Persistence
By Rich Wulf

Weeks ago, five Crab samurai and a ronin had marched into the Shadowlands. Today, six Crab returned. Kyuden Hida loomed upon the horizon, and a thousand Crab soldiers stood in formation around it. They waited in ordered ranks, sword and spear and bow held ready.

A sharp-eyed Hiruma caught sight of the travelers first, and gave a cry. The assembled army moved into action without hesitation. The travelers stopped where they were, waiting patiently to show they meant no threat. As one, the soldiers marched forward to surround the small band.

“News travels fast, it seems,” Hida Enko observed.

“Is it any surprise?” Hiruma Todori answered. “Our scouts move like wind across the plains. The Kaiu stand ready in countless watchtowers, each ready to give signal to the rest at any sign of development. They are used to carrying news of an attack, but they can carry glad tidings as well. No doubt even the master of Razor's Edge Dojo knew Kisada had returned only hours after we introduced ourselves in Shinsei' Last Hope.”

Hida Kisada chuckled as he scanned the assembled honor guard. Behind his steel helmet he tried to keep his face impassive, but obvious pride shone in his dark eyes.

It was good to be home.

The Great Bear paused in his inspection, his eyes fixing on three figures as they stepped forward from the crowd. The first was a small woman, though she wore a Crab's armor, carried an axe, and moved with the athletic grace and strength of a warrior. The second was a thin man in blue robes so dark they were nearly black. He held a long spear in one hand, its blade strangely curved and blood red in color. The third was a huge warrior, nearly as large as Kisada himself. His armor was well tended but etched with the scars of countless battles. His eyes were lined with worry but fierce with determination. The warrior's dark eyes and proud swagger reminded Kisada of his son, Yakamo. He stopped before Kisada and folded thick arms across a broad chest. This could only be Kuon, his grandson.

“Omen?” Kuon said, looking to the robed man.

“It is truly Kisada,” the man said, a look of awe crossing his features.

Kuon looked at Kisada with a skeptical eye. He held up his right fist, and at his command, the assembled soldiers drew their weapons. Kisada tensed for a single moment, though he showed no outward sign of concern.

“For the Great Bear!” the woman beside Kuon shouted, lifting her axe in salute.

In a single deft movement, the Crab soldiers raised their weapons and shouted Kisada's name.

Kuon grinned slightly and bowed as well, far more deeply than a Champion should. Kisada returned the gesture in equal measure, drawing a look of surprise from his grandson.

“I am Hida Kuon, son of Hida O-Ushi and Hida Yasamura,” Kuon introduced himself as he rose, though Kisada already knew.

“I am Hida Kisada, son of Hida Atsumichi and Hida Narumi,” the Great Bear replied, though Kuon already knew.

Kuon bowed his head, eyes fixed upon the earth. He drew his sword, though it remained in its saya, and offered it to his grandfather in both hands. “Grandfather, I offer you Yuruginai, Celestial Sword of the Crab,” Kuon said in a thick voice. “This blade, this clan, is yours to command.”

Kisada extended one hand toward the blade, his thick fingers tracing the exquisite detail upon the saya, but he did not take it. “It is a Champion's fate to rule his clan until he dies,” Kisada said. “Not even the Lord of the Crab can escape his fate, Kuon-sama.”

Kuon lifted his head. His face remained impassive, though Kisada could detect the look of relief that flickered behind his eyes. He drew Yuruginai and saluted him as well.

“This is an impossible honor, grandfather,” Kuon said, putting the blade away. “Meet my wife, Reiha, Lady of the Crab.”

“I know her,” Kisada said, bowing to Reiha. “I have watched over you both from Yomi. You have weathered crises that would cause lesser men to crumble, Kuon. You have my admiration.”

Kuon said nothing, only bowed his head slightly in recognition of the sincere compliment. He stood to one side and extended a hand toward Kyuden Hida. As he did so, the ranks of Crab soldiers parted behind him. “Let it be known to all the Empire that even death will not keep a true Crab from returning home,” he shouted with a smirk. “Kyuden Hida awaits its most favored warrior, my grandfather!”

Kisada looked past his grandson, toward the grey stone walls and the enormous demon skull that loomed over the gates. To many, Kyuden Hida was foreboding place, a home to brutal men and women with the most unenviable task in the Empire. To Kisada, it was as Kuon said… it was home.

Smiling behind his steel mask, Kisada continued up the path toward Kyuden Hida.

