#a yokai coming of age tradition/ceremony

[bambiraptorx]

Okay so since yokai education system won in this poll as the topic of my lore dump, have a ramble.

The yokai education system is fairly complicated in nature: even though it's largely publicly funded via taxes, it doesn't necessarily resemble what people think of as a public school. (This is because I'm drawing a lot on my experiences from being homeschooled/ homeschool co-ops/in the US school system, so there's kind of a hodge-podge.) Also, as a rather important sidenote, I'm working with the headcanon that different yokai species have different rates of development/aging, so the whole process of education isn't nearly as standardized as it would be in a US public school anyway.

Yokai schools have a lot of variety in size and purpose, but are usually designed to provide classes for any level of education. This might be done through having multiple wings or floors in the building for different levels of education (kids are usually separated from adults, gen eds from higher level classes, etc) or having the school itself spread out over multiple buildings. Schools tend to be pretty large, and one person might spend their entire educational career (from what we'd consider pre-k all the way to a PhD) at one building or campus.

It's also fairly common for schools to be organized by subject: a wing (or floor or building) for science, for arts, for history, etc. If this is the case, there's usually a separate area specifically for the lower education levels (think elementary/middle school-ish) so that the youngest kids don't have to run all over the place or between buildings to get to classes.

Speaking of classes: they tend to be relatively small, no more than 20 students tops, but usually around 10-15, even going as small as 4-5 people on occasion. Students are more likely to take 3-4 days of classes than 5 days in a row, but it depends on what the parent is willing/able to teach them at home. Also, the selection of teachers is less "you went to school to learn how to educate" and more "hey we heard you're a physical therapist, would you like to teach anatomy and physiology classes this semester". There's a bit of a social expectation that people who have spent a long time in a given field will eventually teach a class about it, or at least come in and do guest lectures.

Also: P.E. is generally considered to be an extracurricular activity and/or a parental responsibility. Yokai are too varied in body types and exercise needs for any form of standardized physical education to be particularly effective (like how can you have bird person and a centaur and sentient slime do the same exercises? not easily, and it's way easier to teach a class where everyone's doing the same exercises than it is to teach one where everyone has to do different things.)

Schools will usually have sports teams though, and it's fairly common to offer some kind of fighting/weapons class. They often have plenty of clubs and extracurriculars, from chess and art clubs to theater productions. However, there's only one or two schools in the Hidden City that currently offer a robotics club.

Feel free to ask questions! This is barely a fraction of the lore I have, and, as you may have guessed, I like infodumping lol

[twomiddlefingersforthehaters]

Yatai Stalls:Japanese Street Food :- Street food vendors are known as Yatai in Japan and while they can be seen in abundance at festivals.

The text written in those colorful nobari :

串だんご (Kushi-dango)

Dango is a Japanese sweet that has been loved by Japanese people for a long time. Dango is a dough made by adding water to powdered grains such as rice, rolling it up and steaming it. Currently, skewered dumplings are often recognized as so-called dumplings, but there are also dumplings that are not skewered. Dumplings flavored with soy sauce, miso, and soybean flour have long been popular among Japanese people. There are also dango called hanami dango and tsukimi dango, which are often seen at events and are said to bring good luck.

たこ焼 (Takoyaki)

Diced octopus encased in a light batter and rolled into a ball with spring onion and ginger and topped with green seaweed, sauce, sliced and dried bonito, and sometimes drizzled with mayonnaise. The exterior of a takoyaki ball is a nice golden brown while the interior can be a touch molten. A single order of takoyaki typically contains about eight balls that are topped with shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi), aonori seaweed flakes and drizzled with mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce.

おでん (Oden)

"Oden" is very popular winter dish all over Japan, and each region has original taste, as Ozouni new year soup. Various kind of ingredients slowly simmered in flavorful dashi broth.

• Masks

Traditional Japanese masks (お面) are mostly decorative and can easily be found at festivals and shrine events. Masks have long played an important role in Japanese culture. Most of these masks are archetypes borrowed from mythology, ancient dances, or noh theater and military costume. Traditional masks are still used by theater actors or Shinto dancers. The most popular Japanese masks are often inspired by yokai; Supernatural Japanese creatures that appear in popular legends and beliefs. In Kabuki theater, they used makeup to embody characters such as demons or to translate expressions such as anger, feelings of sadness or rage on the faces. The Kabuki actors, as opposed to the Noh Theater, do not wear masks. The mask has also the function of hiding any individual traces of the actor. The fox mask is worn on the faces of many festival goers during Shinto ceremonies. Kitsune mask always using White colour based with red patterns. Inari Shrine had red colors everywhere included on the fox statues of the shrine. Most of the foxes serve Inari has white fur. In most of Japanese festival, Kitsune mask always using White colour based with red patterns. The mask of the fox used in Noh play or Kagura play is white. Kitsunes are believed to have from one to nine tails. The number of tails a kitsune has indicates its age and strength. Kitsunes can come in different colors but turn white or gold upon gaining their 9th tail. The Nine Tailed Fox, or Kyuubi no Kitsune, can hear and see everything that goes on around the world. They wear these (kitsune) masks, in order to attract good benefits and thus ensure a good harvest.

Here are the masks I identified from the panel above.

1. Ramenman in Kinnikuman series

The Japanese manga series Kinnikuman was written and illustrated by Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada, known as Yudetamago. The series follow Kinnikuman, a superhero who must win a wrestling tournament to retain the title of prince of Planet Kinniku. The manga was first published in Shueisha's magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump as a two one-shots in December 1978 and March 1979. The regular serialization started with the publication of the first chapter in the May 28, 1979 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump, where it was serialized weekly until its conclusion in March 1987. Tatakae!! Ramenman is an alternate-universe and spin-off series to Yudetamago's previous work: Kinnikuman. It is focused around the character of Ramenman, who travels the land to fight various enemies. It was serialized in Shueisha's Fresh Jump magazine from 1982 until 1988.

2. Kamen Rider (1971 TV series)

Kamen Rider is a tokusatsu franchise created by manga creator Shotaro Ishinomori.

3. Chiaotzu in Dragon Ball

4. Sun Wukong

(The picture I'm using from Toriyama's bonus illustration featured in Dragon Ball's 6th volume)

In the novel, this headgear is something that binds sun wukong. Originally, he didn't wear it, but after following Tang Sanzang, that is, his master. At the beginning, he liked to kill some ordinary people without any spells. Tang Sanzang felt that his character was very bad, so there was a god, she called Guanshiyin Bodhisattva.This Bodhisattva also taught Tang Sanzang a formula. She used the temptation to make Monkey King wear a hat, and then the hat became this headgear, if Monkey King wanted to kill ordinary people.Tang Sanzang can recite formulas, and this headdress will shrink, giving Monkey King a headache and unable to use any spells. @dob-siki thank you for the information!!!

5. Hyottoko mask

Hyottoko means this facial expression or a mask with this funny face. It's a man. The pouting bent expression of his mouth is very significant. The size of the left and right eyes can be different too. In the mask or the person, who wears the mask often puts Japanese cotton towel (Tenugui) around the head. This character originally came from ancient traditional Japanese dance called Bugaku. The face of this character is an old man playing a funny and ridiculous role. He saw a beautiful couple dancing beautifully and admired and appreciated their dancing while drinking a lot of sake. He was very impressed and tried to dance like that with his wife. But they were too drunk and too old to dance gracefully, so their "dance" turned out to be very funny and awkward. There are many different stories about Hyotoko in Japan. The name Hyottoko came from Hi-Otoko (fire man). He is blowing air through a hollow bamboo stick to make fire. And his expression is showing how hard he is trying. His mouth is also known to resemble sake bottle. Hyottoko masks are commonly used during traditional Japanese dances in order to bring good luck.

I don't know whether the following findings are correct or wrong.

6. Lokai in Star Trek : Let That Be Your Last Battlefield (1969)

This is what came to my mind when I saw white on the right side and black on the left side.

[rainbowxocs]

TW: This Character has allot of dark details in her backstory and just general lore. Unfortunately due to her being from the 1400s we have to talk allot about how women were treated back then. Including SA, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, ETC. I will only use basic descriptions but if that bothers you then just learn about Are via asking questions to her.

CHARACTER INFO:

with notes from me!!! Are!!! :3

Name: Are Akira Crane. (アレ あきら クレーン ) That’s me!

Alt Names: Are Yoru (アレ 夜)(アレ・ヨル), Akira Otome (Childhood name) (あきら オトメ) haha akira sounds like “a killa”

Are Otome no Aji-Ganashi (アレオトメ脳アジ加那志)

Special Titles: Myobu (命婦), Kikoe-Ogimi (聞得大君), Our Lady Kitsune (わたしたちの狐さま), Chiko (ちこ), Kami of Okutama (神の奥多摩), Kami of Chaos (混沌の神), Kami of Infinity (無限の神), Kami of Traditional Arts (伝統芸術の神), Geiko (芸子), The Curse of Okutama (奥多摩の呪い), Puppetmaster (操り人形師), Narrator (語り手.)

Remember to bow down to your Kitsune overlord ;3

Old Titles: Juri (じゅり), Our Lady of Flowers (花の聖母), Maiko (舞妓), Minarai (見習), Shikomi (仕込), False God. (偽りの神)

Username: @ARECHANXOXO

Nicknames: Are-Chan. (アレちゃん)(アレチャン), My Kit, Foxy Woxy, Foxy, Fox, Sun, My Sun.

Chronological Age: 566. jeez you don’t have to put all my personal business out there.

Age: 18. I’m gonna be young 4eva!

Pronouns: She/They/Nya (In English.)

I Pronouns:

Wagahai (吾輩)(A neutral I that’s incredibly old fashioned, Usually seen as pompous or that the person using it thinks highly of themselves.)

Warawa (わらわ)(A feminine pronoun that’s archaic, Usually used by noblewomen or women of a high class, comes off as pompous.)

