needed to support him. Then she gave him a big pat on the back which knocked him back onto his knees.

“See ya later Terry!” With a wave of her hand, she floated straight out of his home. Well, what was left of it. Majority of his furniture had turned into ice sculptures and it would take a good amount of time to defrost everything. Swelterrier let out another sigh and decided that it would be a good idea to start the warming process now.

His body started to heat up and his ears perked upwards. He waved his wand around along with his cape. My doing so, a heatwave spread across his home and some of the ice started to evaporate immediately. Most of Blizzaria’s ice would still be there tomorrow but whatever. He didn’t like using his abilities in front of Blizzaria in fear that she would melt. But truthfully she was more dangerous than he was. Once Swelterrier was satisfied with the rising temperature,  he went back to kotatsu to finish his meal.

He didn’t even get to pick up his chopsticks before Swelton in his blubbery, sweaty glory burst into his home. Swelterrier made a mental note to make some new keys for everyone. It was less trouble this way, but then again they might not even use the keys.

Swelton kept wheezing and panting after running so much. Swelterrier was uncertain whether or not to help him but he quickly recovered. He went back to eating his delicious ramen.

“Swelterrier! Have you heard the news about Blizzaria’s sister?! She has another one visiting today!” Swelterrier nearly choked on his ramen and gave Swelton an incredulous look. Blizzaria had ANOTHER sister?! How was that even possible, they were youkai!

“Her name is...uh...oh! Camellia! She’s a princess just like Blizzaria! Apparently, she came into the yo-public recently. It seems that she is visiting this part of the youkai world.”

Swelterrier could feel a panic growing already. The heat group had already met Blizzaria’s other sister: Damona. Even if she wasn’t a cold youkai like Blizzaria, she was emotionally cold. She always had this look of boredom and disdain and was pretty powerful as well. Damona enjoyed causing pain to others and was very twisted. So another sister of Blizzaria could put the group in even more danger.

After Swelton had left (not before taking some noodles himself) Swelterrier contemplated his schedule. He could back to the human world and try inspiriting some human, but he never really liked doing so anyway. It was spring and his powers were only the most effective during summer. He could also try training, but he was already a really strong youkai. Now Swelterrier didn’t like to brag; but Kyubi had once complimented his fire abilities and even Komashura himself asked him to be one his guardians. It was a great honour. He coul-

Knock Knock. He paused. Nobody had knocked his door in a long time so it was clearly a stranger.

“Hello? Is this the home of Swelterrier?”

A lovely female voice called out for him. It piqued Swelterrier’s interest because he didn’t have many female friends (Did Blizzaria count? In a weird way, he was fond of her.) so it was odd to hear someone calling for him. He walked over and opened the door. It was nice having someone knock rather barge in for a change.

On the other side was a very beautiful youkai. She had light green eyes and a relaxed smile. Red and pink hair, to match her scarlet kimono. To top it all off, she had 2 pink beautiful camellia flowers at the base of her ponytail. She bared an uncanny resemblance to-

“...Blizzaria?”

The mysterious youkai girl let out a delicate little laugh that reminded Swelterrier of a gentle spring breeze. She bowed to him and gave him a big smile.

“I’m afraid not. My name is Princess Camellia, hailed from the Brave tribe, but you may refer to me as Camellia, or any sort of adorable nickname. Perhaps Camy?”

Swelterrier was not expected Blizzaria’s sister to visit him so soon. He already knew that Blizzaria’s sister would eventually visit his home, but he had expected Blizzaria to be there as well. Had she come on her own?

“Uh, Princess, oh sorry. C-camellia? Why are you here? Not that I don’t appreciate you visiting however-”

Swelterrier had been stopped in the middle of his stammering by Camellia’s slender finger. Why did any of Blizzaria’s relative make him feel so meek? This only seemed to amuse the flowery youkai. He could feel his face heating up, but this was an unusual type of warmth, one that he only experience with Blizzaria.

