Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XLVIII: Ambush===
:>Shiro Hiruma.
:>Lost in the advance of the Maw in 716, many campaigns had been launched in the centuries since to reclaim the ancestral home of the Hiruma.
:>All had ended in failure.
:>Thousands of Crab had died trying in vain to reclaim it. Of those that did manage to enter the castle, one month was the longest it was ever held.
:>The Shadowlands seemed to take sick delight in mocking us, and would stop at nothing to hold Shiro Hiruma.
:>If the horde was truly forming up there, of all places...
:>I didn't need to turn to see that the Hiruma in this patrol were even more furious than they were afraid.
:>Truthfully, I doubted even Masagoro would be unaffected by the knowledge that the horde gathered in his family's home.
:>Well. Nothing for it. 
:>Masagoro was right, we needed to see what was coming to prepare properly for it.
:>We only had to get close, it wasn't as though we were going to try to capture Shiro Hiruma.
:>At his command we began to march across the barren plains and into the depths of the Shadowlands.
:>With a patrol this size, we had flank and rear guards, as well as a number of Hiruma spread out ahead of the main body.
:>It would have been nice to have some cavalry for that, but horses were absolutely terrified of the Shadowlands.
:>Perhaps a Shiotome could keep her steed under control here...
:>Perhaps.
:>Everyone else would just have to walk.
:>Shadows fell over us as we marched.
:>I looked up, seeing dark shapes wheeling about in the sky.
:>They did not attack though.
:>As expected, with a full company we drew attention right away, but there were few things that would dare attack such a force.
:>I spent much of the day worrying about the things that WOULD dare.
:>As we made our camp and set out the watches for the first day, Monkey and Mantis-san came up to me.
:>... so.
:>You think he's right?
:>Toshiro rested his hand on his chin.
:>Well, it IS something a trophy for the Shadowlands.
:>We reclaimed the Kuni lands, but we've been unable to retake the Hiruma lands yet.

:>Our patrol advanced deeper and deeper into the Shadowlands.
:>Our steps dogged the whole way by shadows that ran when confronted, and things flying overhead.
:>Our flank guards had killed only a half dozen goblins, and those with arrow fire in the three days since we entered this place.
:>Tension began to mount in the men.
:>The enemy knew where we were, and knew our strength.
:>We should have been challenged by now.
:>On the the third night, I waited until I could have a moment alone and broached the subject with Masagoro.
:>One should not question their superior within earshot of others. Discipline is important, after all.
:>It is odd they have not confronted us yet. If they know where we are heading, they may have set an ambush ahead of us. Don't you think so, Masagoro-sama?
:>I had to choose my words carefully. Even though he had effectively made me his second in command on this patrol, it was a temporary thing on his whim and his whim alone. I didn't have quite the latitude a proper Taisa would.
:>To my surprise, Masagoro nodded along with my assessment.
:>Yes, they know that I know. There is only one place we COULD be heading after all.
:>This just means whatever leads this horde is more cunning than usual. And strong enough to keep such rabble in line.
:>Then, should we not alter our course, Masagoro-sama?
:>If they have prepared an ambush we should try to get around it, shouldn't we?
:>He looked at me.
:>You have sharp mind for military matters. I was right to give you that rank. But we cannot waste any more time. That's why I brought so many.
:>We will have little enough time to prepare as is.
:>He placed a hand on my shoulder.
:>I trust you understand. This situation is unusual. Therefore, we must respond in unusual fashion.
:>I didn't like it, but I also couldn't say he was wrong.
:>I nodded.
:>He smiled at me.
:>Yosh. It is good that you ask these things from time to time. I would not want to be so focused on the goal I lose sight of why it is important.

