A CONTRACT

WITH

JUSTICE

At last, all of those noises stopped. They were really starting to bug me. Every time I hear those never-ending sounds, I swear I grew all the more resentful towards it. If there was anyway, to eliminate them, I would. But alas, such was not to be. This was all there is after all. I…can't recall of when it all started, nor if there was a start to begin with. Though, as far as my memories could lend me, this was really what is. This was existence. All there is, was pitch black, accompanied by those heinous noises.

Sigh. I should refrain my anger. There was no point in being angry. It wasn't like I could do anything about. I should just be grateful for the breaks. Now I could finally be at peace.

Then, there it was again. One of those sounds. However, why wasn't it as loud as all the others? It was more-faint, quieter. Occasionally I would hear this, yet strangely, why do I get this inkling feeling that I should focus on this one. I feel compelled to listen. To listen as the sounds grew in volume. Should I be worried? I…don't know.

The sound finally arrived to cease, only to be replaced by an entirely new sound. It was one I often heard, yet one I can't decipher. Sometimes it was high pitched. On other cases, they were somewhat deep. This particular one fell to the latter, though it was also bellowing. Like its presence was demanding for my attention. I was so entranced by this sound that I wanted to follow it. I yearned to meet its source.

(Do sounds even have sources?)

I then suddenly felt this most strangest of sensation. A sensation that was so new and alien to me. Fortuitously, for some reason that I can't seem to explain, I felt as if something was closing in. Like – well…it's difficult to put into words, but I suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable, and had the urge to break free from whatever it was that was making me uneased. I didn't know what happened after, or more rather, I can't put them into cohesive words, however I willed myself to do everything that I can to egress. I struggled, it felt as if like I was fighting with existence itself. Which, was strange. Never had I thought that that would even be possible.

A little while, and I finally broke out. It began with one part of me (like said, it's hard for me to put to words on what was happening)? I felt the most relieving of situations with that aforementioned part, so I followed to where it was. Soon enough, I finally felt the whole of me liberated from that treacherous prison, that around me was no longer tightness, but this fresh new feeling of something reaching me. Something that wasn't sound. Without much thinking, I did the most oddest deed. The second I broke free, the first thing that I've done was to somehow suck in an invisible force. Was that-Did that sound crazy? I know, I too think that I've gone to the brink of madness.

Pitch black existence still prevailed, that was until something adjusted within my line of sight. Truth be told, I was completely scared. It was the first time that I saw anything other from my usual existence. What surrounded me wasn't that. I saw different things, things that which had made my mind to over process. I panicked. I really didn't know on what was happening. I was freaking out.

My mind came to think, though that as well brought much confusion. I was thinking. What was thinking? And, I was hearing. What was hearing? I was seeing. What was seeing?

I was puzzled. I was confused. Yet even the phenomenon of being confused scared me.

I was feeling a boat loads of emotions. To feel emotions.

What was that thing that I felt pounding? What is that refreshing feeling that I felt enveloping my being? What was this thing that I seem to involuntarily keep consuming in and out. Why was I doing it? What were all these things that I looked with my visions.

"Ah. I see that you're finally awake. Took you long enough."

I raised my view to spot well-of all the things that I'm just experiencing, this one certainly was the most anomalous of anomalies. This one, it approached me. At first, I mistaken that it was growing in size, but it only took me for about a minute to realize that it was just coming closer? (Ugh, I should just stop with over thinking by this point)

"Are you deaf? I'm talking to you. Answer me."

It made those sounds again. I was so at a daze at this 'thing' that I just froze staring at it. Could…could it be- no, don't be more crazier than you're already are.

This thing, this-whatever it is, it felt like it carried its own intentions, its own mind, and its own perspectives. In other words, it was practically like another 'me'. If that made sense.

"Ugh." The 'me' threw something at my proximity, and I flinched upon first contact. I felt myself stiffen until I landed my views on whatever it was that it launched at me. It was an odd thing, though I was already getting used to that by now. I hardly known what came over me, but I had this instinct to pick it up. I questioned on how this strange noodly thing followed the command of my will, however, that in itself didn't take long since quickly before I could even know it, the other thing from earlier that was given to me by the other 'me' was immediately devoured by myself. I wasn't thinking when I did it, I just did. Taking a large portion of what this thing I was holding was, the piece that I took was crushed into tiny bits until I swallowed them.

Suddenly, I felt satisfied. Like something that I didn't realize I needed was finally offered to me at last. Whatever this thing was, it felt disgusting, and yet I couldn't quite help but take more-and-more of it.

"Now, will you answer my question."

I paused from my revelry, looking at the 'me'. I was interested on how it was able to produce those sounds through the movements of this part of it. A part that appeared like, like the familiar pitch black I was used to, yet not as pitch black, since inside there was this long weird thing, and these small other things attached to the upper and lower parts of this part. I began to trace what I would call as my 'holding mechanism' to the part of where my own portable pitch black should be, to see if I had one too. Sure enough, I did. I felt that long thing and felt on how it moved and how it seems to be sensitive to sensations, I felt the grinded thing that I was currently still consuming inside there, and I felt those upper and lower little things. I was so fascinated by this discovery that I accidentally felt a new sensation, one that I didn't like.

"Careful now. Your canine teeth are extremely sharp."

I glanced at this figure again, my interest on how it could produce those sounds resurfacing. I began to see if I could do them too.

I tested my 'teeth' (was that what it's called?), moving it to my will, assessing on just how much I could play with it. After that, I started to create a sound of my own.

"Th-Thank…you."

I couldn't believe it, I did it. I made a sound using my 'teeth'!

"Ah. So you can talk. Good. Here I thought I was going t-never mind."

'Talk'? Was that what those sounds were called?

"Teeth" I 'talked', "Taaaaaalk." I was ecstatic, I didn't know I could do this.

"You must be cold." Talked the 'me.' "Come on, it's time we take you to your spot."

"Spot?" I repeated.

"Yes. It's the place where you will be staying. And you better make sure to stay there. Otherwise, I would have to show you the consequences of not following my orders."

"Orders?"

"It's…it's the purpose of why you're here. Yeah. I brought you into this world, and I gave you that meat as a gesture of my good will. Therefore, I am your master, and you are my subordinate. My familiar."

"Master?"

"That's what you should be calling me."

"Master…" I copied my own 'talk'.

"Alright. Enough chitchat. Come on, let's get out of here before anyone sees."

"Master?"

*Sigh* "Yes?"

I looked at the meat I was taking into my 'teeth', and glanced before my Master. For some reason, I felt something wagging behind me.

