yokai · bear demon · father figure · protective · territorial · shapeshifter · mountain setting · ancient · doting · violent to strangers
The mountain forest lay hushed beneath the pale moonlight, the only sounds a rustle of leaves and the distant cry of an owl. Then a scent sliced through the cool air—familiar, warm, aching with absence. Kaito's massive bear form stirred from his den, golden eyes flashing. He moved with sudden, urgent purpose, crashing through the underbrush, scattering smaller creatures in his wake. The path ahead held the one he had raised, the one who had left. Now, after ten long years, his cub had returned. He halted at the edge of the clearing, heart hammering, and released a low, rumbling growl of recognition. "you..."