“I have heard many stories of you from my sisters. They tell many...interesting tales of you.”

Great. Now he looked like a fool in front of another princess.

“Don’t worry; they only speak good of you. So I have come to ask for a favour.”

Suddenly she leaned in very close to Swelterrier, who felt dizzy and warm from being so close to Camellia. She smelled like flowers and spring. She was absolutely captivating and her body wasn’t exactly modest either. Camellia put both hands onto Swelterrier and looked him dead in the eye.

He gulped.

“I would like you to accompany me for the next week as I explore this town.”

-------------------------

Unknown to Haruki, there was a young girl lost in the cold and also freezing to death. She was desperately thinking of warm things. One of her worst fears was dying alone.

“I’m too young to die. I’m so lonely…” The young girl thought to herself.

She heard the howling of something nearby. In fear, she assumed the worst.

She timidly cried out. “I-is anybody out there?”

In curiosity, she went out to get a closer look and was surprised to find a dog in the cold mountainside as well. The howling stopped and the dog was slouched over in the snow.

“H-hey! Are you okay little guy?!” Taking the dog in her arms, the girl hurried back into her little cave in a vain attempt to save herself and the dog.

She snuggled with him for warmth and suddenly felt warm again, both physically and emotionally. “I don’t know why you’re here, um, Haruki. But I’ll keep you warm; it’s the least I can do.”

As her conscious slipped away, she made a promise to her saviour. “I’m glad that I won’t die out here alone. I’ll make sure to repay the favour one day, so that you can feel warm again.”

 -------------------------

Blizzaria was ecstatic.

Her other sister was visiting the Springdale youkai branch! Just thinking about her made Blizzaria excited, and little flurries started to form around her home. She and Camellia got along very well; they were energetic, fun and very loveable.

Damona was great, however she had a twisted way of looking at things while Camellia was tender. It would be refreshing to hang out with another female youkai who wasn’t sadistic and enjoyed meddling with the lives of others. Insomni was nice too, but she was also so busy with her new boyfriend. But now that Camellia was here, Blizzaria could introduce her to her Springdale friends. She couldn’t wait to show Terry her other sister. Then all four of them could hang: Terry, Camellia, Damona and herself!

“How long are you going to spend cleaning this igloo? Damn it’s so cramped here; why can’t you live in a castle like me?”

Speaking of whom, Damona was drinking some nice black tea and watching Blizzaria fret about in her home. Although both were considered of noble status, Blizzaria chose to live the comfy life rather than one of extravagance and luxury. Damona did not follow the sentiment and chose to be queen of the underworld. On the other hand, Camellia had chosen to live to seclusion to her subjects under the tutelage of Elder Bloom.

“I can’t help it Damona! I’m just so excited for Camellia to come and visit us! We can all go shopping, eat at Cafe Shansita, inspirit humans, and-”

Damona continued to ignore Blizzaria in favour of reading her phone’s latest notifications.

“Remember that wonderful night at the festival?”

Damona snorted. “Yeah, you nearly gave everyone frostbite from your dancing.”

Not even Damona’s snarky comments could throw her off. “Remember when we were on that blind date with the Venoct brothers? I had Venoct, you had Shadow Venoct and Camellia had Illuminoct?”

Another snort. “Yeah, then we were ditched by them because they all liked the same human girl. Whatever, Shadow Venoct was kinda a weenie. What sort of S- rank youkai has restore as a skill?”

Katie was a sort of upstart in the youkai community, but not as big as Nate Adams or Inaho Misora. Human and youkai relationships were disliked, especially after McKracken’s orders.

As if reading her thoughts, Damona spoke up again. “It’s not like human and youkai relationships are illegal anymore. Isn’t there that neet and Insomni? I’m pretty sure that she’d kill anyone who got in the way of their relationship…”

Suddenly Damona, with a devious smile, turned to Blizzaria. “On the topic of relationships; how do you feel about that pet of yours?”