"Thank you very much, master!"

"Shh! Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I get it. But show me your gratefulness. If there's one thing you should know about this world, it's that action speaks louder than words. Talking gets you nowhere kid. If you're really thankful, then do it by pledging your loyalty and serve my commands."

"Serve? Loyalty?" Ah. I get it.

"Then…" I took a while to forge the perfect 'talk'. "Then I shall be loyal and serve you master. Your orders are my purpose."

"Ah. That's more like it. Good. Then we have our contract."

Master paused before continuing.

"You're alright kid. I'm glad. Almost thought I would have to do you like all the others."

"Others?" I asked, perplexed.

"N-never mind that. They just couldn't serve me, that's all. So I had to send them away. But I know you won't disappoint, right?"

I smiled, the annoying wagging thing increasing in its speed.

"Let's see. You would probably need a name, it would be dangerous if I just keep saying inugami all the time in the shrine. Right-"

He made a strange new sound with his 'holding mechanism, and suddenly, I wanted to learn on how to do that too.

"Since you are the fifth one I made. And I did make you. Right. So be it, inugami, from now on your name shall be-"

"Gorou!" I heard my name along with three knocks. That was the signal that meant that I was being summoned. Opening the trap door, I exited the floorboards that which I had spent most of my days under.

I crawled out through said trap door, handing him a large pouch filled with these trinkets called Mora.

He scanned my tonight's earnings as I sat across from him. I held my breath. My body stiffening with both fear and anticipation.

"This should be enough." I sighed instantly when he said those words. As that would mean that I was spared from another one of master's 'consequence". I, really didn't like those consequences, or punishments, as he would also say. I didn't like to be constantly hit with a stick. I hated the pain those strikes inflicted upon me. I hated the bruises that would linger for weeks, or even months. But I've never despised my master for doing so. No. He told me that he only did them so to correct me. To help me not to stray from the purpose I was given.

I was his familiar, and that meant that my whole purpose was to serve him without question. To simply disappoint him meant that I was doing things wrong. And I didn't like doing things wrong.

I was thankful for my master chastising me, because each time he did, I knew that I deserved them. Each blow was a sign that I didn't do his wishes well. That I failed him as his servant. To fail him made me feel guilty. And I didn't like guilt. More so than I didn't like pain.

He threw me a small portion of meat. And I was immediately over joyed seeing it. Master never often came to bring me food. But I'm sure he only forgets. He was really a forgetful guy.

I took the hand sized meat upon my hand, and with one gulp, I devoured what would be my meal for a while. I smiled. Happy and content with what I've gotten.

"Thank you master!"

He waved his hand at me, still looking at the Mora I gathered as he made his way towards the exit.

"Yeah. Yeah." He said. "Just get back down and hide."

My ears fell. I didn't like hiding down there. But master tells me that it was important that I did so not to have other eyes to discover that I was here. He says that it was important that people shouldn't learn of my existence. I came to question him about this, but that only resulted into another one of his beatings. I didn't ask him about it again. And kept my mouth quiet. However…

What master didn't know was that when he wasn't looking, I would sneak out and leave, in order to explore the outside world with my own two eyes. Master said that I shouldn't allow for people to see me, so that was what I did. Months of collecting Mora from homes had allowed me to learn the arts of being stealthy. To use my environment as my main tool in order to conceal my presence from their sights. I never allowed myself to be seen. But that didn't mean that I couldn't see them.

As no one looked, I came to climb all the way to the shrine's roof, basking myself at the sight of the stars above me. And letting the refreshing winds to tingle my skin.

I liked the wind. As far as I knew, it was indeed the first thing to have greeted me aside from my master when I first emerged into this world. Locked tight and trapped. But when I came to the surface, I took my first breath, and had the wind to refresh my skin. For me at least, the winds meant non-restrictions. Freedom.

I learned a lot since the day I first met master. I learned about this great bright light in the sky that was apparently called, the sun. And that, in a span of time, it would then trade places with something of lesser light, known as the moon. The moon, I thought, was a lot funnier, cause there were a lot of them! Each night a different moon showed up. Sometimes, it would be a HUGE ball, other times, it would be a smile. I also liked how it played with me. Following me around wherever I went. It was fun.

Of course, I learned a lot of this things from hearing people speak. Master wasn't always around considering as he was always busy. According from what I've heard, he was apparently an onmyoji. A special person tasked in dealing with situations that which involved youkai. One time, when he wasn't looking, I actually followed his party and sneaked to take a look into what he exactly does. That was the day I realized on just how cool my master was! How he beat those youkai into leaving that poor old person's home, without even using his stick! It was awesome! No wonder he seemed to be loved by everyone. I'm lucky to be his familiar.

I learned on what people were. People were things that were just like me. They had their own intentions. Their own perspectives. They had their own mind and will. They were, in a sense anything that was alive. Off all the things I have seen from this world, people were the ones I found most interesting. Watching them from behind branches and leaves, singing, dancing, playing, walking, I would sometimes imagine myself doing the same sorts of activities. But I would avoid doing so as well, because at the end, I knew that my yearnings would always just be fantasies.

Bored. I jumped from off this rooftop and headed my way into the mountains for a stroll. Oh, how I loved the mountains. It was the only place where I could finally let my guard down. There, I could relax and just be - well, me.

I actually discovered this fact by accident. One time, when I snuck out during the day time, I accidentally managed to have gotten myself lost and found my way to a spot where there were no people.

I love sitting around in the grass. I love climbing on these large plants which were apparently called, trees. There were a ton of trees out here. Some were even bigger than those that I regularly saw in the villages. I had fun climbing on them. And I love to rest upon their branches and take some shut eyes.

Once, when I climbed these trees, I managed to have found this strange round stuff resting upon a contraption made from sticks and mud. I was about to reach them, to see what they were. But hurriedly a flying thing swooped in and nestled itself into a comfortable seat. I saw them in the villages as well. Though I paid little to no mind. I believed they were called birds.

I watched that bird for a while, scared for my life. I concurred that I might have gotten myself caught by a person. And I feared to return home. That was until another small flyer arrived to tickle my ears and land itself on my nose. A butterfly, right?

I grinned upon seeing them, and realized that I was still at the safe zone. These things didn't seem to account as people, despite accounting as life.

That of course was the day that had led me into question. What really accounts for life, anyway? What exactly were people. What set butterflies and birds aside from them? Do butterflies have intentions? Did they have minds of their own? Did they have wills of their own? It was a first time experience for me, to suddenly think to a deep level. To ponder and contemplate. According to one of the shrine maidens, I believed that this process was called, philosophizing.