The halls of the Crab Champion were usually a grim and silent place, but not today. Despite Kuon's best efforts to retain order, the news that Kisada had returned from the Realm of Blessed Ancestors had a powerful impact upon his clan. Any soldier not on duty upon the Wall, as well as the many who had journeyed here to see Kisada with their own eyes, had taken advantage of the event to celebrate their joy in being a Crab. As usual, this celebration manifested with a great deal of sake, shouting, and the occasional good-natured fistfight. Though Kuon reprimanded any man he caught causing too much commotion, Kisada noticed his grandson did not seem to have the heart to scold his soldiers too harshly.

Hida Kisada remained apart from the others now, taking time to quietly collect himself in the quarters that had been provided for him. Kuon had allowed him all the time he required, though he was invited to attend dinner with his grandson and his family within the hour. The old Crab enjoyed hearing the sounds of joy echoing through this place, a place that held so many dark memories. Once this place had nearly fallen to the enemies the Crab stood against, and that failure weighed heavily upon the Great Bear's shoulders.

Yet as Kisada studied his reflection in his wash basin he wondered if the term “old” still applied to him. The face that looked back at him was the face of a young man, hale and strong, in his prime. A bright golden glow suffused his body. Though the War of Spirits came long after his death, he had watched that conflict from the realms beyond. He had often wondered if the same magic that granted the returned spirits such strength had also affected their minds, making them arrogant enough to follow the Steel Chrysanthemum and fight the true Emperor. Even now, as one of them, he did not know for sure.

He had wanted so badly to accept his grandson's sword. He had wanted very much to accept the command Kuon had offered him. Only his knowledge of what the Hantei's spirits had done to the Empire once before had stayed his hand… and it had not been easy. What would happen when his task here was complete? What fate awaited a general who once commanded entire armies? He now had an entire lifetime in front of him again. Could he live that life without interfering with the destiny of his clan? What if they needed him? How could he remain idle and call himself a Crab? Could he accept that the Crab's future lay in hands strong enough to bear it without his aid?

A polite cough from beyond his door interrupted the Great Bear's reverie.

“Come,” Kisada said, lifting his heavy helmet and placing it upon his head.

The door slid open and Todori, the old scout he had met at Oblivion's Gate, stepped inside. He bowed to Kisada, nearly pressing his forehead to the floor.

“Such obeisance is not necessary,” Kisada said curtly. “Rise, Todori-san.”

“Of course it is necessary, Kisada-sama,” Todori replied. “It is not every day that a man stands in the presence of a Fortune.”

“I am not much of a Fortune,” Kisada replied. “I retain the title still, but I set much of my power aside when I became mortal once more. I can feel it still, like a part of my soul has been cut away, but that part of me which is truly the Fortune of Persistence remains in Yomi. For now, I am merely Kisada.”

“Merely Kisada,” Todori replied with a small laugh. “The legends said nothing of modesty, my lord. Fortune or no, to have an opportunity to serve you is a rare honor. To fight by your side, as we did at the Gate, was one of the most incredible moments in my life. That is saying quite a bit, for I have seen many strange and spectacular things.”

“The unrecognized blessing of being a Crab,” Kisada replied wryly. “There are many wonders in these lands. The Crane worship beauty, but what beauty can compare with a sunrise over the Kaiu Wall, when you see the armies of the Dark Kami fall back and realize that you are alive… when you see that you have triumphed. Keep your folded paper, Children of Doji, my soul feasts on victory.”

“Well said, Kisada-sama,” Todori said. “To see you fight at Volturnum and to hear you speak, I can see why my ancestors followed you so willingly during the Clan War. I understand why our enemies feared you so much.”

“Perhaps your ancestors followed me too willingly,” Kisada said grimly. “I made many mistakes. Many others paid for them. I would not desire to see such mistakes made again.” His gaze rested heavily upon the scout.

Todori looked away uncomfortably. “Then you will be pleased to hear that Lord Kuon has vowed to never surrender to the Shadowlands.”
“I know this,” Kisada replied. “I have watched the Crab with great interest.”

“And we have studied your legend with interest,” Todori said. “You may be pleased to know there were many who were disappointed that you did not accept Yuruginai.”

“Is my grandson's rule inadequate?” Kisada asked.

“Not at all,” Todori answered, “but to many, Kuon is just a man. You are, quite literally, a god. They would follow you into the heart of Jigoku.”

Kisada looked at Todori silently. “I did not return to usurp my grandson's rule,” he said. “I returned to destroy Iuchiban.”

“That does not change the fact that many are eager to follow you, Great Bear,” Todori said.

Kisada sighed. “It is one thing to watch the mortal realm, another to live in it again. So many things confuse me, and this is why I have called you here. I do not wish my questions to disturb my grandson, who has a great deal on his mind already. Not until I am certain.”

