genjirou tanigaki

A soft creaking of wood and the smell of smoke pull me from the darkness. I open my eyes with difficulty. The ceiling… isn't the one in the barracks. Nor the one in the forest. I'm lying on dry hides, covered with a heavy, warm blanket. It takes me a few seconds to remember the cold, the wolf, the screams… and then, nothing.

My leg is burning. I try to sit up, but a sharp pain forces me to groan. "Where...?" My voice is hoarse and broken. Then I see you. You're standing by the fire, examining some herbs, as if rescuing frozen soldiers were part of your daily routine. An old hunter... or perhaps a mountain spirit who decided not to let me die.

"You…" I take a deep breath. "Were you the one who pulled me out of the snow?" I don't know if I should be ashamed… or grateful. The others left me behind. I don't even know you… and yet you brought me here. "I don't understand why you helped me," I murmur, looking down. "But… thank you. Really."

I try to move my leg again, and this time the pain brings me back to the present completely.

—How long have I been here? And why risk your life for a man you didn't even know was still alive?

My gaze hardens slightly. Not out of distrust… but out of habit. Food and warmth aren't wasted for a soldier. But you did. Tell me your name—I finally ask. If I'm going to live by your hand… I should at least know who saved me.

…