Demon Shadow (Akuma no Kage)

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Chapter 2- Beginning Roads

It had been some time since Kyo-Suki’s carriage left the village. Inside the mood was quiet and somber as she silently ate her orange one slice at a time.

Heizu: I’m glad to see you’re enjoying the orange, but don’t you think you overreacted?

Her eyes quickly met his.

Kyo-Suki: Overreacted? They lied to my face knowing full well who I was.

Heizu: That’s not the point, your high…

Kyo-Suki: And just what is your point, Heizu?

He thought fearfully about his next words, choosing them carefully as she glared at him.

Heizu: M… My point is if you want the respect of the people…

Kyo-Suki: Respect!?

Her stare burned into him as her eyes began turning red.

Kyo-Suki: Of what use is something like respect? In all this time, all they’ve ever done is fear and loath me. They dream and pray they had the strength to be rid of me…

Heizu: To be fair, you did kill the royal family and take the throne for yourself.

She ate an orange slice before speaking.

Kyo-Suki: Fair? Do you think it’s fair to…

The carriage came to a sudden halt, causing them both to rock back and forth in their seats. Kyo-Suki dropped one of her last two orange slices. Her hand shot out and caught it just before it hit the ground. Quickly, she placed it in her mouth and began to chew.

Outside of the carriage, a group of demons stood blocking the road. They were all wielding weapons.

Bandit Leader: Alright! You in the carriage, come out and don’t try anything! We aren’t afraid of getting rough with ya!

A moment passes. Just when he was on the verge of losing his patience, the door opened. Seconds later, Kyo-Suki slowly exited the carriage. As she appeared, the bandits gasped in disbelief. Several ran in fear when they saw her.

She looked into the carriage and nodded. Then, a stream of mist flowed from inside and began to chase the fleeing bandits. Screams could be heard in the distance. The leader swallowed his fear and pride the best he could. He didn’t want to appear weak in front of his men.

Bandit Leader: Well, would ya look at that! It’s not every day we get to rob royalty, is it?

His remaining crew cheered nervously.

Bandit Leader: So, why don’t you do us all a favor and step away from the carriage? I’ll even let you keep one of your servants to carry you back to the palace.

Some laughed, others maintained a fearful silence. The leader didn’t think she looked like much. He began to think the stories he’d heard about her were just that, stories. Kyo-Suki stared through him as she ate the last orange slice. When she was finished…

Kyo-Suki: I’ll give you this one chance. Stand aside now, and I will forgive…

Bandit Leader: You may have everyone else fooled, but not us! You’re not as tough as the rumors say, or else we wouldn’t still be standing here! Now like I said…

It all happened in an instant; Kyo-Suki raised her left hand and formed a Shinku no nami, firing it at one of the bandits. He was vaporized the instant it touched him, leaving nothing behind but a fine mist of blood. Everyone was left in stunned silence.

Kyo-Suki: As I said, one chance.

She lowered her left hand while raising her right. A small pale blue orb formed in her palm. There was a slight increase in pressure as it doubled in size before splitting into countless smaller orbs. They hovered for a moment before flying in the direction of the bandits, peppering them one after the other.

Blood stained the dirt as they were torn to shreds by her attack. One after the other they fell, until only the leader was left. Kyo-Suki glared at him as he cowered in fear, her eyes now a fiery red. She then turned her back to him, and begam walking back towards the carriage.

Heizu then appeared beside her in a cloud of mist, his sword stained with blood. Without turning around, she spoke.

Kyo-Suki: My offer still stands for you. Or do you still think of me as a rumor?

At those words, the bandit leader ran off towards the forest. With that, Kyo-Suki entered the carriage, Heizu not far behind. The servants lifted it and continued down the road. She looked out the window as they passed by the scene of carnage.

Kyo-Suki: What were you saying about respect?

Meanwhile, back in the forest, just at the edge of Chūō-mura.

Li and Sachi were walking back towards the village. He hadn’t spoken since Kyo-Suki took her leave. Sachi noticed the distant and fearful look in his eyes.

Sachi: Are you alright?

Li: Yea, I think…

She then punched him in the arm.

Li: Hey! What was that for?

Sachi: For not telling me the Empress was the one killing you in your dreams!