:>I could not sleep.
:>Every instinct in my body was screaming that we were in danger.
:>Even Monkey could feel it.
:>His usual jovial self was nowhere to be seen now.
:>He ate stiffly, then pulled a blanket about his shoulders and slept.
:>As the camp bedded down, and the sentries took up their posts he whispered to me.
:>Well, what do you think?
:>About him?
:>Yes.
:>He's... focused. Perhaps too much, but I can't be certain. All I can say for sure is that he knows how dangerous it is to keep on as we are, and believes the reward worth the risk.
:>Toshiro frowned and stroked his chin.
:>What do you think?
:>I don't know. I'm not a smart man Toshiro. Like a Lion, I rely on the wisdom of those who came before me.
:>They do it to honor their ancestors, I do it because I'm too stupid to think of answers on my own.
:>He sighed.
:>Try and get some sleep, Ishigaki-san. We'll need everyone's strength soon enough I think.
:>Toshiro was more right then he knew.
:>Midday of the fourth day in, I saw it.
:>The path right through a mountain. The same cliffs rising to either side.
:>I knew it was the same place I saw when I went looking for Hida, though of course, it had moved since I was last here.
:>I grabbed Masagoro's shoulder.
:>I know that place, I hissed to him.
:>He looked at it.
:>Here then?
:>Yes, here!
:>He nodded.
:>EVERYONE! KEEP GOING, AND BE READY FOR BATTLE!
:>I stared at him, incredulous.
:>Here or elsewhere, Ishigaki-san. We'll have to break through at some point. It may as well be now.
:>I looked over to Adachi.
:>He frowned, but readied his tetsubo.
:>No choice then. We went in.
:>Silence.
:>All the way to the very end, and then I saw it.
:>At the very end of the chasm a lone rider.
:>Seated upon a rotting steed.
:>Purple armor.
:>A bare skull with glowing orbs in empty sockets, burning with unholy light.
:>It's skeletal jaw fell open, and shrieked.
:>The sound froze the very marrow in my bones.

:>As the cry echoed through the canyon I could see the very real effect it had.
:>All around me warriors went pale, sweat stood out on bare flesh, and I heard several simply fall to their knees, weapons clattering to the ground.
:>I reached desperately for Mushin no Shin, as I felt fear claw at my own throat.
:>The Dark Moto pointed one boiny finger and then the killing began.
:>While our troops were still reeling from the unnatural terror it caused, boulders and logs began to fall upon us from above.
:>Not rocks and sticks but large logs, and huge boulders.
:>I could see goblins using levers to allow the deadfalls to come free.
:>I could take no satisfaction in the ones that got caught up in their own traps and crushed.
:>There were other things on my mind.
:>Like the undead bursting up from the ground all around us. They had been so skillfully buried no one saw anything, until now.
:>And, at the far end of the chasm came a dozen riders in black armor. Very, horribly human looking riders.
:>Behind them, ogres.
:>I looked to Masagoro, waiting for him to order the retreat.
:>Be he stood there, blade in hand, and stared at the riders bearing down on us.
:>I barely got my tetsubo up in time to deflect a Yari.
:>Masagoro sliced the legs of one as it passed, so he fell from the saddle.
:>Then he stabbed him cooly through the throat.
:>The Lost twitched once and was still.
:>Bursts of flame exploded around the Goblins up above, trying to scatter them.
:>But Toshiro was only one man, and it seemed the whole canyon had been lined with deadfalls.
:>I made up my mind.
:>RETREAT!
:>FALL BACK, FALL BACK!
:>Adachi followed my lead, shouting orders to create an organized withdrawal.
:>The riders wheeled, a shocking maneuver in the cramped canyon, and came back.
:>Monkey leapt up and took one's head off.
:>Mantis-san managed to take the legs out of another one's horse, spilling the rider.
:>The Crabs around fell upon the Lost, and it died screaming in fury.
:>Masagoro screamed defiantly at the Dark Moto.

