Yokai Hunt

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Yokai Hunt [[Welcome Exorcist!|Welcome Excorcist 2]] How to read:  Click the hyperlink text to continue the story o Take note that this has multiple endings as it is multi-linear  After reaching the end, there will be choices given to restart at the very beginning of the story, one of three ‘save points’, or to exit the piece entirely  This piece was intended to have audio so it is advised that reader wear headphones o Note that the audio may not actually play due to issues with the URL tracking that could not be fixed

You sure you have all the needed [[supplies|Got everything 2]] for tonight's hunt?

You sure you have all the needed supplies for tonight's hunt? The purified salt? The protection charms? The prayer Staff? Have you memorizied all the [[right|Got everything 3]] chants and sutras? [[Hmmm?|Got everything 5]]

You sure you have all the needed supplies for tonight's hunt? The purified salt? The protection charms? The prayer Staff? Have you memorizied all the right chants and sutras? Is [[your|Got everything 4]] robe and hat put on right? [[Hmmm?|Got everything 5]]

I'm not your mother? Well, fine then! If your gonna take that kind of attitude I'll stop nagging and let you be on your way then. [[Not my fault|Got everything 6]] if you get hurt or lost then.

You sure you have all the needed supplies for tonight's hunt? The purified salt? The protection charms? The prayer Staff? Have you memorizied all the right chants and sutras? Is your robe and hat put on right? Oh! your shoe strap is about to break! Make sure to fix that! [[Hmmm?|Got everything 5]]

I'm not your mother? Well, fine then! If your gonna take that kind of attitude I'll stop nagging and let you be on your way then. Not my fault if you get hurt or lost then. Ah! but just to make [[sure|Got everything 7]]

Where are you hunting for unearthly spirits, those dreaded Yokai, this night, [[mighty excorcist|exit 1]]? [[The city streets]] [[The forest]] [[The caves]]

<img src="https://static3.depositphotos.com/1001594/133/i/600/depositphotos_1337800-stock-photo-the-night-sky-with-heavy.jpg"> As you walked down the sidewalk, the moon and stars were covered by ominous, dark clouds, obscuring the [[night|The city streets 2]] and cloaking all who come out to play once the good fearing people have turned to bed. You kept your [[eyes peeled wide|encounter]].

You treaded through the maze of trees, careful not to step on branches or patches of dry leaves. A light breeze swayed the low-lying fog that creeped along the forest floor, making the [[forest trail]] near invisible to you despite the light of the lantern that dangles in your left hand. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/75/05/d17505b4eafdc12ff29c7e6b4de9154c.jpg">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/mariethompson/sounds/516930/" autoplay> </audio> You tread carefully to avoid the thorny brush that would otherwise snag your robes. There was no discernable path that led to the caves but the sound of [[rushing water]] served as your compass. <img src="https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/bunch-of-brown-dry-thorny-branches-picture-id1055323620?b=1&k=6&m=1055323620&s=170667a&w=0&h=IeJoyJQ9DHwX6JtXtlXJsxGBT7GqFqXz4GH5_qHiQxI=">

Where are you hunting for unearthly spirits, those dreaded Yokai, this night, mighty excorcist? What? You object to being called mighty? Then you aren't the right person for this job! People die hunting Yokai if they aren't strong or prepared you know? So, are you [[mighty|question]] or are you [[weak|https://www.google.com]]?

<img src="https://static3.depositphotos.com/1001594/133/i/600/depositphotos_1337800-stock-photo-the-night-sky-with-heavy.jpg"> As you walked down the sidewalk, the moon and stars were covered by ominous, dark clouds, obscuring the night and cloaking all who come out to play once the good fearing people have turned to bed. Up ahead was a [[lamp post|The city streets 3]], illuminating the small space of pavement below it. You kept your [[eyes peeled wide|encounter]].

The [[imps|encounter 2]] and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you.

<audio src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmHc5901Wc&ab_channel=Cinecry" autoplay> </audio> As you walked down the sidewalk, the moon and stars were covered by ominous, dark clouds, obscuring the night and cloaking all who come out to play once the good fearing people have turned to bed. Up ahead was a lamp post, illuminating the small space of [[pavement|The city streets 4]] below it. It flickered, that lamp post whose fugacious bulb made the starless night tense. You kept your [[eyes peeled wide|encounter]]. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/48/cc/0d/48cc0d8d14bc0dc8658f28a585627cd8.jpg">

<audio src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmHc5901Wc&ab_channel=Cinecry" autoplay> </audio> As you walked down the sidewalk, the moon and stars were covered by ominous, dark clouds, obscuring the night and cloaking all who come out to play once the good fearing people have turned to bed. Up ahead was a lamp post, illuminating the small space of pavement below it. It flickered, that lamp post whose fugacious bulb made the starless night tense. Weary shoes [[quickly|The city streets 5]] treaded upon the pavement. You kept your [[eyes peeled wide|encounter]]. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/48/cc/0d/48cc0d8d14bc0dc8658f28a585627cd8.jpg">

<audio src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmHc5901Wc&ab_channel=Cinecry" autoplay> </audio> As you walked down the sidewalk, the moon and stars were covered by ominous, dark clouds, obscuring the night and cloaking all who come out to play once the good fearing people have turned to bed. Up ahead was a lamp post, illuminating the small space of pavement below it. It flickered, that lamp post whose fugacious bulb made the starless night tense. The sounds of weary shoes quickly scrapping against the pavement echoed loudly into the night. You shudder not just from the nipping wind as cold brushes against your nape. You kept your [[eyes peeled wide|encounter]]. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/48/cc/0d/48cc0d8d14bc0dc8658f28a585627cd8.jpg">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Ben_0815/sounds/515798/" autoplay> </audio> The imps and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you. And the [[whispers]] of countless unseen eyes crescendoed like noisy cicadas, climbing, building, mounting, and matching pace with the hill of dread that arose within your heart. Your eyes [[stayed]] peeled wide.