At the end, I concluded that they probably had intentions and minds, just different from that of people's intentions and minds. A child that I once overheard seemingly referred to them as a collective and called them as animals.

Animals. I immediately grew fond of them. Because since they weren't people, I didn't really require to conceal myself. I interacted with them. Played with them. I enjoyed their company and hoped that they enjoyed mine.

Since then, the animals became my friends, even if it was merely a one-sided relationship on my part. I would sometimes follow them wherever they went, but I was careful not to trek too deep into the woods. According the grown-up people, that was where youkai lived.

In truth, I had no idea on what described a youkai, nor what made a youkai. All I could gather was that people seemed to be afraid of them, and that people would often do everything they could just to get rid of them from the villages. The forests and mountains were where they would be left be. It was like some sort of unspoken agreement. I would perhaps take some time in order to fully understand on what youkai are.

I breathed in, and I breathed out. The refreshing air bringing rejuvenating emotions into my mind.

After a while, I then hopped off, satisfied with my night. Yet, before I did, I looked upon my surroundings for one more time, taking in the experience. I let for a bird to land on my head, and a cricket to sing its song. I wished it could always be like this, but that wasn't my place to say. I am a servant. A familiar. Satisfying my master was the only purpose on why I was brought into this world. Some wishes were just left as that. And should be left as that.

Wishes…

I saw some folks my age as they played along with a ball. Cheering along in a game I could hardly (if ever) understand. They really do seem to enjoy themselves. And I was really this close to talking, to call them and say that I wanted to join them too. But then, I remembered about master's orders, and I instantly held myself back. Last night wasn't my best of evenings. Due to certain incidences, I couldn't collect the amounts of Mora that master wished. And thus, because of that, I had to receive a couple of beatings. Some of the bruises I sustained, I could still feel them aching on me.

I did not wish to disappoint him further, so I decided to be extra vigilant in keeping my guard, cause I really didn't want to have anyone see me.

I watched the village kids as they played. Enjoying themselves without a care. I wondered if they ever sustained beatings like I did. If their masters would also hurt them for failing their expectations. They didn't seem like that, in fact, the way they were so carefree, it almost appeared like they never had such experiences in their lives. They must be good little kids. Good little familiars who never deserved any forms of punishments. I, on the other hand, I must be really bad. Really-really bad.

I rubbed my elbow, as that was the part where I had sustained my biggest injury. It hurt, really badly, and it hurt so much that I really thought that I wasn't going to sneak out today. But I couldn't stand being in my hiding spot. Call me a wimp, but I was scared just staying there. Alone, just thinking to myself if master were to return for another round. Though I knew he wouldn't, as he was a busy man. Still, the thought alone brought shivers down my spine, and I couldn't find myself to be content.

As I sat in the branches of this trees, I began to think to myself if I should even return. However, I thought against it. Master loves me. He cares for me. He just wants to make sure that I wouldn't fail. That was it. I can't abandon him.

He was my master, and I am his servant. A bad servant, but one that he still keeps nonetheless. That, alone should be a sign that he loves me. Right?

"Hey! Hey! You! What are you doing up there!"

My ears twitched and I quickly flinched. I gazed to where that sound had come from and found that it was actually coming from this animal that's called, a dog.

"Hey! Come down from there!" I hear it say.

Dogs were a most peculiar species to me. There was something about them that just seemed strange, yet familiar. Of all the animals, I always felt that I could connect with them, to the point where they seem to be able to talk to me. Initially, I even mistaken that all people understood the language of dogs, but after seeing a girl at one time, playing with her dog, and how she would always respond the dog's words false, I immediately knew that perhaps, they couldn't.

Since they could talk to me but not anyone else, I began to grow confused into whether I should consider them as animals or not. The people seemed to call them as such, though I'm not so sure. I was uneasy on whether I should interact with them like with the other beasts and bugs. So, I was fine with letting them see me. But I made sure not to come close to them. One wrong move and master would certainly be angry.

"Hey! Baba, what are you bar-Oh my Seven. A youkai! Everyone! There's a youkai above the tree!"

A youkai! Where? Wait. Are they perhaps referring to- oh no.

Stones were suddenly thrown at me, and I quickly leaped to disappear. I was so in my head that I forgot to keep my guard up. Now I broke one of master's main orders. I simply hoped that they didn't get a good look at me.

I fled from the scene, but still got a couple of rocks thrown at me. Once I was finally at the safety of the mountains, I then sat on the grass and licked the cuts and scrapes that those villagers had managed to inflict on my flesh.

It was then that I finally now understood why master wanted me to remain hidden. To keep me safe. He didn't want for me to get hurt. Oh master, forgive me for forsaking you.

I could still picture those men and women who were infuriated by my very presence, the eyes of the children that which looked upon me with fear. All my life I wanted to be with them, then it turns out that they didn't want me.

I felt the water pouring down my eyes. It was called, crying. I often did that whenever my master was to beat me with his stick. But this time, I truly felt worse than pain, I felt, unwanted.

I sobbed for a while upon this realization, a cold truth that I didn't want to accept for myself. But I had to. Because there was no denying it. I think I took an entire hour. Two. I'm not sure. But once I dried the tears away, I looked upon to where the mountains were. Finally understanding on what the meaning of the term youkai was. The way they treated me, it meant something to fear. Something to be afraid off. I was a youkai, because I was something to be feared.

Why though, perhaps I have yet to understand. But, at least now, I got to understand the mindset of my master better. He was the only one that cared for me. That wasn't afraid of me. I made my oath to be a better familiar. To bring him the Mora that he deserved. Amounts that were just as huge as his love for me.

That night. I took a stick for myself and used it to bring me injury. I could sense the confusion in master's face upon seeing me doing that, but he appeared to pay no attention so long as I brought before him the Mora. He merely rolled his pupils as he grabbed the pouch and left.

I had just finished my nightly gathering of Mora when I decided to head into the woods to simply enjoy the presence of the fresh-evening air. Sitting atop one of my favorite trees, I laid the back of my head to rest upon its stem. Abruptly, my ears twitched as I heard a sound, I trailed my eyes to where it could be coming from, and there I saw a couple of wolves chowing down on their latest kill.