“Of course, my lord,” Todori said, though he looked somewhat surprised.

“As I passed through Oblivion's Gate I saw another warrior with you,” he said. “When our battle with the Bloodspeakers began, he vanished. Yet I heard Enko speak of him... I find it strange that you were so unconcerned with a ronin lost in the Shadowlands, especially one who traveled with you only minutes before.”

Todori's face became grim. “Yes, Rezan,” Todori said. “I have no doubt that he vanished when he did because he knew it would be too dangerous for him to remain among us.”

“Why?” Kisada demanded.

“Because Rezan is a member of Daigotsu's armies,” Todori replied. “He is Lost.”

Kisada's eyes narrowed behind his mask. His fingers curled into a fist, veins standing out on the back of his hand.

“Explain,” he demanded.

“As you know, Iuchiban now commands the Shadowlands Horde,” Todori said. “Almost one year ago, the Bloodspeakers attacked Hiruma Castle. We would have been overrun had Daigotsu and his followers not appeared. I ordered my troops not to attack the Lost unless attacked first. My plan was to allow the Bloodspeakers to weaken our enemy rather than engage both sides at once when we were already at a disadvantage.”

“A sound plan,” Kisada replied.

“Yet when the battle was done, Daigotsu did not attack,” Todori said. “He withdrew, dispatching his servant, Kokujin, to broker a truce with the Crab. He offered a year of peace between his forces and ours, so long as we did not attack him.”

“And did you accept?” Kisada asked.

“Not as such, but I did not deny him,” Todori said. “Daigotsu seemed satisfied to let our actions speak for us. When I told Kuon of the Dark Lord's offer, he reluctantly agreed. After the Rain of Blood, Iuchiban was clearly the greater threat. Also, it is not as if we can attack Daigotsu regardless… for the most part we don't even know where he is.”

Kisada looked up in interest at Todori's careful choice of words. “You say ‘for the most part.' What does that mean?”

Todori looked distinctly uneasy. “My lord, I do not think you will like hearing this,” he said in a low voice.

“Then tell me swiftly,” the Great Bear answered.

Though the halls of Kyuden Hida still echoed with celebration, the Champion's dining hall was nearly empty. Kisada would be given an opportunity to meet with his people in time, Kuon had promised. For now, this was Kisada's chance to meet with the new leaders of the Crab. Though Kisada knew there would be no danger here in the presence of his grandson, he could not help but feel naked without his armor. Even in Yomi it was rare that he did not wear armor. He drew great comfort from the feel of steel upon his flesh. What was a Crab, after all, without his shell?

Kuon sat at the head of the low table, with Reiha to his left. Beside her sat a gruff looking samurai with a shaven head, her brother, Benjiro. To his left sat an elegantly beautiful older woman, Kuni Tansho, daimyo of her family. Beyond her sat a pot-bellied man with the distinctive sideburns of a Kaiu. Kisada recognized him as Umasu, the siege master. One seat lay empty to Kuon's right and beyond it sat the thin shugenja he had met at the gates, whom had been later introduced only as Omen. Beyond Omen sat the grizzled Toritaka Tatsune, leader of his small family and sensei of Sunda Mizu Dojo. Todori filled the final seat, beside Tatsune.

Kuon rose as his grandfather entered and the others followed suit. They all bowed in greeting to the Great Bear, and he replied in kind. With a proud smile, Kuon gestured to the seat at his right hand, offering it to Kisada. Kisada moved to his reserved place, seating himself as his grandson did. The others also settled back into their places. A servant quietly made her way into the room, filling the sake cups that sat before each of the assembled samurai.

“I extend the most sincere apologies of Hachi, Lord of the Yasuki,” Kuon said. “His duties as Emerald Champion keep him quite busy, though he wished to express his joy at your return.”

“Bah, Hachi,” Tatsune said with a dark laugh. “What could be as important as the Great Bear returning from the dead? I came all the way from Toshi Ranbo to see this!”

“Do not judge Hachi too harshly,” Tansho said. “He has served Lord Kuon well, but he was not born a Crab.”

“Nor was I,” Tatsune retorted, “but I still respect our legends.”

“Then tell me about Hiruma Rikiya,” Kisada said quietly, sipping from his cup.

The gathering fell silent for a long moment, surprised by the sudden change of subject. Hida Kuon leveled a dark look at Todori then turned to his grandfather. “Rikiya is a criminal,” Kuon replied. “He has violated our clan's most sacred oath. He waits in the dungeons of Kyuden Hida for his punishment.”

