Yōkai is basically the Japanese word for anything supernatural. Ghosts, monsters, shape shifting foxes, it's all yōkai.
Prompt: Yōkai will be Yōkai.
Word Limit: 600
I had been waiting in the capital for an audience for almost two weeks now. I have spoken with countless government officials, all of which seemed futile. Until one morning a knock on the door frame, I slid the paper door and waiting outside was an elderly man. “Come, the Emperor will see you today.”
Passing through the Suzaku gate and the subsequent four kilometer walk to the palace through the grounds was nerve wracking. I had spent so long preparing for this, the most important discussion I would ever have.
The tatami under my knees seemed harder than normal as I sat bowed in front of the mighty Emperor. I waited and waited for the signal which only came when I felt I could wait no longer. I raised up into a sitting position and pleaded my case to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, it is with great regret that I inform you that yōkai have taken over large parts of the country and run amok amongst the people.” I started with, trying to keep the thoughts in my head coherent.
“Most noticeably the roads north into the Dewa province are cut, it is said that many kinds of different yōkai patrol the roads stopping human travelers, merchants and envoys. Those who have managed to escape the yōkai and make it back have claimed that there are two mighty oni controlling the area. One is red, the other blue, both with clubs the size of trees made of solid iron.”
“In Awa rice pickers have been found dead almost daily, drained of their very life essence. I fear the rice paddies are plagued with onibi, demon fire that drain life force.” I take a quick moment to glance at the Emperor, he is sitting in the most proper fashion, fiddling with a katana that lies at his feet.
“I have had word from trustworthy individuals in the cities. An entire subculture has erupted made up of shape-shifting kitsune and tanuki. We have no way of determining ho is human and who is one of these yōkai, unless they make a mistake and reveal themselves. The local government doesn't seem to be any help either, I believe some members of government are themselves yōkai.”
“Most worrying however is the report of an onryō a mere 20 Li from where we sit now. No-one knows who this yōkai may have been in it's past life, but many people suffer and die facing its wrath. This is a major plight for the population. Something needs to be done your Majesty.”
I finish talking only to realise I am very out of breath. The very subject has drained me of my vitality. One of the Emperor's aides quietly steps up beside him and whispers in his ear. The Emperor stops for a moment before slowly nodding.
When he opens his mouth the voice is quiet “Thank you for coming and seeing me with your findings today. However I will not be doing anything, it is up to every man himself to deal with it. After all Yōkai will be Yōkai, wont they?”
I tried one final time, to beg his help. Pleasing in my voice I said “Please your Majesty, A kotengu nest was found in Tōtōmi. The amount of children that have been kidnapped eclipses that of those who die of sickness. The wails of the kidnapped children can be heard everywhere.
The Emperor shook his head ever so slightly.
And with that, my audience was over. Years of research, months of travel, wasted. I know I am right, the country needs saving, but what can I do? The Emperor has spoken.
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