#digaea 7

It was hard to concentrate, though. As Fuji sat on the other end of the work table in the library. Tense and sullen. And he tapped his fingers atop of the wooden furniture. Tap, tap, tap. Out of boredom or frustration. Or maybe both. But the sound was starting to drive him mad.

“Fuji, stop fidgeting,” Yeyasu scolded. “I told you. I knew you would get bored after a while. Being the shogun is actually quite boring.”

Well, normally, at least. What happened just a few hours ago kinda contradicted that. And, wow, did that really happen? It…felt like a dream now. His bruised ankle, however, was physical testament.

“A lot of paperwork and research involved,” he continued. “Why don’t you go on patrol or something?”

Fuji scowled at him, his posture straightening, all but bristling at him. “And I told you that I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

Despite himself, a part of Yeyasu wondered just how…far he was actually willing to keep an eye on him. He better not let his mind wander too far!

Instead, Yeyasu tilted his head to the side. “You’re really bothered about what happened, aren’t you?”

Fuji snorted in annoyance. And frustration. “Obviously. I’m the bodyguard here, and yet both times you were attacked.”

Ah, so he was right.

Two attacks. One leading to a stabbing and the second an invasion. And both times, Fuji was in the same vicinity. His pride had received quite the battering. It was highly unlikely that Yeyasu would be able to ditch him anytime soon. Not that he would try too hard, honestly.

“Fine, fine,” Yeyasu muttered as he rested his hands atop of the table and pushed himself to his feet slowly, being oh-so cautious of his ankle. “I’m going to continue my research. So, sit there and be bored, or look through some books to entertain yourself.”

Fuji planted his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand. He stared at him, his expression stoic, but also somehow wistful. “You’re really dedicated to this.”

Yeyasu smothered a sigh. That question again. He already answered. Well, half answered it. He wasn’t about to reveal the whole truth to him. Nope. Too much stress and drama. Thanks to a certain Mask Maker, he was under enough stress.

“What’s wrong with wanting to remove a curse?” Yeyasu returned as he shuffled toward the bookcases. “I’m doing it because I want to. Stop questioning me and just accept that you’re going to be my guineapig.”

Fuji snorted again. But he seemed to accept the response. Perhaps figuring that his research could lead to other revelations and outcomes. With a terrible curse like the Empathy Killer existing, what other dark spells could also exist?

Yeyasu idly trailed his fingertips along the spines of the books. The library was thankfully undisturbed. For the most part. He rattled and ruffled some tomes and scrolls when he used a wind spell to release Partyasu of his mask.

Speaking of his cuz, the guy was unable to reveal any information about Jigme. One second he was completing an errand, the next he had a mask slapped on his face. And then after that, waking up lying on his back in the library.

Thankfully, he was left unharmed, though wholly confused. The same for other servants. But it was disturbing, the little information Partyasu had given them. Just slapping masks on demon faces and controlling them. Jigme was really powerful.

What…would he try next?

Yeyasu shuddered and shook his head. There was absolutely no way he would be able to predict the mysterious Mask Maker’s next move. They knew very little about him. His family had done really well in hiding the whole…kidnapping event from his childhood. They likely hoped that Jigme was truly dead and would not return.

He really wished they had documented something about that distressing event.

Yeyasu stopped by a shelf where a few tomes had been shuffled and ruffled. Idly he began to straighten them. When something caught his attention. A few of the books had been brought forward and tilted to the side. Where he saw something. A scroll of sorts, was shoved to the very back of the bookcase. Hidden behind other large and cumbersome tomes. Almost as if on purpose.

He set the books aside and carefully extracted the oddity. Huh, a scroll. Quite an old one at that. Quite frail. He had to be careful when he unfurled it.

It took him a few minutes to manipulate the frail parchment. And his eyes widen in surprise. Writing of faded black and pale illustrations. The lettering was old, but he could read it. And it spoke of how to remove curses.

