Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XV: The Trident===
:>We looked all around.
:>No Monkeys of any shape or size were to be found.
:>I looked back out over the sea.
:>Between the newly risen tide and the mist I couldn't even guess at where the cave was now.
:>Monkey was insane.
:>Even before we got to this island.
:>Toku bushi had a reputation for taking on more than common sense dictates, in the spirit of their Clan founder.
:>But Monkey took it even further than most.
:>You don't think...
:>Toshiro finished my thought.
:>That damn Monkey dove back into a cave filling with water, without knowing how far he would have to swim, in order to get the trident?
:>Of course that's what he did.
:>So.
:>So.
:>What now?
:>We take Kenzan's ship.
:>Naomi asked.
:>What about Monkey-san?
:>Mantis-san replied.
:>What ABOUT Monkey-san?
:>Either he retrieves the trident or he's drowned.
:>Little we can do at this point, either way.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>We'll just have to come back at low tide to get it ourselves...
:>He pointed. Kenzan's ship is straight that way.
:>The water is shallow there, so the Orochi cannot attack them while they're anchored there.
:>What's up with that snake anyway? Why doesn't it just wait around for them to leave the shallows?
:>Naomi answered Mantis-san's question.
:>The Ningyo tribe that brought the trident still lives here.
:>And he still protects them.
:>His only wish is for everyone to simply stay away from this place, so he leaves Kenzan an opening to do so.
:>It's only because Kenzan takes the trident that the Orochi peruses.
:>The water kami told you that, back in the cave?
:>Not... exactly like that.
:>The kami still remember the grief of the Orochi and the Ningyo, I saw their past
:>Toshiro-san is right, the Ningyo did try to transfer the curse into the trident. Ultimately, it failed. They still went mad.
:>The Orochi was genuinely friends with the tribes leader.
:>It's no pact that keeps him here.
:>He is looking after the beloved tribe of a dear friend who can no longer remember him.

:>So that means when we go to leave, and use the trident to clear out the mist so we can get past the rocks, we'll have to deal with him too?
:>Yes, but I'm sure if we just give him the trident he'll let us go.
:>Okay then. Let's go get our new boat.
:>Mantis-san looked over at me.
:>We'll have to swim there.
:>Hida Bushi train wearing full armor.
:>In fact, our first lessons are constant drilling with the equipment we will use for the rest of our lives.
:>As such, know how to use heavier weapons in ways other samurai never will, and we become so used to the weight and bulk of our armor it no longer hampers us.
:>It is still difficult to be silent when you're wearing 50 lbs of lacquered metal.
:>Which would be even heavier when waterlogged.
:>I sighed.
:>Naomi, give me a hand here?
:>Naomi helped me out of my armor.
:>Looks like I was going to have to fight in my fundoshi.
:>We were going to be down a bushi, and Naomi had used up nearly all her magic.
:>Toshiro, can you swim with that leg?
:>Pretty sure. Yeah.
:>Gonna try anyway.
:>I kissed Naomi on the forehead.
:>Wait for me, I'll be back for you. I promise.
:>She looked me up and down.
:>Slowly.
:>I will be waiting.
:>She smiled at me.
:>There was a promise in that smile.
:>We went to the edge of the water and began to swim.
:>Toshiro struggled a bit, but he kept up with us.
:>We neared the boat, the mist and the the current making waves lap at it's sides conspiring to aid us in our approach.
:>The sea had washed Toshiro's face paint off.
:>So he motioned that he wished to go first.
:>I held on the rope of the ships anchor as he climbed up.
:>I went after, then Mantis-san.
:>Kitsuki-san brought up the rear.
:>Toshiro slopped wetly onto the deck.
:>A pirate turned to see what that was,
:>And saw a waterlogged monster with a ruined face wielding a tetsubo come out of the mist, hellbent on consuming his very soul.
:>Toshiro gave him enough time to scream before smashing him in the face, cutting it off with a loud crunch.

