Night Hunt

A wicked grin spread across Nanashi's muzzle. "Well, well," she mused, her voice a low purr. "Not a bad setup at all. Simple folk, by the looks of it. Probably not too worldly – the perfect marks for a bit of trickery."

She inhaled deeply, her sensitive nose picking up the myriad scents of the village and its surroundings. "This place is teeming with spirits," she observed, licking her chops. "They'll make for a delightful appetizer. And then..." Her gaze lingered on the unsuspecting villagers going about their morning routines. "...the main course."

Nanashi's tail swished with anticipation. "I suppose this little exile might not be so terrible after all. A quick reconnaissance tonight to survey the menu, then back to rest. No sense in wasting energy before the feast begins."

As she retreated into the shadows of the forest, Nanashi's eyes glimmered with malevolent glee.

The moonlight cast an eerie glow on Nanashi's obsidian fur as she stirred from her fitful slumber. Tonight's hunt beckoned, an irresistible call she couldn't ignore. She groomed herself meticulously, her tail bristling with anticipation, and rolled in nearby wildflowers – a macabre perfume for her unsuspecting prey.

Heart pounding, Nanashi slunk down the hillside overlooking the sleeping village. The scent of warm blood filled her nostrils, igniting a primal hunger deep within. Her keen eyes locked onto a solitary figure – a woman clutching a basket, hurrying through the shadowy streets.

Nanashi's muscles coiled, ready to spring, when suddenly a chill ran down her spine. Another presence materialized from the darkness, blocking the woman's path. Nanashi froze, her instincts screaming danger as a another figure burst on to the scene.

An otherworldly aura surrounded him, his eyes gleaming with an unnatural light. A predatory grin split his face, revealing teeth far too sharp to be mortal.

Before Nanashi could process the scene, the man exploded into motion. He vaulted over the startled woman, shedding his kimono with inhuman speed, landing in front of the women on all four displaying his goods in full view, but this was not the weirdest thing about this yokai, as he face planted himself and spread his butt cheeks to reveal, A large eye, which snapped open unleashing a blinding, searing light that plunged into Nanashi's core, causing her stomach to convulse violently, vomit surging to her mouth. The woman's terrified scream of "Shirime!" pierced the night, prompting her to shield her eyes and flee in horror.

As the woman's frightened footsteps faded into the night, Shirime collapsed in a fit of manic laughter, oblivious to the predator lurking nearby. Nanashi's eyes narrowed, her body tense with predatory focus. The yokai's grotesque form was seared into her mind, but now a primal hunger overrode her disgust.

Shirime rolled onto his back, still chuckling as he gazed at the star-strewn sky. His guard was down – a fatal error.

In a blur of midnight fur, Nanashi pounced. Her fangs found Shirime's throat with unerring precision. The yokai's laughter turned to a choked gurgle as Nanashi's razor-sharp teeth pierced his jugular.

But she didn't grant him a swift end. Instead, Nanashi's eyes glowed with unholy hunger as she began to drain not just blood, but Shirime's very essence. With each swallow, she felt raw power surge through her veins. Her form seemed to ripple and expand, growing stronger by the second.

Shirime thrashed weakly, his once-terrifying form now shriveling like a flower in drought. His eye dimmed, the unnatural light fading as Nanashi consumed his spiritual energy.

With a sickening crunch, Nanashi tore out what remained of Shirime's throat. She savored the final morsels of power before dragging the withered corpse into the shadows. Tonight, she would feast – and emerge as something far more dangerous than before.

Morning came, and Nanashi received an unexpected visit from an old friend. "Good morning!" Sasuke called out cheerfully.

Startled awake, Nanashi bolted upright, accidentally colliding head-on with Sasuke. The impact sent him stumbling backwards, while Nanashi remained oddly unfazed.

"Ouch!" Sasuke cried out, rubbing his forehead. "What was that for?"

Nanashi's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What are you doing, trying to creep into a lady's home while she's sleeping?"

"Creeping in? I wasn't—" Sasuke protested, still wincing. "I was just checking if anyone was home."

As he looked up at Nanashi, his expression shifted from pain to confusion. He assumed a defensive stance, eyeing her warily. "Wait a minute... what happened to you?"

"What do you mean?" Nanashi asked, puzzled by his reaction.

Sasuke's brow furrowed as he struggled to articulate his observation. "You seem more..."

