Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

Issue 7: For Every Lesson

The next morning, Li awoke to the scent of something delicious. Entering the kitchen, he saw Gray Fox and Sachi setting the table with breakfast. There were eggs, rice and several types of fruits including oranges. Sachi was squeezing an orange into a cup.

Sachi: Good morning, Li! Have you ever had orange juice before?

Li shook his head no.

Sachi: These aren’t as good as Nazaki oranges, but it's still pretty tasty!

Li sat at the table, taking a sip of the juice. It tasted better than anything he had ever drank before. He finished it quickly. Before he could ask, Sachi had squeezed another orange into his cup. They sat at the table eating and talking. Li helped clean up when they were through, despite Sachi’s protests that it was her job.

Li left to go see Ori. As he made his way towards the village, he thought about what Gray Fox told him. He still hadn’t told him what Ori had said. As much as he wanted to, he knew Gray Fox would do everything in his power to stop it. He felt bad, but no matter what, he still needed to learn how to better defend himself.

A short time later, Li was standing in front of Ori’s door. She opened the door just as he was knocking. Once inside, she had Li sit at the same table as before. Her expression was blank as always.

Ori: ...Now, regarding that sword; You could easily go and retrieve it now, if you so choose. Or you can take the time to receive the training Gray Fox offered.

Li: What difference does it make?

Ori: It’s not a mere matter of difference, rather a matter of choice. Every choice has a consequence for better or worse.

Li thought about her words. As he did, a thought occurred to him.

Li: Can I ask you something?

Ori: Of course.

Li: Gray Fox told me how the Empress killed the last Emperor and everyone there, and that you were...

Ori: One of the royal family, yes. I had long since left the palace and started living here.

Li: He said he let your sister live. Do you know why?

Ori: …As I said before, every choice has a consequence.

Li: That doesn’t really answer my question.

Ori smiled ever so slightly.

Ori: My sister used to be kind. A bit brash at times, but very well meaning. Sometimes Li, the kindness of a stranger can be both a blessing, and a curse. Now, have you made your decision? Retrieve the sword? Or Receive training.

Without hesitation, Li gave his answer.

Li: I think I should train first. Yesterday made me realize that there’s a lot that I need to learn. I couldn’t even use my energy right.

Ori stared at him for a few seconds. Her blank expression giving nothing away.

Ori: Then I shall not delay you anymore. Your path is only beginning Li. Where it takes you is for you to decide.

Li left without another word. He still had questions but could tell that Ori wouldn’t tell him even if she knew. Taking a deep breath, he braced himself, wondering what exactly Gray Fox had in store.

As he headed out of the village, he was approached by one of the villagers. They had a worried look in their eyes.

Villager: Excuse me, you saved my daughter yesterday, and a lot of others. I just wanted to thank you, and to apologize.

Li: Apologize for what?

Villager: For any hatred I’ve shown you. I...

Li shook his head. As sad as it sounded, he had long since grown used to the hate. The faces and voices all blurred together.

Li: Don’t worry about it. I’m not mad at anyone for hating me. I know what it’s like to be afraid of something you don’t understand.

At those words, Li walked off in the direction of Gray Fox’s home, leaving the villager both grateful and confused. A short time later, Li was back at Gray Fox’s. He was outside playing with Sachi as he approached.

Li: Sorry if I took too long.

Gray Fox: It’s fine, Li. How did it go with Ori?

Li: She gave me a choice between finding that sword or training with you. I was thinking it might be better if you teach me a few things.

Gray Fox: Seems like a smart decision. We can begin anytime you like.

Gray Fox led Li down a nearby forest path. They walked for nearly thirty minutes before they emerged from the forest into a sprawling field, a small mountain could be seen a short distance away.

Gray Fox: This is where we will be training. As you can see, we have plenty of space, and we’re not likely to disturb anyone.

He turned to face Li, noticing that he was starting at the mountain. He seemed mystified by it.

Gray Fox: Li...

Li: Sorry. It just... that mountain...

