Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

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Chapter 6- Solace for the Weak

Gray Fox looked on, doing his best to hide his concern. Sachi hid behind him, peaking her head around him to see. The pressure he sensed from Devin felt strange to him. He couldn’t explain why if he tried. What he could tell was that whoever she was, she was certainly powerful.

Sachi: Li! Get aw…

Devin: Li, huh? Say, do you…

?: Devin! Where are you?!

Upon hearing the voice call out, Devin’s eyes widened in surprise. She took a quick drink from her gourd.

Devin: Sorry to cut it short, but I gotta go!

She leaned in and kissed him on the other cheek, and then ran off so fast it was as if she disappeared. Before Li could regain his composure…

?: Devin! Dev… Oh! Excuse me, have you seen my daughter? You’ll know her if you’ve seen her. She has this gourd and…

Gray Fox: I’m afraid you’ve just missed her, Miss…

?: Miru. Please, can you tell me which way she went?

Gray Fox: It’s hard to tell at the speed she is moving, but it seems like she’s heading east in the direction of Roiyarubarē.

Miru’s eyes became worried.

Miru: But that’s… Oh, I must hurry.

Without hesitation, she ran off towards the east. With the danger having passed, Sachi ran to Li, and jumped up to hug him tightly.

Sachi: Li! Are you okay! You look terrified!

Li: I… I couldn’t move a muscle… I…

Gray Fox placed a hand on his shoulder.

Gray Fox: It’s alright Li. Just breathe and try to relax. Remember, you haven’t learned much about how our energy works. I plan to correct that, but first you need to collect yourself.

Li took several deep breaths. Sachi let go as he turned to face Gray Fox.

Li: I can’t stop shaking. What was up with that pressure?

Gray Fox: I’m wondering the same thing myself. Clearly, she was the one we sensed earlier. I’ll be honest, I’ve felt that pressure many times, but always at a distance.

Li: I thought you said that wasn’t normal?

Gray Fox: It’s not. What we felt just now was the strongest that I’ve sensed. Remember, distance is a factor.

Li committed that to memory. He was about to ask another question when he realized he was supposed to see Ori after going to the cave.

Li: Maybe Ori would know something? I was supposed to go back to her when I got back.

Gray Fox: You may be right. She doesn’t have all the answers mind you, but her insight can be useful. That’s if you can make sense of it.

Li began to head in the direction of Ori’s while attempting to place the sword he picked up in the sheath. He stopped for a moment when he saw it wouldn’t fit.

Gray Fox: What’s wrong?

Li: It’s this sword. I thought it might be the one from the cave, but it doesn’t fit into the sheath…

Gray Fox: Ori might have answers to that as well.

Confused, Li continued on to Ori’s place as Gray Fox watched him solemnly. Once inside…

Ori: Welcome back. Tell me, what did you discover?

Li: There was this old dying demon there, and he gave me this sheath. He said the sword had been taken. I thought I found it but…

Ori: Let me see it…

She extended her hand. Li gently placed it in her palm as she clutched it. She closed her eyes and remained silent for a moment. She became tense for a few seconds, wincing almost as if she were in pain. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes and handed the sheath and sword back to Li.

Ori: The sheath is the correct one, yes. But no, you still need to find the blade that goes with it.

Li: But where…

Ori: Now might not be the most opportune time. Were you to go and retrieve it now, you’d surely die. Come back to me tomorrow and I…

Li: If it’s my destiny to defeat the Empress, wouldn’t make more sense to get the sword as soon as possible.

Ori stared at him with blank eyes before speaking.

Ori: I never said it was your destiny to defeat her, simply that you were to fight her. As I said, return to me tomorrow. For now, try to rest and gather yourself for the journey ahead.

She then turned her back to him, refusing to speak on the subject any further.

Li: Can I ask you about something else?

Ori: What is it?

Li: Just a bit ago there was a fight outside. There was this girl... Here energy felt strange.

Ori: Ah yes, I felt that as well. She is a strange one indeed. A mystery even unto herself. I’ve tried many times, but she’s simply too chaotic to get a proper read on. She seems to have taken a liking to you though.

Li: The pressure she gives off is terrifying. I couldn’t move!

Ori: Have you ever seen her in your dreams?

Li : ...No, I don’t think so.

Ori: Then you should have nothing to be worried about.

Li didn’t know how to respond. Hesitantly, he left. Once outside, he was met by Gray Fox and Sachi.

Gray Fox: Was she able to tell you anything?

Li: It’s more like she is avoiding telling me anything…

Gray Fox: What do you mean?

Li: All I really know is she said this isn’t the right sword, then told me to wait until tomorrow.

Gray Fox: I’m sure she has her reasons. Besides, that gives us a great opportunity.

Li: To do what?

Gray Fox: Earlier when you were fighting that demon with the scares, what was that attack?

Li: I was trying to form a ball like you taught me, but I just couldn’t. I don’t know if it was because I was under pressure or what.

Gray Fox: Well, to be honest, you simply lack experience. No offense.

