The Mission

An eerie silence settled over the snow laden forest, as if every creature waited with bated breath for the events that were about to unfold. Even the sun itself, normally so bright in its countenance, was now hidden behind a wall of grey clouds.

Beside the edge of a crystallized lake, a figure lurked within the shadows of a towering evergreen, awaiting their quarry. Their eyes scanned the surrounding area listening for the slightest--

Crunch.

There it was, what they'd been waiting for... the opportune moment of attack.

Reaching for the prepared ammunition, they stayed their guard. It wouldn't be long now. Soon, the target would be in full view, and they'd have a clear shot.

Just a little closer... they needed him just a little closer.

There.

A man emerged from a nearby cluster of trees and paused, turning to look around... almost as if he could sense another presence in the forest. He was but a mere twenty feet away.

Moving quickly, the figure drew back their arm and released their weapon.

Thwack.

The sound of impact, coupled with his startled gasp, let them know their aim had been true.

Before the man could make a countermove, the figure lurched from their hiding place to tackle him to the ground...

...and smash another snowball in his face.

A sweet, familiar peal of laughter rang out from above him as he spluttered, the weapon's icy remains beginning to melt and run down his flushed cheeks.

"Gotcha," his assailant grinned.