"More what?"

"More... I don't know. Different."

Nanashi tilted her head, growing impatient. "Just spit it out already."

Sasuke gulped, then finally managed to say, "Bigger. You look... bigger somehow."

"Are you saying I'm fat?" Nanashi growled, her voice reverberating through the air as she advanced towards Sasuke. Her fur bristled with radiant energy, white sparks flickering at the tips. From her paws to her tail, verdant vines wrapped around her body, enhancing her natural grace and power. Her eyes shone like twin stars, piercing his soul with their intensity.

Sasuke backpedaled, his ears flattening against his head. "No, no! Not fat, just... larger," he stammered, then nervously began licking his paws.

"What?!" Nanashi exclaimed, her patience snapping. She pounced, her powerful legs propelling her towards Sasuke.

Just as her jaws stretched wide, mere inches from Sasuke's face, he let out an explosive sneeze directly into her open mouth. Nanashi froze mid-attack, her entire body going rigid. She toppled to the ground, stiff as a frozen popsicle, a single tear trickling down her cheek.

Sasuke's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" he yelped, his tail tucked between his legs. "I really didn't mean to do that. Quick, close your mouth before flies get in and make it worse!" He glanced around nervously, then added, "I promise I won't tell anyone about this. Ever."

But Nanashi remained motionless on the ground, her mouth still agape, looking as lifeless as a statue. Sasuke's ears drooped as he realized the gravity of the situation, wondering how he could possibly make amends for this disastrous encounter.

 "Close your mouth, sister!" He said once more

Nanashi just shook slightly.

Sasuke's guilt gnawed at him, a tempest of remorse swirling in his chest. Suddenly, inspiration struck like lightning. He retreated a few paces, his form trembling with barely contained energy. Without warning, azure flames erupted around him, a dazzling inferno that consumed his vulpine shape.

The fire roared, twisting and writhing in a mesmerizing dance. As it dissipated, it revealed a transformation that defied belief. Where once stood a fox now descended a vision of ethereal beauty – a young man of such striking appearance that he seemed to have stepped from the pages of legend.

His kimono was a masterpiece, midnight black silk embroidered with intricate patterns of gold that seemed to shift and shimmer with every movement. The fabric hugged his form perfectly, hinting at a physique that blended strength and grace in equal measure.

Sasuke's eyes were twin pools of liquid sapphire, deep enough to drown in, framed by lashes that would make the stars jealous. His face was a study in perfection – high cheekbones, a strong jaw, and lips curved in a gentle smile that could melt the coldest heart.

Nanashi, despite her predicament, found herself transfixed. The sheer radiance of his presence was enough to coax her head from the dirt, though her jaw remained stubbornly agape. Yet, even as she marveled at this transcendent being before her.

 "Now, you can close your mouth with the assurance that every germ which, I regretfully, The forest held its breath as Sasuke's smirk widened, a look of divine mischief dancing in his eyes. "I know precisely what to do," he intoned, his voice resonating with ancient power.

Sasuke's hands wove an intricate pattern before his chest, fingers tracing sigils of forgotten lore. His eyes fluttered closed, lashes casting shadows on his perfect cheeks as he began to chant. The very air trembled with the weight of his words, each syllable a command to the primal forces of nature.

An aura of cerulean brilliance exploded around him, pulsing with rhythms older than time itself. The forest responded to its guardian's call – droplets of pure, living water coalesced from the earth, the trees, the very air. They hung suspended, a glittering constellation of liquid starlight.

Sasuke's eyes snapped open, blazing with otherworldly power. The droplets surged towards him, drawn by an irresistible force. They spiraled into a roaring vortex that funneled into his mouth, accompanied by howling winds that bent the ancient trees like saplings.

Nanashi watched, transfixed, her own predicament forgotten in the face of such raw, elemental might. Their eyes met, and Sasuke's wink was both playful and terrifying – a reminder that this awesome display was but a fraction of his true power.

With deliberate grace, Sasuke took a single step forward. The forest floor trembled beneath his feet, recognizing the tread of its master. His chest expanded, and with a roar that shook the heavens, he unleashed his gathered fury.

A cyclonic torrent erupted from his lips, a tsunami compressed into a laser-focused stream. It struck Nanashi with the force of a thousand storms, catapulting her backward through the forest. Trees older than memory were uprooted in its wake, the very landscape reshaped by Sasuke's will.