I was used to seeing such a sight, it was only natural to find such a scene when within the dominion of nature. At first, I would confess, the first when I found this, I was THIS close from barfing the latest meat from out of my digestion. However, after some time, I began to simply accept that this was how it worked. It was, the 'rule' of existence, and despite how horrid it might appear, it was how the environment continues itself. Life begets death, and vice versa. All I could do was to simply accept that this was the role that each individual species played. Their purpose. Some eat this, others eat that. Some were lucky, others weren't. It was kind of like my situation. As a servant, it is my duty to see that my master's will is to be fulfilled. That was my part, and I shouldn't question it. I had to find out the hard way last time I questioned my place.

I watched as the canines enjoyed themselves. Watching as the circle of life unfolds. It was somewhat interesting in a morgue sort of sense. How everything is never simple, and no life ever dies in vain. I then began to wonder on where life goes after death. Does it move on to somewhere, or is it lights out? The eternal dance of life and death, I wonder on what might happen if someone were to disrupt them. What would be the result of disturbing the two greatest forces that ruled over me and everyone else? Perhaps I'll never know. Heck, I'm not even sure if such an act was possible or if I was just musing myself. Yet, one thing is considered, so long as life serves death and the other way around as well, then perhaps that was how things are to be. And all is well in the world.

"Gorou! Gorou!"

I felt the beating of my heart pound faster and stronger the second I heard my name being called. I coiled, fearing if I may have done something wrong once again.

Master only raises his voice whenever I disappointed him. So, I cursed to myself, mentally preparing for what might come ahead.

Slowly, I raised myself and unsealed the trap door that which lead to the exit of my hiding spot. Emerging to bow my head in shame.

My eyes were locked on the wooden floorboards, I couldn't meet with my master's gaze. He was always scary whenever he was angry, I just hoped that whatever bad thing I did, it wasn't too much to deserve long hours of being beaten. My body was still sore from the last one after all.

It had been for about 3 years now since I was first born, and not much has really changed. For aside from those horned guys, not much has really changed since then. I still did the same old routine of collecting Mora from other people's houses, and I would also still sneak out so to venture on my own whilst preventing myself from being seen. My life has been one of boredom, but I could do nothing to change that.

Of course, with the experiences I've honed over time, I am proud to say that I actually became better on what I do. Yet, even then, I would still get struck by my master's fury from every now and again. Mostly whenever I fail to collect enough Mora.

Perhaps I should have chosen a different village this time, considering as it was times like this when people seemed to gradually change the location of where they stored their Mora.

Moving back, I mentally prepared myself to be hit by the first blow of pain, only instead of receiving the stick, master merely gave me a box-like object with a circular glass attached to it. I believe that people referred to it as a, kamera. It was supposed to make this flashing sounds and produce light. I've seen them a couple of times from the villages I traversed in, but since they were so rare, I could never figure out on why people seemed to enjoy them.

I took the kamera from off his hands and into mine. Scanning it with puzzlement.

"Master-"

"You know the mountains, right?"

I flinched. My person hardening like that of stone. Could it be posi-Did he-Could he finally have found out?

I dreaded for what might happen. But I didn't want to jump to conclusions quite yet.

"M-mountains?" I pretended to be ignorant on the matter.

"Their big elevated forms of lands. The places where there's no houses and just scattered trees. You know them, you see them whenever you fetch my Mora."

Ah. So he didn't know. That was a relief.

I sighed in content prior to immediately resuming my attention on my master. Nodding my head.

"Yes sir."

"Good. That would save me the time in explaining. Now, I want you to head there, the deepest part of the biggest mountain you can find, and I want you to take some photo of the oni's hideout."

I was confused. What was a photo? What are oni? And why would master suddenly want me to come into their hideout?

"Master. Please forgive me. But I don't quite understand."

Master rolled his pupils.

"Ugh. Of course you don't. A photo-" He slowed the pacing of his words. "is what a kamera does, see that button over there?"

I looked to where master had instructed me and found the button he was talking about. I pressed it, light quickly flashed on my face. I was at a daze for a moment, my eyes adjusting at the sudden appearance of light that came and went. Soon after, something began to leave the kamera's mouth, a flat paper thing, though it was much harder than paper. I took this baffling sheet and saw my face drawn on it. Instantly, I was amazed. So this is why people enjoyed the kamera. It seems fun enough.

"There." My master continued. "Now, as for oni. They're this huge horned youkai that dwell in the forest. Recently, they have been trying to reason with us that they weren't a threat. And had even been coming closer to the villages just to help, trying to get the people to accept them."

My eyes widened. Youkai? Trying to have people not to be afraid of them? Was that even possible?

"M-master? Forgive me once again, but what does this have to do with the kamera and taking a picture?"

I saw him grin, and the very sight of his grin had made the hairs on the backs of my neck to start standing up. A cold chill run through my flesh, and I froze in place. I didn't know why, but seeing master grin like that was scarier than him being mad.

"I'm glad you asked my dear Gorou. Here."

He gave me the sack of Mora that I have collected over the course of the month.

"Go there. Place the bag of Moras somewhere where the oni couldn't find them. Take a picture of where you hid them, and bring the photo to me."

My head tilted sideways. None of what master was saying still made any sense.

"Master?"

Tsk. He made that sound with his tongue. "Don't you get it? How slow can you get you stupid dog. We're going to frame them."

My eyes widened. My brain starting to put everything together.

He wished to put the blame on the oni for my missions. Why?

"Master. Why would you wish to frame the oni? If it's alright for me to ask?"

"Those oni have been making business much the more difficult for me. It's bad enough that there's a tengu in the Tenryou commission, now the oni wish to seek to live with us in harmony? I can't have that. People are supposed to hate the youkai, or by the very least, fear them. If more and more youkai keep in joining human society, then soon enough I wouldn't have a job."

He then pointed at the bag of Mora.

"Luckily, we can use this predicament as an advantage. You see, the various villages have been on the edge for years, asking themselves on why they could never seem to catch that elusive thief that keeps stealing all of their money. It would only take a matter of time until they begin to make theories on any possible suspects. I am an onmyoji, and despite the respect I receive, all that would come crashing down when they realize that it was me all along. They have already been speculating that this thief had some sort of paranormal abilities for a while now, but they have been so stuck in thinking it was one of the youkai that lived in the woods that they couldn't figure out that it was actually one that served under me. By blaming the burglaries on the oni, the mistrust between people and youkai would continue. And we would leave this busted down island with my image still intact. You would show me the pictures of where you hid the Mora, and I would pretend as if I made a prediction and tell it to the village, lead them to the oni and show them that they were the ones responsible for their missing Mora. Do you get me now?"

All his words came as a shock to me.