Li took no offense to his words.

Gray Fox: Which is precisely why I’ve decided to give you some training, starting tomorrow. After you’ve seen Ori of course.

Li didn’t know what to say, so he simply smiled and nodded. He waved goodbye and turned to leave.

Sachi: Where do you think you’re going! You’re staying with us! No more staying under that tree!

Gray Fox: Don’t worry, we have enough space.

Li went with them, smiling both inside and out.

Earlier, and while Kyo-Suki was at the temple…

Itsuko and Kenji were resting at the side of a forest path. She was eating some fruit as Kenji sat silently. In between bites, she asked him a question.

Itsuko: You’re quieter than usual, what’s wrong?

Kenji: Nothing, my lady. Just curious is all.

Itsuko: You’re always curious about something. What else is new?

Kenji: It’s just that; while I understand wanting to take a stealthy approach, the current path we’re on is headed away from Roiyarubarē.

Itsuko ate some more of her fruit before answering.

Itsuko: We’re going to a temple near here, Yūhi no jiin. I heard a while back that they send crops to the palace. That’ll be how we get in undetected. We’ll disguise ourselves as temple worshipers.

Kenji thought it was as good an idea as any. Itsuko handed him a piece of fruit, which he gladly accepted. As he was about to bite into the fruit. He sensed something off in the distance.

Kenji: My lady…

Itsuko: I know. It’s her. And if I’m not mistaken, that’s coming from the temple.

Kenji: What would you like to do.

She finished eating her fruit, and then stood up.

Itsuko: I guess if she’s going to save us the trouble, why not go and give thanks. Come, Kenji!

They raced off in the direction of the temple. As they ran, Kenji wondered if they should be conserving their energy. Sure, they could close the distance faster this way, but at what cost? With the temple drawing closer, it was far too late to think on such things.

Rushing up the stairs, they both came to a sudden stop when they saw Kyo-Suki. Itsuko tried, but simply couldn’t contain herself.

Itsuko: Kyo-Suki!!!

Kyo-Suki’s back was facing them. She turned her head to see who dared approach her. She recognized Itsuko on sight, her eyes turning Blue Gray.

Kyo-Suki: …What do you want, Itsuko?

Itsuko: What do I want? How dare you ask me that!

Kyo-Suki continued to stand with her back to them, staring.

Itsuko: Don’t look at me like that! And turn and face me!

She turned slowly.

Kyo-Suki: Have you also come to disturb this temple?

Itsuko: What?

Kyo-Suki pointed to the still smoking crater behind her.

Kyo-Suki: That is all that remains of a demon who came here to slaughter the worshipers.

Itsuko: Save it! You know very well why I’m here! I…

Kyo-Suki raised her hand, silencing her.

Kyo-Suki: I spared you all those years ago. You were the only one to show me any semblance of kindness aside from my mother. For that bit of mercy, I gave you mine. And yet…

She lowered her hand.

Kyo-Suki: …Here you stand, ready to throw your life away, blinded by vengeance.

Itsuko: You murdered my family! What else am I supposed to do? Bow at your feet?

She scoffed at her own words. Kyo-Suki looked on. She had a distinct expression of sadness on her face.

Kyo-Suki: If I wanted you to bow, I would have made you then. If I had wanted you dead…

Itsuko dashed towards Kyo-Suki. As she did, she threw a dagger with her left hand while forming a glowing blue orb of energy with her right. Kyo-Suki avoided the dagger simply by tilting her head to the right. Without so much as raising her guard, she took Itsuko’s attack head on.

The orb exploded on impact, the force of which caused a sharp wind to blow. When the smoke settled, Kyo-Suki stood unscathed.

Kyo-Suki: …Did that ease some of your pain?

There was a quick and sharp increase in power, followed by a force that pushed Itsuko back several feet. Kenji moved swiftly to catch her.

Kyo-Suki: Just go Itsuko. Find something other than this pointless revenge.

Itsuko: Pointless!!

Her emotions were welling up.

Itsuko: You took everything from me! There’s nothing pointless about anything! If you want me to go, you’re just going to have to make me!

She began to charge towards Kyo-Suki again as Kenji tried to reach out to prevent her. Kyo-Suki raised her left hand, causing another, more intense force to send both Itsuko and Kenji flying from the temple grounds. Lowering her hand, she watched as they faded into the distance.

Then, Heizu appeared out of a sudden cloud of mist.

Heizu: Sorry, your highness. But I could sense the commotion all the way back at the carriage.

Kyo-Suki: It’s nothing.

Kyo-Suki just stared at him silently.

Heizu: Well, at least you didn’t destroy the temple.

Kyo-Suki: …Do you think that little of me?

Heizu: N-no, your highness. I…

She began to walk back in the of the carriage without saying another word. Heizu quickly followed her. She paused for a moment to stare solemnly at one of the statues of the Three Original Demons. The name plate read Kēosu. Closing her eyes for a second, she turned to leave. As they walked, Heizu fought the urge to ask a question he had on his mind. Letting his curiosity get the best of him…

Heizu: Forgive me your highness, but why is it you chose to help that temple?