As the deluge subsided, Nanashi lay drenched and stunned, surrounded by the aftermath of nature's wrath. Sasuke stood tall, the forest bowing before him, a living god among the trees he protected. His display of dominance was complete, leaving no doubt about the overwhelming power that resided within his perfect form.

 "That should do it," he said, giving her a thumbs up.

Nanashi shook herself dry, water droplets scattering from her fur. "Thanks," she replied, grateful for the help.

"No problem. I just did what any friend would have done."

She smirked. "Sure, but not every friend would sneeze into the other's mouth."

He groaned, exasperated. "How long are you going to hold that against me? I said it was a mistake, a mistake that somehow saved my life, mind you."

"Fair enough," Nanashi conceded with a chuckle.

His tone grew curious. "So, where did you get that luminous power from?"

Nanashi hesitated, her ears twitching nervously. "I... umm... discovered it last night."

"Because I know a spirit that used to—"

"Look at the forest," she interrupted quickly, hoping to change the subject.

He blinked, confused by her abrupt shift. "Yes... it's quite a sight, but it is no problem."

Her eyes widened as she took in the full scope of the distorted and transformed landscape. "What do you mean, 'no problem'? Surely, the humans are going to notice this. I thought you said we're supposed to be discreet about our existence and not do anything that draws their attention. But by the look of things, you did the exact opposite. How can you be the leader if you don't follow your own rules, huh?"

"Relax," he said, waving his hand in a nonchalant manner. "I can fix this in a second."

"Sure you can," she said mockingly, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

He raised an eyebrow. "Of course I can. And why are you saying it like that?"

"Because I can," Nanashi retorted, a mischievous glint in her eye.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind. Just watch me finish this in one go."

"I'm waiting," she replied, crossing her arms expectantly.

With a smirk gracing his lips, Sasuke assumed a sturdy stance, his arms reaching over his head before gracefully descending them downward. As he lifted his hand and snapped his fingers together, an otherworldly energy surged forth. In a breathtaking moment, reality itself seemed to obey his command.

In an instant, a mesmerizing display unfolded, returning everything to its pristine state. The transformation was a symphony of magic, a seamless dance of mystical forces that mended the disrupted fabric of existence, leaving an enchanting aura in its wake.

"So?" he said, smiling triumphantly.

Nanashi's expression remained unimpressed. "I've seen better."

"Sure, you have," Sasuke replied, rolling his eyes.

She tilted her head, curiosity creeping into her voice. "Anyway, why are you here in the first place? I don't recall you and I being close friends at all."

Sasuke straightened up, his demeanor becoming more formal. "Well, as the guardian spirit who watches over all things in the forest—"

"Except for man," Nanashi interjected.

He nodded, conceding the point. "Mhm, except for man. I, Sasuke, appointed by Inari herself, must ensure that everyone who resides in these lands is well and comfortable with their stay. If they have any issues whatsoever, I will immediately resolve them then and there," he said, puffing up his chest with pride and staring at the sky.

Nanashi's eyes narrowed, a mix of skepticism and intrigue in her gaze. "Guardian spirit," she said slowly, "you must be pretty powerful. I can't help but wonder what sort of magic you possess?"

"Why?" Sasuke asked, his curiosity piqued.

Nanashi's ears twitched mischievously. "Just, you know, since we're friends and all. You know the rule of friendship - no secrets hidden from each other."

Sasuke chuckled, shaking his head. "Huh, I wasn't aware of that rule. But if I'm going to be honest, I myself don't know the full extent of my abilities. One thing I am very sure of, though."

"And what might that be?" she asked, taking a few steps towards him.

He matched her movement, closing the distance between them. "I am way stronger than you."

Nanashi's grin widened, her body starting to light up again. "Really? How can you be so sure about that?"

"Because I defeated you with a single sneeze," Sasuke replied smugly.

"That can't be true; that was an accident."

His eyes glinted with amusement. "Was it, though? Even the temporary paralysis you experienced was an accident?"

Nanashi faltered. "What, that..."

"Oh, dear Nanashi, you still have a long way to go."

She huffed, her tail swishing in irritation. "You're a weirdo. Anyway, how long are you planning to stay? This is when I sleep, and I hunt at night. So if you don't mind, if you're done checking on me, you know the way home, I presume."