:>Adachi grabbed Masagoro, pulling him back.
:>NO! We must go on!
:>We cannot prevail here Masagoro-sama!
:>He scowled, but allowed himself to be lead away.
:>My body burst forth into green light.
:>I nodded thanks to Toshiro, and yelled for the rear guard to form up on me.
:>We fought walking backwards, stones raining down all around us.
:>I struck again and again at the ogres and zombies around me, and tried not to think about why the ground beneath my feet shifted so much, why it was so uneven.
:>Flashes of fire and Jade energy over my shoulder told me Toshiro was doing his best to clear a path.
:>Since I didn't find myself facing any more Lost, I guessed he must have been doing a fine job.
:>The rocks helped us as much as they killed us, crushing some of our enemies as well.
:>But it was just zombies around us.
:>I realized that the goblins stopped just ahead of the Ogres advance.
:>It was odd that the safest place in the rearguard was to be surrounded by ogres, but it was the truth.
:>I wedged myself in tightly, and fought desperately.
:>Savage blows rained down on me, shattering my armor.
:>One by one, the others in the rear guard fell.
:>ISHIGAKI! MOVE YOUR ASS!
:>Mantis-san.
:>I glanced back. The rest of the patrol was almost clear.
:>I turned and ran, a massive club smashing into my back as I did so.
:>But I could still go, and so I did.
:>A volley of arrows arced over my head to sink into the Ogres behind me.
:>I doubted if any Ogre fell, but it would distract them.
:>We ran.
:>Breaking clear of the death trap we ran on.
:>Masagoro was silent, sullen. Looking back over his shoulder over and over.
:>Adachi was the one giving the orders, moving the patrol as best he could.
:>Scuttling things on many legs burst forth from the canyon and gave chase.
:>Troops peeled away from the main body and engaged them.
:>More screams, more blood. Few returned to us.
:>But the many legged horrors were stopped.
:>Monkey looked at me.
:>Are... are you... okay?
:>Do... don't talk... you'll... bite your tongue!
:>Just RUN!

:>Shadows flitted across us.
:>The creatures that had followed above, now dove into our ranks.
:>Screams marked their passing, as they tore through our ranks.
:>One landed just in front, and hissed at us.
:>With a face like a human child.
:>Oni no Baby-Face.
:>Toshiro! It's invulnerable!
:>He nodded and as I tossed aside my tetsubo, another one, made of earth and studded with Jade appeared in my hands.
:>Toshiro was panting hard.
:>He'd used a lot of magic.
:>And here, in the Shadowlands there were very, very few kami.
:>I saw Mantis-san begin to powder his Kama.
:>Monkey covered me as I attacked.
:>HEY! REMEMBER ME ASSHOLE?
:>Oni no Baby-Face snarled showing it's mouth full of razor teeth.
:>I think it does, Ishigaki-san!
:>Monkey leapt in, knocking aside the tail it swept at me.
:>Yeah! Last time I didn't have any jade! NOW WHAT YOU FILTH!
:>I struck again, right in it's hideous face.
:>It reared up and shrieked in pain, thrashing about with it's wings and tail.
:>Uh, I think you pissed it off!
:>I glanced back to see if Mantis-san was coming, but he had his hands full with another winged beast. This one was reptilian, with two heads that sported great curved beaks and a forked tail.
:>I had to make this last one count then.
:>I jumped up as it snapped it's fangs at me, and brought my tetsubo and all my weight down on the back of it's long neck.
:>There was a satisfying crunch, and it flopped over twitching.
:>I turned in time to see three Crabs tackle the oni Mantis-san was fighting.
:>They brought it down and he cut off both it's heads with one motion.
:>Clear for the time being, our flight resumed.
:>We did not stop, though not even I could run the whole time.
:>We ate as we walked, drank, pissed and shit on the march, never stopping.
:>Day and night we walked unable to rest even a moment.
:>Goblins hounded us the whole way. Thankfully, we endured no more assaults by Lost cavalry or flying Oni.
:>When we made it back to the Wall, less than forty of us were still alive.

:>Arrows flew from the top of the Wall, scattering the goblins that were hounding us.
:>Hiruma poured out of the tunnels to harry and finish them off, while a few others led us in and through.
:>The tunnels are dark, close and cramped. It can be tricky to fight in them. On the other hand, one man can easily hold back dozens of enemies. And that's without making use of the traps within.
:>The usual paranoia of having outsiders was dismissed, as we were all wounded and exhausted.
:>Once we made it out of the tunnels everyone collapsed.
:>Bandages and water were rushed to us.
:>A Kuni checked us all for signs of taint.
:>Two men burned as he prodded them with Jade.
:>I elbowed Monkey.
:>Don't stare, either of you. Just look away.
:>Everyone did so.
:>When a Crab becomes tainted they have several choices. It is up to each individual which one they will choose, and the individual alone.
:>We ignore them so that we do NOT shame them. We do not judge them for their decisions. We do not tell them what they should do.
:>It is the very danger of becoming tainted that makes our duty unclean.
:>The other Clans will never admit it.
:>But they fear this.
:>Being wounded nigh unto death and still fighting honors your Clan and family.
:>Covering yourself in the blood of your enemies marks you with glory.
:>Against the Shadowlands it just means you're more likely to become tainted.
:>To have your soul poisoned with Jigoku's corruption.
:>Even if you die before you are lost, your soul will still bear the marks of Jigoku. And your corpse will rise up and bear arms against all you once held dear.
:>Many choose to commit seppuku when they learn they have been tainted.
:>Returning to the karmic cycle before the stain on their soul can spread.
:>Others choose to retire to special monasteries. They spend the remainder of their lives drinking Jade petal tea and living a live of ascetic purity, hoping to cleanse themselves, at least somewhat, before they stand before Emma-O.
:>And some choose to become Damned.