Wachiki (わちき) (A feminine archaic pronoun, Usually used by prostitutes in the past.)

Sexuality: Poly, Ryōseiai (両性愛, Bisexual), Grayromantic.

Gender: Gendervoid, Weirdfoxic, Yanderecoric.

Species: Kami (Kitsune) (Yurei) (Witch) I’m just a cute wittle foxy, you can put your fingers inside my cage I promise I won’t bite them.

Disorders: CPTSD, HPD, BPD, Suicide Ideation, Insomnia, Autism.

Physical Conditions: Chronic Pain.

Recovering Addictions: Self Harm, Nicotine (Vaping.), Murder.

Religion: Utaki Shinko, Shintoism. shoutout to my mommsss.

Job: Chashitsu Waitress. it’s like- totally boring.. but.. the owner is this old grandma.. and she’s nice to me so whateva.

Major: Music. college is weird. but i get straight a’s somehow.

Lives in: Okutama, Japan, 2025. hehe okutama isn’t where I’m from but it’s GREAT here!

Languages: Japanese, Uchināguchi, English, Yokai + All Languages.

Height: 5’6”

Race: Indigenous Asian.

Ethnicity: Ryukyuan. I miss my hometown sometimes.

Accent: Okinawan.

Animal Form: Pink Fox with 5 Tails.

Spirit Level: Acceptance. yeaaaaa bitch. I accepted I was dead pretty quickly lol. There’s no use dwelling on it.

Voice Claim: Misa Amane from Death Note. (JP Dub)

Powers: Time Travel, Resetting Time, Shapeshifting, Possession, Summoning, Divination, Creating Fire and Lightning, Dream Traveling, Flight, Invisibility, Teleporting, Illusions, Superhuman Strength, Mind Control, General Witchcraft/Magic, Creating and Seeing Omens, Siren Song, Strings.

Im like tottttesss overpowered.

Weaknesses: Basic Yokai Weaknesses, Basic Kitsune Weaknesses, Basic Undead Weaknesses. No known special weaknesses.

Strings Form: Magenta, Normal Cats Cradle.

Soul: Magenta Flame, Occasionally White.

Weapons: Knives, Circular Saw, Chainsaw, Baseball Bats.

Wand: Magatama, Gohei.

Alignment: Chaotic Good.

Text Color: Pink.

Main Animal: Fox. yip yip!

Main Hobbies: Violin, Sanshin, Yotsutake, Cello, Koto, Fan Dancing, Tea Ceremonies. :)

please gods feed me food.

Favorite Drink: Bukubuku Tea, Strawberry Tea, Sanpincha, Ceremonial Matcha, Hot Chocolate, Strawberry Monster Energy.

Favorite Fruit: Oranges.

Favorite Candies: Strawberry Pocky, Konpieto.

Favorite Meals: Udon w Abura-age, Chicken Katsu, and Curry. Inarizushi, Hotdogs, Sashimi.

Favorite Snacks: Cherry Blossom Chips, Peelable Candy.

Favorite Desserts: Tanghulu, Strawberry Icecream Mochi, Strawberry Cake.

Favorite Flower: Cherry Blossoms.

Scent: Hello Kitty Perfume. IT EVEN HAS THIS LIKE HELLO KITTY SHAPED BOTTLE AND IT SMELLS LIKE PINK.

Handedness: Right Handed.

Blood Color: Magenta.

Awareness: VERY Aware. (Effect: Negative.)

Birthday: April 14th 1459 (Aries, Rabbit, AB. ) hehe unlucky numbers babyyy.

Theme:

Battle Theme:

Playlist:

Fun Facts: Is banned in most countries for terrorism, Was the leader of her light music club in Highschool. :D

Comfort Objects: Sakura (Fox Plush), Reborn Baby Dolls, Necronomicon, Wedding Ring.

Special Interests: Music, Mythology, Traditional Arts, Magic.

Extras: Has 5 tails, usually only shows one though cause it’s hard to sit down with them.

Stims: Tail Wagging, Hand Flapping, lots of physical stimming.

Stimboard: LINK

Moodboard: LINK

Fashionboard: LINK

Family:

Inari, Amamikyu (Patron Deities/Mother Figures)

Aditya Ravi (Patron Deity/Father Figure)

Ozymandias (Adoptive Dad.)

my parents are so annoying. But they’re nice or whatever.

Bushii Aya Otome, Ueekata Fuji Otome (Birth Parents.)

……

Yuki Sho, Mizuki Sho (Children)

……

Friends:

Odoroku, Yukai , Kagayaki (BFFs). ODO IS LIKE MY BFF, and YUKAI IS GREAT TOO! I love crashing their datessss. Kagayaki is the best :)

Theo, Joan, Daisy. They’re alright too!

Romance: The Aculia System (Spouses/Patrons) okay maybe I do like them a little bit.

Enemies:

Kami. such a dickwad.

Pets: Neko (猫) (Raccoon) BEST CAT I LOVE HIM.

Brief Personality: When you hear stories about Are, most people describe her as sadistic monster, a person who trapped an entire town in a timeloop, a person with no remorse for her actions. However, if you bump into Are lately, she.. seems to have changed.. As the Kami of Chaos, she is still a little scamp and will play pranks and occasionally blow something up.. But that cold unfeeling stare is now gone, and has been replaced with genuine kindness. She has grown softer now that she has been actually able to heal.

Brief Backstory: Are was born a very long time ago in modern day Okinawa. Her childhood name was Akira. Her family were originally rice farmers and the first few years of her life were relatively uneventful. Until her parents realized how much money there is in the con business. It started out small, saying that the teas they make could cure illness, then they could make creams and tonics that could cure blindness and heal broken bones.

Her parents slowly did any and every type of con in the book and slowly they included Akira in the Scams. Who couldn’t resist that cute little face? And Unfortunately her parents made Akira do, allot of things for money. Akira had to deal with sexual abuse from a very young age, which warped her sense of reality.

Her parents eventually scammed and broke mostly ever law to get their way up to the top. They pretended to be Warriors, they.. of course did not have any qualifications for that sort of job, but that didn’t stop them from reaching the royal palace with that scam. They were granted a living quarters within the grounds of the palace. And they offered their child as a Juri, helping the older prositutes and eventually as she got older becoming one.

When she became more mature she was given the name Are.

Are learned from an incredibly young age how to game the system. She knew exactly what to say to charm people and knew exactly what to do to get people to leave her alone. And eventually her intelligence paid off, She was proficient in all different types of dancing like fan dancing and Yotsutake. Performing for people within the palace and dazzling them.

Eventually Are made her way to dazzling the King and Queen with her talent in music and dancing, which made her family go up in the world. Her family wanted to use their connections to royalty as a means for power. But Are just liked the safety she got from it.

The King took an interest in Are, eventually making her a Aji-Ganashi. Which she begrudgingly accepted. However, this caused her to have some evil eyes cast upon her. She noticed the other concubines would bully and harass her. Putting rats in her room, Cutting her hair off. Are’s family made her put up with the abuse as they didn’t want to lose their connection with the royal family.

One day however it went too far, as one of the other concubines poisoned her. Are slowly died a slow and painful death as the poison took over her body, She remembers her mother and father laying over her before she closed her eyes, and was transported to a forest, She sat up confused, wondering where she was until she looked over and saw a woman by a glowing river. The woman beckoned her to come towards her.

Are hesitantly got up, dusting off her outfit and going to sit down next to the woman.

“Little one, What are you doing here?” The woman asked.

“I.. think I died...” Are said, fidgeting with her ryusou. “It’s kind of blurry..”

Are looked up at the woman. “I.. wasn’t expecting to go that quickly.. My parents are going to be so disappointed..”

The woman stared down at her, with a look that Are couldn’t quite make out.

“Heh, sorry.. I guess I shouldn’t complain.. That’s life right..?” Are shifted nervously.

The woman took Are’s hands. “What if I gave you a second chance?”

“A second chance? What do you mean..?” Are said. “It’s not like any of us have that kind of power..”

The woman laughed. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

Are gave her a puzzled look. “Um. No.. not particularly..”

“I am, Amamikyu.”

Are’s eyes got wide, she immediately bowed to the goddess“OHMYGODLITERALLYIAMSOSORRYIWASBEINGSORUDEOHMYGOD”

“Wooooahhh easy now, no need for all of that, my child.” Amamikyu said, patting Are on the head.

“Listen, do you see this river?” The goddess said, pointing at the river beside them. “This, little one. Is the river of the gods. It is the essence of life. If you drink from it, I believe it should give you a second chance.”

“I- I don’t know if I deserve that..” Are said.

“Drink, That’s a command from your goddess.” Amamikyu pointed at the river, ushering the child to drink up.

Are did as she was told and drank the contents, waking up in her death bed. and of course, waking up from the dead is, yknow, kind of a big deal. So as you could imagine the entire room, then the entire palace, freaked out. Until finally the King and Queen were called to witness the miracle.

“You have been blessed by the spirits, so is the gift of the Onarigami.” The King Said. “You have cheated death itself.”

The King placed a magmatama around Are’s neck as a sign of her spiritual ascension, and that was enough for the concubines to know not to mess with a woman who literally cheated death. She played the role of a Kikoe-Ogmi despite her status, doing ceremonies and blessing people with a long and lasting life.

She actually enjoyed it. Despite her parents disappointment in no marriage or babies with any high ranking officials. Are genuinely was just happy dancing, singing, and doing rituals. The arts of religion and culture were her greatest passion.

However the pressures grew too strong, when not only her family but the entire palace pushed her to have children, to carry on her spiritual success to an heir. And so she reluctantly obliged.

Are fell pregnant with the Kings children, and she was honestly, very nervous. As the months ticked by she felt like anything could go wrong at any moment.. Afraid that someone else would betray her and try and kill her or worse her children again.. She got obsessed with finding ways of protecting herself, lucky charms, spells, trinkets. Until finally her babies were born.