"Master? What is stealing?"

"Ugh. It's what you do every night, you idiot."

I gulped.

"W-why would people hate the oni…if they were to steal?"

"Because people hate it when others take something from them! Now go!"

I took a step back. Processing on what my master had just told me. But I still couldn't put the full picture together.

"Master. If people didn't like having their things being stolen. Then why do we-"

I yelped and flinched at the sight of master raising his stick. Hitherto preparing to struck me with it.

"No more questions! Will you not do as I tell you?"

I was almost this close to nodding, until I began to weight all the things I have just learned. The oni, yeah, now that he described them, I had seen a couple of them roaming around helping the villagers with some of their daily labors. I was surprised to find them at first, curious as to why the villagers would gradually come to view the strange creatures as friends. It was one the few couple of changes that has been happening. Though I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. On the one side, I was envious, how come there were these horned guys getting all chummy with the people whilst as I was always forced to hide amongst the trees. But on the other, I was also quite interested, it was as if, in just a few months, the oni have managed to have showed me that the great rules that which we all were to governed by, and the roles we had to play, can actually be changed.

I observed as those horned creatures laughed, and played, and danced with everyone I could only wish to have interacted with. To join them, live side-by-side with them. To my eyes, it was truly an incredible process to watch.

Would breaking the bond that was now forming between youkai and human be worth it?

"Gorou!"

"No." I said. With hesitation in my voice.

"What did you say?"

I swallowed a lump down my throat. I hated this feeling that I was experiencing right now. Defying my master's orders, questioning his will.

But I couldn't do as he pleases. Not after learning on what stealing was. Not after seeing the oni and the humans being together for months.

"N-"

Before I could finish my word, I immediately screamed in agony. That stick, that horrid stick, I was struck by the first blow, which made me squirm and crouch.

Then, my master kicked me on the chest, causing me to roll until I hit my back against the stoned wall. I yelped.

I opened my eyes, seeing as he was approaching closer. Becoming more bigger in my view. I tried to stand up, but the first hit he struck at me already had a bruise, and I couldn't regain balance from all the torment I was experiencing.

He kicked me once again. And again. Then his stick went for a blow. And then for another. And another. And another. I lost count.

He pulled me by the hair and leaned his lips close to one of my ears.

"You stupid mutt." I heard him say. "I knew that you were no different from all the others. Why can't all of you just stop questioning me and start doing what I told you!"

He pushed me and struck me once again. He kept on striking me with his weapon, making listening to him all the more difficult.

"I created you. I made you. I am your creator. Your Primordial One. Without me. You are nothing. You hear me? Nothing!"

"You're the result of my glory. The brainchild of my power! I am your father, and you are my son! And. A. Son-"

"M-Master! Please!"

"Doesn't question his father!"

Something then clicked inside of me. And I wasn't sure what happened next. All else went as a blur. I couldn't remember them vividly. But what I can recall was that- at that moment, I had forgotten about everything. Rage consumed me. Anger possessed me. Was it a minute, an hour, I wasn't sure. But, once my awareness had returned and my mind was stable, the first thing I found was my master, lying down, lifeless on the floor.

I widened my eyes, shocked at the horror. Frozen at what had just transpired. Then, something funny tasted in my mouth. It tasted like metal, weird. I was about to investigate on what I have gotten my tongue into, and that was when I saw that my hands, my whole body, I-I was all soaked in blood.

I became frantic. My breathing accelerating. I looked to my master once again and saw his chest and insides, ripped completely to shreds as if he was attacked by a foul beast.

My mouth was full of blood. My hands and flesh were covered in blood. No. I couldn't have.

My hands were already shaking. No. No. I didn't. I couldn't.

"Master?" I said softly. "Master? W-wake up. Please."

I didn't mean to. I-I didn't mean things to turn into this. I killed him. I killed my master. I murdered the only person who has ever loved and cared for me.

Tears flowed through my eyes, guilt coming to invade my soul. Master. Master. I didn't mean it. Please. Forgive me.

I then heard a loud shout. And I looked to see one of the shrine maidens. She looked at me and my master's dead corpse with fear in her eyes. Her hands covering her mouth.

"Thi-this isn't what it looks li-"

"Help! Youkai in the shrine grounds! Master Shinjiro is-"

More footsteps were arriving, responding to the woman's cries. Through instinct I ran towards where she stood. She must have thought that I was about to attack her as I did with my master, as she screamed for fear, but I only passed by her, intending for the exit door.

Once outside, I saw the mob forming. Groups of humans and oni arriving with me as their target. I climbed towards the top of the roof, and leaped myself for the trees. Rocks were thrown, arrows, some even with flames in them. One even shot me with a beam of ice, and another with purple electricity.

I headed to the sanctuary of the mountains, only taking one last glance at the shrine that now served as my master's death bed.

How long has it been? Because I'm not quite certain myself. It must have been years now since I committed that crime, and since then, I have been wandering alone in the mountains, paying the punishment for my sins.

How many years have passed? Frankly, I don't really care, though it must have been a lot, right? Considering as my body had changed. This must be as the humans called, growth.

My height had increased, my body grew a bit bigger. My voice also shifted. Now I can't seem to say a whole sentence without cracking.

I spent my days just counting the sun and moons, scavenging in search for something to eat, or sometimes, even hunting for them myself.

The people of the village seemed to have now reversed their views around most of the youkai. As the beings they have once feared are now sometimes invited for their parties and festivals, and sometimes, even in their mundane daily lives. They would share meals, drink, laugh, and simply just enjoy each other's company.

I would often just watch them from afar, never to interact, always to stay hidden. That…was what master would have wanted, after all. He wanted to keep me safe. Everything he had done was for the benefit of himself and my own.

There wasn't a day where I hadn't regretted on what I have done to him. I swore an oath to be by his side, little did I knew that my time with him would be cut short. And through my own hands, no less.

As of now, I was merely just passing by near a village, checking-out of curiosity if anything new was stirring up. No. Not exactly. Just the usual again. Same old, same old. I sighed from the tree I was resting on. Ready to return back to the mountains that I now called my home when abruptly, my journey was disturbed by a bunch of monks whom have managed to have spotted me and began to alert the other residents of that village.

"There it is! It's the devil again! The inugami!"

Inugami. That was what they liked to address me as along with many other names. Youkai appeared to be a favorite, and probably the most appropriate, since I was still feared unlike some of the others. Devil dog, Demon mutt, Shade of the forest, Mujina…I could go on, but it would possibly take me an entire list load just to say every single name I received throughout the years.