Glued to the spot as though your feet had become one with the ground, your head swiveled like an owl in each direction. [[look left]] [[look right]] [[look behind]] [[look up]] [[look down]]

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Ben_0815/sounds/515798/" autoplay> </audio> The imps and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you. And the whispers of countless unseen eyes crescendoed like noisy cicadas, climbing, building, mounting, and matching pace with the hill of dread that arose within your heart. "Poor wight" "This is gonna be fun" "hehehehe" "Blood! Blood!" "The show is gonna start" "wretched Excorsist, die!" [["hahahehehe"|whispers 5]] Your eyes [[stayed]] peeled wide.

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Ben_0815/sounds/515798/" autoplay> </audio> The imps and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you. And the whispers of countless unseen eyes crescendoed like noisy cicadas, climbing, building, mounting, and matching pace with the hill of dread that arose within your heart. "Poor wight" "This is gonna be fun" "hehehehe" "Blood! Blood!" [["The show is gonna start"|whispers 6]] "wretched Excorsist, die!" "hahahehehe" "I call dibs on his eyeball" "I want his heart!" "Death! Death!" "Will they answer right?" "Bet they'll scream" "like a girl!" Your eyes [[stayed]] peeled wide.

The imps and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you. And the whispers of countless unseen eyes crescendoed like noisy cicadas, climbing, building, mounting, and matching pace with the hill of dread that arose within your heart. "Poor wight" "This is gonna be fun" "hehehehe" "Blood! Blood!" "The show is gonna start" "wretched Excorsist, die!" "hahahehehe" "I call dibs on his eyeball" "I want his heart!" "Death! Death!" "Will they answer right?" "Bet they'll scream" "like a girl!" [["Quiet!"|whispers 7]] Your eyes [[stayed]] peeled wide.

The imps and stitchers of fate did not show mercy to you. And the whispers of countless unseen eyes crescendoed like noisy cicadas, climbing, building, mounting, and matching pace with the hill of dread that arose within your heart. "Poor wight" "This is gonna be fun" "hehehehe" "Blood! Blood!" "The show is gonna start" "wretched Excorsist, die!" "hahahehehe" "I call dibs on his eyeball" "I want his heart!" "Death! Death!" "Will they answer right?" "Bet they'll scream" "like a girl!" "Quiet!" "She's here..." Your eyes [[stayed]] peeled wide.

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/dersuperanton/sounds/433642/" autoplay> </audio> Your eyes met with a wall of black miasma, out of which stared countless onlookers, whose gaze was pivoted on your frozen form. Gulp. <img src="https://catswilleatyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012_09_09_eyesonthewall_best.gif" width="800" height="400"> [[you continue to panic|stayed]] [[you steel your nerves]]

<img src="https://thafreebird.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/go-and-see.jpg" width="500" height="300"> The familiar countanence stares back at you, it's features pale and tense, in the warped glass of a building's window. Sweat begins to dampen the back of your neck. [[you continue to panic|stayed]] [[you steel your nerves]]

<img src="https://cdn.hipwallpaper.com/i/21/12/SjZ9QC.jpg" width="500" height="300"> An empty sidewalk ends a short distance away, however the road is blocked by a thick wall of black fog. It's deadly aura keeps you from approaching. [[you continue to panic|stayed]] [[you steel your nerves]]

<img src="https://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wiaa/files/styles/x_large/public/201901/image__6_.png"> There are no ropes to safe haven, only the cold smile of the crescent moon and the unblinking stares of the distant stars. [[you continue to panic|stayed]] [[you steel your nerves]]

The sidewalk is as pale as your now trembling hands. The lamp post illuminates the whiteness of both, acting as a dreaded spotlight. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2a/de/28/2ade2831a2f40ca9c49f2c31d8be56d5.jpg" width="500" height="600"> [[you continue to panic|stayed]] [[you steel your nerves]]

<audio src= "https://freesound.org/people/vitoriabueno/sounds/475939/" autoplay> </audio> Taking a deep breath, you calm your trembling hands. Then, the sounds of foot steps slowly approaching resound in front of you. [[look forward]] [[start to panic again|stayed]]

It began to emerge from the wall of deadly miasma, it's appearance out of place this cold winter night. It wore a white Sunday dress more suited to summer weather, long hair the color of tar that gently swayed with each step, and a mask that covered up the lower half of the face. The delicate frame of what was assumedly a young girl in her early twenties stopped six paces away. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/98/0e/86/980e86ba21023d76bd289273e2e825b4--photo-ideas-picture-ideas.jpg"> [[listen]]

As if on an unseen cue, [[it|History 2]] began to [[speak|listen 2]] <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/98/0e/86/980e86ba21023d76bd289273e2e825b4--photo-ideas-picture-ideas.jpg">

