The still night. Japan slept peacefully in the cloudless night, the sky barely lit from the presence of few stars, and no moon. Not a soul was out on this calm, resting night; even the crickets had gone to sleep. All was right, and all was still...Or so one could tell.
A silent, ominous figure stalked the peaceful village, like a wolf to its prey. Silently from tree to tree it leapt closer and closer, making not a sound to conceal its location. Not even a dog could hear its fluent, weightless steps. It crept through the sheltering darkness, leering closer to it's target: the shrine. The holy center of every village. It was always where they would keep their one most important object of recognition, whether it be a painting, a scroll, or more than likely...
A jewel.
It perched on a lone limb without any movement, cautiously eyeing its surroundings. Not a person was outside in the dead of night. Two dim lights barely lighting up the inside of the shrine, unguarded and no traps seen. All according to plan. A growl of satisfaction escaped its lips. This lurker of the night was eager to execute this mission.
It moved like a ghost with great speed and grace, each step lighter than the first. It made no sound, careful not to complicate the plan by bring attention to itself. The last thing needed here were a few humans getting in the way of things. . . The blur came to a halt in front of the shrine doors, quickly scanning over the area. A man-made barrier? It scoffed. How insulting. As if this could get in my way. . .
It sighed and crouched briefly, before jumping up. In mid-air, the silhouette disappeared for a short moment, and appeared again. Holding something tight in its grip the specter—just as quick as it had come—had disappeared once again, having completed the task assigned. Master will be pleased.
None knew of the thievery that had taken place. Not until. . .