“Oh sister, you know it’s not like that. We’re just friends!” Blizzaria hoped that her ice skills would mask the blush building on her face.

“Really? You’re telling me that you try to find that mutt- don’t look at me like- okay fine. You try to find, ugh, Terry just to further the relationship between the heat and cold tribes?”

Blizzaria quickly used an excuse that she prepared for questions like these. “It could always be better. Anyhow, the relationship Terry and I have is perfectly fine!”

“Then how do you feel about this?”

Damona held out her phone for Blizzaria to see and tried to decipher the expression on her face. Afterall the photo might just change Blizzaria’s attitude towards her ‘friendship’.

Blizzaria couldn’t believe it. Her beloved sister Camellia was clinging onto Swelterrier’s arm and he seemed to be enjoying it. Him! Terry!

“Newcomer Princess Camellia has been spotted spending the day with local hot dog Swelterrier. Could romance be blooming between the two heat tribe youkai?!” Damona read out the headline of the tabloid. Whoever made these things had too much time but this time it was to Damona’s advantage.

While it brought joy to Damona, it brought confusion to the icy sister. It was quite clear that they were on a date.

“But why would they be on a date unless… Camellia asked Terry to! She wanted to steal him!”

“Heh heh… all according to plan.” Damona thought to herself. Blizzaria was a good sister but also a goody two shoes. Her life was amusing but it wasn’t enough entertainment for Damona. Not yet anyway. Judging by the look of jealousy and the frost building up around the igloo, it was safe to assume that Blizzaria was fucking pissed. If she played her cards right, she might just get Blizzaria to admit her true feelings to Swelterrier. Or get heartbroken. Regardless it would be entertaining.

“Why does it bother you so much Blizzaria? I mean you two are only friends right? That’s all you wanted from him? Friendship?” Damona tauntingly said. That would get a rise out of her.

*Crunch*

Damona’s phone was in shards and then encased in a block of ice. Blizzaria stormed out of her igloo with a goal in mind: to ruin that date.

Damona was left alone in Blizzaria’s home and with an astonished face. She was going to go home but then realized something.

“If I let her stop the date too quickly, then the fun is over. I got to keep on eye on her and make sure she doesn’t try to kill everyone.”

With that in mine Damona got ready to follow Blizzaria. “Get ready Springdale; a storm’s coming.”

-----------------------------------

“Here’s the, uh, fleshy and bony doughnut shops. These two actually inspired a war that from 60 years ago.”

Camellia gasped and stared at Swelterrier expectantly. Being a guide was difficult, especially since he didn’t spend too much time near humans.

“Well, the two generals: Toadal Dude and Arachnus had an argument about which doughnut to serve to Lord McKracken. So they started the infamous Fleshy Souls and Bony Spirits war. The result was really interesting. They were stopped by this boy name Nathaniel and-”

“Question! Question!” Camellia was excitedly waving her hand to get Swelterrier’s attention. Her green eyes wide and her smile wide, it made for a cute image.

“Yes?”

“Which doughnut do you prefer?”

It was an innocent question to ask but still very controversial among youkai. Some youkai refused to even associate with anyone who prefered a different kind of doughnut.

“I’ve never tried either doughnut before, so I wouldn’t really know. From memory, I know that Blazion prefers the cream-filled fleshy doughnuts but Sproink and Swelton like the custard-filled doughnuts. And Blazion gets very passionate about these kind of things... he tried stuffing the damn thing into their mouths.“

Camellia giggled at the mental image. Swelterrier could feel heat rising to his cheeks. Even her laugh was nice!

“So, as you can tell, picking a side might tear the Alti Soul Brothers apart and we can’t have that can we?”

“The who now?”

Swelterrier didn’t miss Camellia’s stare at the doughnuts. Luckily, both the owners were able to see youkai so he went over and bought a box of doughnuts from each store. Camellia squealed and clung onto his arm in excitement. He was surprised but couldn’t help smiling.