:>The Kuni folded his arms in the sleeves of his kimono and waited patiently for their decision.
:>Both chose to carry out their duty one final time.
:>They were taken away, to be prepared for their final post at the Barracks of the Damned.
:>I looked over the remnant that had survived.
:>And saw Masagoro talking with another officer.
:>... yes, then we were ambushed. It was one of the remnant of the Dark Moto leading the ambush.
:>A grunt of surprise.
:>It terrified the troops, and they stood paralyzed in the face of the ambush. But I was able to rally them and lead them back out.
:>I blinked.
:>Did I hear him right?
:>The officer nodded.
:>I doubt anyone else could have gotten even this many back then Masagoro-sama. Good work.
:>I did.
:>What.
:>The.
:>Fuck.
:>I looked over to Adachi.
:>He just shook his head.
:>It IS the commander who bears the responsibility for defeat, so it is also the commander who gets the credit for success.
:>Technically, Masagoro was entitled to take the credit for the successful retreat.
:>But this... rankled.
:>I could see him conversing still, giving orders.
:>Adachi came up to me and spoke.
:>I'm thinking the same thing, but we should not.
:>I just glared at him out of the corner of my eye.
:>He is still in command, Ishigaki-san. We should not undermine the trust he has earned.
:>I muttered back.
:>Tell that to the man that led his troops into an ambush and then froze up when the time to retreat came.
:>Adachi returned my glare.
:>That is a minor failure when weighed against the accomplishments of his life, and you know it.
:>I looked back at the bleeding and tired soldiers.
:>You call THAT minor?
:>His face darkened.
:>Yes. I do. Don't forget what is coming.
:>I rubbed the back of my head.
:>Shit.
:>Even one who was right there still wasn't sure about Masagoro.
:>And the man was one of the highest ranked commanders in the whole of the Crab Clan.
:>Only the family Daimyo were of higher standing.
:>I looked at Masagoro again.
:>A formal complaint wasn't going to get anywhere... not yet.

:>Informal complaint then?
:>I could find a few who would join me, I'm certain.
:>But that was mostly for fresh recruits. To break discipline to the point of beating an officer...
:>And one as high ranked as Masagoro...
:>There would be no way to avoid punishment.
:>So... without intervention from someone above Masagoro, we would just have to bear with it.
:>Again.
:>I am so sick of having to just bear with it.
:>We returned to Shiro Kuni.
:>Masagoro again repeated the lie, claiming credit for the retreat, and drew up orders for more patrols.
:>It looked like this time he was going to send in several small patrols at once, and see if one could find a route to Shiro Hiruma.
:>I watched him carefully, but to my surprise he seemed normal once more.
:>Even energetic.
:>He seemed to be everywhere, talking with the men, taking his meals with them, even training and sparring with them.
:>It had a profound effect on morale, as trust in him skyrocketed.
:>In only a few days, he had the whole of Shiro Kuni believing that if he ordered them to die it was for a good reason.
:>I almost believed it myself.
:>I am not a smart man. I decided to speak with everyone else, to see if I had missed something.
:>Monkey spoke first.
:>Looked to me like he went mad there. That scream? Maybe it got to him too?
:>Mantis-san shook his head.
:>It's not just that though. Didn't you say that the last patrol was all wrong?
:>I nodded.
:>Toshiro folded his arms and bowed his head in thought.
:>Well, whatever it is I don't think it's madness.
:>Kitsuki-san spoke up.
:>I know about the nine types, but I would like to hear about them straight from a Kuni. My knowledge is second hand, after all.
:>Naomi nodded. You and Ishigaki-kun have mentioned that before.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>There are two sources of madness. The true madness caused by the Sun, that's the kind of madness a person is born with and will always have...
:>Then there is the false madness of the Moon. It is brought on by the lying of actions.
:>Monkey cocked his head.
:>The what?