Sasuke held up his hands placatingly. "No need to be so hostile, sister. I'm just doing my job. Anyway, I see you acquired a new power. But I wonder how you got it; it feels very familiar, kind of reminds me of a yokai called..."

"You can think about it later," Nanashi interrupted, pushing him forward with her head. "A girl needs her sleep, I still have hunt at tonight, which is such a pain. So be off now."

"Alright, I'll be off," Sasuke conceded, taking a step back. His tone grew serious. "Just so you know, I will be back. And remember this - it's a very important rule: you are not allowed to consume any other spirits or steal their power; it is prohibited, and the punishment for that sin is death."

"Why are you telling me this?" Nanashi's voice quivered with indignation. "Am I some kind of power-obsessed monster looking to reclaim a lost kingdom? No, sorry, you've got the wrong person. Be gone, you foul persecuting spirit!"

As her final words faded, an eerie silence fell over the forest. Suddenly, a mesmerizing glow began to emanate from within Nanashi's core, pulsing like a newborn star. The air around her shimmered, reality itself seeming to bend in the wake of her rising power.

A radiant aura enveloped her form, swirling like a tempest of liquid light. It danced across her fur, transforming each strand into a thread of living starlight. The very earth beneath her paws trembled, responding to the surge of otherworldly energy.

From deep within her being, a glimmering cloud materialized. It ascended from her diaphragm, spiraling upward through her throat in a hypnotic display of raw, untamed magic. The forest held its breath as the luminous essence reached the precipice of Nanashi's mouth.

Time seemed to slow as her jaws parted. In that heartbeat of silence, the world teetered on the edge of transformation. Then, with earth-shattering force, a surge of incandescent energy erupted forth.

A great white blast, as brilliant as a supernova, burst from Nanashi's maw. It illuminated the clearing with blinding intensity, casting stark shadows that danced like frenzied spirits. The beam hurtled towards Sasuke, a dazzling lance of pure, unadulterated power.

The sheer magnitude of the attack sent shockwaves rippling through the air, bending trees and scattering leaves in its wake. Even Nanashi herself seemed momentarily overwhelmed by the intensity of her own power, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation.

As the radiant force surged forward, cutting a swath through the very fabric of reality, the forest trembled in anticipation. This was no mere display of magic – it was a cataclysmic event, a clash of mystical energies that threatened to reshape their hidden world forever.

Nanashi's eyes gleamed with a mixture of anticipation and dark curiosity. "Let's see him walk away from that alive," she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope his body is left. I could use the power he has."

As the blinding light faded and the smoke began to dissipate, an unexpected sound cut through the eerie silence. A faint yawn echoed across the clearing, followed by what seemed to be someone casually dusting themselves off. Nanashi's ears twitched, her body tensing as she strained to see through the hazy aftermath of her attack.

When the smoke finally cleared, her jaw dropped in disbelief. There stood Sasuke, completely unscathed, a smirk playing across his lips. His clothing and fur were immaculate, showing no signs of the devastating blast that had just torn through the forest.

"I always knew you wanted me," Sasuke quipped, his voice laced with amusement and a hint of cockiness. He stretched lazily, as if he had just woken from a pleasant nap rather than weathered an earth-shattering assault.

Nanashi's mind reeled, struggling to comprehend how he could have possibly survived unharmed.

Before she could gather her wits to respond, Sasuke continued, his form starting to shimmer and fade. "I'd love to stay longer and see where this goes, but unfortunately, your visiting time is over. Bye-bye!" He waved at her with infuriating nonchalance, his body becoming more translucent with each passing second.

Night fell once more, and with it came an insatiable hunger. Nanashi prowled the shadows, her eyes gleaming with anticipation for her next prey.

'I wonder what delectable power I'll feast on tonight,' she mused, a wicked grin playing across her muzzle. 'Anything's better than that last one. Thank the spirits that freak's ability didn't leave me with an eye in an unfortunate place.'

The village lay eerily quiet, not a demon in sight. Nanashi's fur bristled with frustration.

'Clever little pests,' she growled inwardly. 'That meddling visitor must have warned them. No matter. There are other hunting grounds.'

Defying Sasuke's warnings, Nanashi crossed the forbidden river. As she emerged on the other side, the air shifted, heavy with an otherworldly presence.

