The Ancient Scribes of Uyoshin

The 10th moon of spring shines above Uyoshin. The freezing air serves as a chilling reminder of the winter blizzards and snow storms that ravaged the country. Lives were lost, infrastructure ruined, but as always, Uyoshin endured. Tonight marks the second night of a four day spring festival in Hashimori (known as the Monolith), the largest city ever constructed in the land. Sakura trees are in full bloom. Their petals rain like hail and snow did just weeks before, blanketing everything in a vibrant haze of pink, green, and white. Lanterns light the packed streets with glowing embers as performers and vendors dazzle every corner and sidewalk. Taiko drums boomed. Children ran with pinwheels. Men and women from all clans dabbled in each other's social circles, drinking and singing in celebration of winter's end.

"Doesn't seem like there's a crisis going on to me." Issoji said, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

He watched the festivities from the temple balcony, the second tallest building next to Daimyo Ishin's royal quarters. He longed for tasting food and getting drunk off sake like a normal human being. But with his reanimated corpse stitched together by The Prayer of the Shield's magics, he's lucky to still retain the consciousness of his old self.

"Maybe Emperor Tanjiro is doing a better job then you stuffy priests think, eh?" Issoji smirked. Though undead, he still has the light of life in his brown eyes.


"And priestesses." Hisaya corrected. "Careful with your tongue. Tanjiro's secret police are everywhere."

The monk stood beside the ragged Shinobi with her eyes closed. She was either meditating, or wishing she was somewhere else; some place far, away from him, he chuckled.

"Oh, come on! Even I know monsters can't break through this temple's enchantments without sounding the alarms."

"Is that why you speak with such confidence?" Hisaya smiled. "If you truly believe Tanjiro has not done Uyoshin a disservice by terrorizing its people for over 200 years, then perhaps you are not needed after all, and can return to your aimless path into the Underworld."

"You can't get rid of me that easily, priestess.”

"You'd be surprised."

Issoji frowned, but said nothing. Instead, he motioned through the entrance way. They stood on a wide platform that protruded from the rafters like a large gangplank. Issoji looked six stories down into the wide stone hall littered with candles and incense. In front of giant statues of the heavenly gods was a gathering for a marriage ceremony. The husband's family represented the Onsei clan with blue, while the wife's family wore purple in honor of the Daisan'nome clan.

"Who else are we waiting on?" Issoji asked, looking away from the cheery scene down below with contempt.

Hisaya sensed his frustration but didn't pry. She knew what he was thinking about...

"They'll let themselves be known when they're ready." Hisaya simply said.

"What does that mean?" When Hisaya said nothing, he groaned, irritably.

Since his resurrection seven moons ago, Issoji has had nothing but questions. Very few answers were given, mostly in riddles. This was not the world he was used to. The shinobi did not ask, he demanded, and information was easily plucked for his convenience. What year is it? How did they find and preserve my body? What happened to the former Emperor? What happened to the Stardust Shogunate? Like his long shifting path in the afterlife, he was kept in the dark. But not for long...

He thought about hocking a loogie onto the newly weds, but decided to wait back out into the balcony instead. The shinobi leaned onto the rail and watched as the sakura petals littered the skies like natural confetti, swatting every single one that came near him like a grumpy old man.

"Damned things are everywhere!"

It was an interesting night to be observing the crowds below. Most of the day, they had hidden away from the view of the humans, enveloped in shadows as they watched intrigued the behaviors displayed. It had been a near century since they had been on the mortal earth, being trapped for so long in darkness it was the only comforting spot they could take as they gauged the changes in their world. So much had changed and yet...

Humans certainly hadn't changed much in their ways. Another society built up, prospering even and yet San had seen it many, many times before. It was only inevitable they would see their civilization fall too. Still, at least it would not be by their unwilling hand this time they supposed. These Prayers of the Shield were indeed strange to them. How they had come across their fox orb, San had no idea but they were reawakened only to find themselves under their possession.

San's dark eyes flicked over the crowds from behind the slits of their fox mask framed in oxidized bronze, teal patterns painted onto the mask by thin fingers. They sat in the shadows, up top the roof and balancing as they juggled an apple between their hands. The smells that rose to their nose had been one sorely missed over the years and they longed to wander the streets and perhaps partake in the festivities. However after being tasked with gathering many of the necessary items for their journey, San had no time for such things with their new mistress' orders taking priority to their wants and needs.