“Fuji, look at this,” Yeyasu called over.

Surprisingly dutifully, Fuji pushed himself to his feet and made his way over to him. And stood next to him, to peer over his shoulder to look down at the parchment in his hands. And he furrowed his brow in annoyance. “What am I looking at?”

“It’s a scroll about curses,” Yeyasu explained. “And it’s in Jōdai Nihon-go.”

Such an old, ancient language. It hadn’t been used in Ewwdo for thousands of years!

Fuji’s eyebrows shot up toward his hairline. “You can read this?” he asked, sounding somewhat sceptical.

Yeyasu, in turn, gave him a puzzled look. “Yeah, of course. I studied it when I was younger because I thought it would be cool.”

Fuji for his part simply gave him a funny look. One Yeyasu could not quite put his finger on. And that kinda annoyed him in return.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Fuji answered quickly. Abruptly even, before he folded his arms across his chest and looked down at the scroll once more. “What does it say?”

Yeyasu also turned his attention to the ancient parchment. “Well, it speaks of removing curses. An ancient technique, one that isn’t for the faint of heart, but by completing it, it will set the intention. Search for five rare ingredients, set in five different locations.”

Fuji perked his head up. “Does it have the locations?” he asked, his attention focused upon Yeyasu’s face.

Yeyasu nodded. “Yeah. Sakurajima. Nachi. Yakushima. Arashiyama. And finally Narusawa.”

A scowl quickly returned to Fuji’s features. “Those are some remote locations.”

Yeah, it could be quite tricky, even with the Nethership. Still, if the scroll was telling the truth, it should be worth it.

“It also says that if you combined all the ingredients, the truth to how to remove your specific curse will appear. In the form of an amulet or scroll.”

Fuji didn’t say anything for a beat before he raised his hand and roughly scratched at the golden horn in his hair. “I’m sceptical,” he admitted.

Yeyasu had to smile. “Heh, not surprised. But it might actually work. And…I can’t stay trapped inside of the castle, now can I? A bit of adventure. Just like the old days.” He winced. “Er, with less life and death situations, of course.”

Fuji fell silent once more. And struggled to find a way to rebuke or counter what he had just said. And he struggled really hard. Only to sigh a few moments later. “…I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to at least attempt it.”

“That’s right,” Yeyasu said as he returned the scroll to its original form. “As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

The corner of Fuji’s mouth twitched slightly. “I wonder how Pirilika would bungle that idiom.”

Yeyasu gave a short chuckle. “Oh, who knows. It’s a skill only she possesses.”

He fell silent as he trailed his fingertips along the outside of the scroll. Five locations. The first mentioned on the list was Sakurajima, if he remembered correctly. A volcano. It…hadn’t erupted in decades, but it was still somewhat hazardous. Depending where one put their feet. Still, it was quite a large location. Filled with old lava tubes and forgotten shrines.

The scroll held illustrations of what they were expected to find. Some kind of lava stone.

Ugh, that could be any rock they came across. Couldn’t the scroll be more specific?

“Well, anyway let’s get ready to visit the Sakurajima. The first item on the list!”

“Tomorrow,” Fuji said curtly. “We’ll do that tomorrow.”

Yeyasu frowned. “But-”

Fuji’s stare somehow grew more fearsome. “No.”

“O-oh, ok.” Yikes, better not argue with that look! “Oh, well, I guess I’ll work on my research instead.” Yeyasu brushed past Fuji as he hobbled back toward the working desk. “Gotta keep myself busy!”

“Yeyasu…” Fuji murmured, followed by a string of certain words.

Huh, he sounded frustrated. Yeyasu wondered what that was about.

… … … … …

Sakurajima. It had been a while since Yeyasu had visited. Which was a shame, as despite being a volcano, it was quite peaceful.