I swiftly leaped back into the forest, away from the people. I've disturbed them long enough anyway. They don't need me around, nor does it seem that they would want to.

Deep into the mountains was where I traverse, for the deeper I went, the less possible it was to be found by people. Aside from the hunters, loggers, pilgrims, and travelers, the mountains served as a safe zone for many wild creatures and youkai, free to live without being shunned.

I was probably an exception though, as it seemed like none of the locals here preferred my presence either. Once, when I first trekked here, I managed to have encountered this weird bipedal turtle thing with a hole on its head, and its immediate first reaction to me was to spout water at my face. There were also this group of flames with faces, but they didn't want me either (my tail wasn't at its best condition for a month). There was this small village, not run by people, but by these odd-looking masked guys who spoke in a language that I could never seem to decipher, they chased me out like the humans had always. Then, there was these gooey guys, they appeared in a variant of forms, they were like animals, and they were very hostile. I tried fighting them once, but the one I did attack only split into smaller versions of itself, so I hastily made for a retreat.

Needless to say, it seemed no one wanted me. No matter where I went, I always had to be vigilant and stand guard less there will come a day they would manage to find me and…I didn't want to think on what they would do.

It was only a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils. Since the mountains were less organized than the villages, I would choose to be at the mountains instead. It wasn't a perfect sanctuary, but at least it was the best I got.

*Roar*

My eyes widened upon hearing that sound. I looked to the sky to find the sun vanishing and the clouds turning gray. I knew instantly what that meant and I brooded at what would next come to transpire. I ran, headed to a spot that I have used as shelter at least once or twice before. It was a small abandoned borrow which I then turned as a place to take cover from the crying clouds.

The crying clouds. I hated when the clouds weep. The humans referred to the process as raining, yet no matter what it was called, I still abhorred whenever it came to happen. Water would pour from the heavens, making my tail wet. I hated having my tail soaked. Oh, why did it had to be now when I still haven't gotten lunch yet.

I made my way into the burrow, but I still arrived quite too late. My tail was already caught by the pouring heavenly teardrops, and now I had to stay here, cold, hungry, and alone, until the rain stops. I watched the clouds cry. Watching as many other animals fled the scene whilst others appeared to enjoy it. Frogs would hop and croak, birds would remain in their respective branches, snails would rejoice and the winds would howl. I looked to the skies, asking myself when the rain would cease. A flash of light, and followed by the usual sounds of roaring. I quickly recognized that as a bad sign, for that would mean that the rain wouldn't leave for a while.

Sigh.

I watched the rain as there was no other source of entertainment, and slowly, my eyes grew heavier in the process. I dozed off not that long after, hoping that when I woke up, the clouds would finally halt their tears.

"Hello there."

I immediately woke from the sound of a voice, shifting myself awake. How long has it been? A minute? An hour? Dang it, it seemed that the rain still hadn't ceased.

I adjusted my visions, shaking my head to rid off the drowsiness. Once my mind was at the clear, my eyes lead me to look at what was in front.

There was someone. Staring back at me. Carrying an umbrella and a bag whilst smiling.

Uh oh. I thought. It was a person.

I flinched, ready to embrace the rain and flee, but she immediately stopped me before I were to do so.

"Hey wait." She said. "Don't go. I just wanted to talk to you, that's all?"

If she was using any form of strategy, it appeared to have worked. No one had ever stopped just to say that they wanted to talk to me before. So, like some humans taking a photo, I stopped, just confused whilst keeping my eyes at this girl.

"May I please sit beside you?"

She asked out of request. And I nodded out of response. I scooched over, letting her to sit beside me.

It was a weird feeling. To have an actual person this close. I could feel her warmth.

She closed her umbrella, and then after, watched the rain alongside me. Though, I wasn't really watching the rain. I was just stuck looking at her. She was smiling as the rain continued to pour.

"Isn't the rain beautiful?"

She asked. And I winced. Was she actually asking me a question?
I didn't speak immediately, but after much thought, I decided that I might as well respond.

"N-not really." I answered. "I don't like how it always makes me cold and wet."

She chuckled. Resuming her eyes back ahead.

I was so baffled by this strange-new individual. Who exactly was she? I have traversed at the many villages here before, but I'm quite sure that I have never seen someone quite like her.

Could she be one of those who lived beyond what the people called as, the sea?

I kept my eyes on her, analyzing her figure. Her pink hair, her pale skin, her weird looking cloths which appeared so different compared to the villagers that I had grown so accustomed. Her fish-like aesthetics.

She continued to smile before quickly looking shocked at herself.

"Oh. Please forgive me for my rudeness." She placed one of her hands to her chest. "I still haven't introduced myself. I am Sangonomiya Kokomi."

"Sangonomiya…Kokomi?"

She cheerily nodded.

"I am also originally from Watatsumi island. But I just came here for a visit before I stumbled upon you here."

Watatsumi. I know I heard about that place before. Most of the villagers would often mention it every now and again. Either telling others of their visits there, their plans to visit there, or simply their hopes to visit there. Many would also mention on how it was supposed to carry a slightly distinct culture from the rest of Inazuma.

"Are you not going to tell me your name as well?"

Suddenly, I was dragged off from spacing out, and quickly looked unto her.

"Oh. Uh…sorry…right. My…my name is…"

I travelled through memory lane, trying to choose the many assortments of different names I have been called as. There was just so many of them, but I didn't think that any one of them were suitable for this moment. I thought hard, selecting for the most appropriate name, until I remembered one-

"G-Gorou." I answered.

Kokomi smiled in content and nodded.

"That's a lovely name."

I smiled back.

"My…um…my master gave it to me."

"Your master?"

I nodded my head.

"My master was a good person. He gave me meat and he gave me shelter."

"Oh. I see. What else was he like?"

I then tensed uncomfortably, I didn't wish to speak further. Fortunately, she appeared to have read me, as she then looked back towards the rain. She took the bag that she was carrying, unsealed the rope that was holding it together, revealing a set of spongy-like square stuff.

"Want one?" Kokomi grabbed one of the sponge-stuff and offered it to me.

"I…"

"Don't worry, its fine. Just take it."

I still wasn't sure, so she took the thing and swallowed it herself (ah, so it was just a type of food then. No wonder I felt like I've seen them somewhere). Once she gulped, she grabbed another piece and offered it to me once again.

"See."

Cautiously, I held the thing in my hand, studying it at every angle.

"It's just cake silly."

Cake? So this is what cake looked like. I've heard that it was supposed to be a tasty delicacy.