Movement from their peripheral vision caught their eye, someone wandering onto the nearby temple balcony. They had felt an odd presence in the temple for some time. Smelled it. But they did not look into it, with orders to prepare for the journey coming. Now seeing the so called 'source of the aura', they wondered just who this person was. Hearing the man's distaste towards to floating blossoms, a small little smirk curled on the edge of their lips. It wasn't like they could not find out themselves. So they disappeared into the shadows, moving through the falling blossoms on the night breeze.

In a gentle twisting of the breeze they soon reappeared standing on the balcony railing, eyes peering at the man from behind their mask, head tilted some out of curiosity. They stood straight, balancing on their railing with ease and seeming holding an almost mischievous air about them. They wore a set of clothing eerily similar to a swordsman's wear though lacked any weapon of the sort, their sleeves reaching an inch or so above their wrist, the shirt was neatly tucked into their billowing pants fastened at the ankles. San had their long hair down simply this evening, loose and wafting in the breeze. After all they had a little time to relax prior.

"You do not seem to be very pleased with the coming of spring, stranger." they finally spoke out from behind the emotionless fox mask as they tossed the apple into the air numerous times.

Just as Issoji swatted away another pesky sakura petal from his line of sight, a figure appeared before him like a magic trick. He almost felt embarrassed for getting so caught off guard, and did his best to hide a surprised reaction from it. Perhaps I'm still adjusting to this world? Who knows how long I've been in the Underworld. No way would someone be able to catch me so unaware. Yes, I'll go with that.

"Oh, uh...ahem" Issoji fake-cleared his throat, searching for a witty reply.

"Rain, sunshine, or dead cold winter... wouldn't feel a thing, really. No, what displeases me most is that I can't smell or taste any of this. Not even that apple of yours.”

The shinobi observed the stranger curiously. They had similar fashion tastes with no displayable weapons on their person. The only blatant difference between them was the bronze fox mask with artistically colored teal patterns. It was hard to determine if it were a male or female, and the long hair made it that much harder for Issoji to decipher.

"I take it you're here for the wedding?" Issoji smiled.

"Hello, San,” Hisaya appeared from the entryway. Her eyes were open now, signifying the end of her meditation. “Now that you’re here, we can begin.”

Issoji was taken aback. Again. The pale moonlight combined with the dramatic effect of raining petals, made her appear like a goddess. Her eyes sparkled an orange ember like the street lanterns below. Though her hair and neck were kept hidden by a white cowl, her face was perfectly symmetrical, the kind made for kabuki theater and tea ceremonies.

"I am sorry a proper ceremony is not conducted on your behalf," Hisaya said to both of them. "I hope you understand that this is the best I could do."

She then sat with her legs crossed onto the balcony floor, encouraging the two to do the same.

"Close your eyes..." Hisaya said, grabbing each of their hands. Issoji gently held hers, shrugged at the one named San, then extended his own hand to complete the triangle. "Relax your mind..."

"This is quite the formality." Hisaya hushed Issoji from talking further. When he finally eased his thoughts, he felt his spirit leaving his body.

"Wait. What's happening---?"

Issoji strained his eyes as they adjusted to the brightness. He stood on top of a red bridge surrounded by fully bloomed sakuras. Hisaya waited at the center of the bridge, still covered in her monk garments. Next to her was what he assumed was San, but it was hard to make out with the ethereal energies that surrounded the figure. It was almost as if it were deciding which appearance to manifest itself into.

It was then that Issoji noticed the veins on his own arms, and color of his skin were pumping with life. He pressed his hand against his chest and felt the soft thumping of his heart. Was this a reflection of his true self, before his path to the underworld? It had been so long that he forgot what he looked like. He immediately peered over the rail of the bridge. He saw the clear reflection of a clean-shaven man, exposing a chiseled jaw with lively brown eyes. His hair was kept neatly tied in a bun. Memories began to flash into his mind like wild thunder, but he shook them from his thoughts and returned his gaze back to Hisaya.

"Welcome." She bowed. The formality made it seem like they were meeting for the first time. "This is my inner sanctuary, a place that will allow us to communicate in private. And now that we have met in the physical world, we can do so, no matter how far apart we are, in here."

"Now, let us begin our formal introductions, yes?" Hisaya smiled. At the blink of an eye, the three sat around a wooden table with freshly served hot tea.

"My name is Hisaya Mokito, you know me as a devout priestess to The Prayers of the Shield, but I was once a berzerker Sohei warrior of a radical sect called The Flames of Okami. I fought hard for my beliefs and have done terrible things because of them. I...—“

She hesitated, allowing a moment of sadness expressed in her eyes before she continued:

"—have killed for my beliefs. I'm to say that I was brainwashed by false pretenses and ideals, but in the end it is my hands that were bloodied. The wrong I've done will never be undone, but my station now is to serve as penance to that. The heavenly gods kindly seek to use me as their vassal, just like you, in order to restore balance back in the physical world."