In a moonlit meadow, an ethereal vision materialized. A woman of unearthly beauty danced, her shimmering garments swirling like mist. The very night seemed to awaken at her touch, responding to each graceful movement.

Nanashi's heart raced, her predatory instincts screaming. This was no ordinary being – power radiated from her in intoxicating waves.

"I can see you, you know," the woman's voice rang out, childlike yet ancient. "Come out and join me. I promise I won't bite."

A chill ran down Nanashi's spine. She had masked her presence perfectly. What manner of creature could sense her?

Stepping from the shadows, Nanashi purred, "Oh, hello. I was just passing by when your mesmerizing dance caught my eye."

"Thank you," the woman replied, her eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge. "You're not from here, are you? May I ask your name?"

"Nanashi," she answered, remaining partially concealed.

The woman's laughter cut through the night, only to die abruptly at Nanashi's stony silence.

"Forgive me," she said. "I just find it curious that your name means 'nameless'."

"Is it not intriguing?" Nanashi countered, edging closer. "Even demons like yourself are drawn to mystery, are they not?"

The woman's eyes flashed. "Indeed. The unknown tantalizes all creatures. It's what makes life... exquisite."

"You speak as one who has lived many lifetimes," Nanashi purred, her mouth watering. "Who are you, exactly?"

The woman smiled enigmatically. With a wave of her hand, the earth itself obeyed her will. Roots erupted from the soil, twisting into chairs and a table.

"How rude of me," she said, her voice carrying an undertone of danger. "I am Princess Sarashina. Now that we're acquainted, why don't you step into the light and join me?"

Nanashi hesitated, every instinct screaming both caution and hunger. This being was unlike any she had encountered before. A feast beyond imagining – or a predator far deadlier than herself?

"If you say so," Nanashi replied, her voice steady despite the tempest of emotions within. She stepped forward, bathed in moonlight

Nanashi emerged from the shadows, her form colossal and menacing. Her crimson eyes blazed in the darkness, twin infernos that pierced the night. She moved with a predator's grace, each step a silent promise of impending danger. Her massive body eclipsed the moonlight, casting Sarashina in shadow.

The princess inhaled sharply, her composure faltering for a heartbeat as she beheld the monstrous fox before her. She gripped the arms of her makeshift chair, knuckles white with tension.

"My!" Sarashina exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're a fox. A rather... impressive one at that."

Nanashi's lips curled into a cruel smile, revealing rows of gleaming fangs. "I sense disappointment in your voice, Princess. Were you expecting something else?"

"No, no," Sarashina backpedaled, clearing her throat. "I'm merely... surprised, for lack of a better word."

The princess's apparent naivety and reluctance to offend kindled a dangerous spark in Nanashi's mind. Perhaps this being wasn't as formidable as she'd first thought. After all, true power spoke without fear of consequence.

"Surprised?" Nanashi growled, deliberately showcasing her massive canines. They glinted in the moonlight like polished daggers, promising swift and merciless violence.

Sarashina's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. "Yes, I was," she replied, a newfound edge to her voice. She paused, as if weighing her next words carefully. "Would you care for some tea?"

"Of course," Nanashi purred, taking a deliberate step forward. Her muscles coiled, ready to strike.

Sarashina exhaled slowly, turning her back to the predator. It was a calculated risk, one that played perfectly into Nanashi's hunger-fueled arrogance.

In a blur of motion, Nanashi launched herself at the princess's exposed back. Victory seemed assured, her jaws parting to claim her prey.

But in that fractional moment, Sarashina's head snapped around. Her eyes, once warm and inviting, now blazed with an ancient, terrible power.

A single glance was all it took.

The world erupted into chaos. A maelstrom of flames exploded into existence, engulfing Nanashi in a howling vortex of fire. The inferno roared, a tornado of searing heat and blinding light that reached toward the heavens.

Nanashi's triumphant snarl transformed into a shriek of agony and disbelief. She writhed within the fiery prison, her fur scorched, her very being assaulted by flames that seemed to burn not just flesh, but spirit itself.

As the fox thrashed in torment, Sarashina rose slowly from her seat. Gone was any pretense of fragility. She stood tall, power radiating from her in palpable waves. Her eyes, now glowing with an otherworldly light, fixed upon the creature she had so effortlessly trapped.

"You should have accepted the tea," Sarashina's voice resonated, somehow audible above the roar of the flames. "Now, little fox, let me show you what true power looks like.