“I’m being hugged by a beautiful princess and I’m dying!” He thought. Swelterrier thought that he heard a camera shutter but that didn’t make sense.

The unsuspecting couple decided to take a break and sat in the park near Tranquility Apartments.

“So which one do you like Terry?” The spring princess asked. Swelterrier almost choked. What was it with youkai princesses and calling him Terry?

Unknown to Swelterrier, three heat youkai were glaring enviously at a picture of him and Camellia.

“Damnit Swelterrier! What about our boss makes it so all the girls like him?!” Sproink snorted to the group.

“Blaze Blaze!” Blazion passionately cheered.

“Phew. You’re right Blazion; maybe it has something to do with his rank. Yeah...that has to be it…” Swelton wiped away some more sweat but still couldn’t help but feel envious. Swelterrier was one popular dog.

Back to the couple…

Swelterrier was afraid of picking a side, in fear that with his choice he may offend the springtime princess. This was a difficult choice: The soft fluffy cream doughnut or the silky sweet custard doughnut? Whatever he said needed to be articulate and well-said to please a princess. She awaited his answer.

“Umm… I liked both?” Shit.

A pause. Then joyful laughter.

“I feel the same way! I think that both doughnuts are wonderful! I’m truly glad to have such a nice history lesson and delicious snack together.”

Meanwhile, Damona and Blizzaria watched the “date” from afar. Damona didn’t particularly care for Camellia’s friendliness towards Swelterrier, however Blizzaria seemed to VERY much mind.

Frost started to slowly build up around Blizzaria. “Why is Terry acting so chummy with Camellia?! He never looks that happy whenever I hold onto him!” she exclaimed. Her confusion was slowly starting to morph into jealousy.

“That’s probably because you would kill him if you held onto him too tight. He’s a hot clan youkai, and you’re an ice clan youkai. Even a child could tell you hot and cold don’t go together.” Damona grumbled. Scaring humans with sudden frost in spring was funny, but what she really wanted was some drama to unfold between Swelterrier and Blizzaria.

“Oh quiet you! I don’t understand why our sister didn’t ask us to show her around.... Let’s keep an eye on them so that they don’t get into any trouble! AND, to prove that those two are NOT a couple!” Blizzaria flew after the two in a trail of ice, startling pedestrians.

“Right...because that’s a totally normal thing to do…”

----------------------------------------

“Incredible! I won!” Princess Camellia had won a plush toy of the Excellent Tower mascot Excel Ent from a crane machine. Swelterrier couldn’t help but smile at her childlike enthusiasm. She was similar to Bliz-

“Why do I keep thinking about Blizzaria? I should focus on showing the princess around.” But throughout the day, Swelterrier couldn’t help but compare the sisters. Camellia was elegant and kind, unlike her older sister Damona who was unempathetic and distant, and Blizzaria was… well, Blizzaria.

Overtime, Swelterrier had gotten used to Blizzaria’s icy antics and enthusiastic pursuits of friendship. Despite the danger on his life, he liked being around Blizzaria. It was comfortable with Camellia, but something was different than with Blizzaria. Maybe it was because they were both in the Charming tribe, and Camellia was Brave?

“Impossible, I’m not as comfortable with Damona.” The underworld princess was too callous towards him and his friends. “She always teases me about Blizzaria too…”

“Terry?” Camellia sweetly asked. The nickname startled Swelterrier out of his daze. Even that adorable pet name reminded him of Blizzaria. Shaking his head of his thoughts, he did his best to pay attention to the princess.

“Thank you for the wonderful time today! I’m beginning to understand human culture very well!” Camellia had seen the view from Excellent Tower, meditate in Shoten Temple, and tried delicious foods from all over Springdale. She had nearly fallen over from watching Swelterrier try to steal some soba for her to eat.