Issoji sat quietly. He felt the warmth of the tea through the ceramic cup. It was faint, much like the flowery smells in the background, but it was there. A rush of emotion was coming at him and it was difficult to compartmentalize it all, so much so, that he had no smart remarks to offer like usual. And when hearing Hisaya speak so candidly, especially after she'd been so tight-lipped with him, was moving.

"Please, whoever wishes to go next. Introduce yourself and speak freely. You will not be judged here."

Finally, a chance to get some answers, but Issoji could stand to wait a moment longer. He was far more curious about San at the moment, so he decided to go last.

It was clear to San it wasn't just the dim light in the evening but the man did appear... different in appearance. In a hauntingly similar way that San could only guess was perhaps afflicted with a curse or magic. His reply only made San lean more towards the assumption of a curse. Stepping down from the railing in one graceful step, they simply shook their head once before their eyes turned to the presence of Hisaya. Upon her approach, San offered a bow in greeting before obediently joining her on the balcony floor, awaiting Issoji. When he did and Hisaya's hands were offered, San took it with little hesitation only glancing to Issoji as they completed the triangle.

To San, shedding his human body and returning to the spirit world was a familiar thing. This was no different, in fact it was an almost comforting feeling. Standing next to Hisaya, they flowed in a gentle wind of fabric before they manifested fully. Still wearing that fox mask, they appeared standing in a casual yukata colored a deep blue color, lined with white and black fabrics. Their long brown hair pulled back partially into a ponytail, the rest sleek and loose. With the new found light, only traces of their eyes could be seen from behind the slits of the mask.

The quickly changing scene of course did not phase San as they had begun listening to Hisaya, watching her observantly and curious of what she had to say. The heavenly gods. So that is why they had also been tasked with this. San knew much about the darkness and its ever spreading power, unfortunately from the side they preferred to steer clear from. "I see now why you were previously hesitant to speak of our task." San spoke up now seeing Issoji glancing in their direction with curiosity. "My lady, of course you know my name and my nature but you do not." This was directed to Issoji, San seeming to shift in their position, their ethereal tails soon manifesting out of their aura.

They did not remove their mask, but each of their four tails manifesting out of non-existence appeared behind them, their fur appearing a bright iridescent copper and markings of stark white. They bowed formally in greeting. "I am San. A fox spirit in service currently... to Hisaya. And many long before her." Turning to Hisaya, they nodded to her.

"I am here to search, guide and ultimately serve as a weapon. If you are desperate enough of course. I manifest often according to one's preferred weapon unless there are requests." Their eyes found Issoji again, curious of what sort of weapon they would become upon being wielded by them if given the chance. Still, they did not press. They were rather vague about their situation, San seeming to not wish to delve further into the details of their long, bloody past. So they awaited Issoji's introduction.

"I didn't know what to make of you," Issoji's eyes beam with intrigue, "but a spirit fox that can turn into a weapon? I certainly didn't expect that."

Hisaya says nothing, but her eyes glare at Issoji as she quietly sips her tea. The shinobi notes her disgust for his ill-mannered words and proceeds accordingly.

"My name is Issoji Setsu. I was bumbling along my path toward the underworld just a week ago. Thanks to the venerable Lady Hisaya and her Prayers of the Shield, I've now attached myself to these present... circumstances."

He pauses as a cool breeze touches his skin. Issoji embraces the moment; Goose pimples form, rippling through his body like a jolt of electricity, reminding him of the joys of being alive. What a cruel sentiment.

"I'm not quite sure what I am, but while I can't turn myself into some spirit weapon, I can forge my own with blood magic." Issoji nods, cupping the ceramic cup with his hands to feel the heat once more.

Hisaya appears discontent with Issoji's introduction, but expected far worse. She offers a sincere look to San.

"He speaks, modestly. The techniques of his blood magic are rooted from an old master from the days of the Stardust Shogun himself. He is---"

"What I am," Issoji's grasp on the cup tightens. He clenches his jaw, then rises from his seat at the table to shout: "is a man who does not know where he is or why he's been forced to be here!"

Issoji smashes the cup onto the wooden floorboards of the bridge. Emotions continue to pour through him like a broken dam, raging freely after being suppressed for so long.

"Please, Issoji-san, take a seat and drink your tea. I'll explain everything to you both after you've done so."

