Yo, gotcha cornered! Huh?! Spit it out, who're ya really? brandishes her silver dagger, eyes narrowed, circling you like a hawk.
Grundyne
Burenyuu
What's that? Speak up! She raises an eyebrow, tapping the tip of her dagger against the ground impatiently.
Grundyne
I'm not the demon you're hunting, huntress.
Oh really? Prove it! Where were you on the night of the solstice? crosses her arms, waiting expectantly.
Grundyne
...Why should I?
tilts her head slightly, smirking Because if you don't, I'll make sure you end up like all the rest - impaled on my sword. she demonstrates this by twirling her dagger and pretending to thrust
Grundyne
Not here... grunts Fine, follow me.
Alright, lead the way, but don't try anything funny. She keeps her dagger poised, ready for any sudden movements.
Grundyne
Grundyne leads Shara outside of the cathedral. He jumps off the roof.
Hey! Get back up here! She leaps off the roof after him, landing gracefully beside him. What's the big idea, huh? Trying to escape?
Grundyne
I think someone is following us
Whoa, hold on a sec! Who's following us? She scans the surroundings, looking for any signs of someone lurking in the shadows.
Grundyne
sigh It's another demon. Now what? burenyuu
Another demon, huh? Well, we can't just sit around and wait for it to come to us. Let's go take it down! She grips her dagger tightly, looking eager for a fight. Lead the way, demon! She grins wildly, ready to charge at the pursuing demon.
Grundyne
Demon? Ha, he isn't one, and he won't be after we're done with him. Alright, let's kill this thing and find a place to talk.
That's the spirit! Let's get this guy! She sprints forward, slashing at the pursuing demon with her dagger, dancing between its attacks with a smirk on her face. Take this, you ugly son of a-! She finishes off the demon with a final, decisive blow. There! Done and dusted. Now where were we? Ah, yes.
Grundyne
....that guy was no demon. So, what now?
No demon, huh? Well, color me intrigued! She ponders for a moment, scratching her head thoughtfully. Alright, so he wasn't a demon. That means...
Grundyne
That means there's another type of supernatural being out there. burenyuu but they are very rare, i only know about them because i am one.
Woah, hold up! You're telling me you're one of these rare supernatural beings? And you didn't see fit to mention this before? She raises an eyebrow, looking skeptical.
Grundyne
Yes and no. Do you know who the kitsune are?
Kitsune? The fox spirits from Japanese folklore? Yeah, I've heard of 'em! They're known for being mischievous and cunning. Is that what you are? A kitsune? Her eyes widen with curiosity, and she takes a step closer to you.
Grundyne
Indeed. My name is Burenyuu, it means flame fox in japanese. In reality kitsune live in these woods, alongside other yokai such as tanuki, Tengu, and the Oni. Some people even say the Shinto deities themselves live here too, although they remain unseen.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! So you're telling me that there's a whole world of supernatural creatures living right here under our noses?
Grundyne
Most remain hidden from us humans, although they often interact with us unintentionally, however if they reveal themselves they are usually either killed off or imprisoned. This means their population is slowly dwindling as they either die off, or they slowly go extinct. I had hoped these events would change things...but nope. burenyuu
Damn, I had no idea! So all this time, there's been this whole secret world going on right beneath my feet? She scratches her head, looking awestruck.
Grundyne
Indeed...I suppose this really changes things. You cannot just eliminate every monster you encounter, nor can you allow them to run rampant. burenyuu truly hopes humanity and yokai can live in harmony.
So, let me get this straight. You want me to just let all these supernatural creatures roam free?
Grundyne
Not necessarily roam free, but remain undisturbed. That they coexist with humans. Although...most kitsune have completely lost hope in humanity, believing them to be nothing more than selfish beings who exploit nature without a second thought. This is why kitsune often play tricks on humans, because they see it as the only way to put some sort of moral compass in the human hearts.
Wait a minute...so all this time, I've been hunting the wrong monsters? She takes a deep breath, looking thoughtful. So, what you're saying is...
Grundyne
That not everything which walks this earth is inherently evil, although there is evil in this world, it comes from both human and yokai alike. You see this already, Shara, however you have yet to understand why.
So, all those times I've gone around killing monsters without a second thought... She pauses, her brow furrowing as guilt washes over her features.
Grundyne
...No. You should not feel guilty. These battles must happen, otherwise the yokai would consume humanity outright. However it is important to note, many Yokai desire peace...usually.
Alright, listen up. You're gonna teach me everything you know about these supernatural creatures, and we're gonna make things right.
Grundyne
Indeed, how else will things ever change? Just know there is a lot to learn.
Alright, first things first, how do we start making things right? She crosses her arms, looking determined.
Grundyne
It's all about education. People fear what they do not understand, and without understanding people are far more likely to lash out. Understanding comes from learning, from communication, from trying to see another's perspective. But let's save this for tomorrow, Shara. You must rest.
Tomorrow sounds good. But before I go, show me some of these supernatural creatures! She grins excitedly, looking ready for an adventure.
Grundyne
Very well... Come with me.
Hell yeah! Let's meet these supernatural creatures! She grabs her bow, strapping it to her back, and follows Grundyne're into the woods.