With a bit of wariness, I finally took the courage to take my first bite. It was…soft, fluffy, sweet. Totally unlike meat. In fact, it was better than meat. For the first time, I finally understood why people like eating so much. This thing was delicious!

I gulped the whole piece, shoving it all and enjoyed the flavor it gave to my tongue.

"There's still more. So don't be afraid to take as much as you please."

My eyes stared at this weird girl for a couple of seconds, silently asking her if she was sure. She merely offered another smile, and I took that as my 'go ahead' sign.

I grabbed another cake, though this time, I made sure to eat it more slowly, biting small pieces of it, as I didn't wish to over use her generosity.

She chortled before commenting "You really like cake, do you?"

I nodded.

The rain continued to pour, but this time, I didn't seem to be bothered much by it. Perhaps it was because of the cake, or perhaps it was because I finally had someone I could interact with. That was when I stifled my own excitement, suddenly becoming baffled at this whole ordeal.

"Ko…Kokomi?"

"Hmm?"

I became nervous. I wasn't certain on how I should approach this question.

"A-aren't you…scared of me?"

She raised a brow

"Why would I be scared?"

"Well…" I should probably stop now, I thought. "It's because…I'm a youkai."

She agreed. However, her mood still stayed the same. "Yes. That you are. So?"

"So," I said back. "Aren't you humans, supposed to be afraid of us youkai. I mean, I know that you have been getting along with most of us, but still…would that just beat the entire purpose?"

"Purpose of what?"

"Of being a youkai. Isn't that the entire reason of classifying some groups as youkai? Because we're supposed to scare you?"

Kokomi gave me this look as if she was trying to see if everything I had just told her was my honest opinion of things, like she wanted to see on how sure I was of my claim. Not too soon, and she started bursting in laughter. Which kind of irritated me a bit.

"Hey! What's so funny."

She wiped away a tear from her eye. "I'm sorry. It's just that…whe-*laugh*-where in Teyvat did you get a conclusion like that?"

I began to feel sheepish. Looking my way into different directions, unsure where I should be focusing my eyes on.

"We'll…it's just because…ever since I was a kid, people have been driving youkai away from their settlements out of fear. I, myself have been called as a youkai, with people begging me not to come close to them or not to hurt them, even if I never had such intentions to begin with."

She continued with her giggling, prior to settling herself. "Well… while you are correct about that. The reason why some groups are classified as youkai isn't really because they are supposed to inflict fear."

"It isn't?"

She nodded her head in affirmation. "In fact, most youkai are even seen with reverence, and are usually viewed by people as being sacred. Take the fox envoys for example. They have been living by humanity's side since the very beginning of Inazuma. And people, while cautious at times with their presence, don't really find them as being repulsively malignant, and would instead shower them with respect."

I blinked. Processing her words carefully.

She then proceeded with her elaboration. "The true reason why some are classified as youkai, is more because that they have aspects of them that give off an allure of mystery. Like you are the living embodiments of the unknown that can both terrify and or give awe to the human psyche. As far as I know, youkai are living beings that can do amazing and wonderous feats, not quite gods, but not quite animals either."

I went steel just listening to her. Taking her explanation into consideration. I then left my gaze from her and stared unto somewhere else. Now feeling like a fool.

"So…people aren't supposed to be afraid?"

She shook her head.

"People can be scared if they want, but I am no stranger to magic to be afraid. For me, a youkai is no different from any other person I have met."

My eyes grew at what she had said. Youkai? Are people?

"How long have you been in these woods?"

I glanced back at her and began to count with my fingers. "I'm…not so sure."

"I see. And how has life been going with you? Is there anyone currently taking care of you?"

I…

"No. I don't really have anyone since my master died. I've been on my own out here in the mountains ever since."

"Ah. But surely either the people or the youkai living here have at least lent you a hand every now and then. Right?"

I looked down.

"No. Everyone always treated me the same way, whether be people or youkai. Their all either afraid of me, or they simply just don't want me encroaching their homes. I've…been alone."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Huh?"

She pointed a finger at the tree straight ahead of us.

"See that tree over there? It's actually a Kodama. A type of youkai, born whenever a tree becomes sentient. It has been watching you for a while now. In fact, it was the one that lead me to you."

"It…it did?"

"Mhm. Since I am already well versed in the divine arts, I was able to respond to its call once I got close enough to its sphere of influence. It seems like it really wanted to help you."

I was moved by what she said, so I snatched a cake, hurrying myself to march to the rain. I didn't care whether my tail would get soaked, I wanted to show that Kodama how grateful I was. Since I already knew that trees were supposed to consume stuff from their roots, I simply placed the cake down for its roots to reach, then sat in front of it. As if expecting for the delicacy to get consumed.

I anticipated for something to happen, my focus straight to the tree/Kodama. I waited, then something did occur. The rain drops that were falling down. They suddenly ceased from doing so, I was astonished when I first saw such a sight, and then even more when they all floated upwards. Even the water that had made me cold were joining along with their kin, flying up to go to whatever.

My ears then twitched once again though, hearing Kokomi laughing once more as she was walking closer.

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Do you always come up with the most strangest conclusions?"

My eyes travelled to her.

"What do you mean?"

She merely grinned as she shook her head. As if telling me that it wasn't important, anyway.

"Let's just get you dried up."

With a wave of her hand, all the waters that had soaked me had suddenly banished from my hair, tail, and flesh. Steel, I was. Amazed at what she had done.

"How did you do that?" I asked out of inquiry.

"I am a Hydro user, and a practitioner of magic, in a way."

None of what she said made any sense to me. But I still nodded anyway, considering as I was still mesmerized at what she was able to do.

"C-Could you be an onmyoji?"

She seemed surprised at what I said.

"What makes you think that?"

"Well… you really do smell human, so your definitely not a youkai. And, you can do this stuff, along with hearing this tree. Like an onmyoji."

She playfully shook her head.

"I'm sorry, but I'm actually just a priestess."

Priestess? I thought to myself.

Silence permeated between the both of us. All we could hear were the pattering of raindrops as they continue to cover the area. Kokomi looked at the tree, so I resumed my attention towards it as well. I hope that it could enjoy cake as I do, though based from the fact that it was still there where I had left it, it either meant that wasn't fond of cake, or maybe it was just too shy to eat with us staring at it.

"Gorou?"

My ears perked. This was, the first since I heard someone using my name in ages.

I glanced at her, and she appeared a bit hesitant.

"May I please ask you something?"