Li: How was I supposed to know? I’ve never seen her before!

He rubbed his arm as Sachi stared at him, her eyes softened.

Sachi: I’m Sorry. I forgot that…

Li: I was found abandoned in these woods? I know.

Li didn’t like thinking about his past. Being found alone as a baby in the forest, he never knew his parents. No one ever came looking for him. To make matters worse, he’d never been fully accepted by the other villagers. He thought back on all the times he was called half-breed…

Sachi saw the sadness in his eyes, not knowing what to do or say to better his mood. Suddenly, thunderous footsteps could be heard headed in their direction.

Li: Get behind me! This could be…

?: SACHI!!!

The booming voice was followed by the appearance of a giant gray fox. It leaped through the trees, landing just in front of Li and Sachi. An angry growl could be heard coming from it. Upon seeing it, Sachi’s eyes beamed with excitement.

Sachi: Grandpa!

She ran to it and hugged one of its forelegs.

Li: What’s the idea scaring us like that, old man!?

The fox narrowed its eyes, its gaze focused on Li.

?: How many times do I have to tell you…

The fox began to change its form, becoming that of a kitsune. His gray hair swayed in a gentle breeze, as his wise old eyes remained focused on Li.

?: My name is Gray Fox. I’d think you’d have more respect for me by now…

Li lowered his head while rubbing the back of it with his right hand.

Li: Sorry. You were the one who looked out for me when no one else would.

Gray Fox’s stare softened, a gentle smile appearing.

Gray Fox: No worries. Besides, I suppose I am getting on in my years.

Sachi: You should have come sooner! The Empress was here, and…

Gray Fox: I know. I could feel her all the way in Fokkusuhōmu.

Sachi was in awe.

Sachi: You… You came all that way?

Gray Fox: (Smiling warmly) For my precious granddaughter, of course. Now tell me, what happened?

Sachi recounted the events to him, sparing no detail.

Gray Fox: I see. I heard a rumor she would attend the festival, but I never thought she’d actually show up.

Sachi: She was scary, but also nice! She only took one orange even though I offered her both!

Gray Fox let out a warm chuckle.

Gray Fox: At least my lessons on respect weren’t missed by you. (Looks toward Li) Him on the other hand…

Sachi: Oh, he told her he has dreams about her!

Gray Fox Gave Li a stern look, raising one eyebrow.

Li: Hey, don’t look at me like that! You both know what dreams I mean!

Gray Fox: Which is precisely why you shouldn’t have said anything. Just what were you thinking.

Li: That I didn’t want to die for lying to her, like those two idiots.

Gray Fox considered his words for a moment before his eyes softened.

Gray Fox: I suppose you did put yourself at risk for Sachi’s sake, so I’ll cut you a break. Come, I’ll walk you both back.

Moments later, the three of them were back in Chūō-mura. Sachi had run off, exploring the rest of the festival’s attractions. Li was deep in thought as they stopped at a stand selling fried fish, a rarity in this part of the world.

Li: Earlier, you said you felt the Empress from Fokkusuhōmu. Did you mean that pressure in the air?

Gray Fox: Yes. It was easily recognizable.

Li: Wh… What was that?

Gray Fox was taken aback by the question.

Gray Fox: I forgot how little you know. I suppose I share some of the blame for that.

Li: I don’t blame you. You had Sachi to look after.

Gray Fox: Still, knowing you had no one else… That pressure you felt is a result of demon energy, our life essence. The more powerful the demon, the stronger the pressure. Furthermore, the more powerful one is, the less they feel that pressure from others.

Li did his best to understand his words.

Li: I’ve never felt anything like that before, not even from you.

Gray Fox smiled at those words. Suddenly, there was a sharp increase in pressure. Others looked on, not sure what to make of it. It then quickly faded.

Gray Fox: Like most, I suppress my energy. It’s normal, to be honest. The pressure you just felt was because I chose to let my energy flow freely. It’s no different than flexing one’s muscles. If that makes sense.

Li nodded. He tried to let his energy flow, just to see if he could. At first there was nothing. Then, he felt something stir in him, moving throughout his body. Gray Fox was surprised by his efforts. He focused as hard as he could, until he became exhausted.