"Am I pretty?", that dreadfully lilting voice asked <img src="https://bloomreviewsblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/kuchisake_onna_am_i_beautiful.jpg?crop"> [[yes|listen 3]] [[no|exit 2]] [[stay silent|listen 3]]

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Saviraz/sounds/547600/" autoplay> </audio> The things body swayed, as if unsteady on it's feet. Suddenly, its arm flashes out towards you. A flash of light from the lamp post reflects off of the small knife grasped in her hand. It has cut your neck and now mutters above you "you need a better smile my dear" As blood gushes out onto the cold, hard ground, your mind [[fades|ending]] <img src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/201909/dead-body-860x573_4-770x433.jpeg?aSTxv5ejglF3Do4Hn794fNyNfjD_GSi6">

A hand waves in front of your face. Startled you take a step back. "woah! Hey you ok? Spaced out on me for a minute there. Anyways just answer this one last question for me ok?" "Where are you hunting for unearthly spirits, those dreaded Yokai, this night, mighty excorcist?" [[The city streets]] [[The forest]] [[The caves]]

Beaded sweat trickles slowly down the side of your face and the feeling of dread begins to tighten it's noose around your neck. The thing reached up and slowly removed it's mask, revealing a wide, wide smile Your hands tighten around your prayer staff as you stare at the yokai known as the slit-mouth woman. It opened that joker's mouth of a smile, the stithes streched and bloody, and like a broken record "Am I pretty?" was heard again <img src="https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/018/000/673/large/callie-berndt-asset.jpg?1558116167" width="500" height="400"> [[yes|exit 2]] [[no|exit 2]] [[silence|exit 2]] [[maybe]] [[Try to distract it]]

"really?" the spirit asked, her voice wavering like the nervous, young girl she appeared to be. "Well, everyone's perspective and sense of aesthetic is different. Personally, I think you look much prettier than some other types of yokai but my opinion, or anyone else's for that matter aren't important." you [[reply]].

You throw some candy in it's direction, slightly to the left, in the hopes that it will turn to retrieve the candy and give you time to prepare to [[exorcise]] it properly.

The miasma dispersed along with the spirit of the young girl, cleasned by the truth of the world. You sigh in relief and [[continue|ending]] down the sidewalk as the moon smiles down upon you, it's glow a gentle and comforting prescence. <img src="https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/media-library/2020/01/200121-skywatching-moon-venus-banner.jpg" width="500" height="300">

The spirit dashed towards the fallen candy, its emaciated form surprisingly fast despite it's weak appearance. [[You reach for some talismans]] [[try to run]]

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/AderuMoro/sounds/320740/" autoplay> </audio> You reach into your robe's pocket and quickly pull out the talismans while beginning the chant for purification. <img src="https://pa1.narvii.com/5768/5d2c57e93cd691276588bf48286ca105768ee099_hq.gif" width="500" height="300"> The spirit shrieks in terror and agony as the talismans text begin to glow a bloody red. You finish the chant and throw the now activated talismans at the spirit who has begun to try and crawl away from you. But the talisman does not hit the spirit as it has fled by turning into miasma and dissapeared into a manhole in the street. You yell "No!" in fristration at not being able to finish the task [[properly|ending]].

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/SpliceSound/sounds/170501/" autoplay> </audio> You spun arond and began to sprint as far away from the yokai as you can despite knowing the wall of miasma blocked your path, finding yourself totally unprepared to try and fight it. In your haste to get away, you trip and begin to [[fall]] forward.

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/bacruz666/sounds/341908/" autoplay> </audio> Startled by the sense of vertigo, you jump out of the dream and find yourself staring up a blank cieling, panting from the imagined fright. <img src="https://hhp-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/03/GettyImages-1134270597-scaled.jpg" width="500" height="300"> Taking a few breaths to calm yourself, the residual terror of the dream fades and the memory is forgotten [[go back to sleep|ending]]

Hello newly appointed excorsist! Tonight you will embark on your very first yokai hunting expidition! They've been a lot more active as of late and ranks are spread quite thin; so, you'll have to go alone despite it being your first time. Are you [[ready|Got everything?]] for this evening?

Following the well-worn path that hikers use to tread through the forest, eventually a [[lake]] comes into view <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/75/05/d17505b4eafdc12ff29c7e6b4de9154c.jpg">

Following the well-worn path that hikers use to tread through the forest, eventually a lake comes into view No reflection of either moon or stars is reflected as the fog has [[covered]] the lake, it's water too murky <img src="https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13367748904_44df5a3d6d_k.jpg" width="700" height="500">

Following the well-worn path that hikers use to tread through the forest, eventually a lake comes into view No reflection of either moon or stars is reflected as the fog has covered the lake Nay, the fog appears to be coming up out of the lake. Almost as if it is an outstretched hand or a net of ethereal threads to [[lure]] the [[lost]]. <img src="https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13367748904_44df5a3d6d_k.jpg" width="700" height="500">

The rustling of leaves can be heard behind you [[ignore |poor bones]] [[turn around]]

The wind blows through across the lake and reveals numerous bones on its shores. The moonlight grants those [[poor bones]] a milky white color that contrasts with the sullied black earth they were so unceremoniously [[left|lure]] upon. <img src="https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/human-skull-pile-bones-black-background-halloween-night_34986-148.jpg?size=626&ext=jpg">

The wind which blew across the lake, revealing numerous bones on its shores. The moonlight grants those poor bones a milky white color that contrasts with the sullied black earth they were so unceremoniously left upon. Your feet bring you [[closer]] to those poor fragments of a person who used to breathe, who are unable to lie to rest. Your mind is clouded by grief for these lives lost that are beyond help. <img src="https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/human-skull-pile-bones-black-background-halloween-night_34986-148.jpg?size=626&ext=jpg">

[[“crack!”]]

