Lonely Hunger

She sat quietly in the underbrush. Dried tear trails ran the length of her face; she had done it again. How many times had she failed now? The number seven came to mind; it was supposed to be a lucky number, but she felt as unlucky as they come. Around her lie the decomposing carcasses of various animals; some predators, others prey. All of them were dinner for her. "At least they weren't humans you pansy." a voice mocked in her mind. Her worse half; taking all of the "fun" and enjoying herself while leaving Chigetsu with all of the guilt. "No one's making you feel guilty, you're the one putting this pressure on yourself; as if it's going to change anything. You ate people for breakfast Chi-chin, you're never living that shit down. Or are you trying to repent? Look at you, starving yourself and withering away" the voice continued. Apparently it didn't know when to shut up. She snarled in annoyance, any nearby wildlife scattering. The shame creeped in once more. "Face it Chi-chin, you're a monster that no one wants; cause you're cold-bloodeeeedd," she added in a sing-song matter before cutting off sharply.

A scent. Human? She had chosen this island cause it was relatively isolated; locals dared not come here because of the legend of the white oni. Two had disappeared after all; their remains never recovered. Without realizing, she had settled into crouch, treading silently as a mix of hunter-nin and predatory instincts kicked in, following the trail. She then pulled back; "What am I doing??!!" she screamed at herself internally. Chi forced herself to turn around, only to have the mouthwatering scent beckon. It was so much better than the animals she gorged herself on. A tentative step would break into a quiet stalking....