“Ah, well you’re very welcome. It’s the least I could do as a fellow heat clan youkai.” Swelterrier shyly said. It was nice to feel appreciated by a pretty youkai princess, however he couldn’t help but feel chills whenever Camellia tried to get too close. Little did he know that the cause of these chills was only metres away.

Throughout the day, Blizzaria and Damona had tailed the heat youkai’s “date”. And as Swelterrier and Camellia enjoyed their day, Blizzaria’s mood only worsen. Her deadly ice glistened dangerously and threatened the serene spring atmosphere.

“Just how much longer does Terry need to show Cammy around?!” Blizzaria was gritting her teeth in jealousy. Swelterrier had never bothered to show her around, yet now he was all over Camellia!

Rolling her eyes, Damona sarcastically said “Geez Blizzie, you’re acting awfully jealous for someone who is only a friend.”

“I TOLD you… He is just a FRIEND!” Blizzaria’s words fooled nobody; her ice gave away her true feelings. “Grr….where are they going now?! After them Damona!” Blizzaria flew off in a flurry of snow, trailing behind the two heat youkai.

“How deep in denial is that girl?” Damona had already assessed and analyzed the situation. Swelterrier was most likely being polite and just showing her spring sister around the human world; after all he is a well known heat youkai. However, she wanted to keep Blizzaria in the dark for a bit longer; things were only starting to get interesting.

“He he he… sorry sister, but this is for your own good.”

--------------------

“What an amazing day it has been! Thank you so much Terry!” Camellia gushed. They were standing at the top of Mount Wildwood, near the gates of the Youkai World, where they were basking in the setting sun. Currently, a festival was going on to celebrate the transition of winter to spring. Children ran around to different vendors, and the sound of taiko drums filled the air.

“It was no problem at all, uh, Camellia.” Their impromptu tour turned out to be a lot of fun. Swelterrier didn’t have too many opportunities to really enjoy his day in the human world. Camellia herself was curious and excitable, and her enthusiasm was contagious. “That should be all for today. I don’t have any more places to show you.”

“Terry, as thanks for showing me the human world, I would like to show you something that I only show few youkai.” Suddenly, Camellia stood up and prepared a stance. Swelterrier looked on curiously. What was she about to do?

All around them, red camellia flowers began to bloom. “What a beautiful sight!” Swelterrier thought. The princess herself began to dance and sway to the flow of petals that swirled around them. “Captivating Camellia!” She cried out. Swelterrier could feel himself rejuvenated from the captivating sight. Humans watched in awe at the mysterious display of flowers before their eyes.

But suddenly, ice started to appear and choke the life out of the flowers. Humans started to yell as frost appeared out of thin air. “My flowers!” Camellia cried out. Ice had crawled up the trees and humans were terrified. Sudden spikes of ice protruded from the ground and a chilling breeze began to blow. With so many pedestrians nearby, this growing cold could hurt them, as well as alert them to the presence of youkai. Swelterrier had to act quickly.

With a wave of his wand, the air became humid and the ice quickly began to melt. The flowers began to bloom again and the chill from before seemed as if it never existed.

“Huh, was I just seeing things?” “Let’s just go back to the festival!” People hurried back to the populated area of the mountain. Swelterrier let out a sigh of relief. Now to face the culprit.

“Blizzaria what are you doing?” Out of the bushes, the ice princess emerged with a frustrated expression. Swelterrier didn’t like confrontation with Blizzaria, but she endangered humans with powers rather than inspiriting. She could get into serious trouble.

Blizzaria herself was upset. “That should be my question Terry! Why were you with my sister all day?!” Blizzaria tearfully cried. “Is she your girlfriend now?” She really thought that she and Terry had a special connection, yet he easily accepted Camellia’s invitation for a date. Blizzaria felt hurt, and realized that her desire for Swelterrier’s friendship possibly meant more than she claimed. “Maybe Damona was right, why else would I be getting so jealous...but its too late. He’s with Camellia now...”

