1 Prologue

I LOST HER.

The only person I ever cared for died because of me. For me.

"Help."

"Someone."

"Anyone."

"Please."

"Help."

There was never a time I thought I would care for anyone. Most of all, a human.

Humans are stupid, greedy, and hostile. The worst monsters who ever existed. Tch! Why would the Gods create these people? They wanted to rule the world but their lives are only short and they are very fragile. They are worthless. If not for the grace of the Gods they will cease to exist. They are powerless without us. They are nothing. Nothing to fear. Nothing to be concerned about.

I have been living my ayakashi life now for hundreds of years. And we're ruling this half world. The world of Ayakashis is unknown to normal humans. The world was divided into two: the physical world they call 'Earth' where humans live and the Spirit Realm where we live.

From time to time, every once in a hundred years, we infiltrate the human world.

To FEED.

The elders used to warn us to be careful of humans. To not let our existence be known to them. Some gifted humans can see us for who we really are. Ordinary humans don't. What they can only see are our human forms. They are bound to be seduced by our faces, our smell like they are under a spell. And thus, we devour them.

I looked at her pale face. Her blood was starting to flow from her chest. I can feel it in my hands. In my arms. Her warmth was starting to grow feeble. I can hear her breathing fading away.

"No. Please don't. Don't die. Don't die like this."

"It was a plea. For the first time in my long life, I plead."

"Live."

I don't know what's happening with me. Why are my eyes so wet? What are these waterfalls? I can't seem to control this wetness flowing from my eyes. My vision is so blurry.

I felt her small hand on my cheek. She was wiping my face. How can she still smile? She is already dying!

"This is ridiculous! You are just a lowly human."

I said in a shaking voice.

"You are just a human."

"I know." She replied in a very weak voice I cannot almost hear it. "I know. So you better live and move on. Do not weep for me. Live."

"How can you tell me to live! "

I could not help but scream.

"You are leaving me. You little wench. "

She took off her ring with her shaky hand. She cannot almost move.

"This..is all I have. Take it.. Katsuo. I will see you again. I promise. Live for me. When the time comes. I will find you.

I...love..you"

And she took her last breath.

I kissed her. I am all bound to her. I felt my blood going backwards and my heart throbbing so hard in my chest. I held her tighter.

I could not remember how long I was crying in pain while holding her. The dawn had already broken but I didn't even notice it. All I did was weep in deep sorrow. For losing the only person I loved.

I love? Ridiculous. How can I love? What's more absurd is, how can I love a mere human? All ayakashis will definitely laugh at me. The mighty nine-tailed Katzuo, feared by all in the Spirit Realm, fell in love with a human. How funny.

But why am I still crying? Why do I feel this pain? It feels like there is a big hole in my heart. I cannot breath. My whole body suddenly lost all the energy. I cannot move a finger. All I wanted was to hug her. Be beside her until she wakes up again from her eternal sleep. My whole being lost all the reason to live. I have lost interest in living.

What is the sense of this long immortal life?

Days have already passed.

I buried her under the fig tree. I filled it with all the beautiful wild flowers I could find and put her name on the stone.

"Anka."

Her name suits her very well. The color of dawn.

"How long will I wait for you?"

I was there in the same spot. Not moving an inch. My arms were wrapped around my knees. Waiting for her. I held tight her ring in my right hand.

Days. Weeks. Months have passed.

Spring.

Summer.

Fall.

Winter.

I no longer know how many days have passed. I was feeling both numb and pain. I deserve this. I will die soon.

"You're wrong Anka. You will not find me. I will find you. Just hang in there for a little while. Just a little more while. I will follow you in the Netherworld."

I let out a faint smile. Thinking I will finally see her again gave me a little hope.

I touched her stone tomb. Finally. A few moments more and I will be with her.

I suddenly heard a gush of wind. What is this? Is the angel of death finally here to take me?

I felt a presence. On a spur of moment, it seemed like the whole place became bright. I looked up. For the first time in the long while I looked somewhere else other than her tomb.

It was bright. Blindingly bright. It took me a while before I could see the surroundings clearly.

There was a man sitting on a low branch of the fig tree. He was holding a flower and smiling while smelling it.

"Who are you?"

I looked at him irritated. I do not want my privacy to be invaded by anyone.

He looked at me and smiled more. He looked too friendly. Too nice. Too light hearted it almost melted my ice cold heart.

"I don't think that is the best way to honor a deceased loved one's last wish."

His voice was like music. It was too mellow for my ears but it doesn't matter. The last thing I need is a pathetic meddler.

"Go away! Stop interfering! This is none of your business!"

I yelled at him with my last strength.

"You poor thing."

He descended from his comfortable sit and slowly walked to me. He was radiating. I knew he was no ordinary guy. What is a god doing here? Is he here to punish me? Or to make fun of me?

I smirked.

He touched my face. I can see my own sorrow mirroring in his godly eyes. His smile is now gone. His eyes are full of empathy.

Stupid god. What does he want?

He held my right hand where I was keeping Anka's porcelain ring.

"You must not die poor Katzuo. It is not the right time."

I no longer have the strength to argue. My eyes are now heavy. At last, I will be with her.

"Katzuo.."

"Katzuo.."

It was dark.

"Katzuo."

That voice is familiar.

"Who is there?" I replied.

"My dear Katzuo. For loving a human truly, I will bless you. But for devouring humans, my curse shall befall you. Therefore, you will bear the consequences of your actions.

You will not die and will live your immortal life bearing the pain, the loneliness, and the sorrow of losing your loved one. Yet, you will not remember. You will atone for your sins. This is my punishment.

But by my grace, for truly loving and protecting a human I love so dearly, when the right time comes, this curse shall end and she will be reborn but you must find the answer."