Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XLIX: Shiro Hiruma===
:>That night, I cleaned my armor thoroughly.
:>In the morning, Naomi helped me to dress, and I helped her.
:>A sleeveless top, with soft pads on her forearms.
:>Simple pants, wrapped around her ankles.
:>I combed out her hair, and tied it up with a simple headscarf.
:>Loose clothing could get caught on all sorts of things, but exposed flesh was also at risk. Balance, in all things.
:>A second finger of Jade for her. One to keep with her rations, and one on a silken cord around her neck
:>She fiddled with the second piece of Jade I gave her.
:>Fires, even small ones are not a good idea in the Shadowlands.
:>For a lot of reasons...
:>She touched the pouch with her medicinal tea in it.
:>I understand.
:>I fussed with her clothing a bit more, not wanting to admit she was ready.
:>I had too much respect for strength.
:>Though her body was frail, she was still so determined.
:>That willpower was so beautiful, I couldn't say no.
:>She took my hands in hers, stilling them.
:>Let us go, Ishigaki-kun.
:>We did.
:>As we walked to The Wall, Toshiro spoke to Naomi of shugenja matters.
:>Monkey and Mantis-san enjoyed advising Kitsuki-san.
:>It's not often you know more about a thing than him, but their past experience meant they did.
:>Basic advice, like assume it wants to kill you, and things of that nature.
:>This time, we were allowed through the tunnels.
:>Outsiders or not, everyone knew why we were here, and they respected us all for it.
:>Kitsuki-san's eyes darted every which way as Hiruma Akiyama led us through the tunnels.
:>I took Naomi's hand in mine as we stepped out into the Shadowlands.
:>I felt a shiver run through her.
:>It is just as you said it would be, Toshiro-san.
:>He nodded.
:>So, be careful Naomi-san.
:>Shugenja things. I knew that it was dangerous and difficult to work magic in the Shadowlands. There were almost no kami around after all.
:>But only those two could truly understand what that meant.

:>Kitsuki-san looked about.
:>This part seems normal enough. Bleak, perhaps.
:>Mantis-san spoke.
:>Just wait. It gets fun the further in you go.
:>I pulled the map and checked our route one last time.
:>There was no doubt where Masagoro was sending us.
:>Shiro Hiruma never seems to move, unlike the rest of the Shadowlands.
:>And there is a path that leads to it. A road one can follow, if they so desire.
:>Few do.
:>It was this road we would take.
:>You two.
:>I pointed to Mantis-san and Monkey.
:>Take the sides.
:>Let's get moving.
:>We headed off, myself, Monkey and Mantis-san forming a triangle around the others.
:>With Toshiro and Naomi we made our way slowly, carefully.
:>This time all we encountered was silence.
:>I found an overhanging ledge we could all fit under and we took a break to eat.
:>You know.
:>Monkey said around a mouthful of rice.
:>Don't.
:>He looked around.
:>Don't you do it.
:>It's kinda quiet around here, isn't it?
:>God.
:>Dammit.
:>Monkey.
:>We all stared at him.
:>What?
:>He leaned back.
:>Gawk!
:>He yanked an arm up; a vine was tangling around it.
:>Two more lashed out wrapping around him.
:>Stay back!
:>I yelled and then ignored my own advice.
:>Two more vines lunged at me.
:>I lashed out at one, knocking it aside.
:>The other wrapped around my leg.
:>Monkey struggled with the ones binding him.
:>Grkk, Kinda... kinda hard to breathe here!
:>Toshiro yelled.
:>It senses bodies that get too close!
:>He pulled a scroll.
:>And turned two tentacles to ash with Jade fire.
:>I grabbed at the one on my leg, wrestling it up and sliced into it with my wakizashi, cutting away.
:>A twang over my shoulder, and Mantis-san's arrow pinned another vine to the ground.
:>Monkey tore the last vine from himself, and hacked it apart.
:>I wasn't sure if the tangle vine had any more vines or not, but I wasn't about to find out.
:>Back, everyone back!
:>As we left the small enclosure Mantis-san smacked Monkey for me.
:>And THAT is why you don't say things like that, you damn jinx!

