The Nightmare-Eater

In the land of Nihon, where cherry blossoms bloomed in abundance and legends danced amidst the misty mountains, there existed a creature known as the Baku. It was said to be a mystical being, a guardian of dreams, with the body of a bear, the trunk of an elephant, and the tail of a tiger. However, its most spectacular factor was the ability to devour nightmares.

One day, as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, a young boy was lost wandering in a bamboo forest. Sunlight filtered through the emerald leaves, and cicadas chanted a eternal song. As the young boy walked through the towering green giants, he was quickly taken over by anxiety.

As the light of day dimmed, the child’s bones ached with sleep, and his round face stained with tears. He collapsed in a moonlight clearing, curling up into a ball.

He sobbed heavily, wishing he had his parents by his side. As he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, the Baku stood nearby, listening to the child’s nightmares. He slowly approached the boy, his soft paws leaving no marks on the ground.

“Konnichiwa, little one.” The graceful beast whispered. His voice was as soft as the winds, echoing through the tall grass. The boys eyes flickered slightly as the Baku outreached his trunk, as if tickled by the slight sensation.

The creature breathed in deeply, inhaling all the the fears in the young child. A moment later, Haruki’s chest rose and fell calmly, no longer devoured by nightmares.

A few hours later, after the bamboos finished murmuring and the pandas stopped eating, Haruki rose from deep slumber, remembering no dreams.

As he shakily sat up, he saw the silent Baku staring upon him.

“Good morning child,” the Baku said majestically.

The young boy stared widely at the beast, mesmerized by his voice. The Baku curled his trunk around Haruki’s wrist.

“ I shall guide you home.”