A foliage of lush green, plants growing abundantly thanks to the nutrient rich soils. Yet the brown stones and seared ash of the volcano itself rose within the centre of the island. Where the utmost crater sat in the very centre. Puffs of smoke was usually seen wafting from the peak, but it had not erupted in full fury for centuries.

It wasn’t a particularly tall volcano, but it was enough for restless demons and travellers to trek and picnic if they so desired. The information and tourist centre was always abuzz with customers.

There was something else about Sakurajima that tugged at Yeyasu’s memories. Something…something about a rumour? A myth?

“Oh right, I remember now,” Yeyasu murmured, quickly gaining everyone’s attention, causing them to pause in their trek along the well-known main path. “There’s been stories about some kind of Guardian Beast in this place. Though, I’m not sure what it is exactly that it’s guarding.”

Guardian Beasts where…deities of sorts, he supposed. Powerful and intimidating. Ranging from peaceful and serene, to temperamental and volatile. All of them known for guarding a specific treasure.

That was how the legend went, at least.

Higan looked positively thrilled. “Oh-ho, a Guardian Beast, you say? This might be an interesting expedition after all.”

A truly battle mad woman.

“Perhaps this Guardian Beast is guarding this Mahogany Obsidian Shard we are searching for,” Suisen suggested, ever rational.

“Ah, you’re probably right.”

Higan planted a hand on her hip and cast a gaze around at their surroundings. “So, we have to search this entire region for a shard of rock. This could take some time.”

“I suggest we split up into smaller groups,” Ceefore suddenly piped up. “It will make things easier for us.”

Pirilika smiled that patent catty smile of hers. “Well, Fuji must go with Yeyasu, so it’s just to the rest of us to partner up.”

Yeyasu shot a glance over at Fuji, only to find the fierce dragon nonchalant. Accepting of his role. No objections. So, Yeyasu wasn’t going to argue, either. It should prove…interesting only having Fuji with him as they explore.

“You kids go ahead,” Higan said, somewhat dismissive. Only for that shit-eating smile to return to her lips. “I’m going to go in search for this Guardian Beast.”

Of course, she was.

Yeyasu winced, fear for the volcano’s safety settling in the pit of his stomach. “D-don’t do too much damage to Sakurajima, ok?”

“I’ll go with Suisen,” Ceefore stated. A little bit too eagerly in Yeyasu’s opinion.

And Pirilika nodded her head. “So, it’s me and Ao. We can discuss…” she paused as her catty smile grew more…mischievous. “certain things.”

Fuji immediately bristled as his eyes narrowed. “Don’t think I don’t see that smile of yours, Prisillika.”

Pirilika was not at all bothered by the stare. “Oh, what’s wrong with this smile, hm?”

Fuji stared back at her for a beat, the two in a bit of a silent standoff. “Hgn, fine,” he finally muttered, reluctantly. “Let’s see what we can find within two hours. Meet back here. Don’t get into any trouble, Ao.”

“Ok,” Ao cheerfully replied. “Take good care of Mom, Dad.”

Fuji watched until their companions as they parted ways, each taking a new path. His stare lingering still until the five were out of sight. And out of hearing range.

“Those girls are up to something,” he muttered, making no attempt to hide his suspicion.

And Yeyasu knew what those girls were up to. And unfortunately, he felt his cheeks heat up when he remembered Pirilika’s vow to play matchmaker. No matter the cost. “Oh, ah, I’m sure it’s nothing nefarious,” he quickly offered.

Pirilika had obviously gotten Ao involved. And she appeared to be more than happy to help.

Fuji hadn’t figured it out, though. Hopefully he hadn’t, that was.

Fuji sighed and roughly raked his fingers through his hair. “So…where should we start looking? Any clues on the scroll?”

Yeyasu idly patted his chest, where the scroll was hidden within his haori. “No, unfortunately. It does mention that if truly desired, it would find you.”

“Oh, that’s a crock of shit,” Fuji muttered, sceptically at that.

