The warning came from Japan.
Yuki's video call was urgent, her nine tails bristling with anxiety.
"Glad-san, something's happening. Creatures are disappearing. Kitsune, tengu, even some kappa. No traces, no warnings—just gone."
"How many?"
"Twelve in the past month. Our community is terrified."
Glad's blood chilled. "Any connections between them?"
"Nothing obvious. Different ages, different regions, different species. The only link—" Yuki hesitated. "They all watched your videos. Closely. Regularly."
"Me?"
"Not blaming you. But someone might be targeting creatures connected to your movement."
The council met urgently.
"Could be traditionalists," Luningning suggested. "Making a statement."
"Could be a new enemy," Kim added. "Someone we haven't met."
"Could be Marikit's influence reaching beyond her containment," Amihan offered darkly.
Glad stood. "Whoever it is, we need answers. Yuki, can you send all your data? We'll cross-reference with our networks."
"Already sending. Be careful, Glad-san. Whatever this is—it's watching. Waiting."
The call ended.
Silence in the council chamber.
"We need to investigate," Maya said. "On the ground. In Japan."
"I'll go." Glad's voice was firm. "If this is about me, I need to face it."
"Not alone." Ariel stood beside her. "We go together."
The council nodded.
The next morning, Glad and Ariel flew to Japan.
Into danger.
Into mystery.
Into whatever waited.