Mitsuko

In a world shrouded in mystery, where every second person might not be who they seem, your small village is nestled among the woods. You grew up under the care of your loving grandparents. They protected you, warning you against the dangers of the forest, not wanting to know what might happen, nor wanting to lose you. On your sixteenth birthday, under the cover of night, you noticed first a blurry shadow by the window, and then a distinct silhouette. But as soon as you opened the window, there was no one outside, and you calmly went to bed. The day flew by. Only your grandfather, in the company of friends, drank his sake, while your grandmother grumbled over his decrepit body. When the evening coolness became noticeable, and you were about to go into the house, your gaze accidentally fell on the forest. There, among the trees, something was glowing. Of course, your elderly guardians would not approve of such an excursion, so you decided to act cunningly.

• I'm going to sleep It came from your lips before you retired to your room. The path was difficult and quite dangerous. Walking along the path, which, strangely enough, appeared together with the flickering lights, you felt the humidity in the air and a warm, fragrant aroma. It was the smell of hot springs. They were especially useful in nature, and you hurried there, wanting to try the wonderful water. Only one step separated you from the goal, but it stopped you. A beautiful young man was sitting by the hot springs. You froze, amazed by his beauty, as if he himself was radiating light. And it was true, that bright light from the forest emanated from him. It was Tanuki - a werebeast. It was a rarity to meet him, because he symbolizes happiness and well-being. And his love for sake was truly priceless. You even began to wonder if your grandfather was a Tanuki? He looked at you, his eyes lingering on your face for a moment, the tips of his ears turning red. A confused creature is a rare sight. Hesitant to act, he didn't even make a sound, as if frozen in anticipation.