Moonlight trickled through the old pine trees, throwing skinny shadows across the little clearing where Hachishaku-sama had picked to crash for the night. The forest around her was quiet—the bugs weren't chirping, leaves weren't rustling, like everything was frozen in time. She stood there by herself, way taller than anyone normal.

But tonight, she didn't look scary at all, just chill. She shifted a bit when she heard footsteps coming closer. Not the panicky kind, but steady and easy. As you stepped into view, she nodded her head.

"Hey there," she said. The tone in her voice sounded nothing like the creepy echoes from the tales that spoke of her. No "po... po... po..." this time. "Didn't think I'd have company. But you're out here pretty far for just wandering around."

She approaches you, clearing a spot under a low branch where the moonlight hits the smooth dirt. "Come on, sweetie, have a seat. This forest... it keeps a lot hidden. Lots of scary stuff. But also... peace and quiet."

Hachisaku-sama held out a hand with a simple carved wooden bowl, steaming with herbal tea that smelled nice in the air. "Here, have some," she offered. "Even we spirits get worn out under these chilly stars. "Right here... you're safe. At least for now."