:>The noise brought more pirates to investigate.
:>They saw their comrades body, twitching and bleeding on the deck, sans face.
:>They saw the creature that had killed him.
:>And then, while their minds were still reeling with shock, only just turning to fear, a hulking wall of muscle wearing only a loincloth slammed into their ranks.
:>We may have been badly outnumbered, but we had struck a decisive blow against their spirit before they even knew they were in a fight.
:>They fell back away from me in terror, shocked into inaction.
:>Mantis-san and Kitsuki-san charged in, harrying them, giving them no time to breathe much less think.
:>The decks ran red with blood, and I thrilled at the heat of battle being upon me.
:>Mantis-san let out a cry of triumph.
:>Even Kitsuki-san was laughing.
:>Toshiro had left his scroll satchel behind, unwilling to even risk it's precious contents being damaged or destroyed during our swim.
:>But he waded in right alongside us, swinging his tetsubo with abandon.
:>And then the mist parted.
:>Kenzan appeared on the deck.
:>He did not have the trident.
:>What are you idiots DOING?!
:>It's just four of them! Get up, get in there!
:>He restored order to them, gave them back their spirit.
:>Ordinarily, this is when I would seek to cover myself, to fight with caution.
:>Allowing my enemies to exhaust themselves and strike when they were weak.
:>Instead I chose to double down and try to maintain our momentum.
:>I lashed out, killing one and sending another over the side.
:>My friends followed suit, cutting and smashing any they could reach.
:>At first, it seemed we may keep our momentum after all.
:>But then the pirates finally countered.
:>Stars exploded in my eyes as a tonfa smashed into my temple.
:>A kama sliced open my side.
:>My vision cleared just enough to see the others all receive wounds of their own.
:>I smashed in the kneecap of one pirate menacing Mantis-san, clearing him a path to Kenzan.
:>GO! Finish him!

:>Mantis-san ran at Kenzan, threw himself into a dive and rolled through Kenzan's legs.
:>As Kenzan tried to rise, Mantis-san struck him with his kama, biting deep into Kenzan's shoulder.
:>Kitsuki-san, despite his wounds, threw himself at another pirate.
:>He landed on the pirates tanto.
:>But took the pirates head.
:>Three others surrounded Toshiro and attacked, wounding him heavily.
:>He sagged to his knees, tetsubo clattering to the deck.
:>I lunged in, felling one.
:>I missed the other.
:>Only to be stabbed in the back.
:>Several more pirates were advancing to help their leader, ready to kill Mantis-san.
:>I realized that some of them still wore green.
:>The ones who had tried to attack Naomi, and had run off.
:>So they had joined Kenzan's crew?
:>I struck one in the back.
:>And then a jo slammed across the backs of my knees, and I went down, kneeling.
:>A blade followed up, the point driven into my chest, and I toppled over, unable to stand.
:>The pirates loomed over me, raised weapons to finish me off.
:>And then a cry arose.
:>I could just crane my neck enough to see.
:>Kenzan's body hit the deck.
:>And then his head did.
:>It rolled off somewhere.
:>Ah shit.
:>We're gonna need go find that fuckers head.
:>Can't have that damn thing just rolling around wherever it pleases.
:>What if naomi sees it.
:>Something was odd with my thoughts, but I couldn't tell what.
:>My head was cloudy, I couldn't focus at all.
:>I rolled onto my back, arms outstretched, and looked up at the blue sky.
:>There was still a pirate standing over me.
:>Sunlight glinted off his upraised kama.
:>A trident stabbed him in the chest.
:>He clutched at the haft as the wielder ran past, carrying him over the side of boat.
:>I thought the man with the trident looked familiar, but it was hard to see.
:>I was tired.
:>So I closed my eyes.