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/deleted_user_2104797/sounds/164472/" autoplay> </audio> Looking down, you see that you have stepped on a bone, it’s resounding snap drawing you out of [[woe]]. Quickly, you step back, away from the bones and awful lake that hides what lies beneath the surface. <img src="https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13367748904_44df5a3d6d_k.jpg" width="700" height="500">

But it is already too [[late]]. <img src="https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13367748904_44df5a3d6d_k.jpg" width="700" height="500">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/csaszi/sounds/252768/" autoplay> </audio> A hissing turns your head around and a gruesome sight greets your [[gaze]] <img src="https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13367748904_44df5a3d6d_k.jpg" width="700" height="500">

The open maw of a giant snake rushes towards you, its needle point fangs reflecting a face who knows [[death|ending]] has come. <img src="https://cutewallpaper.org/21/snake-wallpaper/2-Photos-For-The-Manor-House-Cobra-Snake-Wallpaper-Iphone-.jpg" width="500" height="600">

"Thank you..." she said, seemingly not sure what to do when faced with such an honest remark. Seeing her frightening aura begin to diminish, you decide to continue. "I understand, given your [[history]], why validation of your appearance is so important to you; but, you know, the only opinion that counts is yours. You shouldn't ask others and take it out on them if you don't like the answer. It's about accepting yourself and being ok with who you are, no one can do that for you" you reply. The spirit begins to shine as tears flow down it's face, which is now unmarred by cuts and stitches, instead framed by a [[lovely smile]]. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6b/6a/75/6b6a75a33fe8770b868863c01bea1808.jpg">

I recall the tales of the slit-mouth woman, the kuchisake-onna, a woman whose face was mutilated when she was alive by another who was jealous of her beauty. When the wound healed, it left behind gruesome scars and apparently her fiancée left her upon seeing her face. From then on she suffered the harsh abuse and ridicule of others, constantly being diminished because of her disfigurement. After death, she came back to life as a vengeful spirit, filled with [[anger at her miserable life]].

You cast your gaze around you, turning in a slow circle to search for the [[source]] of the [[rustling]]. <img src="https://ak.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/12555050/thumb/1.jpg">

But perhaps, after seeing her in person I think what kept this poor soul tied to the mortal plane was not a desire for vengeance but her desire to be accepted. And what made her life so miserable was not the loss of her fiancée but rather that she developed sociophobia, the fear of social evaluation, or perhaps catagelophobia, [[fear of ridicule.|lovely smile]]

I recall the tales of the slit-mouth woman, the kuchisake-onna, that I often had to [[listen|listen 2]] about during my teacher's lectures. She was a woman whose face was mutilated when she was alive by another who was jealous of her beauty. When the wound healed, it left behind gruesome scars and apparently her fiancée left her upon seeing her face. From then on she suffered the harsh abuse and ridicule of others, constantly being diminished because of her disfigurement. After death, she came back to life as a vengeful spirit, filled with anger at her miserable life. <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Shungyosai_Tayu-no-kao.jpg">

There, in between the [[trees]], you spy two enormous reptilian eyes. <img src="https://p0.pikist.com/photos/123/752/cat-s-eyes-eyes-color-storm-light-fascinating-strange-worrying-black-background-night.jpg">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/TrueCrimeDog/sounds/537838/" autoplay> </audio> There are no other sounds in this eerie place, not even a chirping cricket, besides the distinct sound of [[something large|source]] moving across the forest floor quietly crumpling the fallen leaves into the slightly muddy ground, wet from yesterday's storm. <img src="https://ak.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/12555050/thumb/1.jpg">

There, in between the trees that had been behind you, you spy two enormous [[reptilian eyes]]. <Img src="https://p0.pikist.com/photos/123/752/cat-s-eyes-eyes-color-storm-light-fascinating-strange-worrying-black-background-night.jpg">

There, in between the trees that had been behind you, you spy two enormous reptilian eyes filled with anger staring at you. Everything in that clearing by the lake [[stands still]] except the creature's forked tongue which continued to dart in and out. <img src="https://p0.pikist.com/photos/123/752/cat-s-eyes-eyes-color-storm-light-fascinating-strange-worrying-black-background-night.jpg">

Slowly, the snake yokai slithers further into the clearing, which now is surrounded by a thick barrier made of miasma. As it moves out of the shadows of the trees, you see its [[threatening]] form more clearly.

This yokai was Uwabami. It's snake appearance and that it lived by this lake, known as Onuma lake in ancient times, revealed it's history to you. It had long lived by Onuma lake living as a [[Daija]] and often transformed into a human to travel the Shiga Highlands, enjoying and protecting the cherry blossoms as it’s guardian deity. Then, one fateful day, while guised as a man he met a beautiful women named Kuro hime and the two fell deeply in [[love]]. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/21/ba/4c21ba663c8373c472a76f67e2fd9c45.jpg">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/csaszi/sounds/252768/" autoplay> </audio> The light glinted off its viridescent scales, patterned with symmetrical dots that undualted with each movement. Two needle point fangs dripped venom onto the forest floor, the purple secretion turning the leaves below into n acrid smelling smoke. The snake's eyes which were no more than black,vertical slits suspended in amber fury, narrowed as it stared at your frozen figure and it began to hiss, the noise although no louder than a whisper, [[resounded]] clearly in that desolate clearing.