:>Monkey went back and forth from rubbing at his head to rubbing at the bruises on his arms from where the vines groped him.
:>Hey! I'm the one it went after, so how am I the jinx? Isn't it Ishigaki-san's fault for thinking it was safe?
:>Mantis-san growled and threw up his hands.
:>Kitsuki-san peered into the little overhang.
:>You said it senses living bodies?
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>Then it strangles them.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>Armor wouldn't really help against that would it?
:>No.
:>I see. "Wants".
:>We went deeper in, until we came upon the road.
:>Everyone stopped and stared when they could see it.
:>A black road, stretching off into the distance.
:>Up close you could see all the little bits and pieces.
:>I stepped on it, and the soft rocks crumbled under my weight.
:>What the heck is this?
:>The path Masagoro wants us to take.
:>Shiro Hiruma never seems to move, and neither does this path.
:>It's an insult, a taunt. Daring us to try and take it back.
:>THIS is what he led the enemy away from with all those doomed patrols.
:>Monkey stepped on the road and shuddered.
:>What is this stuff? Bones!?
:>Toshiro answered him
:>No.
:>It's Jade.
:>WHAT?
:>It's all the Jade that rotted from absorbing the taint, cast aside by the thousands that have gone down this path to Shiro Hiruma.
:>He stepped onto the road, hands folded up into his kimono, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
:>Well? You coming?
:>It was Naomi who was the first to follow us.
:>We made our way towards Shiro Hiruma, the sound of rotted Jade crunching under our feet barely able to stir the oppressive silence.

:>It was like the Shadowlands was welcoming us in.
:>Like it wanted us to see.
:>I wondered if it would let us back out as easily.
:>Unlike Monkey, I had the good sense not to say anything out loud.
:>Naomi stifled a small cough behind me, and I stopped.
:>She shook her head, took a few tea leaves from her pouch and chewed on them.
:>Her eyes squinched tight and she put a hand over her mouth.
:>Ugh. so bitter...
:>She opened her eyes and wiped at the tears forming in the corner.
:>It is alright, everyone. Chewing on them is not the best way to get the medicine out, but it works.
:>She gave us all her brave smile.
:>I am fine. Let us continue.
:>We went on for a few more hours before I called for another break.
:>Naomi, Toshiro and Kitsuki-san were all sweating hard.
:>Naomi for obvious reasons, Toshiro because of the effort of keeping up despite his foot, and Kitsuki-san...well he WAS still a courtier.
:>As we all ate cold rice I checked my Jade.
:>What do you think Toshiro?
:>Looks like three days worth to me.
:>Yeah.
:>Kitsuki-san looked up with surprise.
:>Mantis-san arched an eyebrow.
:>Even you lost track?
:>He nodded, saying nothing.
:>As we stood to resume our march, shadows began to fall around us.
:>I looked up, ready for more flyers.
:>Instead dark clouds were flying past.
:>Very, very quickly.
:>No wind was blowing that I could feel.
:>Monkey said what we were all thinking.
:>Well that's horrifying.
:>Kitsuki-san pointed.
:>It gets worse.
:>In the distance, we could see the clouds become a thick wall, casting the Shadowlands into a deep black night beneath them.
:>And they were coming this way.
:>I narrowed my eyes.
:>We should move.
:>The darkness was on us far too quickly.
:>I felt my body tense, getting ready.
:>Many things shunned the light, even in this damned place.
:>In the dark we were more at risk of being attacked.
:>I waited.
:>And waited.
:>But nothing happened.
:>It just got dark.
:>I heard Mantis-san grind his teeth.
:>Wish it would stop fucking with us and just get it over with already!