He frowns as his eyes flash over to a new cup that reappears on the table. The broken pieces of the cup from moments before are nowhere to be found. Issoji lets out a sigh. He sits back down and does as he's told. When the last drop of tea soothes the back of his throat and warms his belly, a calm rushes over him, providing renewed clarity. In this moment, Hisaya's polite and courteous demeanor shifts into a stern expression.

"It is 1209 of the Ogami Tanjiro era, 220 years after the fall of Emperor Togan and the Stardust Shogunate. Guided by the Takamagahara, we found your preserved body entombed in an unmarked catacomb, located in the western mountains of Ameratsu. The bruises around your neck, and the emblem of your family crest lined within your coffin, confirmed you to be the blood shinobi who defied his master. We used the Lotus of Rejuvenation to rekindle your lost spirit with your body, then reforged you back into our realm with our most powerful enchantments. As for San, per the deal made with your orb's... former master, all I can reveal to you is that in my possession, such an honorable treasure will not be taken for granted! I sincerely apologize, San-sama..."

Hisaya rises from her seat and deeply bows. Her eyes are somber and ridden in guilt.

"Under any other circumstance I'd have freely returned what rightfully belongs to you. However, assurances were needed. Trust me when I say this both of you: My intentions are pure. Succeeding in this mission will grant you high favor from the heavens, and you will be justly rewarded."

Issoji jolts from his sudden thoughts and memories as he runs fingers along where a noose once strangled his neck. The memories attack him like hail, forming as puzzle pieces trying to wedge themselves together in his mind. He focuses on when he was first brought back to life, deep within the temple dungeons, when the deal was made. The smile of a little boy came and left like a fragmented dream, but it was enough to make him realize one thing:The hows and whys aren't important, they never were. He is all that matters... Issoji whispers to himself.

"This task..." He says, rubbing the sides of his head. "What can you tell us about this Incorruptible Soul?"

"Over the course of Emperor Tanjiro's reign, the Takamagahara have guided us to find the one who can destroy the evil brought onto this realm. We searched for many years, believed to have found the chosen who can wield the weapon to save us all. Many have tried. The souls we thought were pure and deemed incorruptible proved otherwise. Many innocent lives were lost because of our misjudgment. And now, in our most desperate time of need, we turn to you. You, who are not blinded by a righteous path. We seek your instinct and judgement. As prophesied by the gods:




Issoji turns to San as Hisaya finishes reciting the prophesy, then stares back at her with a curious gaze.

"Just us two?" He asks.

"You are not alone. There are many who will help you throughout Uyoshin. Those loyal to the balance of life and order are with you, always, but they will do so in secret. Tanjiro and his spies must remain unaware of our crusade." Hisaya says.

She then turns to San, who has been quiet for some time.

"I believe the blood shadow has done his fair share of talking. Might I ask: What are your thoughts on the matter, San-sama?”

San sat in silence, yes. Quiet and ever observant of both Hisaya and Issoji's body language and words. They listened with interest as Issoji spoke of their nature. The ill-mannered conjectures didn't seem to phase San, though it was easy to hide one's expression behind a mask. Still he breathes and feeling the emotions pouring from Issoji, they do not flinch as the cup shatters only offering a simple glance as it disappears and the wrong from a moment ago had been mended.

As he felt Hisaya's demeanor shift however, his eyes fell on her with ears open ready to listen. Indeed, time flowed much differently in the mortal world. They couldn't remember this Emperer Togan and Stardust Shoganate. How long had they been in the spirit world, out of touch with humanity? The fox is pulled from his thoughts as Hisaya's apology reaches him and he bows in response, accepting it freely. They were but a tool to be used, no more. This did not bother them. Not anymore.

Hearing this prophecy, they find himself wrapped in his thoughts, eyes focused on the cup of tea before them and the liquid contained inside. San had of course not indulged in the drink since it had appeared. The mask stayed. Their mind wandered over their task. Find the incorruptible soul. It seemed a daunting task for just Issoji and himself to take on. They felt something in their chest, flurry for the first time in a long time, they haven't felt such things deep within themselves in... forever.

Then Hisaya's voice pierces the cloud of their thoughts like the sun's rays revealing themselves and they perk up, looking between Issoji and Hisaya. Their tails flick behind them, wafting gently before they bow. "I apologize. I am simply thinking of how we shall accomplish our task."

He paused. "I... have spent many millenia within the grasps of the darkness that you fight and yet you sought me out to accomplish this. I find it curious and question how someone such as myself will sniff out the truth so to speak." They were a slave, a tool and a mere decorative piece for others for long. to be left up to their own judgement instead of their master's was... off-putting. There was a glint in their eye. "Do we not have any leads?"