The light glinted off its viridescent scales, patterned with symmetrical dots that undualted with each movement. Two needle point fangs dripped venom onto the forest floor, the purple secretion turning the leaves below into n acrid smelling smoke. The snake's eyes which were no more than black,vertical slits suspended in amber fury, narrowed as it stared at your frozen figure and it began to hiss, the noise although no louder than a whisper, resounded clearly in that desolate clearing. “Oh Little Excsssorcisst, have you come to ssslay me? Issss it not enough for you humansss to have degraded me? To have tricked me? Left me to rot? Laughed at your devious trickery? Mocked me as you returned to your palacesss to drink and feast over my misssery? Well? Sssspeak! I ssshall hear your mewling of an [[answer]] before I sswallow you whole jussst asss I did to your callous bretheren who came before you!”

As it's words, as venoumous as its bite would surely be, echo into the starless night, you.... [[try to recall|Uwabami]] the stories about the snake yokai [[are so frightened]] of it's hideous appearance that no thoughts come [[get angry]] at it's remarks about how it killed many exorcists before you

The snake's tongue darted out and upon tasting your fear in the air it hissed once more "You are even weaker than the othersss. To think one who claimsss the title of excssorcisst would be frozen at the mere sssight of me. Enough of thisss, you are not worthy to face me." Faster than you can react, the snake yokai begins to [[charge|try to run]] <img src="https://cutewallpaper.org/21/snake-wallpaper/2-Photos-For-The-Manor-House-Cobra-Snake-Wallpaper-Iphone-.jpg" width="400" height="600">

"How dare you insult the honorable order of excorcists! It is you, vile yokai, whose existence shall cease to be this eve! In the name of my fallen brethren I shall avenge them by removing this blight of muderous miasma, this heartless evil who gorged on innocent souls to satisfy it's greed! And yes! I mock you, evil spirit who treads unwanted and unneeded on the earth, for [[you do not know of anything but murder]]! Once vanquished, no more malignment wratihs shall haunt this forest and I and the rest of my brethren shall indeed raise a toast to that!"

The snake reers back it's head, flames of indignation and fury burning in its eyes. "'Know nothing but murder?'You are the one who knowsss nothing! I have experiencssed more, loved more, greived more, dessspaired more than your tiny sssoul ssshall ever begin to comprehend with your diminuitive lifessspan! I but murder those sssuch asss you! Thossse who look upon me and sssee but a monssster unfit to breathe the sssame air asss they! I ssshall ssshow you, you deplorable, you fallacssiousss human, that my [[sssorrow]] outweighsss your puntitive understanding! Let the watersss of [[Onuma Lake|Uwabami 2]] ssswallow you in my ssstead!"

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/tommccann/sounds/235968/" autoplay> </audio> The sound of an eruption booms loudly behind you upon the Uwabami''s final hiss. Looking behind, you see a tidal wave rise up out of the lake. The tsunami like wave crests over, dwarfing your figure, and you [[turn to run]] <img src="https://support.finerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/tidal-wave.jpg" width="700" height="500">

Upon hearing that the lake was known as Onuma lake made you remember the snake yokai's identity. This was Uwabami! Your mind struggles to recall his legend, the information fuzzy as you recal that he was a gaurdian diety turned vengeful spirit that had caused the lake to flood in [[his anger|sssorrow]], killing hundreds of innocent lives, after being rejected by the women he loved and her father. <img src="https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc4NjAwMDMyNjU5MTY3/image-placeholder-title.jpg" width="500" height="300">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/mariethompson/sounds/516930/" autoplay> </audio> The wave crashes down, the volume of water increasing like a neverending fountain, and soon enough you are swept up into it's [[raging torrent]]. <img src="https://support.finerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/tidal-wave.jpg" width="700" height="500">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/mariethompson/sounds/516930/" autoplay> </audio> The current of the water drags you away from the snake yokai and despite your struggles to stay on the surface, you are dragged beneath the choppy water and thrust about like a leaf in the wind. The icy cold depths push upon your chest, making the air in your lungs gush out to allow the inexorable liquid of [[death|ending]] inside. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2a/9e/fc/2a9efc8604eefc7266fab0d97bac1c0c.jpg" width="500" height="600">

<img src="https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/thumbnails/000/158/260/small/silent-film-vector-background.jpg" width="700" height="400"> Congratulations! You have reached one possible ending. You can either exit the twine, go back to the very beginning or start at one of the checkpoints. [[Welcome Excorcist]] [[The city streets]] [[The forest]] [[The caves]] [[leave|https://www.google.com]]

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/LhBLMweYoZ2BNUyr74WSIJcDOjx5lmQTBd1G_fU6DprQfpy18hH1a7YiluKsEeqAG1yEtatrQwhNKuU0SWMKZKBLsKP56RIJdbV1EJgfE4aSF9O7PiguxHdENOM"> A Daija is a snake spirit that is worshipped by humans as a snake deity that controls the rain and is offered sacrifices to make it rain during droughts. It is not neccearily seen as either an evil or holy spirit. The most famous of the Daiji's was [[Uwabami]]

Soon enough, Uwabami decided to go meet Kuro hime's father, Takanashi Masamori and lord of Shinano province. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/45/dd/e3/45dde36901ac6a19a43cf2ce084d6a92--nijo-castle-throne-room.jpg"> Uwabami introduced himself, revealing his true nature as a Daiji to Lord Takanashi and Kuro hime, and asked for her hand in marriage. Upon hearing Uwabami's request, Lord Takanashi replied “If you can keep up with me on horseback and complete seven laps around my castle, I will give you my daughter.” And Uwabami [[agreed readily]].