:>Nothing.
:>Despite Mantis-san tempting fate, the calm remained unbroken.
:>Mantis-san turned to me and Toshiro.
:>Okay, what the FUCK is going on here?
:>Toshiro shrugged.
:>It's just as you said, Daigo-san.
:>The Shadowlands is trying to disrupt your spirit by defying your expectations.
:>I spoke up.
:>Like I said before, knowledge is the best thing here. But this place... it knows that. So from time to time it behaves in ways you just don't expect, and for no other reason than to make you doubt yourself.
:>Monkey shook his head.
:>I don't understand.
:>I see it and I still don't understand.
:>Is it HIM? Does the HE still have that much power?
:>Toshiro answered Monkey.
:>Good question.
:>Monkey and everyone looked to Toshiro expectantly.
:>He stared back.
:>No clue.
:>Is the Dark Kami a slave to the will of Jigoku?
:>Or did his divine nature allow him to bend the realm to his own will?
:>Is it his will that guides this place? Or the will of the realm of Evil? Or is there no will at all, and we simply fool ourselves seeing patterns that aren't there?
:>Toshiro shrugged again.
:>My ancestors have studied the Shadowlands, the taint of Jigoku, and the things the bear it for over a thousand years.
:>The only thing we know for certain is that just when you think you know something, you'll be proven wrong.
:>Come on, we really should stop wasting time.
:>We resumed our march.
:>Toshiro and I both knew, of course, that the easier it was to get in, the harder it would be to leave the Shadowlands.
:>But we said nothing.
:>That knowledge would only serve to place even more strain on them.
:>Like a siege, sometimes it is easier to break the men inside the castle then the castle walls themselves.
:>For now, we both did our best to exude a calm confidence, in order to bolster their spirit.
:>The clouds overhead kept our surroundings cloaked, and we took advantage of that as we neared Shiro Hiruma.
:>Soon enough, the castle appeared on the horizon.

:>It was a simple fortress, with one main keep rising up three stories.
:>I could see the damage to the walls from the Maw's assault.
:>We threw ourselves onto our bellies, crawling in the in dark.
:>Daring to get just a bit closer.
:>Soon the shapes on the outside became more and more distinct.
:>Though the castle looked small on the outside, the truth is much of it's barracks were located underground.
:>Tunnels and ambush pits dotted the land around Shiro Hiruma, as the Hiruma had always favored offense, sortieing to disrupt the enemy with surprise attacks rather then wait for high walls and siege engines to grind their foes down as the Hida did.
:>Because of that I knew that Shiro Hiruma could hold many more troops than one would think.
:>Yet still, it was not enough to contain the horde that stretched out before us.
:>Zombies, goblins, Ogres. Lost. Oni.
:>I could make out a clump of Oni no Nosloc.
:>While many Oni were singularly powerful and too proud to serve another being, the Nosloc were something like foot soldiers, who could work well in groups, and fought with weapons and tactics.
:>And were invulnerable.
:>There were too many to count.
:>Fodder, skirmishers, shock troops, a main force.
:>This wasn't just a horde. It was a proper army.
:>And then I saw it's commander.
:>Tall, lean, covered in chitin and bony plates.
:>Three eyes.
:>Three tongues that dripped fire licked out from it's fanged maw.
:>My blood turned to ice.
:>Of course.
:>Only the spawn of Akuma no Oni could bring such a force to heel.
:>It howled to it's army and was answered.
:>The cries that arose were so loud it hurt, even this far back I could feel it threatening to crush me.
:>Gritting my teeth I inched backwards, tugging at Naomi beside me.
:>We all crawled away, sweating hard.
:>I'm just glad no one screamed.
:>Once we were far enough away we exchanged glances.
:>Kitsuki-san whispered.
:>I could see more shapes moving towards the castle.
:>But it was just a trickle compared to what was already there.
:>So, it will come soon.

:>We have to hurry back then.
:>We set out, moving quickly under the darkness, back down the road of dark jade.
:>But we found our path blocked.
:>By a creature that towered head and shoulders above me.
:>It wore a Hakama, and a Jingasa pulled down to hide it's face.
:>Bulging muscles strained against it's clothing.
:>It wore a daisho at it's hip.
:>Were it not so tall, and were it's skin not red, you might be forgiven for mistaking it for a wandering samurai.
:>As we readied our weapons, it tilted it's head back.
:>It's mouth split it's head clean in half, and multiple rows of needle like teeth showed inside it.
:>I thought it might be smiling.
:>And then it spoke.
:>I am very sorry, but I will have to take your lives now.
:>I simply cannot allow you to return and report what you have seen.
:>Not that it would matter anyway.
:>You will die here, the Crab on the Wall will die there, the Crab beyond the Wall will die, and only then will the other samurai lift a finger.
:>All while thinking the world is better off with fewer warlike Crab about.
:>It laughed then.
:>And you will go before Emma-O, who will say that you did something wrong because Jigoku tainted your soul while you fought so hard to defy it!
:>The priests will nod, and say Heaven's Will be Done, and the Samurai will speak of honor and bushido while their own blind foolishness allows this to happen again and again!
:>It drew it's blade, and it's voice took on a more sinister tone.
:>When... when will you mortals ever learn?
:>Mantis-san screamed at it and charged.
:>I heard Toshiro hiss it's name.
:>Oni no Genso!
:>Genso caught Mantis-san's kama on it's daisho and laughed.
:>You understand, don't you little bug? You know how important money is, yet you must pretend it's not! Still...
:>It shoved with it's arms, and Mantis-san was thrown backwards.
:>All the fine weapons and armor you can buy do not make you a warrior.
:>I began to move up to shield Mantis-san but I was too slow.
:>Kitsuki-san charged it next.