:>Many times in stories when Samurai are near death, they speak of seeing their ancestors.
:>Often, they receive some bit of wisdom before being told to go back.
:>Other times the Samurai realizes what is happening, and states they have some task they must complete first.
:>Neither of these things happened to me.
:>Or, if they did, I do not remember them.
:>I do not know if I am disappointed that nothing happened, or relieved that I avoided such a cliche.
:>It matters very little.
:>I awoke to Naomi's tear streaked face.
:>Thank the fortunes! Ishigaki-kun!
:>She hugged me fiercely, but without the spine shattering strength from before.
:>The next thing I noticed was there was no mist.
:>I then realized that, while you would not question your actions while under the curse, you would see them for what they were once you were no longer being influenced.
:>...
:>We were going to end spending the next month and a half apologizing to one another.
:>Naomi, ever sensitive to my thoughts and emotions, flushed red as she realized I was remembering what we did on that island.
:>I had never seen her blush so deeply before.
:>She looked like nothing so much as... well... a boiled crab.
:>The rocking sensation, and the sound of lapping water, told me we were on a ship.
:>Toshiro's face, freshly painted came into view.
:>He had a tightness in the set of his jaw that let me know we were not out of the woods just yet.
:>You done patching him up yet, Naomi?
:>Good.
:>The Monkey's voice sounded very strange.
:>Toshiro whispered to me.
:>We really should have known better than to fuck around with a cursed Nemuranai.
:>C'mon Ishigaki.
:>Get up.
:>I did so.
:>Monkey was sitting there on the deck.
:>The trident was slung over his shoulder.
:>Around me sailors, some the pirates, others the survivors of the Mantis crew, went about the work of the ship, and tried very hard not to look at any of this.
:>We're clear of the rocks, Ishigaki.
:>He stared into my eyes.
:>It's after.
:>He kicked my tetsubo across the deck to me.

:>I glanced down at Toshiro.
:>He was bandaged heavily.
:>Naomi had just used up her last spell healing me, unless I had been out for a very long time.
:>Mantis-san? Kitsuki-san?
:>Don't worry about them Ishigaki. They're not dead or anything.
:>Just too messed up to move.
:>Looks like you guys really needed me to save your sorry asses.
:>Toshiro spoke up.
:>The curse, Ishigaki-san. We were a little mad with bloodlust, fought recklessly.
:>I nodded.
:>Yeah, you keep talking about the damn curse, but you guys were treating me like shit long before we ever got here.
:>It's the trident, Ishigaki-san. Get it away from him.
:>Got it.
:>Whisper all you want, it's not going to save you Ishigaki.
:>Monkey hopped up, twirling the trident.
:>You know, your lucky I'm such an honorable guy.
:>I could have killed you while you were out.
:>I stared at Monkey.
:>It's not honor. You just need to know the truth.
:>He chuckled.
:>Yeah. You're right. I do.
:>He lunged.
:>I twisted to the side, pushing his thrusts past me with my tetsubo.
:>You really are an annoying little shit, you know that Monkey?
:>And you're bad luck.
:>So, quite frankly, I think you should be grateful we keep you around at all.
:>I didn't mean any of that, of course. I was free of the curse now.
:>But I wanted to goad Monkey, make him angry. Angry, reckless and stupid.
:>I was only going to get one chance.
:>Of course, in the grip of the curse as he was, Monkey walked right into my bait.
:>He hadn't taken complete leave of his senses though.
:>He tried to rile me up right back
:>Once I kill you I'm taking Naomi for my own!
:>Well.
:>Maybe he had taken complete leave of his senses.
:>I bit down on my anger.
:>Monkey was not himself.
:>I prepared myself.
:>He thrust the trident straight for my heart with all his might.
:>I pushed it down just enough that it missed my lungs.
:>Grabbed his lead wrist.
:>And slammed the pommel of my tetsubo into the bridge of his nose, breaking it.

:>He lost his balance, falling to the deck.
:>And released his grip on the trident.
:>Toshiro and several sailors jumped on him, pinning him to the deck.
:>I moved to kick the accursed trident over the side, but Naomi shouted to forestall me.
:>Ishigaki-kun, stop!
:>We must give it back to the Orochi when he comes for it!
:>I nodded.
:>Fine. Nobody touch that damn thing till the snake gets here.
:>I placed a full barrel of fresh water on top of the trident to keep it from sliding off the deck.
:>Shouldn't the mist be seeping from this thing now that no one is holding it?
:>Toshiro came over.
:>I glanced back. Two sailors were still holding Monkey's arms, but he was not struggling at all.
:>"Give me a moment," Toshiro said.
:>He knelt next to the trident, and began to pray.
:>What's he doing Naomi?
:>Asking the Kami for their favor.
:>I can see that.
:>No, you do not understand.
:>All magic is the work of the Kami.
:>We use scrolls to help us focus our minds properly, and because the prayer so transcribed is pleasing to the Kami whose favor we seek.
:>It is possible to recite the prayer from memory, to get the motions, and even your emotional state just right, so that you do not need a scroll.
:>It is also possible to simply entreat the Kami directly for intervention you do not know how to properly ask for.
:>I am exhausted, but there is a very simple water spell that will reveal the properties of a Nemuranai.
:>Toshiro knows it possible for the kami to do this, but he does not know the proper way to ask. So he is entreating them in a less formal way.
:>It takes much longer, this way.
:>That's why we rely on our scrolls.
:>Uh. Okay.
:>I understood maybe one word in three of that.
:>Magic was something I would never truly grasp, as I could not hear the kami as Naomi and Toshiro could.
:>I think she just said it's possible for a shugenja to cast a spell they didn't know, by asking really nicely for a long time.
:>I think.