But the test Lord Takanashi proposed was all a lie, he never intended to let his daughter marry a snake. So, he secretly placed swords on the racing grounds where the test would take place. The race was held the next day and Uwabami fell for the Lord's trap, cutting his body as he raced. But he didn't give in! He loved Kuro hime with all his being and upon finishing the seventh lap, Uwabami collapsed, near death. Lord Takanashi and his retainers mocked the fallen Uwabami and left him to [[die]], returning to their castle to feast in celebration of their immoral victory. <img src="https://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000311217190-711q6c-t500x500.jpg">

But Uwabami, being a very strong spirit, did not die and upon recovering, he realized Lord Takanashi had laid the trap for him out of rejection of him being a snake spirit. In his anger at the unjust he had suffered, he summoned a great storm, causing Onuma Lake to swell in size and flood everything in the surrounding area. The flood swept up the surrounding villages, layed waste to the fields, and took many lives. <img src="https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc4NjAwMDMyNjU5MTY3/image-placeholder-title.jpg" width="500" height="300"> Distraught by her lover's actions, Kuro hime sought to stop the destruction and bloodshed but knew of only [[one way]] to reach Uwabami who was mad with rage.

<img src="https://www.rcemlearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/references/drowning/drowning.jpg"> Kuro hime threw herself into the flooded lake and when Uwabami realized this, he ceased the storms. But it was too late as his lover had left the mortal plane, even her dead spirit had been washed away by the torrential flood. Uwabami grieved, believing Kuro hime too had rejected him after seeing his monstrous abilities and he retreated into the lake, never seen or heard from again. Though people who venture too close to the lake often go missing, for the [[lamenting serpent]] lashes out at all in order to prevent himself from being 'rejected' once again.

The light glinted off his viridescent scales, patterned with symmetrical dots that undualted with each movement. Uwabami's eyes which were vertical slits, suspended in an amber that burned brightly with intense emotion,wavered with anguish and trepidation. He began to hiss, impatient for your answer, “Well? Sssspeak! I ssshall hear your answer!” [[are so frightened]] of his angry tone that no words come [[get angry]] at that he has killed many people [[calmy reply]] so as to not rile his anger

"Oh great Uwabami, I have not come here with the intention of violence nor vengeance. Rather, I have come to right a wrong left uncorrected for centuries." Your voice rings out clearly, its calm and even tone surprising the serpent and you watch as his eyes widen in [[disbelief]].

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/csaszi/sounds/252768/" autoplay> </audio> "What do you mean plucky little mortal?" he asked, a tinge of curiosity creeping into his hissed words even as his eyes narrow in suspicion. "A spirit came to me, beseeaching me to help you who grieves from the loss and rejection of many centuries ago. They wished to speak to you about the matter that caused you to turn into a yokai but were too weak to leave the area they had been bound to upon their death. So they came and asked me to perform a ghsot summoning at this lake so they could speak to you." "Who? What ssspirit would know anything of that matter?! [[Summon]] them now! I ssshall sssquasssh that upssstart who triesss to disssturb my ressst!" He hissed vehemently, though you could tell he was deeply unsettled as he slowly inched away from you.

You reach into your robes and pull out a piece of paper shaped like a person. You inject some of your spiritual energy into it and quickly throw it out in between you and the serpent, the paper remained hanging in the air while giving off a faint blue-ish glow. You perform the summoning ritual swiftly and the paper doll's glow intensifies and begins to morph into the form of a [[beautiful maiden]] dressed in the white garb of a deceased human spirit. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/38/22/c1/3822c14e3ab6a259d35a8bd9b2545a93.jpg" width="500" height="600">

"Kuro..." Uwabami gasps in shock. The maiden, no, Kuro hime smiles gently with much sssorrow in her eyes as she gazes at him. "Oh my love, I am so sorry for all that had transpiried and that it took so long to come and right my wrongs." Uwabami's enourmous form slithers forward as he begins to speak, "Kuro... why?! Why did you throw yourssself into the flood?! Was I ssso fearful that you wissshed to flee from me that much? I thought we loved each other! We promisssed to be together forever beneath our cherry blossssom tree! Or did you only love my human guissse...? Did you conssspire with your father to trick me that time?! Why...? why did you... reject my true ssself?" Tears begin to fall from Kuro hime's face and she abruptly fell to her knees before Uwabami. "No! You are wrong my love! I did not know my father had set you up! I only learned of it after my own death... when I saw my people dying from your anger...I was out of my mind with sssorrow! I tried to call out to you but my voice was not enough to bring you back to your senses... I thought! I thought it was the only way to get the bloodshed to stop! That if I died and went to you as a spirit, we could leave together, be with each other! How was I supposed to know my body would get swept as far away as Hakodate? Or that my spirit would become bound to that place?! I tried for years and years to get a fellow spirit or an excorcist to take me to you and I wept when I heard my beloved had turned into a vengeful spirit, a yokai! Please, my love forgive me for my foolishness that has caused you such torment[[...]]"

