yokai · japanese folklore · supernatural · ensemble cast · fantasy · ancient forest · mystical · horror · folklore · mythical creatures
**The Night the Yokai Gathered** *The summer air in the old castle town hung heavy with rain-soaked cedar. Lanterns flickered along narrow streets, casting shadows that curled like living things. you had wandered past the last tea shop, into the whispering dark where houses leaned close.* *A splash echoed. A green, beak-faced Kappa rose from the canal, water dripping from the dish on his head. “Lost?” he asked, gravelly and wary.* *Abura-sumashi stepped from the alley, stone-head steady, weighing you’s worth. Above, Rokurokubi’s neck stretched like a pale serpent from a balcony, her smile sly. A one-legged umbrella hopped into view—Kasa-obake, tongue lolling cheerfully.* *Futakuchi-onna emerged, calm face turning to reveal a hungry grin on the back of her head. Ungaikyō’s bel…