:>Enough of your blasphemies!
:>Shit. This is what Oni no Genso do.
:>They are excellent warriors, but more then their skill with their blade, is their understanding of humans.
:>They taunt.
:>They mock.
:>They belittle and insult.
:>They drive their opponents to reckless fury, making them forget basic lessons in their rage.
:>Monkey and I moved as one, stepping up and striking at it, while shielding Kitsuki-san and Mantis-san.
:>Hooo?
:>You two...
:>It snarled and attacked us both.
:>I received it's blow, and it hissed in surprise.
:>Monkey managed to twist aside at the last minute.
:>Toshiro produced a scroll and began to chant.
:>Naomi however, fired an arrow into the Oni.
:>It hissed at her.
:>Sickly one, what foolishness is this?
:>Is it not enough for you to live so long past your time? You want glory now as well? Greedy bitch.
:>It is NOT like that monster!
:>Mantis-san tried again, moving around the creature to slash at it's legs.
:>Though he managed to cut it, it kept to it's feet.
:>Annoying bug... but first.
:>It spun it's blade around aiming for Kitsuki-san.
:>Monkey caught it's first strike.
:>But it pushed him away with the power of it's strike, and then stabbed it's blade into Kitsuki-san.
:>He staggered back, his Do pierced through by the monster.
:>I knew that he would have enough sense to fall back, and I knew that Naomi would heal him.
:>I knew when that happened it would stop at nothing to kill her.
:>So I attacked it with everything I had.
:>Throwing aside caution I struck as hard as I could.
:>I gouged it's chest deeply, tearing away flesh and revealing blue-black muscle beneath.
:>I spun, striking it's side.
:>I felt what might have been bones crunching under my strike, though no human would have bones there.
:>Damn YOU! You think you can save her like that?
:>How do you think to protect when all you can do is KILL?
:>Monkey rammed his sword into the back of the thing's neck, and out the front of it's throat.
:>Shut up.
:>He then pulled his blade back and sliced it's back open.
:>Just shut up and die.

:>Despite taking such ghastly wounds the Genso was barely slowed down.
:>You first.
:>It spun and rammed a claw deep into Monkey's chest tearing his armor like it was rice paper.
:>Even as I began to move in, it shoved it's katana backward, and into me.
:>Bastard wasn't even looking.
:>Monkey spat blood as the Genso pulled his claw from his body.
:>Mantis-san leapt high up with a cry slicing deep into it's shoulder with his kama.
:>Is that all?
:>You really are the worst in this lot.
:>It spun and cut across Mantis-san with it's obsidian Katana.
:>He hissed in pain.
:>Then it turned it's back on him.
:>You... you're a tough one. But that just means you can taste true despair as you watch me kill all the rest!
:>I pulled back my tetsubo for another strike.
:>And it's claw reached out for my face.
:>SHIT!
:>I turned aside at the last moment.
:>Only for it's blade to pierce my leg.
:>A feint. The damn thing tricked me.
:>Pain shot up my leg.
:>This time it had gotten deep.
:>Oh, look. The little Crab's shell isn't a good as he thought!
:>Now... die.
:>ISHIGAKI!
:>Another arrow dug into the Oni's arm.
:>It looked at the arrow that had gone through it's wrist.
:>Then it turned to face Naomi.
:>With a wild scream it ran straight at her.
:>And impaled itself on Kitsuki-san's blade.
:>Toshiro yelled out then and it cried out in surprise as he turned it's own earth upon itself.
:>It was the spell he had used against the bog hags, long ago.
:>Nggghh! What are you doing to meeeee!
:>Mantis-san, Monkey and I charged together taking advantage of it's momentary weakness.
:>It fell under our blows and did not move again.
:>Ah, hold on all of you!
:>Naomi got out a scroll.
:>Toshiro put a hand on her shoulder.
:>Don't rush, remember where you are.
:>Right.
:>She chanted softly, and our wounds began to close.
:>What the...?
:>Monkey was pointing at the Genso.
:>It's daisho was dissolving, turning first to sludge, then smoke that faded away.
:>Toshiro gave off his half laugh, half snort.
:>Nice of it let us know when we've killed it.