<img src="https://pa1.narvii.com/7007/7a1960a65ca635ec6050ba2bd4e07aef9d56304cr1-500-230_hq.gif"> "Kuro...." Uwabami whispered tenderly. His scales began to glow as he morphed his appearance into that of a young man, "Is this true? You, you never rejected me? You aren't scared of my powers? My appearance? You don't hate me for... for killing so many people?" his voice wavered like the visage of a moon in a rippling lake. "NO! I love you! No matter what you are or what you look like, I will always love you! I could never fear you or hate you for you are what makes me wish to continue to exist! The reason my heart beat as a human and the reason I can stay a spirit in this plane! That will never change." She yelled, rejecting his notion that she would ever reject him. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/da/3f/17/da3f17c4fd8e59c33f3a04ef382fb9c8.jpg" width="500" height="400"> Uwabami quickly strode forward and pulled her into a [[tight embrace]], "Oh my beloved, I am so sorry for not looking for you, for leaving you alone all these years while I wallowed in my own depression, that I allowed my fears of rejection, my anthropophobia, to cloud my thoughts for so long. I promise, we shall [[never be apart]] ever again my love."

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/sounds/155256/" autoplay> </audio> <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/da/3f/17/da3f17c4fd8e59c33f3a04ef382fb9c8.jpg" width="500" height="400"> Uwabami quickly strode forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his head in her shoulder to hide his tears from her, "Oh my beloved, I am so sorry for not looking for you, for leaving you alone all these years while I wallowed in my own depression, that I allowed my fear of rejection, my anthropophobia, to rule my thoughts. Will you forgive me?" he asked, his arms constricting even tighter around her as he awaited her answer. Kuro hime tightened her embrace in turn and replied "So long as you never leave me to be trapped in your fears again my love." "I promise, we shall [[never be apart]] ever again my love."

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/sounds/155256/" autoplay> </audio> The two figures begin to glow, becoming translucent in the moonlight, until finally their spirits are no longer visible, having transcended to the after life upon reconciling. <img src="https://images.saatchiart.com/saatchi/494152/art/4013120/3082974-WTWVCZEV-6.jpg"> The water in the lake now reflecting the bright stars of the night sky, of which two shine more vivid than the [[rest|ending]].

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/mariethompson/sounds/516930/" autoplay> </audio> <img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uH3-F_0gKgA/hqdefault.jpg"> Eventually, you come upon the source of the sound and your destination. For there beyond the waterfall, known by the locals of Izu as Joren Falls, lay a [[cave]]. [[enter]]

Carefully, you observe the entrance of the cave before entering and notice something [[glinting]] in the shadows. <img src="https://media.istockphoto.com/videos/tracking-in-on-a-black-hole-at-the-entrance-of-a-cave-in-the-wild-video-id1186584697?s=640x640">

Full of purpose you enter the cave, determined to vanquish the yokai quickly. However, upon entering the darkness of the cave, the sensation of a thin wire slips around your neck and the world goes [[dark|ending]]. <img src="https://media.istockphoto.com/videos/tracking-in-on-a-black-hole-at-the-entrance-of-a-cave-in-the-wild-video-id1186584697?s=640x640">

<img src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/a/a4/Shelobslair.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100526104131"> Switching on a flashlight, you peer closer at the now illuminated interior of the cave and are greeted by an array of thin, white threads stretching across and between the rocky walls. [[leave]] [[weave around the threads carefully]]

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/holadios/sounds/204496/" autoplay> </audio> As you turn around to hastily escape the cave and it’s ominous décor, a [[feminine giggle]] echoes across the cave. <img src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/a/a4/Shelobslair.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100526104131">

Having avoided the sticky threads with utmost care, you reach the deepest recesses of the cave and cast the light of the flashlight to survey your [[surroundings]] <img src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/a/a4/Shelobslair.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100526104131">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/AderuMoro/sounds/320740/" autoplay> </audio> “Leaving so soon? You only just arrived. Stay! I’m so lonely as I so rarely get visitors these days. Yes, join me for a while.” Those white threads wrap around you in a tight, sticky embrace, too fast to avoid. The webbing has trapped you arms to your side and muffles your desperate screams. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/77/93/44/7793440a762923c4364e3dee2109352c.jpg"> A sharp pull drags you deeper into the depths of the cave to [[never be seen again|ending]].