“If you do not mind my curiosity,” Kisada answered, “what has he done?”

“Several instances of treachery, which were recently revealed to me,” Kuon said. “When a band of Lost scouts were pursued by Bloodspeakers, he offered them sanctuary in Lone Candle Keep. On several occasions he dispatched his soldiers to the territory near the City of the Lost, where Iuchiban's Bloodspeakers can detect the presence of those without Taint. These Hiruma would lead the Bloodspeakers into ambushes prepared by Daigotsu's followers. Most disturbing of all, he was revealed to have given surplus grain intended for Crab soldiers to Daigotsu's Lost.”

“In all cases, Rikiya aided Daigotsu, with whom we are currently at peace,” Reiha said. “His actions led directly to the deaths of many Bloodspeakers, and saved the lives of countless Crab.”

“Disturbing,” Kisada replied, setting his cup down. “Yet it seems to me this man's punishment is clear. He is a traitor, is he not?”

Kuon frowned. “There are… complications.”

“Complications?” Kisada replied. “What complications? There is no compromise with the Shadowlands.”

“Rikiya was not discovered ,” Benjiro replied. “He confessed. All of the scouts, all of the men who aided him, felt that he was right in what he did and kept his secret. When he stepped forward, so did they. They have promised that they will share whatever punishment he faces. If he is executed, over one hundred Crab samurai will follow him into death. The Hiruma cannot endure such a weakening of their defenses, not with the Bloodspeakers on our doorstep.”

“To make matters more complicated,” Tansho added, “It was Rikiya to whom the corrupted ronin, Rezan, first appeared. It was he who told us that a soul would return from Oblivion's Gate with the means to defeat Iuchiban, though at the time we did not realize it would be you. When Rikiya learned you were the returned hero, your example in the Clan War made him doubt what he had done. He confessed because he felt you would not approve of his actions.”

“And I do not,” Kisada said darkly, “Yet I find it difficult to judge him, given the circumstances.”

“As do I,” Kuon said. “On the day my brother died I promised I would never surrender to the Dark Lord. Even this truce the Hiruma have struck leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, though I recognize the necessity. Your advice would be most welcome, grandfather.”

Kisada drummed his thick fingers on the table. After a moment, a slow smile spread across his broad face. “Give this Rikiya to me,” he said. “In the morning, I march forth to claim Iuchiban's hidden heart. The Bloodspeakers already know of my quest. They will do everything within their power to destroy me. If this Rikiya is as clever as he sounds, I may have need of him. If he should die on this quest, he will die a hero. If he survives, then we have triumphed, and he can redeem himself in combat with the Dark Lord's forces. Daigotsu may enjoy our mercy today, but tomorrow is another day.”

“What of Rikiya's followers?” Tatsune replied. “What if they aid Daigotsu again?”

“Perhaps they will,” Kisada answered. “Perhaps, like Rikiya, their honor will drive them to repent. In the meantime, we can only be vigilant. A Crab's duty is impossible. He must make use of all advantages he has available… but he must be cautious not to be used in turn. That is the lesson of the Clan War. Never again will we be pawns of darkness.”

“Never again,” Kuon replied.

The other leaders of the Crab murmured their assent. The room grew quiet again, though the sounds of celebration still resounded through the halls. Reiha could not help but laugh.

“Grandfather, do not do this,” Kuon said, making Kisada look up with surprise.

“Do what?” Kisada asked.

“Do not seek the Hidden Heart,” Kuon replied. “I have not seen my clan filled with such joy and courage as when they heard you had returned. We need you here.”

“I returned for a purpose, Kuon,” he said.

“And that purpose can yet be fulfilled,” Kuon said. “Benjiro has already volunteered to seek the heart in your place. He is a fine warrior. I would trust him with my life, with the lives of my wife and children. I would trust him with the future of our Empire.”

“So you would face Iuchiban, Benjiro-san?” Kisada said, looking at the samurai.

“Hai,” Benjiro said, meeting Kisada's gaze squarely.

“Even if you did so alone?” Kisada asked.

“Hai,” Benjiro said.

“Admirable,” Kisada said. “If Lord Kuon were the one seeking the heart and you offered to replace him I would understand, for the lives of the entire clan depend upon the Champion's leadership. Yet I no longer lead the Crab. I am, as I once was, only a warrior. Would you ask a fellow warrior, a fellow Crab, to hide in Kyuden Hida when he still has the strength to fight and knowledge of the enemy?”

Benjiro paused, looking uncomfortably at his sister. “No,” he said. “I would do no such thing. I retract my offer.”