Princess Yuki, and Prince Mizuki. Her babies. Looking at their small little faces she knew she would do anything to protect them. They both grew up with lucky trinkets and protective sigils sewn into their clothes. Are taught both of them how to read and write and how to play music and dance. She tried to give them a normal life despite their royal status.

Her parents, were.. idiots.. to say the least.. They thought since now that they have royal blood in their bloodline they could act high and mighty about it, being disrespectful to everyone in the castle. Are’s reputation was slightly protected due to her status, but the rumors about her family spread throughout the castle like wildfire. Her parents were gravely messing up their con with their own stupidity.

She knew she had to shut them up somehow, She couldn’t let her parents ruin what she had worked so hard to achieve, the life she built for herself, the life she built for her children. So she betrayed her parents, she told the court the truth about their con, and how they were not who they said they were.

She knew that she could play the court like a fiddle if she said the right thing, cried at the right time, played the right part, just like in her dances. And the court spared her and threw her parents out of the castle. Due to her spiritual powers they believed that she was sent here by the gods, despite her parents actions.

Are felt relief, for a little while. She had dodged a bullet. And now her kids are safe..

..Are they safe..?

Are looked at her children, and couldn’t help but feel like there was, a darkness around them. A darkness around her entire family. She didn’t understand why though, She was blessed by her goddess, She was the high priestess of the kingdom. Why did she feel like this?

It was probably all the bad omens, The dead birds that appeared when she was around the King and Queen, water turning into blood, It seemed no matter what Are did, no matter what magic she did or what good luck she tried to acquire nothing worked..

The rest of the palace started to notice the omens, She tried to convince them that she was trying to get rid of them, that it was just temporary. But she saw the doubt in their eyes. The whispers around the palace started to grow bigger and bigger.

“She’s cursed.” One would say. “She’s infected the palace with her madness.” Another would chime.

The Palace was convinced that her magic was nothing more than a fraud. That she is a hysterical mad woman who only was out to ruin the royal family. Are couldn’t believe this.. after everything she had done for them, after all the protection she gave them, after everything she sacrificed.

“It’s probably better if she just gets thrown in the cold palace.” One of the concubines said. “Then nobody would have to deal with her and her cursed children.”

Are, snapped when she heard that. How dare she? How could she say that about her children? About the life she had worked SO hard to create.

She didn’t even realize what she had done until she saw the blood on her hands, and the concubine on the floor unconscious. The guards grabbed her and Are kicked and screamed.

They threw her into the palace prison, Are banged and screamed on the walls of her cage but it was no use. She had messed up. Oh god she had messed up.

Are slid down the wall of her jail cell, she was completely disheveled. Her hair and accessories all askew, her outfit covered in blood. What had she done?

Was it weeks.. days.. months..? How long had she been here? What time is it? There’s no light down here. Are could hardly think straight, everything was fuzzy. She couldn’t focus on anything in the room. Were people in the room? Who knows. She was so dissociated she didn’t know.

“Are no Aji-Ganashi.” A Voice spoke.

Are looked up wearily, she was on the floor of her cell. She saw a priestess with a very stern expression looking down upon her.

Are could barely speak, she just laughed softly. Trying to get up with her weak stature, her legs wobbled as she stood.

The priestess started to speak in hymns and mantras, trying to purify Are of evil. Are knew the spells very well. They wouldn’t work of course. Whoever she was, she didn’t have the gift that Are did.

Are got on her knees in front of the Priestess, grabbing the hem of her skirt and crying into it. Are felt like she wasn’t even in control of her body anymore. She just cried and cried and begged for forgiveness. She screamed she wasn’t evil, please god just let her go.

The Priestess looked at her with disgust, kicking her away from her. She looked to the guards and whispered something and then walked out. Are was alone again. All she could do is cry.

She didn’t know how much time had passed until two guards grabbed her and started to drag her out of her cell. Her vision was blurry and all she could do is let them. She heard a crowd and she heard the sound of chains.

She was tied up to a pole, she looked down at the crowd and saw the King and Queen addressing the audience.

“This woman is cursed. She is an abomination. She charmed us with her wicked ways but she was actually sent by the dark forces. The darkness radiates off of her.” The king said.

The crowd cheered.

“We will not have this curse effect our kingdom, the royal bloodline. So just like her children she will be executed, for the good of the kingdom, for prosperity.”

Are’s ears were ringing. He couldn’t be serious. Did she hear that right? Her children were dead? She was going to die? She was cursed?

No. No. That can’t be right. No.

“Burn the darkness away!” The king ordered the guards.

She felt the heat of the fire, as she desperately tried to escape. She had to escape, she had to save her children, she had to save herself she had to-

She felt a power wash over her, something she had never felt before. And when she screamed out, she saw as all the people around her dropped dead. She laughed manically as the King, Queen, Guards, everyone. Everyone was dead.

The fire slowly consumed her. All she could see was smoke as she lost consciousness..

She woke up, to someone stroking her hair.

She looked and saw, Amamikyu, and a fox. She couldn’t move. Tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You have a knack for getting into trouble little one.” Amamikyu said.

Are couldn’t speak.

The fox slowly pressed a paw on Are’s forehead. She and the creature made eye contact. Are slowly pet their head. The fox was incredibly pleased, wagging their tail.

“My friend wants to give you a gift, my child.” Amamikyu said, scratching Are behind the ears.

“why..” Are could barely speak.

“They like you. Don’t you Inari-San?”

Inari nodded in reply, giving Amamikyu a little yip.

“But for now, you need to rest.” Amamikyu said. “Sleep my child.. You will get your gift when you wake up.”

Are closed her eyes, curling up in her mothers lap. Inari curling up next to her as well.

She fell asleep..

Until 500 years later. Are woke up at the feet of a teenage girl. The little girl had summoned her and the two quickly became the best of friends. They trapped the entire town the girl lived in, in a endless time loop. The same week repeating over and over and over again for the rest of eternity. The kitsune would torture her new human playmates.

She would kill them, burn them, drown them. The two girls were the gods of this little town and they did anything and everything. And the people who lived in the town wouldn't remember. With a snap of Are's fingers she would reset the week and no one would remember anything. The school the two girls attended became a hub for chaos and debauchery. Occasionally, Are would forget to loop the week. causing time to pass forward ever so slowly. The students quickly adapted and only the strongest people were able to survive in the kitsune's game.

This went on for years. They never grew up, attending the same school, and fighting for their lives week after week.. Until the Kitsune started to get bored. It was fun at first, the constant chaos and being completely in control. But nothing new happened. You can only kill humans in so many different ways before it starts getting boring.

She would watch her classmates real lives, when she wasn't controlling them and she realized that they created their own drama without any of her input and it was so fun and interesting. She almost just wanted them to live their own lives to see what would happen. Like watching an ant farm or a fish tank.

Eventually. She broke the timeloop, much to the disappointment of her best friend, and set her puppets free. But as she slowed down. She felt this pang in her chest that she had never felt before.. Guilt.. The guilt for what she had done began to slowly consume her. Until she went back into her old habits. Terrorizing, killing and then looping back. She couldn't sit still because if she did.. then the guilt would come back.

So she stayed the same. Just as she always has.

Because that's what she's supposed to do. right?

[tikitsune]

So uh here's something.

Warning: Arranged marriage, forced, SA

Character: Xiao x gn!reader (platonic or romantic you decide)

*let me know what you think and if I missed any warnings*

Pt. 2 here

~

As a child, you saw many things normal people shouldn't. Ghost, ghouls, yokai, spirits, things that normal people shouldn't.

With parents that stay at Wangshuu Inn, you would often explore. The balcony, where you met a certain yaksha, was your favorite place to go.

Not only the view, but you relished in the feeling of being protected. Nothing to close, just the feeling of distant protection.

It's always been there, even when you didn't know you needed it. A comforting shoulder one day, cold the next. And yet, it always kept coming back, like a magnet.

It came time when you were at a maritable age and the first thing your parents did was marry you off.

A disgusting person, your fiance was, would go missing for the night and return the next morning with a huge grin on their face. Tried to touch you in ways that should be consented to but stopped trying after you kicked them where the sun doesn't shine (or stomach for females ig). Not hard enough to make them infertile but you wished you had the strength for that.

The comforting shoulder you once had, was now distant. There was still that distant protection but nothing else.

~

The day of your wedding came, spirits and ghosts of the the theater and nobility helped you with your makeup, looks of sadness and despair on their faces. They knew, everyone of the unnormalities you could see that you did not want this, but alas you were forced.

The threat of the murder of your cousins despite them both having visions, haunted you. You knew that Shenhe and Chongyun could handle themselves but the isolation and the unwell relationship between the children and the adults of the family made you feel uneasy.

It was soon time, your wedding had none of the traditional wedding rituals that a normal Liyuean wedding had. Only a ceremony and that was it.

It came time, to a door that you did not want to walk through. You clasped you hands one last time. "Xiao, I know you won't answer, but just know that you mean the world to me. Thank you for accompanying me when I was younger, but this will be the last time we talk. Thank you again."

And soon the bells rang...

~

To be conti.

[iicytodoroki]

Kitsune! Miya Osamu x Inari Shrine Maiden! Reader (1/10)

A/N: hope you guys enjoy, it’s been awhile; also if any of you want me to continue/would like to see more of a fic i did hmu bc imma just end up doing it at a relatively slow pace, bc the goshiki smau and kageyama fic are gonna be focused on first. 

masterlist 

White puffs of air came out of your mouth as you hear the soft crunch of foliage beneath your feet. The incline of steps up to your family shrine has been more rigorous than you thought. The cold was biting at the tips of your fingers as you carried the tray of food your Obaa-san told you to make, which was specifically favored by the yokai. 

“Yn my dear, I need you to cook for the shrine’s god until I get better,” Obaa-san weakly asked you.

Before you could respond, one of the monks from the entrance tried to interject, “But Ishida-san, why won’t you let one of us the monks do it? We have tended to the shrine--”

“No, an Ishida has always been the one cooking and providing the offerings to the god since the beginning,” your grandmother said sternly.

