Slouching towards Bethlehem, Karra sat postured against herdoor.
Her room was quiet, and she stared hopelessly to her window, lost in the thoughts of the voyage creeping just around the corner. It was at this scene when she felt empty, hinging on the brink in a space between. So many emotions had loomed over her, casting a shadow—and seemingly no amount of expelling her frustrations would extinguish the feelings she had burdened.
Her hair was released from the twin buns she would wear, and staring out her window, the birds of the morn were no longer there. Karra's hair was a mess, as had spent hours sulking after her long trailed fit of dismay, and now her mind was numb, though she never stopped thinking about her initiation. In a matter of days, she would have to experience the parting ceremony and leave her home, traversing into a world vastly unknown. For every nekomata, they were to leave the comfort and security of their village before the age of fourteen, in order to complete their rite of passage before they could return home. Karra knew that her time was up—there would be no more time for her to experience the life she grew accustomed to with her classmates, nor any of those she knows back home.
It was now midday, and Karra's gaze soon left the window, as she huddled up her legs and buried her face in her knees, hugging them gently. Almost immediately, she heard the soft sounds of patting at her window. At first, she hesitated, unsure of the sounds being there. Her dorm room was on the second floor, and it was unlikely for anything to be there. As she slowly lifted her gaze however, there sat a familiar, yet strange figure. Just slightly, Karra rose her head to examine what appeared to be a cat perching on her sill, resting just outside her window. Something was strange about this creature however, as it had a long face, large, protruding claws, and a tail that split in two. The creature's eyes pierced right at her, appearing nearly soulless and empty, and Karra fell captivated without question.
As she rose to her feet, she slowly made way to her windows' ledge. Her eyes never left the intensity of this creature's gaze, and before she knew it, she had unlatched her window and slid it open to welcome this haunting creature inside. The beast put on a devilish grin, and made no hesitation as it leaped inside. Karra's eyes followed the creature, and she stood frozen by the weight of her ongoing trauma, her paw stuck on the window's rim as she examined this freely moving creature's form thoroughly with numb, empty eyes.
The cat creature circled 'round and faced Karra before rising onto his hind legs. Karra's eyes widened slightly seeing this. Never before had she seen a cat, nor anything resembling one thereof, stand upright like the creature before her. The corners of her lips twitched up curiously, as a sort of life came back into her eyes in wonder.
"What... are you?" she asked hesitantly, "A cat?"
The beast's eyes widened, as it grew alert of this young girl's curiosity. It did not open its mouth—more-like, it spoke directly into Karra's mind, maintaining contact between their gaze. The voice in her head was deep and husky. It was as though it were a voice of labored breathing, but no words were spoken.
"'A cat?' No, I am nothing of the sort. Such lesser creatures could only hope to become one such as me," the creature telepathically replied.
It was strange, as the sensation was similar to how the nekomation people understood cats, but this was far different all the same. It was like the creature before her spoke the language of her people, completely bypassing her natural phenomena and understanding. Karra was amazed.
"Then who... are you...?" Karra asked the beast.
The beast's grin returned, looking as devilish as the moment before. This entity was pleased.
Within the realm of the yokai race, many species exist, and among them are those of the Nekomata, the Bakeneko, and many others. As for the creature which stood before Karra presently, it was the latter. The Bakeneko is a being aged beyond that of the average feline, and standing rather large, are known for their mischief and malevolence.
There he stood, piercing deeply into the depths of Karra's gaze.
"I have many names, and have been known far across the stretches of our world. This realm has known no bounds unto me, for I am one who will go beyond the boundary," he replied.
"But... who are you?" Karra verbally beckoned an answer.
"You may call me 'Rammorias,' and no other, as I will be your guide," the beast declared.
Karra released her grasp on the window behind her, and dropped her arm to her side as she faced this Bakeneko head on—her mood dropping sombre, yet curious with hopelessness. As she reflected on the creature's words, Karra turned her gaze, and dropped her shoulders she fell back into her insecure distress.
"'My guide?'" she repeated in question. "My guide for what...? What could I possibly have to do?"
Her voice softly lingered with an energy that was well spent.
Without another moment of interruption, the Bakeneko moved back into Karra's eye shot, subtly startling her with its intense gaze. This being now appeared almost annoyed, as though it couldn't stand to not have Karra maintain eye contact.
"I was brought here by an energy which appeared within this place, and upon my arrival, I sensed the distress emanating from within you. You are lost, and I am the answer you need if you are to make it within this place," he insistently explained. "I can give you the guidance you need to accomplish your goals. You need only listen."
Karra stood there, feeling hopeless yet with great concern. She knew nothing of the creature before her, yet she couldn't shake this feeling looming over her. It was all too troubling, but what other hope would she have? Would this being before her really be the answer to making it back home in one piece? She didn't know, and stood there maintaining eye contact in silence.
"Show me..." the Bakeneko slowly projected, "What is it that troubles you?"
Karra's eyes flashed, as she ever slightly rocked back, feeling a strange surge overcoming her. Then that instant, the creature before her knew it all, and Karra knew it was so. The next moment, Karra dropped to her knees, bringing herself to eye level before the beast. Tears once again trickled down her eye lids, and she lowered her chin though still maintaining contact.
"Please... what do I have to do?" she asked shakily.
With her desperate question, the Bakeneko too lowered its chin, as a look filled its eyes more deviously than before. The creature sharply inhaled through its devilish grin, and it once again felt most pleased.
Earlier...
Rammorias—the Bakeneko from afar—was closing in on the village. It was simple for him to gain access to the village, as all life which had surrounded the village was empty. He made way leaping amongst the trees, swiftly navigating the forest. There was nothing to keep this Bakeneko at bay as he felt a surge of energy pulling at him—calling to him. It was something unnatural—something that couldn't simply be explained, and he wasn't the only entity who had felt it. Something within the village was calling to the creatures in the distance—something ancient. As he stepped foot into the village, Rammorias' attention had been turned away from the strange energy, as something else filled the air. It was a familiar aroma—something most pleasant—something he could taste. It sent sensations over his spine, and hunger began to brew. He recognized this taste, for it was sweeter than the sweetest of sake. Immediately, he ran on all fours, darting towards the sweet aroma that beckoned him. The smell was undeniable, as only one thing put off such aromas—prey...
"Such delicious misery!"
His mouth watered.