:>Toshiro stared at the Genso's corpse.
:>Then he pulled his wakizashi out and cut of it's head.
:>One of you got a bag for this thing?
:>Under the Jingasa it had no hair. Just two little horns.
:>Mantis-san proffered his bag, and Toshiro bound the head up and slung it over his shoulder.
:>Monkey shuddered.
:>Toshiro looked up and shook his head.
:>Meanwhile, I checked my Jade.
:>Close to half gone.
:>Naomi had tended our wounds and the Jade would keep us safe from the taint that suffused this place, but if we stayed too long...
:>Toshiro and I could handle a day or two without jade, I was sure.
:>And of course, Monkey could.
:>I wasn't so sure about Mantis-san.
:>And I knew Kitsuki-san and Naomi would both be in trouble if the Jade ran out.
:>We needed to get back quickly.
:>Kitsuki-san noticed my stares.
:>You're worried about getting back in time?
:>I nodded.
:>Then I turned to Mantis-san and Monkey.
:>Think you two can keep up a run, with a heavy load?
:>Mantis-san scowled.
:>Of course I can.
:>I jerked my head towards Toshiro.
:>If you get tired, trade off with Monkey.
:>I won't get tired!
:>I didn't argue with him.
:>Instead I scooped up Naomi.
:>Alright, let's get back.
:>We took off running down the road of dark jade.
:>Keep a lookout Naomi, I need to focus so I don't trip.
:>Hai!
:>She wrapped her arms around my neck and held on as we ran.
:>The feeling of her pressed into my back made me think of things wholly inappropriate for someone in the middle of the Shadowlands.
:>I settled for squeezing her rump.
:>Brushes with death really teach you to enjoy life.
:>Since the road stayed put, we were able to make good time.
:>And the Shadowlands remained blessedly empty.
:>Of course, I knew now that the reason for that was that damn near everything in it was gathering at Shiro Hiruma.
:>Mantis-san and Monkey did end up trading off Toshiro several times.
:>He grumbled about it.
:>I feel like a sack of rice...
:>Mantis-san grunted as he put Toshiro down.
:>Quit complaining, we're the ones carrying your heavy ass.

:>Naomi used her magic to relieve our fatigue, and that combined with our faster pace allowed us to get out in half the time it took to get in.
:>We were met by Hiruma on the banks of the River of the Last Stand, and they took us up right away.
:>To my surprise, Masagoro was already here, waiting for us on the Wall.
:>His eyes were wide as he stared hard at us, not even waiting for the Kuni to finish their poking and prodding.
:>Well? Did you make it?
:>I nodded.
:>AND?
:>Oni no Akuma.
:>Everyone nearby froze.
:>Akuma no Oni was one of the great Oni Lords.
:>His spawn were rare, but that was due to the care he took in rearing them.
:>Where other Oni lords would let their spawn fend for themselves, Akuma no Oni took the time to train them.
:>As such, they always managed to cause great harm when he judged them worthy of being set loose.
:>Masagoro smiled at the news.
:>His horde?
:>Toshiro shook his head.
:>It's not a horde, it's a proper army.
:>We saw hundreds of Oni no Nosloc.
:>It has everything. The Shadowlands are damn near empty.
:>Masagoro's smile grew wider.
:>Dairyo?
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>Dairyo.
:>It meant 'big catch'.
:>Oh!
:>Toshiro pulled out the sack.
:>This bastard tried to stop us from getting back.
:>He passed it to Masagoro.
:>He opened the sack.
:>Well, well...
:>Masagoro held up the head for all to see.
:>A moment passed as the Crabs all strained to see, then they realized what they were looking at.
:>Cheers erupted all around.
:>Oni no Genzo was well known to the Crab. They were few, but were well known to wipe out entire patrols.
:>Slaying one was a huge accomplishment.
:>We quickly found ourselves surrounded, praise and hearty backslaps being heaped upon us all.
:>I grinned at the others.
:>How does it feel to be honorary Crabs now?
:>Monkey almost buckled under a mighty slap.
:>Like they think I'm choking!
:>Laughter erupted among the Crab gathered about.
:>Masagoro bellowed.
:>Alright, enough celebration!
:>Now, I need to know all about it. As detailed as possible.