Issoji's eyes widen as he mouths the words: Millennia?

It was unfathomable to grasp how one can live so long and not lose themselves. Existing within an abstract passage of time, one where the Celestial Wheel churns one reincarnated soul after another, all while you remain constant.

"Grasped within the darkness is perhaps the very reason why the prophesy demands your service." Hisaya said.

"Your very understanding of what festers within such an environment might guide you to the ones who represent its complete opposite," Hisaya then turns to Issoji. "And you, the shinobi who has encountered all types of people in his past life. Your line of work has sharpened your intuition for sussing out genuine and deceitful people."

The priestess reveals two oval-shaped jade talismans. At the center are inscriptions not of the Uyoshin language.

"These enchantments are ancient blessings from an elder kami." Hisaya gave the necklaces to San and Issoji. "Attuned with your spirit, they will emit a powerful aura to indicate that a strong and willful presence is nearby. Combined with your intuition and gut instincts, we will see if the prophesy rings true."

Issoji puts on his necklace, twirling the jade piece between his fingers.

"As for leads..." Hisaya continues, "There are murmurs within the sect of potentials in Onsei territory. When the festival is over in two days, you'll go to the border town of Chiwei to meet with one of our agents. They will provide you a more thorough assessment."

"Why wait two days when the two of us could reach Chiwei by next sun fall?" Issoji crosses his arms.

"Because Emperor Tanjiro's watch dogs keep their eyes peeled to everything and anything coming in and out of Shinzo. While they've no idea of our operation, they've been keeping close tabs on the Prayers of the Shield, for this I do not know why. In any case, you'll take the main road west. It'll be busy with tourists commuting from Shinzo's festivities, a perfect opportunity to travel unnoticed."

There is a moment of silence before Hisaya says:

"Before we leave my sanctuary, we must do one more thing." Almost as a sleight of hand, the priestess reveals a naginata from behind her as if it appears from thin air. The long blade glistens as she twirls it as effortlessly as an ink brush. "Forgive me!"

Issoji instinctively rolls low, dodging the horizontal blur of Hisaya's naginata. The lashing sound of its blade is deafening as it swoops over his head.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Issoji yells. Hisaya responds with another thrust in his direction. He postures upright then side steps, but as he does, the priestess adjusts her thrust into an arc that chases after him. Issoji evades with but a slight cut on his forearm, and with no weapon of his own, he back steps to put distance between them.

Hisaya then swings her naginata gracefully behind her to keep San from exploiting any openings. She moves with the rotation of the blade, shifting her body in San's direction, then charges at them with her weapon whirling in a violent haze of thrusts and slashes like a crazed dervish.

San listened, tails flicking intuitively behind them. Yes. He supposed that was a good way too look at their involvement in the prophecy. As Hisaya handed them the necklace, San seemed to examine it closely at first though did not recognize the language in-scripted into the jade talisman. Still, they would tie it around their neck.

Hisaya's lead was useful indeed, though San would have to rely on Issoji a little more for direction. They were not familiar with his new world so they felt a little bit lost but they were sure it would work out. They listened and watched patiently as Issoji debated on them leaving the city that night. However, it was reasonable to think they would be watched by the Emperor's dogs.

Veiling themselves under the guise of tourists commuting home would be a good cover. They would nod in agreement to the plan of leaving after the festival. However as Hisaya speaks once more, their gaze watching her as she revealed a naginata. San, though sits calmly as they watch, a brow raising beneath their mask as her blade is aimed for Issoji.

San's initial guess is she must test their abilities, of which San was willing to oblige if that be the case. They watch from their seat for a time as she went after Issoji until her blade was directed to them. The first thrust, San bent over backwards, swift and graceful until the next flurry of blows came. Fabric whirled around them and they rolled backwards with a gust of wind following them.

Hisaya's blades would slice through the fabric dancing around them, San moving to dodge each blow. They jumped back, moving to put a distance in between them and Hisaya, floating through the air before the fox perched themselves on a post of the bridge, balancing on one foot, the other held close to them as their tails swirled behind them. "If you wish to test out skills... I will oblige, my lady."

They did not say anything now as they watched from behind the mask, one arm reaching into their sleeve, ready to summon their own weapon. However their gaze fell on Issoji, perhaps unable to summon his own weapon. Perhaps, she was looking for them to be acting as a team.

Partners for the task ahead. Arguably, Issoji was not his master. Hisaya was. But she was not to be making this journey, Issoji was. San was however, curiously wondered how Issoji would hold himself. So they simply played the dodging game for now.