If ever you wander through the woods of Japan’s mountains, always be sure to be aware of what is around you. For there are devils in the forest and some take the form of a large, black spotted, twin tailed cat. Should the foul creature spots you as prey as you head home, it could very well spell the end of any intrepid traveler unfortunate enough to cross its path.
Silent as can be, the demonic cat follows you in. Patiently it lurks in the shadows of your room. Best to wish that one does not see its yellow eyes glaring at you, for by then it is too late. The giant beast leaps to your throat, tearing and biting in order to suck the very life straight from the veins. No one can say for sure, but it is said that the demon known only as “Nabeshima,” named such for the Samurai clan it once stalked, purrs in delight during the feast, with both tails striking back and forth.
As silent as can be, the beast disposes of your body. Like magic, it can take your form perfectly. Patiently, it lurks under everyone’s nose, waiting to drain its next victim. How numb they must be, to not see the sudden onset of drowsiness or the horrible nightmares that plague their induced sleep when next to the fiendish feline’s facsimile of flesh. It revels in the weakness its deception causes. On this goes, night after night, until the cat has devoured the life blood of who ever its eyes are set on. Surely there is no one that can stand against it….
Unless you are of strong resolve, willing to do anything, even bodily harm, to keep awake. For the only way to make the beast flee is to catch it as it lies to feed or torment; lure it near and then strike with your blade! Just as the valiant Soda Ido defended the clan’s leader from certain death when no other guard could stand the demon’s sleeping spell. Nabeshima, as its tricks do suggest, is a cowardly creature and will soon flee with flair of gruesome grace. But do not let your guard down, for if it finds no one else it will probably come back once again.
-by Richard Lucas Bailey
-by Richard Lucas Bailey