:>Toshiro picked up a tea cup.
:>This teacup is full.
:>He then turned it upside down.
:>Not one drop spilled out from it.
:>The lying of words is a simple thing, Monkey.
:>But when I know the dead don't walk, and you know the dead don't walk, and we see a walking dead man...
:>That's the lying of actions.
:>When the truth is no longer the truth, it is an assault on one's mind.
:>Some minds cannot bear it, and that wound becomes a spiritual imbalance. The false madness of the Moon.
:>The one weak in Air cannot lose himself of habits. They'll check and recheck to see if a door is barred, or if their armor strings are tightened up properly.
:>Too strong in Air and they become grandiose, braggarts. We laugh in the face of death from time to time, but the one whose Air is too strong can't stop. They become like actors, hiding their own fear.
:>Too weak in Water and they gain a great fear, something they see everywhere. He may collapse in the presence of any high wall, as it reminds him of the Wall.
:>Too strong in Water and they see too much. They know everything is a threat and cannot judge properly.
:>A weakness of Fire is like being in mourning. They become distant, and cannot care about anything.
:>Too much Fire and they outsmart themselves, sundering their being and becoming many people at once.
:>A weakness of Earth will make the person very energetic, but also hateful when ignored. They swing and back and forth between two extremes.
:>Too much Earth and... well. Those ones believe themselves destined to rule the world. They think nothing can defeat them.
:>A man whose Void is too strong hears things, sees things we cannot. They whisper to themselves and live in a world we will never understand.
:>Monkey spoke up when Toshiro was done.
:>What about weakness of Void?
:>They don't exist. Or, I should say the one too weak in Void just comes undone, like a brick wall having all it's mortar taken out.
:>Oh.
:>Mantis-san spoke up then.
:>I've seen lots of people do things like that though...

:>Toshiro nodded.
:>The issue is the imbalance.
:>Many of these behaviors are normal, more or less.
:>It's when taken too far that they become madness.
:>A Matsu bragging before the enemy army of his past glories isn't mad, he's just attacking the morale of his enemies and bolstering his allies.
:>Someone playing with a zombie the way a cat plays with a mouse on the other hand, and doing so to be praised as opposed to lifting their comrades spirits...
:>Mantis-san nodded.
:>So if Masagoro was out of balance like that, SOMEONE would have noticed?
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>I've been watching him closely since we got back, as well.
:>Kitsuki-san sipped his tea.
:>So, it's not madness, and it's not that he's a fool. His past achievements attest to that.
:>Mantis-san spoke.
:>So... Maho?
:>Kitsuki-san frowned.
:>I would like to think we are putting too much pressure on him for that to be the case.
:>Monkey spoke up.
:>What about that time with Ayame, the spell on the charm trick?
:>Toshiro shook his head.
:>This is Shiro Kuni. Such a trick would be discovered.
:>I folded my arms and thought. There was something about Masagoro, when we pulled him away...
:>What is it Ishigaki-kun?
:>I looked up.
:>Masagoro... he kind of reminds me of me.
:>Eh?
:>Toshiro narrowed his eyes.
:>You mean... before?
:>Yeah.
:>Eehhh?
:>I sighed and looked up at the ceiling.
:>I... had a close call with madness for a time.
:>After my family was killed, my Fire died down greatly.
:>I didn't think of much, other than how many of the bastards I could kill.
:>I might have ended up a dead eyes, had I not met all of you. You especially, Hana-chan.
:>Naomi blushed.
:>Monkey looked around.
:>What's a 'dead eyes'?
:>There are two kinds of Berserkers among the Crab clan.
:>One is a natural rage, frothing madness and fury.
:>The other kind is known as a Dead Eye because on the inside they are already dead.
:>They give no thought to their own safety, or tactics, or strategy.
:>They just kill until they are killed.