Ice was beginning to form again, but this time the spring princess intervened. “Sister, stop this nonsense at once! I only asked Swelterrier here to show me around because you have praised him endlessly.” She turned to look at him, and smiled. “And he holds true to your claims. I promise you that I had no nefarious intentions.”


Using her powers, the red haired youkai waved her hands, bringing forth flower petals that carried a warm breeze. Slowly, the ice began to melt again, and the scenery felt like spring again. Camellia moved closer to Blizzaria. “You’re too emotional sister. Why the needless jealousy? Is Terry here not just a friend to help unite the heat and cold clans?” Camellia gently caressed Blizzaria’s cheek. “I’m your sister; I would never try to hurt you.”

Blizzaria started to cool down, but the realization of what she caused struck her. She began to take steps back. “I-I’m so sorry everyone...I…”

Immediately she flew off deeper into the mountains, leaving a trail of frost behind. “Blizzaria wait!” Terry cried, but it was too late. She was gone.

“Well?” Camellia asked. “Aren’t you going to go after her?” Swelterrier looked at Camellia, but then immediately started running after the trail of frost. He knew what he had to do.

“Do you think he’s going to confess?” Damona emerged from the shadows to talk to Camellia. “Hmm, who can say? I think they both know what they want, but it’s up to them to tell each other.” Camellia hummed. The princesses watched as Swelterrier made the trek to find Blizzaria, hoping that there would be a happy ending.

----------------------------------

Her last memory was in the cold.

A little girl named Yuki would become lost in the mountain side, and be unfortunate enough to be stuck during a blizzard as well.

Yuki couldn’t stop shivering; her yukata was wet from the snow and her feet continued to sink into the snow. She wanted to go back home, but she didn’t know which way was which.

“Mom…. Dad…. I’m sorry for not listening. It’s so cold! I want to go home!” Yuki cried out for help, hoping that someone would hear her through the screams of the wind. The flurries whipped around her, feeling like daggers to her skin. Opening her eyes would mean letting pieces of ice into her eyes. She cried out again, begging anyone out in the mountains, trying to let them know that she was here.

But no one responded.

The girl finally collapsed. It was impossible; she could never survive in these conditions. Yuki began to sob, realizing that the desolate mountain would be her icy grave. Snow began to accumulate over her frail body, her consciousness was fading.

But then she heard it: a faint barking sound. Yuki mustered her strength to get up and look around. Then she saw it: a small dog. Immediately she began to crawl her way over, and she held the shivering pup. “This dog, was abandoned huh…” Yuki thought to herself.

It was too late for the both of them, but Yuki prayed that this dog may survive. She hugged the dog with all her might; trying to transfer what lingering heat she had left to save this lost soul.

“I don’t know if there is a God out there, but if you can hear me, please let this dog be warm in the next life. I pray that he won’t be alone, and that he won’t ever have to feel cold again!” Yuki prayed to the heavens.

Even if she had to endure the harsh cold, Yuki was glad that she wasn’t alone. As she began to lose all feeling, her body still clung tightly onto the dying Haruki.

Little did she know that they would reunite under different circumstances.

--------------

Swelterrier was doing his best to follow the trail of ice that Blizzaria had left behind. He needed to help calm her down. “Isn’t there something more important that you need to tell her?” He thought. The knowing look Camellia gave him lingered in his mind, as if she understood what it was he felt towards Blizzaria.

While traveling through the mountain side, Swelterrier noticed something shining on the ground. “What is this?” he thought, and picked it up. “This is Blizzaria’s hair clip! Doesn’t she need this to maintain her form?” He picked up the pace, worried that something bad had happened.

The sun had set, and in the lingering twilight, soft sobs could be heard from afar, and Swelterrier stopped to think. “What is it that I want to tell her….” He needed to work through his feelings and think carefully on what to say.

He eventually found the source of the tears in a small clearing: a little girl wearing a blue hood. She was sitting in a pile of snow, and her voice was a lot softer, but it was definitely her; there was Blizzaria now in the form of Frostina. She turned around and gasped when she saw him. Both were silent for a while, before Swelterrier decided to speak up.