Kyo-Suki: …That girl didn’t even know who I was. And even though she feared my power like everyone else, she still came to me for help. Do you have even the slightest idea what that feels like?

Heizu: I…

Before he could answer, footsteps could be heard behind them. As he reached for his sword, Kyo-Suki stopped him. One of the temple worshipers was running towards them.

Temple Worshiper: Wait! Please, wait!

They both stopped as the demon approached. He took a brief moment to catch his breath before speaking.

Temple Worshiper: As thanks for your help, please accept this gift! It’s not much, but it’s what we have to give!

Kyo-Suki eyed the sack of Okane he held out to her.

Kyo-Suki: I’ve no need for it, it would better serve your temple.

The worshiper was left in a stunned silence as they both walked away.

That night, a few miles from Chūō-mura…

Li, Sachi and Gray Fox arrived at a small home in a clearing in the forest. Made from wood and stone, it looked both old but sturdy. The inside was lightly furnished, everything seeming to have been handmade. Sachi ran to a small fireplace and threw her hand forward.

Sachi: Kitsune no hi!

A short burst of flames came shot from her hands, igniting the wood in the fireplace.

Li: I didn’t know you could do that.

Sachi: I’m still learning, but Grandpa taught me!

Gray Fox entered the room carrying a basket full of vegetables. Setting them on the table, he turned his attention to Sachi.

Gray Fox: Sachi, I’m going to get the vegetables ready. I was thinking rabbit stew tonight if you don’t mind...

Sachi: Yes!

Sachi ran outside without hesitation, full of joy and excitement. Several moments later she returned with three decent sized Rabbits. Li helped Gray Fox skin and clean them. In no time, the whole place was filled with the wonder scent of the stew.

With plenty to go around, they ate with glee. Li couldn’t remember ever having shared a home cooked meal with anyone before.

Gray Fox: Is everything alright, Li?

Li: Yes! This stew is amazing. Honestly, I’ve never had a fresh meal like this. Aside from what Sachi brings me.

Sachi: We always have extra, and Grandpa doesn't mind!

Gray Fox: Not at all.

He smiled warmly at Li. When the meal was finished, Li helped clean, feeling it was the least he could do. While Gray Fox was putting Sachi to bed, Li decided to sit outside. Partly because he was so used to sleeping outside, partly because he liked to look at the stars.

Gray Fox: Can’t sleep?

Li: I was wondering, could you tell me more about the Empress. I don’t really know much about her.

Gray Fox: I see...

He sat down next to Li.

Gray Fox: I don’t know all the details, but as old as I am I was around when she first came to power. Before Kyo-Suki, the ruling family were the Arai’s. They came into power long ago after the Great Demon War.

He paused for a moment, reflecting on all the stories he heard about that war.

Gray Fox: One day, around 2,000 years ago, I heard rumors of an execution that was to take place. I’m not certain of what the crime was, but Kyo-Suki was sentenced to death. On the day of the execution, she escaped from her cell, then proceeded to kill everyone present. The emperor and empress, the guards and three of their five children. It’s said that she allowed only one to live. As to why, no one knows.

Li: What about the other one?

Gray Fox: Oh, but you’ve met her. Lady Ori is the other who survived. She was in Chūō-mura at the time. I was actually speaking with her when I sensed a massive surge in pressure. Everyone did. That same day, Kyo-Suki announced herself as the new empress.

Li: So that’s why everyone is afraid of her...

Gray Fox: She only earned their anger that day. The Arai’s were loved and respected. While not all agreed with their every decision, most agreed they had our best interest in heart.

His eyes became dark.

Gray Fox: No, the day people started to fear her came much later. The details are scarce, but for whatever reason, she obliterated the village of Sairentoburīzu.

Li: Why?

Gray Fox: No one knows. Anyone who would save for Kyo-Suki died that day. All that’s left of the village is a giant crater. That is what caused the fear to set in.

Li: What do you mean?

Gray Fox placed a hand on Li’s shoulder.

Gray Fox: While our energy can be destructive, it isn’t supposed to do that. Watch.

Gray Fox lifted his right hand and formed a silver orb of energy. Li could feel him channeling energy into it. He never knew the old man had this kind of power. He was starting to grow concerned when Gray Fox suddenly fired the orb at a nearby tree.

The orb exploded, reducing the tree, and a few others near it were reduced to ash and splinters. Even the grass turned to ash. Despite this, the ground showed no signs of being damaged at all, nor did a large rock that was close to the blast.

Gray Fox: As you can see, not one bit of damage to the earth itself. Any form of life, even plants however...

Li was still in awe, wondering if he could ever be that powerful.

Gray Fox: I think that’s enough for tonight. You need to get some rest for tomorrow. I’m going to show you how to properly form attacks.

Li lingered for a few moments as Gray Fox went inside. After a long day, with everything that had happened, he hoped that he didn’t have that dream again.

Thank you all for sticking with me throughout all of this!

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