The monk’s demeanor became more quiet and reluctantly accepting the fact that a young, inexperienced lady will be doing such an important task; especially with the shrine’s festival approaching. 

“Yn, you already know what you must do, and do so very respectfully, the god is also responsible for our region’s prosperity.”

Now here you were, three hours later from cooking the special rice, fried tofu with rice, and sake. The long-traditional clothing you had to wear did not help with each step you took. The beautiful silk and layers did help with the movement and warmth, but it was nothing compared to your comfortable clothing. 

The sun was gradually setting and the lanterns littering the pathway up to the shrine became more prominent. When you turn the corner, you see the shrine up ahead. As you take a pause, you hear the swift air from the edge of the trees. It was like déjå vu. 

You were walking next to your grandmother in your traditional attire, trying to keep up going up those enormous steps. 

“Come now yn, your Oji-san will be performing the ceremony soon,” Obaa-san said. 

When you both reach the leveled ground of the shrine atop the expansive hill, your eyes widen at the beautiful decorations for the ceremonial event later that night. 

A quick rustling was heard from your right, but your [e/c] orbs were not able to catch the sharp grey eyes in the distance.

As night befell, the soft glow of the red lanterns reflected on the orange and yellow leaves from the trees above. Your Obaa-san and Oji-san were busy attending to the monks, guests, and running the festival. Since the town knew you and there were monks all around, surely you would be safe to run off for some deserts?

“Here are some coins to buy yourself takoyaki or candy-apples,” grandmother said as she gave you a red fish pouch, “But! You must stay near the monks’ vision and near the shrine’s vicinity.”

You eagerly nodded your head in a cute way, causing the elder to softly chuckle at your excitement of sweets. 

“Okay Tsubaki, you don’t have too many sweets,” Oji-san said, “and make sure your ‘tsubaki’ doesn’t fall off your little head.” As the said man re-clipped the camellia flower and patted your head.

You smiled at your nickname and quickly turned to run towards the stands and games. The tapping of your sandals being a huge giveaway to the elders at how happy you were finally out of their sight. 

You stood at the beginning of the torii gates towards leading to the actual building of the shrine. At each step you take, you became a little more...uneasy. You didn’t want to risk whipping your head side-to-side at the possibility the god deems it disrespectful. So, your only way was to rely on your peripheral vision and minuscule glances. However, there was nothing you could see until everything was being swallowed by the dark shadows along the trees. There was only the gust of a warm breeze keeping you company. Wait, a warm breeze? In autumn?

Stuck in your thoughts, you didn’t notice you were already halfway into the courtyard of the shrine. When reaching the entrance, you set down the offerings and began your prayer. While kneeling and reciting the prayers with your eyes closed, a beautiful man with three red lines on each cheek, in a white hakama with red camellias decorating it. Nine-tails were following behind the tall, built man and his eyes were targeting your back. 

Once you finished your prayers to the go, you scooted back (still facing forward) to reach the edge of the entrance, instead you collided with a pair of legs. You looked up to see grey eyes staring at you accompanied with a soft smirk on the handsome man’s face. Immediately you shot up on your feet and asked, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

“I should ask you that, what are you doing here in my shrine,” he cooly replied.

That’s when you saw his grey nine-tails swirling behind him in aggravation and his whole aura emitting supernatural power. You were about to deeply apologize, but your body was frozen in place. Huh? 

The man -- or god -- sniffed the air and walked passed you towards the offerings you had made. He grabbed one of the inari-zushi and took a pleased bite, but then quickly laid his eyes on you. 

“You made this,” he said more as a statement than a question; he was gesturing towards the tofu in his hand and the tray nearby. You felt something lift and was able to slowly nod your head. He hummed in acknowledgement to put the food back and stride over to you.

“What happened to that old woman? The food smells different from how it’s usually done.”

 It seems you were granted permission to speak so you said, “She is ill right now, so I have replicated and will be performing the offerings until she is better.”

He continued to stare at you, making you uncomfortable, but you couldn’t help it to stare somewhere that's not those beautiful smokey grey eyes. Then his face was suddenly at the crook of your next, sniffing you. Frozen and wide-eyes at what he could do to you, you became stiff as a board.

“You smell,” he sniffs again, “familiar.” He was then face-to-face with you. You blush at the close proximity of the man.

“I-I am the granddaughter of the Ishida family who takes care of this shrine.” You finally had the courage to look up at him and that’s when you took notice of his ears, his right ear kept folding and unfolding in what seems to be curiosity.

Candy-apple in hand, you walked around the grounds greeting visitors and monks. Bored that there weren’t many children now at this time of night, you decided to turn back to find one of your grandparents. That’s when you noticed a boy who looked to be around you age of five. He seemed startled to have made eye contact with you and went into the dark woods. 

“Hey wait! It’s really dark now!” you exclaimed trying to get him back. You ended up following him until you saw him half hiding behind a tree. 

He seems kind of scared, you thought. 

“Do, do you wanna try my candy apple?”

Without saying a word, he continued to stare between you and the treat. He slowly emerged from behind the said tree. In the moonlight you can see the eight-tails behind him, short and fluffy. On top of his head were pointed ears, one kept slowly folding and unfolding as he got closer. 

When he is finally within arms reach, you stretch out your hand to give him the candy-apple. 

“Here, try it, it's really sweet!” while giving him an innocent smile. He slowly took the treat from your hand and took a bite. A growing blush and grin at the corner of his face appeared. Pleased with yourself, you smiled back.

“Um, my name is Ishida Yn,” you continued, “What’s yours? Or what are--”

“YNNNN! YNNN!”

“Oh! They’re looking for me,” you realized how much trouble you were going to be when they find you coming out of the woods. 

“I’m sorry, but I have to go,” you bowed in apology knowing he is not an average human.

Running off to the lights in the distance, you didn’t turn back to see the boy smile at your carefree nature.

Remembering the flashback from your childhood, you stared back at the knowing grey eyes.

“Yn…”

[petri808]

A Forgotten Email

Finale. I don’t think it’s as long as the first two parts, but has a New Years Eve twist 😊.   Happy New Year Everyone!

Part 1 Part 2  modern InuKag AU.  it’s a little rushed, but I really wanted to get this posted tonight.  

The rocky beginnings of their introduction were all but a distant memory for Inuyasha and Kagome.  It hadn’t gone from weeds to roses over night, but at least they got along now, and the relationship was a slow bloom in progress much to the delight of certain individuals.  Toga was pleased with Kagome as both an employee and possible love interest for his son.  The girl was smart, sweet, but feisty.  Now that they were on a good track, Toga backed off to watch from a distance.

“Everything’s been set up Toga,” Kagome began reading off her clipboard.  “Caterer, bartender, servers, decorating company, music, and invitations have gone out this morning.”

“Well done Kagome!” He sits back in his chair with a smile. “Our annual New Year’s Eve Gala has always been popular with our clients and employees, but with your skills, I believe this will be the best one yet!”

Kagome blushes. “You flatter me too much. I’m just doing my best.”

He chuckles, “I speak no lies. Over the years, I’ve had many secretaries, but you are in the top three.”

Her eyebrow raises, amused. “And it has nothing to do with me dating your son?”

Toga feigns shock, “of course not!”

She laughs, knowing that a tiny bit of it lays with that fact.  “Okay boss.  If that will be all, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“That would be all.”

In the two weeks leading up to the party, there were a lot of things to take care of for the business.  It was customary for the company to close from January 1st and reopen on the 4th to allow employees to celebrate according to tradition.  The party was to usher in good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, but also kick start the short vacation.  Being closed for so many days, all orders needed to be filled, pending contracts taken care of, and end-of-year financial balancing completed.  Everyone was running around and working hard to get it all done.  

The one downside was the fact Kagome couldn’t see Inuyasha as often as she’d have liked.  Working through lunches, one would work late, but not the other, didn’t allow for much personal time.  Most days she was tired and just wanted to sleep so she’d be fine the next day.  But it couldn’t be helped because of their positions.  This was her first time having such heavy responsibilities, though it was nice to know her boss appreciated what she did.  

‘Did you get your dress yet?’  Inuyasha messages Kagome a week before the party through the intra-office system.

‘Not yet.  I was going shopping this weekend to find one.  Why?’

‘It’s not me.  My… mom did.’

‘Your mom??’

‘She wants to take you shopping, something about making it a girl’s day.’

‘…..’

‘I know.  Want me to have her call you?’

‘Um.  Okay.’

‘Cool.  BTW how is the report coming?’

‘Bringing it down by lunchtime.’

‘Perfect…’

Within 15 minutes of logging off with Inuyasha, Kagome’s cellphone rings.  It was his mother, Izayoi.  A sweet and sprightly woman that Kagome adored from the moment she met her, and it was obvious the feeling was mutual.  Izayoi insisted on taking her out on Saturday to do her nails and find a dress for the gala, saying something about the whole family matching.  Of course, Kagome tried to respectfully decline. She didn’t want to appear as though she were taking advantage of them, but Izayoi swiftly dismissed the girls worry.  A mom always wants the best for her son, the woman had put it, and as far as she was concerned, Kagome was already a part of their family.  Kagome spent the rest of the afternoon wondering just what did Izayoi have planned.

Asking Inuyasha was of no help.  That evening during a late dinner, the man simply shrugged his shoulders and said his mom knew his clothing size and would have his outfit prepared and ready before the dinner.  He had no idea what it would look like.  Oh well, it wasn’t such a bad thing, Kagome guessed.  Based on everything Inuyasha had told her, and from her own knowledge of the woman, Izayoi had good tastes, so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

The rest of the week blows by soon enough.  Things at the company were moving right on schedule.  All the orders that needed to be filled would be finished with time to spare, and the accounting department was finishing up the reports.  The business had done well that year, finishing with a net profit that exceeded their annual projections.  In fact, aside from just having a lot to juggle, the only real issue that came up was the caterer unable to find a specific new year’s ingredient.  Luckily for Kagome, and with Toga’s approval, they were able to find and fly it in from another country.  Crisis averted.  

