In the heart of winter, Daki sat nestled close to her brother under the thin blanket, her gaze drifting upward to the swirling snowflakes dancing through the air. Each flake caught the light, shimmering like tiny stars as they fell gently to the ground. She marveled at their beauty, lost in the moment, a soft smile gracing her lips despite the cold.

“Look, Gyutaro! They’re like little crystals!” she exclaimed, reaching out to catch one on her palm as it melted away, leaving only a fleeting warmth.

Gyutaro, however, remained tense, his eyes scanning their surroundings. He noticed a figure approaching, clad in a dark uniform that seemed foreign and imposing. The fabric hugged the person's form tightly, adorned with intricate patterns that hinted at a purpose he couldn’t quite understand. A weapon was sheathed at their side, glinting ominously in the harsh light of the day.

“Daki, stay close,” he urged, his voice edged with protective instinct. The sight of the stranger sent a chill down his spine, sharper than the cold that enveloped them. The world around him blurred into the background as concern for his sister consumed him.

Daki, still enchanted by the snow, barely registered the tension in her brother’s voice. “It’s so pretty,” she whispered, her eyes wide with childlike wonder, completely unaware of the potential danger that loomed before them.

Gyutaro clenched his fists, ready to shield her from whatever this newcomer might bring, focused solely on keeping Daki's innocent joy from being shattered.