Gray Fox: (Smiling) Ah. That is Yōko no kyūsoku. It’s a special place for us fox demons. I’d love to tell you about it sometime, but for now...

He paused for a moment as looked Li over.

Gray Fox: I just realized, you don’t have any training clothes, do you?

Before Li could respond, Sachi appeared before them.

Sachi: You forgot these!

She was holding a pair of training Gi's, which she quickly handed to them.

Gray Fox: Thank you, Sachi. I’m lucky to have such a helpful granddaughter. And you even brought one for Li. How thoughtful.

Sachi turned around and covered her eyes as Li and Gray Fox changed into their Gi’s.

Gray Fox: Alright, we’re going to start with a few basics. Remember when I said letting your energy flow was like flexing your muscles?

Li nods, giving Gray Fox his full attention.

Gray Fox: Well, the reason why your attack didn’t work when you fought yesterday is because in your haste, you channeled most of your energy into your body.

Li: Really? I didn’t even know.

Gray Fox: It’s alright. In fact, that is yet another use of demon energy. By channeling energy into your body, you can strengthen yourself. You can move faster, your physical strength increases. There are limits of course, but nothing you can’t learn to overcome.

Li: You mean like training my body to handle more?

Gray Fox: Precisely! But that can wait for now. First, I’m going to show you how to properly harness your energy. Now, I want you to let your energy flow through you, like you did the first time. Don’t channel it anywhere.

Li did as he asked. Right away he noticed it was much easier than the first time. It felt strange, like his entire body was vibrating.

Gray Fox: Good! Now, and this is the tricky part, I want you to center that energy.

Li: How do I do that?

Gray Fox: It’s similar to how you channeled it into your palm. Except, right here between your ribs and your stomach.

Li started to focus as hard as he could. At first, he felt nothing. Then he began to feel a tugging sensation in the spot Gray Fox mentioned. It started small, then quickly began to grow. It felt warm yet slightly uncomfortable.

Gray Fox: That’s it. Perfect Li. Now I want you to hold it there.

Li: (Straining) For... how long?

Gray Fox: I’d say until sunset should be fine. I’ll have Sachi come get you when dinner is ready.

Li: Wait, what?

Gray Fox: Don’t worry. The worst that will happen is you’ll pass out and will have to start over.

Gray Fox walked away, leaving Li to his training. Later, he and Sachi were sitting at the table eating grilled fish. It had been hours since Li was left to center his energy.

Sachi: Do you think he’ll be able to do it his first try?

Gray Fox: I doubt it. It’s not easy to center one's energy. It took you close to a week, if I recall.

Sachi was about to respond when they both sensed something from Li’s direction.

Sachi: What is that?

Gray Fox: That’s Li. His energy is fighting back. We should go check on him.

Rushing to where Li was, they arrived to see him straining against his energy. A glowing blue aura pulsated around his body. He gritted his teeth as he tried to center it. Slowly, he began to gain control. His body was shaking. As he turned his head to look at Gray Fox and Sachi, his eyes dimmed and he passed, out falling to the ground.

Elsewhere...

Itsuko suddenly opened her eyes. Her entire body ached as she tried to raise herself up. Kenji appeared at her side, helping her to a seated position.

Kenji: Easy, Lady Itsuko. You’ve been unconscious since yesterday.

Itsuko: Where... where are we?

Kenji: It’s hard to tell. We were sent flying west, but I can’t say how far.

Itsuko tried to stand, but the strain was too much.

Itsuko: (In pain) Gah! Damn that Kyo-Suki! She lets me live just to torture me!

Kenji: I think it's more like she has sympathy for you.

Itsuko: I don’t want her sympathy! I want her on her knees begging for her life!

She pushed through the pain and rose to her feet. Her expression was a mixture of rage, sadness and determination.

Itsuko: I will find a way.

Kenji: There has to be a way. Some sort of weapon, or...

Itsuko: That’s it! Kenji, you’re a genius! I can’t believe I forgot about it! The Shōten no ha!

Kenji looked at her curiously.

Kenji: What is that?

