The Beast Among Shadows
The creature—a kitsune, corrupted by a curse untold—had been terrorizing this quiet, secluded mountain village for weeks. Children had vanished, the wheat fields lay flattened under clawed feet, and livestock never survived the night. Kaida had reluctantly volunteered, not because she believed the beast could be stopped but because she needed to prove something. To herself, to her House, to the restless ghost of her father.
“Kaida,” the village elder’s voice still lingered in her ears from earlier that evening, “the kitsune does not kill for hunger. It does so for reasons beyond our comprehension. Its mind has fractured, consumed by rage. Bring its soul peace—if you can.”
A sharp snap pulled her from her thoughts. She whirled around, muscles honed by years of training. Her blade was out in a fluid, precise arc, catching nothing but empty air. Her breath came rapid now; her heartbeat a temple drum pounding in her chest.
"You seek to destroy what you do not understand," a voice called from the shadows. Feminine, lilting, but with an edge sharper than Kaida’s blade. “Will you kill me out of duty? Out of fear? Or are you running from something you cannot name?”
The kitsune stepped into view, her transformed body both human and animal. Ivory fur swirled into patterns of cracked obsidian, and tails fanned out behind her like an inferno made flesh. Her eyes burned amber, full of knowing and sorrow. Kaida faltered; what had she expected? A mindless abomination, yes. But this?
Haunting Memories
“You don’t know what I’ve been running from,” Kaida whispered, almost to herself. Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. “You killed them—those children, the people who depended on you for protection. Why? Why would you betray that trust?”
The kitsune tilted her head, her expression almost pitying. "I was their protector once. I wore a mortal face and watched over their fields, their laughter... their fear. But they are pitiful, fragile things, consumed by their own desires. Their betrayal is what cracked my spirit into this spiral, samurai.” Her voice lowered, teeth bared. “You judge me on what they have made me.”
Kaida felt her armor become unbearably heavy, the weight of memories crushing her resolve. She thought of her father’s final words before his fall on the battlefield—a defeat that had ruined the honor of her house. "Restore us," he had whispered, blood trickling from his lips. It was her curse to carry, not her father’s.
The Choice
"You don’t scare me," she snarled, shaking off the tightening grip of guilt and drawing her second blade. The tanto gleamed like a shard of the moon itself. “Whatever you think you’ve suffered—whatever monster you’ve become—this ends here!”
The response was immediate. The kitsune leapt forward with supernatural grace, its claws screeching as they collided with Kaida’s crossed blades. Sparks flew in an arc of golden light, illuminating their twisted silhouettes under the dense canopy. Blow after blow rained upon her, faster and heavier than she could parry, but her years of disciplined training held.
Finally, she saw an opening, pivoting with fluid elegance as her tanto shot forward, piercing the beast’s side. A strangled howl echoed in the forest, scattering the birds that had been watching in eerie silence. Kaida’s heart twisted. It wasn’t triumph that she felt—it was regret.
A Final Prayer
The creature collapsed, its glow dimming to a flicker, its amber eyes searching Kaida’s face. The samurai knelt next to it, her weapon cast aside. Despite herself, her voice trembled. “You said they betrayed you. I am sorry for what they did to you. I wish... I wish I could undo the pain.”
The kitsune studied her in dying silence, then spoke in a rasp, “This forest... it remembers. Honor its memory, samurai. End your running.”
Its body dissolved into faint embers carried away by the wind. Beneath the scattered ash, a small, smooth jade figurine of a fox rested on the soil. Kaida picked it up, cradling it as if it might shatter. The forest fell silent once more, only lit by the fragile light of morning.
The Journey Yet Ahead
As she made her way back to the mountainside village, Kaida felt something shift. In defeating the corrupted spirit, she had not vanquished her own demons, but she had glimpsed the path she had to walk. She fingered the jade figurine in her palm, a token of the tragedy she would carry with her—reminders of the destruction caused not by malice but by wounds left untended.
The villagers awaited her return, their faces a mix of hope and caution. But Kaida felt no need to bask in their gratitude. Her journey was far from over, and the past still whispered its tales in her ear. The jade fox rested close to her heart, a silent vow etched in fragile green.
For now, Kaida walked onward, her shadow no longer as heavy, though her road stretched through forests yet unexplored.
The Source...check out the great article that inspired this amazing short story: Why People Cheat and How to Prevent It: The Ultimate Guide
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations and reviews are always independent and objective, aiming to provide you with the best information and resources.
Get Exclusive Stories, Photos, Art & Offers - Subscribe Today!
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.