“Don’t be like that,” Yeyasu scolded lightly before he turned and glanced at their surroundings. “Let’s move off the beaten trail. It wouldn’t be a rare object if it was easy to find.”

“Heh, that’s true.”

Yeyasu took another moment to inspect the paths and stones around him, his gaze soon narrowing upon a small, seemingly rarely used path. Stretching throughout the brown stone and harden ash, through the jagged peaks and crests.

A good of a path as any.

Yeyasu took the lead with Fuji right behind him. And he meant right behind him. Any closer and the dragon would be breathing down the back of his neck! He supposed he shouldn’t complain. Fuji was definitely taking his bodyguard role seriously. And he had vowed to keep a very close eye on him.

Their surroundings appeared unremarkable. The path rocky, the colour a muted brown. There were a few moments where they had to manoeuvre pass a few sharp, jagged stones piercing through the ground. Otherwise, the path was easy. Normal.

A strange…pulse of energy, subtle but still noticeable, resonated from the scroll within his clothing. Yeyasu immediately stopped dead in his tracks and touched the hidden parchment with a slight furrow in his brow.

“What?” Fuji asked, caution in his voice.

“It’s the scroll,” Yeyasu replied. “I think it’s reacting to something.”

Fuji took a moment to surveyed their surroundings, a light scowl on his face and his hand gripping the demonic blade. “To what?”

“I’m not sure,” Yeyasu answered honestly.

He reached into his haori and revealed the scroll. There was nothing visible noteworthy about the ancient parchment, but as it rested in Yeyasu’s hand, it felt…different. Somehow bristling with energy.

In pure curiosity, Yeyasu raised the scroll in front of him. And soon noted that it would react in a certain direction. To the right of them. Where…a very, very innoxious path could be seen.

Wordlessly, Yeyasu wandered toward the path. Slightly steep, the path beneath his feet made of loose and scattered stones and rocks. He had to move cautiously. But after a few stressful moments, he reached an equally inconspicuous opening within a sheered rocky wall.

The scroll…the energy it emitted was stronger now.

Fuji suddenly grasped Yeyasu by the elbow. His grip was tight, but not painful, as he tugged him backwards. Toward him, all but pressing him against his side.

“I’ll go first,” he said simply. “And stay right behind him.”

And Yeyasu silently nodded his head in return. The scroll seemed to indicate toward the strange opening, but that did not mean there was something dangerous hiding inside. Maybe even that Guardian Beast he had heard stories about.

After Yeyasu returned the scroll to his hoari, he all but pressed himself against Fuji’s back as they moved cautiously forward. Just beyond the opening was a set of stairs. Old, weathered and cracked in many places. But it was clear that the structure was purposely made, not some natural occurrence. Strangely of all, there were lit torches of fire lining the path. How they had been lit and who was responsible, was completely unknown. But at least they weren’t trapezing about in the dark.

The stairs led them to another archway, and just beyond that stretched out a rocky cavern. With an obvious stone altar situated within the very centre. Surrounded by lit candles and torches.

Yeyasu cautiously stepped away from Fuji to gaze around the chamber. It was obviously made by the hands of another. But the stone was old, chiselled out centuries ago. There was the distinct smell of moss and fungi, accompanied with the steady sound of water dripping from the ceiling.

He was a little surprised, honestly.

Yeyasu retained his caution as he approached the altar. “It’s a shrine? I didn’t know there was one here.”

Fuji joined him shortly, his gaze also scrutinizing the stone oddity. “Huh. Is that…?”

Yeyasu nodded as he trailed his fingertips over the deep engravings upon the altar. “Yeah, that’s Jōdai Nihon-go.”

“What does it say?”

“The Trial Hall of the Obsidian.”

Trial hall? Did that…?

A sudden tremor of power rippled throughout the cavern. Immediately, Yeyasu and Fuji turned from the altar sharply. Only to immediately spy a…creature of some kind. Large, taking up at least half of the chamber. Reptilian in appearance, their long body curling around the outer circle of the cavern. Much like a lazy lizard would do.

