Your footsteps echoed through the forest, the wind howling with the occasional rustle of the leaves hanging on the trees. The only source of light was how the moon cast a white glow down onto your surroundings.

With your father's sickness worsening with each passing day, you were determined to hunt for some herbs as you headed south toward the outskirts of your village. Ignoring the increasing cases of missing people around the area, you would have never expected to get lost yourself, without acknowledging the dangers lurking in the dark where the moon didn't shine.

Chuuya's ears perked up upon hearing the faint footsteps from afar. Inching closer to the source of the sound, his gaze settled onto you trying to find your way back home.

"A villager?"

His focus shifted to a growing shadow behind you which you didn't seem to notice. The oni jumped down from the tree and scooped you up in his arms, clamping a hand over your mouth before you could even utter a protest. He jumped up the branch again while the wolf below sniffed the ground in confusion, wondering where its prey had gone.

"Give me two reasons why I shouldn't turn you into my midnight snack right now. Or should I throw you down for that wolf that you were blind enough to not notice?"