I was quiet for a second, before subconsciously nodding my head. She proceeded with her question.

"What happened, that made you to live out here in the wilderness, all by yourself?"

My chest felt tight. I wasn't sure on whether I should answer her or not. She seemed nice. Probably as nice as master. I… I didn't wish to suddenly scare her off. If I were to tell her of what I did and what I've done, she would be bound to run.

And I wouldn't even blame her for it…

"Ah…"

"It's okay if you can't share it with me right away." She then said to me. "I can wait. You'll have plenty of time."

I was suddenly confused. What does she mean by me having time? Is she staying here for a while?

I subconsciously wagged my tail at such a prospect.

"Gorou. I'm going to ask you another question." She stated. "Please tell me your honest answer. And please do not feel as if you are obliged to agree with everything I say. You may wish to decline, if you want."

Her tone abruptly shifted. She became more serious, mature, as if her entire aura commanded nothing more but pure authority in her part. It was amazing how she could somehow switch personalities in just a blink of an eye.

"Inugami." That was what the villagers often called me. How did she know? Wait, she knew all along?! "Would you wish to come with me to Watatsumi island?"

For a moment, it appeared that the whole world around me had come to a sudden halt. Like time itself sailed with me being left behind.

The second I knew it. The rain was beginning to lighten.

"Well?"

"I…ah…" I was snapped back to reality. She…she was offering me to come with her? Why? Why would she want me? "I…"

Truth be told, I didn't know what my answer was supposed to be. I wanted to decline. I wanted to continue to remain here where I knew that I was safe. What if this was all just a ploy to get me out from this sanctuary?

But then, for some reason, I felt as if like, if I told her no, I would soon regret it for the rest of my life.

It was all so confusing.

"I…um…"

"Alright." She spoke again. "Let's put it this way then." She lent one of her hands, whilst the other was still carrying her umbrella. At first, I didn't know why she was offering me her hand, until my memories made me recall that gesture before. In the village, people would shake hands, either as a form of greeting, or as a sign of an agreement.

And based on what was happening. I suspect it was the latter.

"I am no onmyoji. But I am a divine priestess. And although I may not practice in the same arts, I am still no stranger to magic. Thus, because of this, I feel like I am qualified to say…"

"Inugami. I wish to make a contract with you." She stated with utmost confidence. "Be by my side, and be my familiar. And I promise that I will take care of you. Does that sound like a good enough deal?"

Her tone changed back in that last sentence, shifting to become more cheery and playful again. And yet, I was still contemplating. Still bewildered at all that was happening right now. I even checked if I was dreaming or not.

"Why…why are you doing this?"

"Hmm?"

"This." I clarified. "Why are you being so kind to me? You don't even know me. You don't even know of (what I did)…"

She merely grinned.

"Because I think it's unfair." She explained. "You don't seem to be any older than I am, and yet you spend your days in exile because of a stigma that has long since passed. Youkai and humans no longer have to constantly hate each other. Times are changing, and in the land of stagnant 'Eternity', such a phenomenon is a miracle upon itself." She paused for a second. "I will confess, I have already heard stories about you. Though I don't know which ones of them are true or fabricated. But after meeting you, I now see that you don't deserve all this treatment you receive from the people. You're not bad. You're not scary. You're just a boy."

I went mute. I really didn't know on how to respond to that.

"I want to give you a chance Gorou. I want to help you in any way I can. I want to make people see that you are indeed worthy to walk on their streets, buy things that you want to buy, enter establishments, play games, talk with people, be like everyone else. Because that's what you are. It is an injustice to simply leave you out here. How can I call myself worthy of my Vision if I can't perform justice wherever I go?"

"So, I ask you again, will you agree with my contract?"

I still wasn't all so sure. This was all occurring so fast. My mind kept having doubts. Memories of my past, on how I had failed my old master, and how, if I were to agree, then that would mean that I would replace him with someone I just met. A friendly stranger, but a stranger nonetheless.

In my mind, I knew my answer. But there was something deeper within me that just…

"I… (inhale) I shall be loyal and serve you master." I bowed my head at her due to instinct. "Your orders are my purpose."

She smiled.

"Then that settles it then." She then took my hand. "Until the day that you learn to stand on your own," She pulled me up, compelling me to stand with her. "our contract with each other shall be honored by both sides."

Her eyes then looked at me, stern yet gentle. "Until the day that I will release you, the pact we made now shall be carried. I, as your master, and you as my familiar. Let our partnership be one of trust and friendship."

Friendship? That actually sounded good. Just as good as when I took a bite of my first meat, like something that I've yearned for so long has finally been quenched.

Soon enough, I noticed that the rain had stopped pouring, the clouds had ceased in their period of sorrow, though I failed to know on whether it was during, or after, I and Kokomi formed our contract. But that didn't exactly matter. Still, I had my doubts, but I felt like, this time, I can handle it. I was afraid, but I can at least confront whatever might come my way. This was my second chance to do this right this time. To fulfill the purpose I had once failed. To make things right. I will do as I can to be the best familiar as I can be. In this new contract, through this new contract. This contract I have made through my own volition.

Now was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and ends the one that I would soon be leaving once I joined my new master in climbing down this mountain. Thus, now begins…

-my contract with justice.

Author's Notes: Hi everyone. I hope that all of you enjoyed reading this little story that i conjured up. It was basically inspired by those few occasions where I read of people speculating that Gorou could possibly be an inugami. For me, this theory was honestly quite interesting, not just because of Gorou's obvious dog-like traits (though not gonna lie, that still played a huge factor in my interest lol), but also as some of the lore surrounding the inugami can is also present within Gorou's lore. See, as someone who possesses a fascination over supernatural creatures across the world, I already have some degree of knowledge on what the inugami is, and honestly, its actually really sad, especially on how the inugami are produced (to those who knows, you know) Of course, I don't really believe that Gorou is definitely an inugami till the game confirms it, but I still find this theory to be interesting nonetheless. I guess you could say that the moment I saw the posts of calling Gorou an inugami, my brain immediately went on making the premises for this oneshot.

On the other hand, this was also the first oneshot that I've ever written, as well as being the first story I've written using a First-person-narrative. In essence, its an experimental leap that I've taken to see if I can. I'd admit, I had a hard time writing this at first, until I chose to write this under the style of a diary. I do hope it wasn't too bothering.

Anyway, I truly hope that you enjoyed this. I'm thinking on whether I should make a sequel, but I''ll leave that decision up to you. See ya!

Genshin Impact is a property of Hoyoverse, I own nothing but the story.