:>But Masagoro isn't a berserker, is he?
:>I shook my head.
:>No, he's not. But for a moment there he looked like one.
:>Kitsuki-san nibbled on his fan.
:>Berserkers exist within the Lion and the Crab clan, mostly.
:>It's something a bit like Mushin no Shin, though instead of becoming one with everything you shut out everything. The end result is similar though. A perfect warrior who feels neither fear nor pain and acts with the speed of no-thought.
:>Among the Lion, there are of course the Matsu.
:>But you could say the Deathseekers are also berserkers. So shamed that they wish only for death on the battlefield to cleanse that shame.
:>He looked up at me.
:>The Dead Eyes, they are most often Hiruma, are they not?
:>I nodded.
:>Toshiro added.
:>Yeah, the shame of their lands being lost frequently drives them to it.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>A man who has lived a long life, ordering soldiers to their deaths, over and over again.
:>Whose ancestral castle is the staging ground for a massive assault the likes of which are rarely seen and often very bloody.
:>...
:>I think Ishigaki is right.
:>Masagoro himself may not even be aware of it, but I think he seeks his own death.
:>I stared.
:>A soldier making a suicidal charge is one thing.
:>A commander who does so...
:>Chikusho.

:>Then, we must see to it that Masagoro-sama is replaced.
:>I winced at Naomi's words.
:>It wasn't that simple.
:>Monkey spun to face her, ankles crossed and holding his feet.
:>What kind of crappy samurai fears death?
:>Naomi tilted her head.
:>I am aware of that Satoshi-san, however Masagoro may be squandering the lives of his men.
:>Monkey nodded.
:>Maybe.
:>But if he leads his soldiers to victory, who cares? The dead go to their ancestors with glory, after all.
:>Naomi blinked.
:>I cannot believe you would say something so callous, Satoshi-san.
:>He looked down.
:>You're a shugenja, Naomi-sama. A water tensai that holds life as sacred. So of course this is hard for you to understand...
:>But right now there's no reason to assume Masagoro is wrong. About anything.
:>Proper samurai don't fear death, In fact, they embrace it, gladly.
:>They'll argue amongst one another for the chance to be in the rear guard, and get all the honor and glory that comes from a heroic last stand.
:>If the commander squanders his men's lives to the point where the army loses, only THEN does he take responsibility for his failure.
:>And Masagoro has a history of victory that says he's not likely to squander his men.
:>We know different because we were there and we saw him freeze.
:>So, who among us could meet with Masagoro's lord, and convince them this celebrated hero of the Clan has become a liability?
:>He cocked his head, waiting for Naomi's reply.
:>She bit her lip, and looked over to me.
:>I could only shake my head.
:>Then I looked over at Monkey.
:>Thanks.
:>He held up his hand.
:>No problem, I'm sure one day you'll get used to communicating with words.
:>I rapped him lightly on the head for that.
:>OW! Naomi-sama!
:>Ishigaki-kun...
:>Hey, he doesn't get to be wise AND make fun of me at the same time.
:>We shared a chuckle.
:>Then Kitsuki-san tapped his papers.
:>It would be easier if the Tsukai WERE affecting his mind in some way.
:>That would give us an opening, as Jade magistrates, at least.

:>Mantis-san shrugged.
:>There is still one thing.
:>He looked over at me.
:>Masagoro-sama seems to trust Ishigaki here.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>Yes, yes. You should stay close to him. Try to limit the damage he does.
:>I frowned.
:>He hasn't listened to a word of advice from me yet.
:>Then be more convincing.
:>Easy for you to say.
:>Still, it was all we could do for now.
:>For the next couple of days, I stayed by Masagoro as much as I could.
:>For his part he seemed to welcome me, or not even notice I was there, depending on his mood.
:>Masagoro moved about with a youthful vigor, not only doing the little things that boosted morale but also pouring over maps, hearing reports and issuing orders.
:>I spoke up, out of turn, on a few of his orders.
:>He just nodded at my objections.
:>You're right of course, Ishigaki-san. I doubt they'll get through. But they WILL draw attention, and hopefully weaken the enemy.
:>If we can chip away at their numbers it will give us more time, you see?
:>So much for being more convincing.
:>Then, it happened.
:>Kitsuki-san found the Bloodspeaker.
:>They were hiding out as Kaiu Gintama, an apprentice armorer who made basic repairs.
:>When cornered, Gintama had chosen to fall on their own blade rather than be captured and interrogated.
:>A thorough search turned up nothing. No corrupted jade, no Jade petal tea, no scrolls.
:>The Kuni preformed an "autopsy" and determined that he had the ability to suppress his own taint, as though had consumed Jade Petal tea.
:>A rare and terrifying ability, but one that was documented in the Kuni libraries.
:>In the end, we were left with nothing. No clues as to what he had done, or may have been planning to do, or even if he was acting alone.
:>So many unanswered questions left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.
:>Kitsuki-san, especially, was frustrated.
:>Still, a part of me began to hope that Masagoro's odd behavior was the result of some sort of Maho, and that he was no longer being influenced by it.