Itsuko: It’s a sword that my father placed some of his energy into. It was supposed to be given to the rightful heir as a part of their succession. The energy stored inside will transfer to me once I gain possession of it.

Kenji: And where is this sword?

Itsuko: Inside the palace vault. It would be easier had we been able to go in with the crop delivery...

Kenji: Perhaps there is another way?

Itsuko considered the options. None seemed likely. One mistake, one alerted guard, and it would all be over.

Itsuko: I used to sneak out all the time when I was younger. But without knowing where guards are stationed or patrols, sneaking into the palace won’t be as easy.

?: Sorry to intrude, but did you just say you wanted to sneak into the palace?

Itsuko and Kenji both turned to face the demon who just spoke, ready to fight if they had to.

Kenji: I’m sorry lady Itsuko, I didn’t even sense him!

Itsuko: Neither did I. ...Wait, I know you!

?: You must have me mistaken...

Itsuko: No, as many times as I’ve seen you in the cells at the palace, you’re Kozō. I am Itsuko Arai, the rightful empress.

Kozō: Ah yes, I remember you! My how you’ve grown.

He stared at her for a moment before he continued.

Kozō: But you did say something about sneaking into the palace, yes? Why in the world would you want to do something like that?

Itsuko: Something you’re all too familiar with. Except, I’m stealing something that belongs to me.

Kozō: I see, I see. Hmm... You know, I’ve wanted to loot the palace one last time for quite a while now. I’d be glad to lend you, my services.

Itsuko eyed him suspiciously.

Itsuko: And what's in it for you?

Kozō: That would depend. Are you planning on retaking the throne for yourself?

Itsuko: I am...

Kozō: (Chuckles) Well then, a full pardon for all my crimes would do just fine, I think.

It took no time for Itsuko to make her decision.

Itsuko: Consider it done. Just so long as you know I will show you no mercy if you try to steal from me.

Kozō: Of course. Though I must say, when you put it that way it sounds thrilling!

Together, the three began to make the journey to Roiyarubarē.

Meanwhile...

Kyo-Suki's carriage was traveling down the road at a steady pace headed towards Roiyarubarē. Inside, Heizu studied Kyo-Suki in silence as she stared out the window. Without so much as looking at him...

Kyo-Suki: Why are you staring at me?

Heizu:(Hesitant) You really surprised me yesterday. To help those worshipers... I’d have thought that after all this time you’d give up on showing kindness.

Kyo-Suki: Why do you mock me, Heizu?

Heizu: I wasn’t mocking, your highness. I...

Kyo-Suki: You heard it yourself. She was afraid of me. All of them feared me.

Heizu: Perhaps. Still, she put her faith in you to save them. They may even built a statue in honor of you.

Kyo-Suki shifted her eyes towards him.

Kyo-Suki: … Faith through fear is not faith.

Heizu: That is a fair point. I...

His expression changed to one of mild concern.

Heizu: Your highness, there seems to be trouble at the palace.

Kyo-Suki: Protesters again?

Heizu: No, we have an intruder. They’ve managed to break through the gate.

Kyo-Suki: The guards can take care of it, Heizu.

Heizu: She’s killed several guards already. The mist clone I left behind is trying to reason with her.

Kyo-Suki's eyes turned blue gray.

Kyo-Suki: Itsuko... Why won’t she let the past die?

Heizu: It’s not Itsuko. I’ve never seen this woman before. I’ve been trying to reason with her, but whatever she’s drinking is making it difficult.

Kyo-Suki: … Is she drinking from a gourd she carries on her right hip?

Heizu: Yes, I...

She cut him off as her eyes turned from pale blue to a vibrant purple.

Kyo-Suki: Order the guards to evacuate immediately. Use more of your clones to distract her if you have to.

Heizu: (frustrated) I’m sorry your highness, as your general I simply can’t allow this to continue.

His body began to dissipate into a fine mist.

Heizu: I’m going ahead to the castle! We won’t make it in time at this pace, were still a day away!

Having fully turned into a cloud of mist, Heizu quicky vanished from the carriage.

© 1999-2025