:>Naomi dressed my wound as she wasted her breath trying to explain the finer points of shugenjaing to me.
:>I didn't stop her, because I was so glad to hear her speaking normally again.
:>When she finished, I laid back, putting my head to rest in her lap.
:>The full weight of the ordeal that was the isle of mists came down upon me.
:>Seeing my friends turned into something they were not.
:>My wife.
:>My own thoughts and actions disgusted me.
:>And worst of all was the way I did not even think to question them at the time.
:>How far did the curse change a person?
:>Did it make you into something you simply were not?
:>Or did it only bring to the surface what was truly inside you?
:>I didn't want to know, not about myself, or the others.
:>But I couldn't stop turning it over in my mind.
:>I suspected the others were the same.
:>Or would be, when they woke up.
:>A sob broke the silence.
:>It wasn't Naomi.
:>I looked over.
:>Monkey jerked his arms free of the sailors holding him.
:>He looked at us, tears in his eyes.
:>I'm sorry!
:>Ishigaki-san! I tried to kill you! Twice!
:>Naomi-sama, Toshiro-sama!
:>He yanked off his Do.
:>Oh shit Monkey what are you doing.
:>I got up.
:>He pulled out his wakizashi.
:>Monkey.
:>STOP.
:>Naomi yelled it before I could finish thinking it.
:>And with such force everyone on deck came to an abrupt halt.
:>I recovered first, ran over and slapped the blade from Monkey's hands.
:>Then I hugged him.
:>Just forget it Monkey.
:>But, but I...
:>We all did Monkey.
:>Ishigaki-kun is right. We all did terrible things on that island. No one is to blame for any of it.
:>You will NOT take your own life over it, do you understand me?
:>Monkey nodded, wide eyed at the vehemence in Naomi's voice.
:>Besides Monkey, if you did that then we would all have to.
:>You'd be killing us all, you really want that?
:>N-no. I don't.
:>Okay then.
:>Okay.
:>...
:>Um.
:>Ishigaki-san?
:>You can stop hugging me now.
:>I let go of Monkey, more than a little embarrassed.
:>Naomi tittered behind her sleeve.

:>After some time Toshiro finished his chat with the Kami.
:>He stood up, and came over to us.
:>The trident was a Nemuranai before they tried to seal the curse inside it.
:>Originally, when placed upon it's altar, it would cause mist to seep out over a wide area, concealing it.
:>When held, it's wielder could summon a much smaller area of mist around themselves.
:>Ah. And then the curse became rooted in the mist?
:>Yes, Naomi-san. It's just as you say.
:>It was then that the Orochi finally made its presence known.
:>It came up, hissing furiously.
:>OI! Hold on a minute!
:>I waved my arms at it, Monkey did likewise
:>To my relief, it stopped hissing. Closed its mouth. And stared at us.
:>Kenzan, the guy who took the trident, is dead!
:>We just want to get away from the curse!
:>So here, have it back!
:>It leaned in, opened it's maw.
:>With a quick kick Monkey sent the trident into the thing's mouth.
:>It closed its mouth on the trident, holding it.
:>And then vanished beneath the waves without a word.
:>Monkey looked over at me.
:>Not very talkative, was he?
:>What, you were hoping to have some polite teatime conversation with a giant snake?
:>Yeah, actually.
:>I mean, he's lived forever!
:>Before men walked in Ningen-do!
:>He must know a lot, must have seen a lot!
:>Monkey.
:>Huh?
:>He's been protecting a tribe of crazed Ningyo all this time. All he knows about is fish, more fish, and what crazy fish people do with their free time.
:>Oh. Yeah, I suppose you're right.
:>While I wanted to rest, I could not. There were not enough surviving Mantis to crew the boat, so we had no choice but to use pirates as well.
:>Several of us were on guard at all times, to keep them from getting any funny ideas.
:>Toshiro promised them that since he was a Jade, and not Emerald magistrate, he would blame their crimes entirely on the mist and let them go once we reached port.
:>Toshiro was a filthy liar.
:>These men and been in and out of the mist several times.
:>They needed no curse to make them bloodthirsty criminals.