:>The day after, a single scout came back from one of the patrols.
:>Masagoro insisted on hearing his report alone.
:>The scout, torn and bleeding followed Masagoro into the planning room and shut the door.
:>When Masagoro finally emerged, he yelled for an eta.
:>I looked at him.
:>What happened?
:>He stared at me.
:>The man was more seriously wounded then either of us realized. He died.
:>I looked over Masagoro's shoulder into the room.
:>The scout was still folded up in a dogeza.
:>Adachi found me some time later.
:>I must speak with you, Ishigaki-san.
:>I think... Masagoro is not right.
:>He frowned, and hesitated, staring at me intently.
:>I nodded.
:>You're right.
:>He closed his eyes and breathed out through his nose.
:>My father is one of Hida-sama's personal guard. I think I may be able to get them to listen to me, or at least to come and inspect things for themselves.
:>My eyebrows shot up. I really should have been asking him to tell me more about himself all this time.
:>I wasn't going to go at first, because I didn't want to leave Masagoro-sama alone like that...but.
:>I understand. You can count on me. You go get Hida-sama, I'll try to keep Shiro Kuni in one piece until you can get back.
:>He nodded.
:>I returned to our rooms to let everyone know.
:>The words died in my throat however, when I entered.
:>Masagoro was there.
:>He looked up at me and smiled.
:>Ah, good. You're here.
:>Then I won't need to repeat myself.
:>He looked back at Toshiro.
:>As I was saying, I have a favor to ask, now that your business is concluded.
:>The patrols have done a fine job stretching the enemy out, and drawing them away. There is now a clear path to Shiro Hiruma.
:>I need only send one last patrol, small, with the very best veterans.
:>I would ask that YOU be the ones to confirm the enemies numbers.
:>Though Masagoro was speaking to Toshiro, I answered without thinking.
:>Of course I'll go, Masagoro-sama.
:>He smiled at me.
:>I knew you would. Always the first to rush into danger to protect your kin.

:>Toshiro nodded.
:>I will go as well.
:>Yosh!
:>Toshiro looked over at the others.
:>I won't order you too. This is Crab business, and outside your purview as Jade Magistrates.
:>Monkey grinned.
:>You're not just my superior, you're my friend Toshiro. And this sounds hard. Of course I'm going.
:>Mantis-san merely grunted, but we knew what he meant.
:>Kitsuki-san took a long sip of tea.
:>I will go as well. I may be a courtier, but I can fight too.
:>I looked at my friends. I was going to protect my fellow Crabs, because I could survive just about anything. Toshiro was going because his magic would be invaluable in dealing with things I may not be able to kill.
:>They were going because they were our friends, and for no other reason.
:>I bowed.
:>Thank you all.
:>I will go.
:>We all stared at that.
:>I said: I will go as well.
:>Naomi, you can't! Your health!
:>She stared at me. Then walked over to the corner of the room and picked up her yumi.
:>One day, my children will enter the Shadowlands alone, and kill something that dwells within. I will see this place with my own eyes, even if it is just once.
:>Everyone stared at her.
:>Then I walked over to her and leaned in close.
:>I whispered into her ear.
:>Do you want another child? Because right now it's all I can do to keep myself from giving you another child.
:>She gasped and blushed, then smiled up at me.
:>Masagoro clapped his hand on his knee.
:>Good! Such a fine group as this, you will surely prevail!
:>He set a map down on the table.
:>Here is the route you need to take, this will be the least patrolled by the enemy right now.
:>Well then, I'll leave you to it.
:>With that, he left.
:>We began to pack rations and gathered Jade.
:>In the morning, we would set out once more for Shiro Hiruma.