On Saturday morning, Izayoi picks Kagome up around 10am.  First, they had any early lunch to fuel their plans for the day.  Next stop was nails, pedicures, and facials.  Kagome had to admit that it was a nice, relaxing break.  It had been awhile since she’s ever had the works done like this.  In fact, the last time was probably back when she and Sango were still in college as a way to de-stress after finals.  She wasn’t very fond of wearing fake nails, preferring to keep hers short to make typing easier, but for the holiday, it would look nicer.  So, when it came time to choose the style or color, Kagome allowed Izayoi take the reins.  A white base with reddish and gold accents, perfect for the New Year’s good luck tradition.

It was at that point, as the chauffer drove them to their final destination, that Izayoi told Kagome of the type of dress she was hoping to find.  

“Back in the old days,” the older female muses, “we would wear fancy kimono and elegant head pieces to such events.  But times are different now.”

“Really?”  Kagome tips her head in confusion.  It was becoming rare in these modern times for women to dress up in such a way except for very special events.  She knew they may don kimono or yukata to attend New Year’s church ceremonies, but headpieces too?  

Izayoi chuckles, “well, I was a Princess during those times, so it was expected of us.”

“Princess?!”  

“Oh,” the woman laughs, her eyes crinkling in amusement, “Toga didn’t tell you anything about me?”

Kagome shakes her head.

Izayoi sits back, looking up as if in contemplation.  “My memory sometimes fails me, but that was about 300 years ago.  Life was very different back then, so much simpler.  It took some getting used to all the change’s but having my family around makes it easier.”  

Kagome’s jaw drops.  She knew the yokai world was very different from the human one, but Izayoi was also human.  How could she be over 300 years old?!  The surprised expression spread across her face made Inuyasha’s mother laugh.  

“My dear, you really had no idea, did you?”  

Again, Kagome shakes her head enthusiastically.  

“Yokai age very, very slowly.  On the rare occasion that they fall in love with a human, certain things must be done so that the human can be with them.”  She places a hand on Kagome’s knee.  “I will let Inuyasha explain more in due time, but just know that yes,” Izayoi chuckles again, “I am much older than I look.”

“Wow….  I sometimes wondered what would happen.  I mean, I knew Inuyasha ages differently from me, but I never really thought about the future and how it would affect us.”

Izayoi’s eyes crinkle, happy with Kagome’s words and tone.  She could tell this girl was falling in love with her son but didn’t want to be too nosy.  If it was meant to last, it will.  When her husband Toga had first told her about Kagome, she hadn’t wanted to hold out too much hope.  Her son rarely ever showed any interests in a female, nor did many stick-around because of his personality.  Toga spoke very highly of the young woman their son was seeing, but it was only after 6 months of dating, did she decide to see who this Kagome was for herself.  Needless to say, she had been pleasantly surprised.

“Does it feel better to know, things will be fine?”

“Yes,” Kagome exhales.

“I’m happy to hear that.”

The two women search through a couple of high-end stores before finding just the right dresses, not only for Kagome, but Izayoi as well.  After that, they stop at a tailor and pick up the custom suits Izayoi had ordered for Toga and Inuyasha.  She explained, that because of the men’s physiques, it was easier to have the suits made for them.  Kagome could understand that.  Inuyasha and Toga both had large, broad chests and shoulders, that if the shirt and jacket were not cut well, it would be extremely tight and uncomfortable to wear.

As Izayoi drops Kagome off at her apartment, she leaves with one final, and uncompromising message.  “Our driver will pick you up at 2pm next Tuesday.”

“But the dinner isn’t until 6pm.”

Izayoi grins, “hair and makeup, my dear, takes time to perfect.”  She winks, “see you then!  And tell my son nothing, I want you to be a surprise.”

Kagome stands on the sidewalk, watching the car drive away.  Oh boy, she chuckles and shakes her head with a small smile.  A surprise for Inuyasha?  It was true, this’ll be the first time he’ll see her dressed up in a gown.  A beautiful gown, and one that would have taken her a month’s salary to afford on her own.  She found it amusing and endearing how much effort his mother was putting into this party attire, but she guessed it was to be expected to want the best for one’s child.

For the next two days, it wasn’t easy keeping her word to Izayoi, when a certain Hanyo son was constantly bugging her to know what his mother had said or done during their Saturday shopping trip.  Kagome did her best, simply saying they’d had a great time doing girly things.  Inuyasha whined that his mom was meddling, but Kagome shrugged it off.  That’s what mothers do sometimes.  At least in this case, it wasn’t personally intrusive, but rather quite sweet.  

On the morning of New Year’s Eve, Kagome wakes up by 8am and readies herself for the day because it was going to be a long one.  She gathers everything she’ll need, expecting to not get home until the wee hours of New Year’s Day.  And sure enough, Izayoi’s driver is parked outside of her building at 2pm on the dot.

Kagome gets into the car, where Izayoi greets her and explains they’ll be going to a private salon to prepare for the evening.  There, they’ll be dressed, have their hair and makeup done, and any other last-minute touch-ups made.  The place was nothing like any salon Kagome had ever seen before!  The most she’s ever spent on her hair was a few dollars to trim it, and well makeup was something she barely wore.  It was all new experiences for the young woman who’s never had someone dress her before.

Three hours fly by quickly, and before Kagome knew it, they were ready to make the drive to the hotel where the company party was being held at.  When they arrive, Izayoi ushers her into a side room.

“Wait, but I’m in charge of making sure things are set up for the party.”  Kagome insists on not staying in the room.  

“It’s fine, I asked Miroku to step in for now.  I don’t want you to appear in the ballroom until Inuyasha arrives.”

Oh geez, this woman really was hell-bent on surprising her son.  

“Shouldn’t be much longer, I promise.  Toga texted me that they are on their way now.”  

A few minutes later, Izayoi’s phone ping’s and she leaves the room.  Meanwhile Kagome waits, pacing the floor.  She knew that Miroku was capable, but if anything goes wrong, it was her responsibility to take care of it.  Everything wrong that could happen funnels through her mind causing her anxiety to rise, so after 10 minutes, Kagome is tired of waiting.  She stomps over to the door and swings it open, running right smack into Inuyasha.

“Kagome?!”

“Inuyasha?!”

Seconds tick by when a staring contest ensues, neither able to tear their eyes away.  It was like seeing each other for the first time.  Turns out, Izayoi’s surprise swung both ways.

“Wow… you look so beautiful Kagome.”  Inuyasha was stunned.  The red dress seemed made for her.  Its smooth fabric hugging her hourglass frame like it was molded to her body, while the skirt flowed free right at the thigh to allow movement.  The strapless, boned corset top snuggly held her bosoms and showed… a little too much of her milky skin.  Not too much for him, oh no, too much for other males prying eyes.  Kagome’s hair was pinned up on one side with a decorative hair pin and miniature kanzashi pick, while the other side was twisted and wind-swept to fall in light curls draping over her shoulder.              

Her face heats up into a blush.  “You look pretty handsome yourself Inuyasha.”  His white, double-breasted suit with red handkerchief in the pocket cut was cut in immaculate fashion.  That tailor had really outdone themselves.  A matching tie, and his hair polished and pulled into a high ponytail completed the masterpiece.    

Inuyasha reaches out to cradle her cheek, gently running his fingers over her skin.  He holds her gaze, and Kagome her breath as he leans in…

“Ah hem.”  The pair stop and turn to the voice of Toga Inutaisho.  “As much as I’d like to leave you two alone, that belongs for midnight.”  He snickers, “we have guests arriving.”

“Oh hun,” Izayoi chuckles quietly, “there’s nothing wrong with one kiss.”  She was thrilled to see that her work brought the results she’d been hoping for.

Toga laughs and sweeps in his own wife around the waist, placing a quick kiss on her lips.  “Tis true my love.  Alright kids, just make it quick.”

As soon as Inuyasha’s parents leave them alone again, Kagome looks back to see Inuyasha with the most pissed off look, and one she hasn’t seen since the day they’d met.  She giggles, for yes, she couldn’t agree more.

“Hey,” she turns Inuyasha’s face to hers.  “The moment hasn’t left… yet.”

“But that prick just had to interrupt….”

“Inuyasha…”

He stops whining, “yes?”

Kagome giggles again.  “Will you just shut up and kiss me.”        

The hanyo’s ears perk up and a wide grin reappears.  “Screw the party and lock the doors cause imma kiss you till the clock strikes midnight…” 

[akumatsuno]

Demon World Lore

Where does he come from?

Aku comes from the demon world. This place is not Hell as Humans call it. It is world much like the world of humans but in another plane of existence. It’s on Earth, but a parallel Earth. It’s a very old fashioned place however, much like the yokai depicted in traditional Japanese art and the like. They like their ways and don’t intend to change any time soon. If they are in dire need to interact with more modern things, then, they go to the human world. The demon world is mainly separated in different biomes of elemental affinities. Fire demons and spirits will usual stay in the fire biomes, the water ones to the water biomes, etc. The are a few major cities where demons from all affinities gather. They use these cities mainly as marketplaces or for leisure. The common currency there is gold, but trade and barter is highly used and encouraged. (they say if you have tons of cucumbers you should seek out to trade with the kappas. They’ll give you a good deal.)

Food in the demon world

The denizens of the place eat the local fruit and vegetables as well as the local fauna. The food there is different from human food for it doesn’t nourish the body, since they don’t need that, instead it feeds their soul and spirit energy. It is said that if a human stays too long in the demon world and eats too much of their food that they will either die or become a demon. Legends say that lesser demons originally came to be because some humans stayed for too long and became demons. Humans can still eat demon world food though. It's not poison and will sustain their human bodies.