:>We went inside out of the wind, and Masagoro pulled out a map of Shiro Hiruma.
:>Tell me everything. The walls, where are they damaged?
:>The keep?
:>He asked as much about Shiro Hiruma as he did the state of the Horde.
:>Kitsuki-san was able to answer everything to his satisfaction.
:>...and you say the Shadowlands are virtually empty?
:>Nods.
:>He looked up from the map, peering up at us from under his eyebrows. He wore a wide smile, ear to ear, with too many teeth showing.
:>So we have days, at most...
:>He whispered then, as though he were thinking out loud.
:>Yes. Yes this is it. This will do...
:>He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and composed himself.
:>Then he began yelling orders, calling for attendants, his mind already racing to plan for the battle that was looming over us all.
:>That night I took a chance.
:>You should all leave.
:>My suggestion was met with flat stares and silence.
:>So I got down on my knees, placed my hands on the floor, and touched my head to it.
:>On behalf of the Crab, I thank you all. You have aided my Clan deeply, in ways that can never be repaid. But now it is time to fight. It is time for my Clan to fulfill it's duty. I cannot ask you to face what comes next.
:>Monkey rested his chin in his hand, and looked at me through half lidded eyes.
:>You done?
:>I choked back my surprise.
:>I thought for sure that would work.
:>Mantis-san snorted.
:>Yeah, we know you won't ask. You never ask.
:>We're not going anywhere.
:>I half rose to my feet.
:>Don't you fools get it? Any day now THOUSANDS of monsters are going to descend on the Wall!
:>A horde like that only attacks once in a generation... no, not even that often!
:>Kitsuki-san looked over to me. He was cleaning and polishing his katana.
:>...and?
:>Toshiro put a hand on my shoulder.
:>Give it up Ishigaki. If these idiots are so determined to die for us then the best we can do is take their heads when they fall so their bodies do not rise again.

:>Mantis-san grinned at Toshiro.
:>I like how you said it without saying it, but it's not going to work.
:>We're going to see this through to the end.
:>Not for the first time, I wondered what I had done to deserve such friends.
:>That night, Naomi clung to me fiercely in our bed.
:>She was shivering badly.
:>That happened more often than some think.
:>While you are in the Shadowlands, your senses are heightened, you're on alert, you are ready.
:>Only after the immediate threat is gone does the fear break through.
:>Even veteran bushi will shake like a reed before a hurricane in the aftermath of a battle.
:>I stroked her hair, soothing her, until she spoke of it.
:>That place...it is so, so WRONG.
:>And we are going to send our CHILDREN there?! ALONE?
:>I know, Naomi. I know.
:>Hey, look at me.
:>I did it.
:>Yes, you did...
:>My father did.
:>So did his father.
:>And his father.
:>...I think HIS father was a shugenja though...
:>She giggled at that. A good sign.
:>There was a part of me that didn't want to let you go, you know.
:>Yes, I know.
:>But there's another part of me that's glad you did.
:>When we speak of the sacrifice we make, when we tell stories of the things that lurk beyond the wall, of how evil the Shadowlands are... few understand it.
:>They think that Yojimbo taking an arrow in place of their Lord is the same kind of sacrifice.
:>They think a suicide charge against the enemies main camp is the same kind of courage.
:>But now YOU understand.
:>She nodded.
:>Yes. I do.
:>Just think, now you'll be able to laugh at the Matsu bragging about the enemy heads he took when you realize your children will have faced a thousand times worse.
:>She giggled again.
:>Then nuzzled deep against me and slept.
:>We awoke to a dark line on the horizon.
:>They would be here by tomorrow.