“No need,” Kisada said with a shrug. “You can seek the Hidden Heart if you like, but I will be with you as well.”

Benjiro smiled slightly and bowed again. “As you wish, Great Bear.”

“You are a stubborn man, grandfather,” Kuon said. “Though I suppose that comes as no surprise. I know that in a quest such as this some measure of subtlety is preferable, but I offer the Hida House Guard to protect you on your journey.”

“My thanks, but no,” Kisada said. He took up his sake cup and drank from it once more. “I need only Benjiro and Rikiya, as well as those who found me at Oblivion's Gate; they are all worthy allies.”

“When will this quest begin?” Reiha asked softly.

Kisada looked at his grandson's bride, again impressed by the mixture of compassion and strength that he saw in her eyes. Kuon had chosen well. “We leave for the lands of the Lion tomorrow,” he said.

The dinner now complete, Kisada had excused himself from the presence of the other Crab lords. He made his way back to his chambers as quickly as he could, hoping not to become entangled in any conversation along the way. Though he looked forward to meeting with the new generation of Crab, what he truly desired was to get back into his armor. He did not feel quite like himself without it.

Yet as he walked through the halls of Kyuden Hida, Todori's earlier words disturbed him. Were there truly so many among the Crab that wished to follow him rather than his grandson? Did they not remember the sins he had committed when he had reigned as Champion? Did they forget history so easily? And most disturbing of all, he found himself rather intrigued by the prospect. He found that he wished to lead once more. Was that the influence of Oblivion's Gate? Were all those who passed through its threshold doomed to usurp power they did not deserve? Why had Toturi not suffered such a fate?

Then again, perhaps he did. As Emperor who would notice? An Emperor was expected to be ambitious.

Kisada stopped halfway up the stairs to the next floor. His years of battlefield experience told him there were eyes upon him now, that he was being followed. He heard the sound of a single, soft footfall before the watcher realized that he had stopped. Kisada turned slowly and looked back down the stairs. There, in the shadows, stood a small boy. He stared up at Kisada with wide, dark eyes. His mother's eyes.

“You are Kuon's boy, Ichiro,” Kisada said.

The child nodded. “That is my name for now, great-grandfather,” he said.

Kisada sat down on the stairs so that they were at the same height. Ichiro met his great grandfather's gaze with the fierce courage of a child. He noticed that the boy's left eye was slightly swollen.

“What happened to your face, Ichiro?” Kisada asked.

“Senichi-san,” Ichiro said.

“Who is that?” Kisada asked.

“Shinjo Senichi,” Ichiro said. “He said that the Crab were fools to be happy that you had returned. He said that the last time you came, you did more bad than good. I told him he was wrong.”

Kisada's eyes narrowed. “So he hit you?”

“No,” Ichiro said. “His brother Ryo did.” Ichiro grinned. “Senichi could not hit me. He was crying over his broken teeth.”

Kisada laughed out loud. “You must learn the first lesson of the Crab, little Ichiro,” he said. “Know your strengths.”

Ichiro shrugged. “Ryo's eye looks worse,” he said.

Kisada laughed again. “I imagine your father will be upset,” he said. “Those Unicorn children are probably the sons of an important diplomat.”

Ichiro shook his head. “No,” he said. “They were not children. They were visiting students at Sunda Mizu Ryu, here to see the Fortune returned.”

“How old were they?” Kisada asked.

“Fourteen and fifteen,” Ichiro replied.

Kisada smiled. “Does your mother know this happened?”
Ichiro looked slightly afraid. “Not yet,” he said.

“Hm,” Kisada replied. No doubt Ichiro would be in a great deal of trouble when Kuon and Reiha learned of this, and rightly so. Regardless, he could not help admiring the boy's courage. Of course, it was unlikely either of the Unicorn boys would own up to being beaten on by a child, and if this boy's Hida genes were true the swelling would be almost unnoticeable in a few hours.

“Well,” he said, clapping one hand on Ichiro's shoulder. “Senichi and Ryo may still be out there, neh? You'd best stay near me as I meet with the troops. Just in case I need a bodyguard, you understand.” Kisada raised one eyebrow very seriously.

Ichiro's face flushed. He nodded very quickly. “Hai, great-grandfather,” he said. “You will be safe with me!”

Kisada nodded and rose, fighting to keep the smile from his face. He continued walking with little Ichiro in tow, valiantly scouring the halls for any sign of a threat to his legendary great-grandfather.

The days to come would not be easy, but Kisada was not afraid. The future of his clan was in good hands.

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