Demon hierarchy

There are different types of demon and they all have clans. They each have their own rules, but usually when in cities they all follow the universal rules of don’t cause shit and kill each other. Lesser demons are the weakest category of demons there is in this world. They are large in numbers however, and most of the world’s population are lesser demons. Then it is the greater demons. With their larger size and power they are usually feared and respected. Most of them become guards or enforcers of the law in the cities. Then, comes the Archdemons. Considered legends since they are so rare and never seen that some demon clans even consider them deities. They say there is only 1 Archdemon for each elemental affinity.

Life cycle of a demon

Demons are born from eggs made out of a small part of each parent’s soul. The eggs must be kept in the right biome that it was made in. If not the egg will die. They say this happens because the spirit of nature helps create the egg with the elemental powers in the area it was created in. Hatching time varies with demon species, the norm seems to be 2 months. Once hatched, a little demon youngling emerges and is soon on its feet trying to learn about the world. Since demon children grow very fast, their parents usually do not clothe them. This is seen as normal behavior. Tailors or richer demons may sometimes clothe their children for special occasions like a festival or the like. by year 4 they are considered teenagers and would soon become an adult within the next year. A demon’s look can vary greatly from childhood to adulthood, since when they are an adult they have a better grasp of their elemental powers and spiritual energy.

Once an adult a demon may find a mate with whom they will perform the Bond of Souls ceremony. The ceremony is the equivalent to Human marriage. If they are both from two different elemental affinities, then they would decide in which biome to build their home and live their lives together.

Demons are near immortal, but they will die of old age after a very, very long time. Demons can also be killed. When in the demon world, anything harmful will hurt them. In contrast, while in the human world, only blessed items may harm a demon. If a demon were to get hurt in the human world, their wound would quickly heal. When a demon dies, there is no body left behind. The demon becomes spiritual energy and return to the earth to be taken in by the spirit of nature.

Demonic culture

Demons have their own fair share of traditions and legends. One is the legends of what happens when a demon dies. Where they are taken back to the spirit of nature.

One ceremony they have is the Bond of Souls where two demons take a small part of their souls and let their mate consume it. It is their way of assuring that there always a small part of them with them no matter where they go. It also gives the two participating demons a new sixth sense about the other. If one is hurt or in grave danger, the other will sense it go find them.

The language of flowers, much like the one in the human world, is very well known and more or less common knowledge for demons. Flowers are widely used to show another demon your feelings. To gift a demon flowers is a very strong emotional act. Be sure you know what the flowers mean before you give a demon flowers. You could accidentally insult them or confess your undying love.

Elemental Affinities

The demon world houses 8 elemental affinities. Nature, Water, Fire, Earth, Ice, Air, Lightning and Shadow. Each affinity has at least one biome for it. Water is the one with the most biomes since any large body of water is usually considered a Water biome.

Nature

Forests, grassy plains and flowered meadows.

Is highly revered for it is the element that is closest to the spirit of nature deity. Though the Nature biome is pretty large, there aren’t that many nature Demons or Spirits.

 Nature demons or spirits are the most knowledgeable about medicine.

Water

Large lakes, large rivers, swamps and oceans.

Water is the biggest and most wide spread biome, since any large mass of water is then considered a biome for said element.

Water demons and spirits are highly magical, since many of them need to use their manipulation of water to allow them to travel on land. (think merpeople) 

Water demons and spirits are usually fishermen, supplying the world with an abundant amount of fish. The ones that live near the Earth or Nature Biomes tend to the rice paddies, supplying the world with rice.

Fire

Volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and deserts.

Fire is a very strong element, respected and feared for its destructive power. Though the fire biome is pretty small, their residents are strong.

They say that the Archdemon of fire is the strongest of them all.

 Many fire demons and Spirits become blacksmiths and supply the world with most of its metallurgic needs.

Earth

Farmland, mountains and mines.

Earth is the second largest and most spread biome. Earth tends to make it denizens strong willed, but patient. Caring and kind, but immovable when defending their loved ones, Earth residents are a force to be respected.

Many Earth demons and Spirits are farmers and miners. Using their expertise about the soil and minerals to supply the world with their need of food and ore. Some also become potters which satisfy anyone’s storage needs.

Ice

Snow peaks, glaciers, ice flows and tundra.

Ice is the most secluded of the biomes.

The Ice ones tend to keep to themselves and do not mingle much with clans from other biomes much.

Great hunters and resilient to harsh weather, they are the clan to rely on when you are in a pinch if you’ve befriend them.

Many Ice Demon and Spirits are hunters that dry or smoke their meat for sale. Some also raise great wooly beasts and create intricately beautiful fabric with the spun wool.

Air

Cliffs and valleys.

Air is a pretty small biome, but a very connected and friendly one.

Free spirited and friendly, they are usually the first to welcome a stranger.

 Since many of the Air demons and spirits have wings and the gift of flight, they are the ones running the postal system in the demon world.

heir use of windmills is unparalleled.

They are also known to be great kite makers.

Lightning

Any large city in the demon world is in a Lightning biome.

Lightning demons are hard workers and fast thinkers. They are known to be the inventors and builders of the demon world. 

With their inventions and techniques, they are the ones to harvest honey from hives or silk from silk worms.

Shadow

Dark forests and caves.

Shadow is the one with the worst reputation, but all isn’t what it seems to be in the Shadow biome.

It is always dark there and the night sky is always visible. The stars also shine the brightest for those in a Shadow biome, making then great diviners and astrologers.

The shadow biome isn’t that void of light for there are plants and mushrooms there that emit a soft glow. 

Other than being good with the stars, Shadow demons and spirits are the best lantern makers.

[monkeyandelf]

Notable demons who terrorized the ancient world

Storytellers tell stories of ancient demons that have ravaged humanity since time immemorial. In the Middle Ages, people were so fascinated and frightened by these supernatural entities that entire books were devoted to the list of demonic creatures, the areas of life they influenced and how to protect themselves from them.

Lilith: ancient demon, black deity or sexual goddess?

Lilith, satanic angel. (CC BY-NC 2.0) Lilith is one of the oldest known female spirits in the world. Its roots come from the epic of Gilgamesh and it has also been described in the Bible and the Talmud. Lilith's name comes from the Sumerian word "lilitu", which meant a wind spirit or a female demon. From the beginning of its textual existence, it was linked to Sumerian witchcraft. In the Babylonian Talmud, Lilith was described as a dark spirit with an uncontrollable and dangerous sexuality. She would have fertilized with male sperm to create hundreds of demons. In Jewish tradition, she is a notorious demon, but in some other sources, she appears as the first woman created on Earth. According to legend, God formed Lilith in the same way as he created Adam, except that instead of pure dust, he also used dirt and residue. Lilith was also known in the culture of the Hittites, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Israelis and the Romans. Later, she migrated to northern Europe. It represented chaos, sexuality and would have cast spells on people. Its legend is also linked to the first vampire stories .

Detail from a modern illustration of Yuki-onna. ( CC BY SA) The legend of Yuki-onna (the snow woman) comes from Japanese legends. She is part of the long list of so-called "yokai" - supernatural creatures known as monsters, demons, spirits or other mythical beings. Yuki-onna is believed to live in places with snow-capped mountains where she feeds on the energy of human life and regular food. It feeds on travelers lost in heavy snowstorms. It draws human life force from the mouths of its victims in its own, freezing them solidly. With ageless white skin that is as cold as ice herself, Yuki-onna would have incredibly deep eyes and beautiful long black or white hair. Although Yuki-onna may fall in love, marry and live among humans, she will never age and her identity will eventually be revealed, therefore most legends say that Yuki-onna chooses to stay near mountain roads and to attack travelers.

Spring Heeled Jack, the uncatchable demon of Victorian England

Spring Heeled Jack as represented by an anonymous artist. ( Public domain ) It is not certain that Spring Heeled Jack was a man or a beast. Witnesses report that he has long, pointed nails that almost looked like claws. His eyes had a crazy look at them that some said was glowing when he was about to strike. Whenever city dwellers attempted to catch him, he easily escaped, running quickly through crowded alleys, jumping over fences and disappearing into the night as if he were a ghost. The Spring Heeled Jack was first seen in 1837 and has continued for decades. In particular, he looked for young women, but the damage he caused affected all kinds of ordinary people. As the story of this creature of darkness spread, its attributes became more demonic. Reports have indicated that he has horns and a pointed goat, that he can jump over roofs and that he can breathe fire. Despite all the terror he caused, Jack did little harm other than reports of ragged clothes, hysteria and heart attacks. In the 1880s, Spring Heeled Jack was overshadowed by a much more lethal villain, Jack the Ripper. The legacy of the jumping devil lives on in popular imagination to this day, most notably in the playful little toy known as Jack-in-the-Box.

Uncovering the true identity of the Jersey Devil

Jersey Devil. (pyro-helfier / Deviant Art ) Jersey Devil’s history places it at the height of puzzling crypto-zoological mysteries. It has confused and fascinated audiences for hundreds of years. The creature is often described as a flying bipedal cryptid with hooves, but there are many conflicting opinions as to its actual appearance. The common description of eyewitnesses is that it looks like a creature resembling a kangaroo, but with the head of a horse, leathery bat wings and long bird legs, claws, hooves, a face hideous and a tail fork. Several people have even said that his body looked like an alligator. It has been reported to move quickly and has often been described as uttering a "blood-chilling cry". Eyewitnesses say he hops around like a bird. It has been called a variety of different nicknames such as flying death, kangaroo horse, flying horse, cowherd and a prehistoric lizard. From January 16 to 23, 1909, the state of New Jersey experienced a major paranormal event, it was seen in person by thousands of people, schools were closed and factories closed temporarily for fear. He is said to have lived in the Barrens of Pines in southern New Jersey and was named official demon of the state in New Jersey in 1939.