:>We reached the Isles of Spice and Silk in two days, as predicted.
:>Everyone was fully recovered from their psychical injuries and fatigue, thanks to Naomi.
:>The mental injuries would take longer to heal.
:>In the end, we did a tea ceremony together and agreed that we would simply never speak of the things that happened on that island again.
:>Unlike Toshiro, I am not a filthy liar.
:>I never said I wouldn't write about them.
:>Not like I expect anyone would ever read these journals anyway.
:>I'm getting sidetracked.
:>While we were handling all the matters of docking, Monkey slipped quietly away and got the magistrate.
:>And several dozen well armed Yoriki.
:>So while the pirates cried and protested and insulted Toshiro, there was little they could do but be carted off.
:>A drowning man will grab anything to try and save himself, even if he knows his weight will pull it down with him.
:>These pirates were no different. Given the choice between immediate death at the hands of the Yoriki, or death via execution that was at some point in the future, they chose to live just a little bit longer.
:>We got a chance to meet Mantis-san's wife.
:>She greeted her husband traditionally, dogeza and asking whether he wished for dinner or a bath first.
:>We chose bath.
:>The time at sea, and the island, had given us little time to clean properly, and we all stank to Tengoku.
:>Mantis-san's house was quite large, and had two baths, so Naomi and Tatsuki got cleaned up at the same time we did.
:>Tatsuki was a clever girl.
:>She hid in an empty barrel inside the ship as soon as she saw people getting weird.
:>So.
:>Mantis-san.
:>He poured a bucket of water over his head, washing all the soap off.
:>Yeah?
:>How do you think your wife is going to take to Tatsuki?
:>The same way she takes to our baby making sessions. Cold indifference.
:>I told you before, we have a normal marriage.
:>She runs the house, managing my stipend and business.
:>When I come home sometimes we fuck, sometimes we don't.

:>But it's only for children.
:>We don't love each other.
:>But we do both love our kids.
:>Monkey was soaking, a cloth over his eyes.
:>Without moving he asked Mantis-san how many children he had.
:>Two so far.
:>Boys. Ichiro and Nichi.
:>He got in to soak beside us.
:>I know, not very original.
:>But they're going to choose their own names when they complete their Gempukku anyway.
:>Mantis-san was right. Children's names were often bland. Adding in numbers relating to their birth order was a common thing.
:>For precisely the reason he said so. A person chooses their adult name upon completing their Gempukku.
:>And takes a new name upon retiring.
:>Some even receive a fourth name upon their death.
:>Needless to say, keeping track of who is who in official records can be a challenge.
:>I shook my head. Mantis-san was telling the truth when he said his marriage was normal.
:>But I couldn't fathom it.
:>Not making love to someone you had no feelings for, nor arranging a marriage that would put your own children in such a position.
:>Then again, I was a Crab. It was the custom of our Clan to allow Samurai to choose their own spouses.
:>You had until 25, then a spouse would be found for you.
:>We did it this way because we were in a never ending war.
:>Our clan suffered losses almost daily.
:>And a couple in love would make love more often than a couple that could not stand one another.
:>Which meant more babies.
:>Which meant more Crabs to replace the ones who fall.
:>I wondered if I was no better than those who condemned their children to a loveless marriage.
:>After all, I was condemning mine to life on the Wall.
:>Damn that island.
:>I got out and dried myself off.
:>I was far too introspective for my own good at the moment.
:>Judging by the silence in the bath behind me, we all were.
:>An evening of drinking was in order.