But they were also draconic, but not quite like a dragon. The scales they possessed were as sharp and jagged as the boulders scattered across Sakurajima.

W-was that the Guardian Beast?! How did something that big manage to sneak up on them?!

Fuji immediately planted himself in front of Yeyasu, Kanzan Musashi gripped in one hand, the other stretched out to keep Yeyasu behind him. “Looks like we found the Guardian Beast first. Ol’ Master Moron is going to be jealous.”

P-probably for the best.

“Why are you here?”

Yeyasu uttered a shriek at the gravely, scratchy, purely masculine voice and clutched onto Fuji’s back. “Eeeh, they can talk?!”

Fuji stiffened and sharply turned his head to glance over his shoulder. Toward Yeyasu. With a scowl on his face. “What are you on about? I didn’t hear anything.”

“H-huh?” Yeyasu uttered in disbelief, though made no attempt to move. “B-but…”

“I communicate with the one who possesses the scroll. And only to them.”

Yeyasu snapped his head up and looked over at the creature. “O-oh, I’m the only one who can hear you?”

The Guardian Beast moved their large head, mimicking a nod. “That is correct.”

O-oh, ok. W-well, he supposed that would make things easier. But did it have to happen inside his head? There were some…thoughts he’d rather keep to himself!

“Yeyasu?”

Yeyasu stepped back from Fuji and stepped around him. And placed his hand on his shoulder. He felt the tension in Fuji’s body, ready to spring into battle the moment it seemed inevitable. “W-wait. It says it only communicates with the one possessing the scroll.”

Fuji held that sceptical expression again. Unwilling to pull himself from his battle stance. “Well, maybe you can ask it what it wants.”

“It is more of what it is that you want.”

Yeyasu winced and gave the Guardian Beast a nervous, uneasy smile. “No, yeah, that’s fair.”

“Well?”

Yeyasu was not entirely comfortable with speaking to such a large entity. A Guardian Beast at that. But…he was kinda used to speaking with intimidating figures. He wouldn’t be much of a shogun if he didn’t possess the ability to talk to all kinds of demons and monsters.

“We’re searching for a shard of Mahogany Obsidian,” he replied as he took a step forward.

The Gurdian Beast tilted their draconic head to the side. Almost as if they were curious. “You wish to conduct the Purification Ritual?”

Yeyasu nodded his head. “Yes, that’s right.”

The large entity unexpectedly tilted their head to the other side; their piercing dark eyes narrowed in on him. Ignoring Fuji completely. “You can read the ancient scripture?”

“Ah, yeah?” Yeyasu replied, dumbly. “I can read it fluently.”

“…Interesting,” the Guardian Beast murmured within his mind, giving the distinct feeling of surprise and intrigue. “Now, give me your name.”

“Ah, I’m Yeyasu Edogawa.”

The Guardian Beast unexpectedly stilled. “Edogawa…Are you, perhaps, the shogun?”

Again, Yeyasu nodded his head. “Yes, I am.”

“I see.”

The Guardian Beast shifted their large body, causing Yeyasu and Fuji to tense. Yet, Yeyasu could not…feel any malice from the entity before it. In fact, he got the distinct feeling that the Guardian was simply…settling themself. Resting upon the floor of the cavern.

“Now, tell me, Shogun Yeyasu, why are you after the Mahogany Obsidian?”

Yeyasu spared a moment to glance over his shoulder. His gaze fleeting upon Fuji’s figure. He snapped his gaze back toward the Guardian and squared his shoulders unconsciously. “I wish to remove a curse. One called Empathy Killer.”

The very tip of the Guardian Beast’s tail twitched slightly. “Empathy Killer, hm?” they pondered loudly within Yeyasu’s mind. “Well then, Shogun, tell me why. The truth. Why do you wish to remove this curse?”