Krampus, son of Hel: Punishment of the devil and the Christmas child

Krampus, the Christmas devil. ( CC BY SA 2.0 ) The Krampus tradition is popular in countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. The name derives from the German word krampen , which means claw. He has a "mutilated, disturbed face with bloodshot eyes atop a hairy black body. Giant horns wrap around his head, showing his half goat, half demon line. "(Billock, 2015) According to legend, Krampus is the son of the Norse goddess Hel, ruler of Helheim (the Nordic kingdom of the dead). Krampus is a counterpart to other Christmas demons such as the Frenchman Hans Trapp and the Dutchman Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). Along with other pagan traditions, Krampus mingled at Christmas as Christianity spread across Eastern Europe. About 1,500 years ago, Krampus became the counterpart of Saint Nicholas. On the night of December 5 to 6, Saint Nicholas walks around, leaving small gifts in the shoes and boots of children who have behaved well. Just behind, Krampus, which leaves a rod in the skin of naughty children. Krampus carries a bundle of birch sticks with which he strikes especially bad kids. The worst offenders he stuffs in a bag and drags them to his lair where they are likely to be eaten. In the 12th century, the Catholic Church began its work to eradicate this pagan devil. Christians were fairly successful in banishing the Krampus until it reappeared in a consumer crisis of the 19th century.

Incubi and Succubi: overwhelming nightmares and sex-hungry demons

The nightmare ‘(1781) by Johann Heinrich Füssli. ( Public domain) Known by many names around the world and over time, various cultures have spoken of vampire-like demons that feed on human energy and attack their victims at night. Two of the popular names in English for these entities are Incubus and Succubus (plural Incubi and Succubi) - demons who attack their victims by pressing them, often while sexually assaulting them. Incubus is the male form of the demon. The name of this demon comes from the late Latin "Incubo" which means "nightmare" which originates from the Latin word "incubare", to "lie". This description is well suited to what the Incubus does to its victims - it lies (or "crushes") them. They are said to be very difficult to remove once they have chosen a victim. These demons supposedly can change shape, so their appearance differs, although they are often said to resemble humans. It has been said that the Incubi may be particularly physically attractive to their victims. The succubus ("spiritual wife" or "lying under") is the feminine form of an Incubian demon. The accounts of these demons appear in the ancient Akkadian, Sumerian and Greek texts. The princess of demons is called Nahemah. Succubi have often been described as women of exceptional beauty, but sometimes with bats or other wings of flying animals on their backs. As with the Incubi, the Succubi attack their victims at night and would also prefer victims with a religious spirit. The Succubi are looking for sleeping men and are said to be draining their blood, breathing, vital energy and sperm - until the victim can die.

Baphomet? Was the evil demon truly worshiped by the Templars

Tarot card representing Baphomet, detail. ( wimage72 / Fotolia) The first known reference to Baphomet dates back to a letter written by a French crusader in 1098. According to the crusader, the Muslims of the Holy Land called on a certain "Baphometh" before the battle. It is commonly accepted today that this name is a corruption of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. European Christians at the time viewed Islam as the worship of Muhammad, which they viewed as idolatry. The evolution of Baphomet continued in 1307, when the powerful Templars were suppressed in France. Some of the Templars admitted to worshiping an idol, it seems that their accounts were inconsistent. For example, some claimed that the idol was the severed head of St. John the Baptist, while others claimed that it was the statue of a three-faced cat. It was not until 1854 that Baphomet became the goat-headed character we know today. It was Eliphas Levi, a French ceremonial magician, who reinvented Baphomet as a figure he called the "sabbatical goat". Levi’s Baphomet was adopted by the famous occultist, Aleister Crowley. It was Crowley who linked Baphomet to Satan and linked this icon to the idea of ​​suppressed knowledge and secret worship. Thus, in opposition to traditional Christian thought, Crowley argued that Satan was not the enemy of mankind, but his ally.

Were the worshipers of the Egyptian god following a god or a demon?

Seth (Set) Left, and Horus. (Niedlich, S / CC BY SA 2.0 ) Set (Seth) is an ancient Egyptian god depicted with the head of an unknown animal designated by Egyptologists as an "animal Set". The ancient Egyptians believed that Set was the god of chaos, the wilderness, storms and darkness. He was venerated mainly in Upper Egypt from the pre-dynastic period. Originally, he was believed to be a benevolent god who lived in the underworld and was responsible for helping the dead to reach heaven, although he was later considered to be an evil god during the conflict with Horus. The disciples of Horus triumphed over those of Set, thereby demonizing Set. Another theory suggests that Set became associated with the Hyksos invaders who conquered the Nile Delta and, by the time of the second intermediate period, Set had become regarded as a malicious deity. As the god of the desert, Set was also considered the antithesis of everything that represented life. However, it was not entirely bad, in some myths the gods used Set's force and power for good. The best known of these is Set’s role as the defender of Ra’s solar boat. Each night, as the solar boat made its journey through the Underworld, Set fought Apep, the serpent of chaos. Set is often depicted as standing on the prow of the sun boat, and spearing Apep.

The shocking demon who brings the plague and devours babies

Manananggal, mythical creature from the Philippines. ( Public domain ) Rangda embodies power - she is electrifying, dangerous and from another world. She has protruding eyes, large hanging breasts and a long red tongue hanging down her body. Her mouth is full of big teeth and curved fangs; her nails are extended to long pointed claws, and her shaggy mop of gray hair hangs down her back. Rangda's legends include his taste for eating children as well as for causing illness and plague. Although she may have been an ancient goddess, Rangda is now identified as a wicked demonic queen. However, Rangda is also considered a protective force in certain parts of Bali. In the Barong dance, part of the ritual drama that focuses on the ongoing battle between good and evil, Barong represents good and Rangda represents evil. The Barong protects the villages from the plague and malicious magic, while Rangda is the one who inflicts these plagues and these difficulties. Top image: Ancient Demons: Manananggal, mythical creature from the Philippines. ( Public domain ) Krampus, the Christmas devil. ( CC BY SA 2.0 ) Detail from a modern illustration of Yuki-onna. ( CC BY SA) Spring Heeled Jack as represented by an anonymous artist. ( Public domain ) Lilith, satanic angel. (CC BY-NC 2.0) The Jersey Devil. (pyro-helfier / Deviant Art ) Source: ANCIENTORIGINS.NET Read the full article

[marsjapanaspenbloomfield]

Yokai

What does Yokai mean?

Yokai is not simply the Japanese word for demon, as is sometimes believed. They are the embodiment of a moment: a feeling of dread and bewilderment, or awe and wonder over an extraordinary event; or a strange sound or peculiar scent that demands an explanation; an ineffable phenomenon explained only by a supernatural entity. Little wonder then that the Japanese characters for Yokai are 妖怪, which taken individually could mean strange or alluring mystery.

Where do Yokai come from?

Yokai had existed in Japanese folklore for centuries, but was during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries) that they began to be widely seen in art. It is no coincidence that their rise to the forefront of artistic culture began at a time when the printing press and publishing technology became widespread.

One of the oldest examples of yokai art was the Hyakki Yagyo Zu, a  16th century scroll that portrayed a pandemonium of Japanese monsters. This formed the basis for Japan’s first definitive encyclopedia of yokai characters through the work of 18th century printmaker Toriyama Sekien. Using the newly developed technologies of woodblock printing, Sekien was able to mass-produce yokai illustrations in his own catalogs of the monster parade. How many yokai are there? The series was known as Gazu Hyakki Yagyo series, meaning Illustrated Night Parade of a Hundred Spirits, although in this context, one hundred just means many! These three texts illustrate more than two hundred of these Japanese demons, each with its own brief description and commentary.

Famous Yokai

Tengu

The tengu is one of the best-known types of Japanese yokai, often intertwined with stories of mountain spirits and forest dwellers. The tengu has a long history, appearing in multiple ancient texts and adopting various images and representations, until it’s basic form was settled in the medieval period.

The eighteenth century iron masks above displays the most recognizable and contemporary  depiction of the Tengu on the left, beside the older, more traditional representation on the right. Contrary to its original portrayal, the new Tengu is unfeathered and unbeaked. It is no longer a monstrous bird but an almost anthropomorphic being.

Kappa

The kappa is a green, turtle-like humanoid, with webbed hands and feet and a carapace on its back. Atop its head is a dish-like indentation filled with water, which the kappa balances carefully. It is weakened if the content of the dish is spilled.

The boundary between kappa ad other kinds of creatures is blurred. But as is the case with most Japanese yokai, its name is suggestive. Lying between the periphery of the known and unknown, a yokai is named after the impressions it leaves or after its reported characteristics. Since the kappa is child-sized and lingers around rivers, its name is a mere combination of the words child and river.

This 19th century netsuke carves out the fundamental features of the Kappa. Its scaled, short arms and its sharp long claws were once widely feared, but now, the aged kappa is viewed with a certain humor and mockery over its child-like physique.

Yurei

If the realm of contemporary Japanese horror could be encapsulated by a single yokai, then that yokai would be the yurei (ghost). A yurei often resembles her former self, her living self, but in death is pale-skinned, arms dangling uselessly by her side.

A yurei is depicted in a white kimono, a burial gown used in Edo period funeral rituals. Her long, black hair is let down as tradition demands before a burial ceremony.  

When renowned woodblock artist, Utagawa Toyokuni I, illustrated this picture in 1812 to accompany the Tale of Horror from the Yotsuya Station on the Tokaido Road, he masterfully provided us with what has become the definitive depiction of a yurei.

Toyokuni’s influence can also be felt through the works of his students. In particular, Utagawa Kuniyoshi shared his master’s fascination with Japanese monsters and demons.

Oni

The word oni has a long history. It first appeared in the ancient, 8th century texts, the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).

The descriptions of oni have changed dramatically over time, to the extent that scholars find it difficult to assess what constitutes as a typical depiction of the creature.

In this nineteenth century painting, the yokai is portrayed as a large, ogre-like beast with a frightening face.

Yet here, in a sculpture from a slightly earlier time, we see a more intricate oni.

They retain their ogre-like features, and though they are pictured with horns and fangs, they have become far more anthropomorphic. Their facial expressions are no longer as brutish and they seem almost gimmicky with their over-pronounced noses and their bushy brows.