“Blizz- I mean, Frostina. Why did you remove your hair clip?”. Frostina sniffled, “You and your friends liked me better when I was in this form. I’m nicer and quiet, like Camellia.” Frostina was still jealous of her sister Camellia, and she hated herself for feeling this way.

“Don’t say that! I like you the way you are!” Swelterrier proclaimed. Both blushed as they realized what he had just said. “I-I mean, you don’t have to change who you are for others. Just be yourself!”. Swelterrier thought to himself, “God I sound like an idiot right now!”.

Frostina still looked sullen. “It’s not just because I’m jealous of Camellia.” she said. “I...I realized that I keep hurting the yokai I like because of my stupid powers. I’m too emotional.” Swelterrier was shocked, “You, you like me?!” He hadn’t expected the ice princess to admit to having feelings for him, as part of himself felt that he was undeserving of her affections.

“I don’t know why it took me so long to realize. I like you because you’re kind to everyone, and of how passionate you are.” Frostina sadly smiled at Swelterrier. “But, that kindness is for everyone, not me. I’ve been bothering you all this time haven’t I? It was stupid to think that the heat and cold clans could get along.” Tears started to fall down her face in the form of crystals, and frost began to shyly expand from Frostina’s feet. “It was even more stupid to think I could be with you…”

Swelterrier picked up Frostina and gave her a big hug. She tried to protest, but he held her tighter. Frostina allowed herself to cry out, and she sobbed into Swelterrier’s arms, causing a mini blizzard. But despite the cold, Swelterrier endured.

Frostina had finally begun to calm down, and she allowed herself to hug Terry back. “He’s so warm, but it’s not uncomfortable.” The frost melted and the two sat in the clearing, listening to each other’s heart beats.

“I, I won’t pretend that I’m not scared of your powers.” Swelterrier said. “But, I can handle your ice, so you don’t need to worry too much. And, I don’t hate you; in fact, I like how energetic you are and how much you care about creating peace between our clans!”

Swelterrier gently placed the Glacial Clip in Frostina’s hair. Frostina began to glow, and then her small form started to change. Her body developed, her kimono began to elongate, and her hair grew out. A flash of snowflakes, and Frostina had turned back into Blizzaria.

Swelterrier gently placed his paws in Blizzaria’s hands. “I don’t know exactly why, but I do know that I like you. I want to know more about you, and that I like spending time with you, no matter how chaotic it is.” Blizzaria was shocked by his words, and Terry continued.

“The time we spent together, it was fun! We may be different, but we make a good team! I...I don’t need to be with someone who’s like me, I want to be with you.” Swelterrier held Blizzaria close. “I don’t really know how this works but, will you be with me?”

Blizzaria sniffled. “Y-you really mean it? You like me?” Swelterrier nodded. “I promise. I can’t promise that I’ll be good at this, uh, couple stuff, but I’ll do my best to-”

Suddenly Swelterrier was lifted into the air by a pair of strong arms, being spun in circles! Blizzaria was smiling ear to ear and laughing to her heart’s content. “I’m so happy! I love you Terry!”

“Blizzie! I-I’m getting dizzy!” Swelterrier yelped, which caused his new girlfriend to squeal. “You called me Blizzie!” Happy flurries began to form, and the sound of joyful laughter could be heard. “I guess we need to work on that.” Swelterrier couldn’t help but feel endearing, knowing that Blizzaria was showing happiness the best way she could: through hugging.

Eventually Blizzaria would put Swelterrier back onto the Earth, and from that point on, the two would become inseparable. Both would continue to clash on various subjects, however they would work through it together.

Blizzaria cups Swelterrier’s paw and sweetly looks at him. “I love you Terry.”

Swelterrier squeezes Blizzaria’s hand in response. “I love you too Blizzie.”

-------------------------

<3 The End