Yeyasu hesitated as his eyes flickered over in Fuji’s direction once more. Fuji caught him in the act, however, and furrowed his brow in response. Agitated and cautious. He having no idea of where the conversation was heading.

He…couldn’t say it out loud. It would only cause too much trouble. Too much drama. And potentially took much pain.

But he…

“I sense hesitation,” the Guardian’s voice rumbled in Yeyasu’s head once more. “Very well, speak within your mind. That is where the truth rests.”

The truth, huh?

Yeyasu regarded the being before him with a level gaze. “…The man with me. He carries the burden of that curse. One that is painful, causing him to cough up blood should he feel or experience any positive emotion. He…doesn’t deserve that. Nor does his daughter.”

The Guardian Beast gave a slow nod of their head, an indication that they had heard him easily. “And you? What do you wish to gain?”

“Nothing. I just want him to be free.”

“And, will you do whatever it takes to gain this material?”

“Yes.”

With an unexpected huff, the Guardian Beast idly folded their legs beneath their crest. Much like a contented cat would do. “Nothing in return, hm? Do you truly feel that way?”

Yeyasu’s gaze flickered toward the cavern floor, growing wistful. But wholly realistic. “…There’s a lot of things I want, but I do not expect to receive. I don’t deserve to.”

“I see.”

Despite having just curled one of their front legs beneath their chest, the appendage reappeared. And revealed a small but jagged stone. The colours of black and…mahogany. And slowly, cautiously, the Guardian presented it toward Yeyasu.

Dumbfounded, Yeyasu staggered forward a step and retrieved the stone from the Guardian’s large and likely very powerful claws. “Th-this?”

“The Mahogany Obsidian, as you have desired.”

Yeyasu could not help but frown. Was…that it? Was it really that easy? Wasn’t there supposed to be a trial, or something? “But why?”

The Guardian pulled their claw back and folded their leg contently under its crest once more. “Your sincerity is most becoming of you, Shogun.”

So…that was his trial. Being honest.

“Thank you.”

The Guardian gave a slow nod of their large, draconic head. “There are others like me, Shogun. Some may be more…protective than others. But if you remain kind, you will have no trouble.” They suddenly stilled and directed a quick but obvious glance in Fuji’s direction. “Your companions, on the other hand…”

Ahh…did that mean other guardians might prove volatile toward Fuji? Why?

“Return to the surface now.”

Yeyasu nodded in understanding and acceptance. He got the stone, time to make an escape before the Guardian changed their mind. He kept the palm sized obsidian stone in his right hand as he took Fuji’s wrist with his other. Wordlessly, he tugged the other toward the stairs, the dragon unexpectedly allowing him to without fuss or argument.

He was sure to be confused as hell, though.

About half way up the stairs, Fuji finally tugged his wrist from Yeyasu’s grip. Only so he could take him by the elbow and pull him to a stop. And as Yeyasu turned around to face him, he was promptly greeted with a scowl.

“Yeyasu, what the hell was that?” he asked. “You went silent all of a sudden and then you got the stone. That is the right stone, right?”

Ah, fair question.

Yeyasu glanced down at the stone. There was honestly nothing indicating to him that it was the right stone. But he felt that it was. Why he got it, on the other hand, was not something he could come out and tell Fuji.

“Oh, I was just…communicating with the Guardian Beast. In my head.”

Fuji’s brow furrowed further. “Telepathy? What did it say? Why did it give you the stone?”

Yeyasu floundered for a moment as he tried to think of some excuse. “We just talked, that’s all. And, well, why wouldn’t they give me the stone? I’m the shogun, after all.”

Fuji stared at him. Hard. Not believing him for a moment. His stare so potent that Yeyasu began to sweat.

“…Fine,” he unexpectedly but thankfully uttered, silently agreeing not to push him for answers. Not yet, at least. “What happens now?”