Ijin

Ijin are people from what is called Ikai, a world that is beyond our own. They are outsiders that have crossed the boundary that stands between two separate worlds, often to complete a task.

While there are many types of ijin, some pleasant and others malicious, most are said to be harmless. These types range from religious figures, to craftsmen, to beggars and pilgrims. The Daikokuten in this early, twentieth century painting, is an example of a benevolent ijin.

He is often described as the Japanese equivalent of the Hindu deity Mahakala, and as a god of wealth.

The painting above shows a typical expression of the Daikokuten, with his beaming smile and exaggerated, gigantic ears. He holds a golden mallet, which grants the child good fortune.

[sapphiredraws]

Ever After High Fanfic

In the land of Ever After, mysterious things happen regularly. In fact, some students here aren’t what they seem. Like me, Kitty Cheshire. I have a secret, for I’m a Yokai; a Kuchisake-onna to be exact. As in my smile is the result of my mouth being cut. It’s a thing that runs in my family, well sorta, at the age of five, the girls get our mouths slit, and the boys get theirs slit at six. This fact is the reasoning for our famous Cheshire smiles. The disappearing happens naturally. But nobody knows that side of it. That’s where my story begins. It’s Wonderland, before the dreadful poisoning, and Kitty, age five, is getting ready for the coming-of-age ceremony. The ceremony is only known by the Cheshires. “Kitty!“ her (adoptive) brother screams. “It’s almost time for the ceremony!” “I’m almost ready, Alistar!” Kitty replied. “I can’t wait for the Mouth Slitting Ceremony!” “Well hurry your arse up, because ma says we’ll be late!” Kitty finished putting the ribbons in her hair and ran out the door of her house, following Alistar and their mom. “Now Kitty dear, remember that this is a vital part of your story, and must be passed down to your kids.” Her mom said. “Yes momma.” Kitty replied, giddy to be a true Cheshire. “Ahh.. Miss Kaarina…” The Cheshire elder said in a raspy voice. “Your daughter looks just like you when you were her age…” “I remember I was this giddy..” Kaarina smiled, “So much so I almost wet myself” “Ahem. Let’s get on with the ceremony” the elder said. “Oh right.” Kaarina said. “Let the ceremony commence!” the elder announced. The ceremony consists of a traditional Cheshire dance, the slitting, and a feast. Kitty was the first one to be slit. “Wow!” I’m beautiful like you, momma!“ Kitty exclaimed in excitement. “Kitty, my dear, your destiny is to be the next Cheshire Cat.” Kaarina said, hugging Kitty. Kitty nodded in agreement. “I promise to be the best Cheshire Cat I can be.” ~Time Skip~ “Kitty!” yelled Maddie, “Where’s my other sock?” “Probably in the flower pot again!” Kitty groaned sleepily. Kitty, Maddie, Bunny, Alistar, Lizzie, and Courtly now went to Ever After High. It’s been two years since the poisoning. It’s definitely been a rough two years, but they have adapted by meeting new friends. “Narrator?” Maddie chirped. Yes Maddie..? “Do you know where my sock is?” Sigh. On your head, Maddie. “Thank yoou! You may go on, I’ll be quiet.”

[akukurono]

Daemonaia [main verse]

Where does he come from?

Aku comes from the demon world. This place is not Hell as Humans call it. It is world much like the world of humans but in another plane of existence. It’s on Earth, but a parallel Earth. It’s a very old fashioned place however, much like the yokai depicted in traditional Japanese art and the like. They like their ways and don’t intend to change any time soon. If they are in dire need to interact with more modern things, then, they go to the human world. The demon world is mainly separated in different biomes of elemental affinities. Fire demons and spirits will usual stay in the fire biomes, the water ones to the water biomes, etc. The are a few major cities where demons from all affinities gather. They use these cities mainly as marketplaces or for leisure. The common currency there is gold, but trade and barter is highly used and encouraged. (they say if you have tons of cucumbers you should seek out to trade with the kappas. They’ll give you a good deal.)

Food in the demon world

The denizens of the place eat the local fruit and vegetables as well as the local fauna. The food there is different from human food for it doesn’t nourish the body, since they don’t need that, instead it feeds their soul and spirit energy. It is said that if a human stays too long in the demon world and eats too much of their food that they will either die or become a demon. Legends say that lesser demons originally came to be because some humans stayed for too long and became demons. Humans can still eat demon world food though. It’s not poison and will sustain their human bodies.

Demon hierarchy

There are different types of demon and they all have clans. They each have their own rules, but usually when in cities they all follow the universal rules of don’t cause shit and kill each other. Lesser demons are the weakest category of demons there is in this world. They are large in numbers however, and most of the world’s population are lesser demons. Then it is the greater demons. With their larger size and power they are usually feared and respected. Most of them become guards or enforcers of the law in the cities. Then, comes the Archdemons. Considered legends since they are so rare and never seen that some demon clans even consider them deities. They say there is only 1 Archdemon for each elemental affinity.

Life cycle of a demon

Demons are born from eggs made out of a small part of each parent’s soul. The eggs must be kept in the right biome that it was made in. If not the egg will die. They say this happens because the spirit of nature helps create the egg with the elemental powers in the area it was created in. Hatching time varies with demon species, the norm seems to be 2 months. Once hatched, a little demon youngling emerges and is soon on its feet trying to learn about the world. Since demon children grow very fast, their parents usually do not clothe them. This is seen as normal behavior. Tailors or richer demons may sometimes clothe their children for special occasions like a festival or the like. by year 4 they are considered teenagers and would soon become an adult within the next year. A demon’s look can vary greatly from childhood to adulthood, since when they are an adult they have a better grasp of their elemental powers and spiritual energy.

Once an adult a demon may find a mate with whom they will perform the Bond of Souls ceremony. The ceremony is the equivalent to Human marriage. If they are both from two different elemental affinities, then they would decide in which biome to build their home and live their lives together.

Demons are near immortal, but they will die of old age after a very, very long time. Demons can also be killed. When in the demon world, anything harmful will hurt them. In contrast, while in the human world, only blessed items may harm a demon. If a demon were to get hurt in the human world, their wound would quickly heal. When a demon dies, there is no body left behind. The demon becomes spiritual energy and return to the earth to be taken in by the spirit of nature.

Demonic culture

Demons have their own fair share of traditions and legends. One is the legends of what happens when a demon dies. Where they are taken back to the spirit of nature.

One ceremony they have is the Bond of Souls where two demons take a small part of their souls and let their mate consume it. It is their way of assuring that there always a small part of them with them no matter where they go. It also gives the two participating demons a new sixth sense about the other. If one is hurt or in grave danger, the other will sense it go find them.

The language of flowers, much like the one in the human world, is very well known and more or less common knowledge for demons. Flowers are widely used to show another demon your feelings. To gift a demon flowers is a very strong emotional act. Be sure you know what the flowers mean before you give a demon flowers. You could accidentally insult them or confess your undying love.

Elemental Affinities

The demon world houses 8 elemental affinities. Nature, Water, Fire, Earth, Ice, Air, Lightning and Shadow. Each affinity has at least one biome for it. Water is the one with the most biomes since any large body of water is usually considered a Water biome.

Nature

Forests, grassy plains and flowered meadows.

Is highly revered for it is the element that is closest to the spirit of nature deity. Though the Nature biome is pretty large, there aren’t that many nature Demons or Spirits.

Nature demons or spirits are the most knowledgeable about medicine.

Water

Large lakes, large rivers, swamps and oceans.

Water is the biggest and most wide spread biome, since any large mass of water is then considered a biome for said element.

Water demons and spirits are highly magical, since many of them need to use their manipulation of water to allow them to travel on land. (think merpeople)

Water demons and spirits are usually fishermen, supplying the world with an abundant amount of fish. The ones that live near the Earth or Nature Biomes tend to the rice paddies, supplying the world with rice.

Fire

Volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and deserts.

Fire is a very strong element, respected and feared for its destructive power. Though the fire biome is pretty small, their residents are strong.

They say that the Archdemon of fire is the strongest of them all.

Many fire demons and Spirits become blacksmiths and supply the world with most of its metallurgic needs.

Earth

Farmland, mountains and mines.

Earth is the second largest and most spread biome. Earth tends to make it denizens strong willed, but patient. Caring and kind, but immovable when defending their loved ones, Earth residents are a force to be respected.

Many Earth demons and Spirits are farmers and miners. Using their expertise about the soil and minerals to supply the world with their need of food and ore. Some also become potters which satisfy anyone’s storage needs.

Ice

Snow peaks, glaciers, ice flows and tundra.

Ice is the most secluded of the biomes.

The Ice ones tend to keep to themselves and do not mingle much with clans from other biomes much.

Great hunters and resilient to harsh weather, they are the clan to rely on when you are in a pinch if you’ve befriend them.

Many Ice Demon and Spirits are hunters that dry or smoke their meat for sale. Some also raise great wooly beasts and create intricately beautiful fabric with the spun wool.

Air

Cliffs and valleys.

Air is a pretty small biome, but a very connected and friendly one.

Free spirited and friendly, they are usually the first to welcome a stranger.

Since many of the Air demons and spirits have wings and the gift of flight, they are the ones running the postal system in the demon world.

heir use of windmills is unparalleled.

They are also known to be great kite makers.

Lightning

Any large city in the demon world is in a Lightning biome.

Lightning demons are hard workers and fast thinkers. They are known to be the inventors and builders of the demon world.

With their inventions and techniques, they are the ones to harvest honey from hives or silk from silk worms.

Shadow

Dark forests and caves.

Shadow is the one with the worst reputation, but all isn’t what it seems to be in the Shadow biome.

It is always dark there and the night sky is always visible. The stars also shine the brightest for those in a Shadow biome, making then great diviners and astrologers.

The shadow biome isn’t that void of light for there are plants and mushrooms there that emit a soft glow.

Other than being good with the stars, Shadow demons and spirits are the best lantern makers.