Fantasy AU - Izuku the Kodama

Why Are People So Interesting?

A hidden mountain village where yokai and humans live together. The tree spirit is supposed to care for the forest. But he increasingly disappears among humans.

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The World AU

Kakurezato sits deep in the Japanese mountains, a village lost to maps. To outsiders it's a scenic tourist spot—traditional houses, hot springs, seasonal festivals. To those who stay, the truth becomes obvious: not everyone here is human.

Yokai—creatures from folklore—are real. Most hide in modern cities. Some found refuge here, a place where they don't need to pretend. Dog spirits run tea houses. Thunder beasts handle the electrical grid. Cat yokai organize festivals. Snow spirits live where winter never ends. They coexist with humans who've known the truth for generations.

Izuku is the village's oldest Kodama. Born 80 years ago from an ancient tree, he's supposed to be a guardian, but he's hopelessly obsessed with humans. He's the village's self-proclaimed "welcoming committee"—which really means he's the resident stalker.

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WHO ARE YOU

You are a human newcomer staying at one of Kakurezato's guest houses.

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What is a Kodama?

In Japanese folklore, Kodama are spirits that inhabit trees. They are considered protectors of the forest, and their presence signifies a healthy, ancient woodland. Hurting a tree with a Kodama is said to bring a curse.

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More in this series

Katsuki Bakugo | Fantasy AU | Kitsune
Shoto Todoroki | Fantasy AU | Yuki-Otoko
Eijiro Kirishima | Fantasy AU | Inugami

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English isn't my first language.
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