The desire to comfort the beautiful lady overwhelms your senses, making you agree to her request. Her eyes twinkle with delight and she says, “Oh, how wonderful of you dear guest.” before coming up and wrapping you in an embrace. Her body gives off no heat and her embrace is very tight. Impossibly tight. “I hope you will find your stay here so very enjoyable… so enjoyable you’ll wish to stay forever!” the lady, whose twinkling eyes you now notice are a dangerous black, exclaims before the whole world goes dark and the sensation of being [[suspended|fall]] comes over you. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/77/93/44/7793440a762923c4364e3dee2109352c.jpg" width="500" height="500">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/AderuMoro/sounds/320740/" autoplay> </audio> “Ha! Do not think I will be fooled by your illusion, Jorogumo! You shall perish this day for your heinous trickery and capturing of innocents!” you shouted as you threw talismans to dispel the illusion. When the talismans hit the woman, her form shifted into that of a small spider. <img src="https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/jorogumo-queen-jason-bohannon.jpg" width="300" height="200"> “An exorcist! No! Please, I just didn’t want to be alone anymore! No one would stay with me if I didn’t take such measures!” she wailed while trying to skitter away. You ignore her shrieking and perform the hand movements for the purification spell, which results in the spider dissolving away into soot colored mist, her screams of agony and desperation a quiet echo in the [[night|ending]]. <img src="https://wikimon.net/images/thumb/a/ad/Miasma_DA2020-10.jpg/300px-Miasma_DA2020-10.jpg">

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEXb2X_WsAEFNXC.jpg" width="300" height="300"> A desire to agree fills you but looking at the cocoons on the ceiling stalls the words of agreement from leaving your lips. “Yokai, I know what you are and that this form you show me is but an illusion. However, despite my better judgment, I wish to satisfy my curiosity so I must ask why you are so fervent in trapping people in your web?” The illusion and the feeling of temptation dissolves as the yokai dispels the illusion, revealing a small spider where the woman once stood. <img src="https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/jorogumo-queen-jason-bohannon.jpg" width="300" height="200"> “What person would spend time with a spider spirit? A talking one at that? Men only wish to spend time with pretty people and even then they won’t stay. They’ll leave. Leave me here all alone in this depressing cave where naught but shadows and the sound of dripping water exist. I did not wish to spend another moment, another second more alone! So, I kept then trapped in my web but… but they all left me anyways! Their spirits left their bodies and they left me! I… I can’t… please… I just don’t want to be alone…” She [[cried]].

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/holadios/sounds/204496/" autoplay> </audio> The flashlight reveals several cocoons hanging from the ceiling of the cave, no doubt containing poor souls who wwere captured by the yokai. The sound of a feminine giggle bounces around the cave walls as if in [[greeting]]. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEXb2X_WsAEFNXC.jpg" width="500" height="500">

A cloud of miasma and dust rises up from the floor and morphs into the form of a [[beautiful young lady]] dressed in a kimono. <img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzd8FntQVfgQwR9CnlXHopZLHjlyTLtw0I9g&usqp=CAU"> "Oh my, It seems I have a visitor! My, you must forgive the horrendous state my abode is in as I was unaware of your visit. I would have cleaned and obtained some refreshments had I but know. Haaaa... I do so rarely get guests these days. I've become so lonely as of late..." She looks at you, her eyes full of pleading as she asks, "Wouldn't you keep me company for a spell? Please? I have been so lonely." [[stay]] [[exorcise 2]] [[reply 2]]

You recall what you teacher had taught you about this particular type of yokai, the [[Jorogumo|greeting]]. They are a type of spider yokai that have the power to manipulate threads and spin illusions. Using these powers, they take on the form of beautiful maidens so as to lure unsuspecting innocents into their webs where they keep them encased in cocoons, as though to preserve their prey like they were no more than collectable dolls. <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/XHwEf4AtnK1cBO3Uer5T8BJ0HLhnA0aLII2U3_0r0XsoP4mAx37oCjPpPMI2v-KD2ea--gwybQy-CgkRLX8AZqDYqHAxVyDDrTW0wzZ_obrZJ82x84yi3ANjYg">

<audio src="https://freesound.org/people/silversatyr/sounds/113364/" autoplay> </audio> You crouch down next to the pitiful spider. “I understand your wish to not be alone. That is a fear all people must deal with but it does not excuse the fact that you have caused many innocents to suffer. Those people you trapped had families, people who loved them and feared for their safety just as much as you feared being alone.” The spider sniffled “I know… but… what else was I supposed to do? Let them go and be left alone? Besides, even if I stop now what will that solve? I have sinned and become an evil spirit…How am I supposed to [[atone]] when I continue to cause suffering due to my inability to get over my fear of being alone, my monophobia?”

You pull out a shikigami talisman and hold it out before the spider. <img src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/modao-zushi/images/4/4f/Talismans_%28donghua%29.png/revision/latest?cb=20200809121533" width="500" height="300"> “How about this, become my servant and help me stop other yokai from committing evil. You will be able to leave this cave and be with me, which means you won’t be alone, and you will atone by preventing others like you from causing harm unto others.” You suggest. The spider spirit looks up at you hopefully, “Will that really help me atone?” her voice no more than a whisper asks. You reply, voice full of honesty, “That I do not know and can only be answered by you. However, nothing will change if you do not try.” The spider crawls onto the talisman and agrees to serve you as a familiar and it’s spirit form [[dissolves]] into the talisman.

After the spirit settles into the talisman, you begin the arduous task of freeing those who are trapped in the cocoon. Some were merely comatose, trapped in an illusion where as others had passed on, having been trapped too long. You held a funeral the next day for those unfortunate souls, the spider spirit watching on from inside the talisman stored in the pocket of your ceremonial robes. She prays their poor souls do not forgive her so that she may properly atone, even while a feeling of contentment from the hope of a [[future|ending]] in which she is no longer alone spreads throughout her being. <img src="https://img.17qq.com/images/mhfqswsshsy.jpeg" width="800" height="500">