:>Gloomy thoughts would intrude on even the most stalwart veteran after a long time standing a post on the Wall.
:>It's why Crabs were so rowdy once off duty. Chasing those dark thoughts away to keep hold of your sanity.
:>Toshiro joined me as I finished dressing.
:>Looked at me.
:>Nodded in agreement.
:>We came out and a servant lead us to a room.
:>Mantis-san's wife was there talking with Naomi.
:>Tatsuki was pouring tea for them and fidgeting.
:>Ishigaki-kun! Kaori-san was just asking about you.
:>Oh?
:>She sipped her tea.
:>My husband's letters are terse, I fear.
:>He has told me precious little about you all.
:>In his defense, there isn't much to tell about me at all.
:>I'm just a simple Crab, killing oni where I find them.
:>She smiled.
:>Such work is hardly simple though.
:>True. But it's also not a topic for polite discussion.
:>Also true.
:>She nodded, and turned to Toshiro.
:>He had already reaplied his face paint.
:>You must be Kuni Toshiro-sama.
:>May I ask why you paint your face?
:>I know it is a custom of your family, but I thought it war paint?
:>For many it is. Others will wear it when going about official duties or in public for one reason or another.
:>It is a personal choice, just as the pattern of the paint is.
:>I see. That is very interesting.
:>What is your reason then?
:>My leg is not the only thing wounded in battle with the Shadowlands.
:>Oh. I see. Forgive me for prying.
:>Toshiro waved the apology away.
:>It is fine. Everyone is curious about it when we first meet.
:>Well.
:>This sure is an exciting conversation.
:>I was relieved when the others came in.
:>You received my letter, Husband?
:>I did.
:>Kenzan has taken to targeting our ships, personally.
:>I know because he sent one sailor back alive to tell me.
:>Mantis-san nodded.
:>Kenzan has already been dealt with.
:>She looked shocked, then quickly hid it behind a sip of tea.
:>Mantis-san continued.
:>It was pure chance, but he attacked the very ship we were coming here on.
:>How unfortunate for him.
:>She smiled again.

:>Is the damage to our business severe?
:>We lost three ships, crew and cargo all.
:>But I believe we can recover.
:>Though we will have to be tight with the purse strings for a time.
:>No frivolous expenses.
:>Kaori-san didn't look at Tatsuki, but Tatsuki squirmed all the same.
:>Mantis-san sighed.
:>You've already guessed then?
:>Kaori-san sipped her tea.
:>He produced Tatsuki's contract.
:>His wife's eyes widened again as she looked at it.
:>How did you get this? I haven't given you nearly enough money to buy a Geisha's contract!
:>I got a great price from the Bog Hag that owned it previously to have it.
:>The one-two combination of shocks was enough to finally shake Kaori-san's face.
:>She stared at Mantis-san.
:>Opened her mouth. Then closed it, unable to find words.
:>This repeated several times.
:>There was a bog hag wearing the skin of the madame of a Geisha house.
:>It had a coven, and several of the Geisha were also Hags.
:>No, Kaori, Tatsuki here knew nothing about it. She was a victim of the hags as well.
:>And no, she is not tainted.
:>Mantis-san gestured towards Toshiro and me.
:>I promised I would keep no secrets from you. But Tatsuki is perfectly safe.
:>And I will keep her.
:>Kaori-san managed to regain her composure.
:>Looked at Tatsuki.
:>Very well then.
:>Stop squirming so. Did you not learn proper manners during your training?
:>I... I was still in training when Mantis-sama acquired my contract.
:>Kaori narrowed her eyes.
:>Sighed.
:>Very well.
:>I suppose I can teach you what you need to know if you're going to be part of this household now.
:>With that last bit of business out of the way I elbowed Mantis-san.
:>You must know where there is a good place to get some drinks around here.
:>I do.
:>Well let's go then.
:>Mantis-san, Kitsuki-san, Monkey, Toshiro and I all went out for the evening.
:>We got blind stinking drunk.
:>And we lurched back to Mantis-san's house singing at the top of our lungs.
:>We were all singing a different song.
:>I sounded like a dying frog.