Li: Wa… Was that it?

Gray Fox: Yes. Now, hold out one of your hands, palm facing the sky. It doesn’t matter which.

Li did as he was asked.

Gray Fox: Good, now I want you to focus your energy into your palm. Then, try and push it out but be gentle. It’s your first time and you don’t want to overdo it.

Li focused as hard as he could. He trembled as he felt his energy pool into his palm. Slowly, glowing blue energy began to swirl, taking the form of a small glowing blue orb. It only lasted for a few seconds before fading away.

Gray Fox: Hmm. Not bad at all for someone whose never used their energy before. Still…

His expression became dark and distant.

Gray Fox: The Empress is far different than either of us. For fox demons like Sachi and myself, we are naturally gifted in sensing demon energy, even from a distance. We can even sense those who are suppressed. But to be able to sense someone from such a great distance…

Li: That’s not normal?

Gray Fox: No, it isn’t. Li, you should take care that…

?: Pardon my interruption Gray Fox, but I need to speak with this boy.

Both Gray Fox and Li turned their attention to female demon, clad in a snow-white kimono with sky blue flowers decorating it.

Gray Fox: Lady Ori? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Ori: That it has. May I?

Gray Fox: Of course. Li, I’m not sure if you’ve met, but this Ori. She has a special gift, one that allows her to see into the future. If she wishes to speak with you, it must be important.

Li looked at Ori, finding it hard to get a read on her. Her face wore a neutral expression, and her body language was reserved. Her snow-white hair was hanging loose. Still, he agreed to go with her. They walked past several homes and shops, including what seemed to be a rather lively bar.

She led Li into an old building that looked to have never been maintained. Ori entered before him, beckoning him to follow. Once inside, Li noticed the interior was in much better shape. While the furnishings were clearly old, everything was well maintained.

Li: Why…

Ori: Please, sit…

Li did as he was asked, taking a seat at a small round table. She sat opposite him, staring blankly into his eye.

Ori: Your dreams… They have more meaning than you might think.

Her words surprised Li.

Li: How did you…

Ori: As Gray Fox told you, I have a gift. And while it is not as straight forward as he said, it is true that I can glimpse the future. Even if that future starts as a dream.

She remained silent for a moment, before speaking again.

Ori: It wasn’t by chance that you met Kyo-Suki today. Both of your destinies have been linked since even before your birth.

Li: I don’t understand. Why would we be linked.

She maintained an uneasy silence. Li was about to ask again when she finally spoke.

Ori: That, I cannot answer. What I can tell you is the ghosts of the past never truly die. That long before you were even born, your paths were meant to cross. Furthermore…

She closed her eyes, seeming to reflect on something.

Ori: Your fate, as it would seem, is to fight the Empress.

Li’s eyes widened at the sudden shock of hearing those words.

Li: What!? You can’t be serious? Me? Fight her? I’d die just like in my dreams if I did that!

Ori gave a knowing smile.

Ori: Tell me, what’s the difference between the you as you are now, and the you in your dreams?

Li thought carefully, going over every detail that he could recall.

Li: I… I have this sword I’ve never seen before. Oh, and it’s not just me. Sachi… She’s there in my dreams to, she just looks a little different. Like she’s older or something.

Ori: Precisely. Your road is only just beginning.

Li: …I don’t get it?

Ori: At the moment, no. That is why I wished to speak with you. There is a cave in the forest not too far from here. In fact, it’s close to where first met her. I’ll give you the directions. You are to go there once you leave here.

Li: But why?

Ori: You’ll know once you explore the cave. Return to me once you’ve made it out. We have much more to discuss.

Minutes passed in silence before Li realized she wasn’t going to speak anymore. Knowing he would get no further answers at the moment, he rose from his seat, and left the building. Upon stepping outside, he was met by Sachi.

Sachi: There you are! So, what did Miss Ori have to tell you?

Li: She told me to go to this cave out in the forest, and then come back. I’m not sure why. There’s more but…

Sachi: Come on, then! Let’s get going!

Li: What? What do you mean we?

Sachi: (Excited) It’s an adventure! And I want to see for myself!

Li knew he couldn’t argue with her or talk her down. Together, they headed of towards the forest.

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