“That shadow you tried to shoot is the real Saiyou,” said Shimura. “When have you ever seen Saiyou use a spell?” The fake Saiyou dissolved into a shapeless blue mist. “Binding spell: The Fetter of Light!” recited Shimura. Glowing white ropes sprouted from the ground and latched onto the misty figure. “Soul shatter!” shouted Shimura. The mist shattered into particles and disappeared. Saiyou came forth from the white mist that had enveloped the forest. More blue shapes came protruding alongside Saiyou assuming the shape of a humanoid body. “Damn! There’s so much more,” cursed Shimura. “Can you get rid of these things with a gun or something?” asked Takuya. “Specters don’t have a physical body. Spells are the way to go,” explained Saiyou. “Ghostly fire!”
Black and purple flames lit up the specters leaving them howling and moaning. Some writhed like a dying slug. “Quick!” said Saiyou leading the way through the ghostly fire. “I thought you said Saiyou didn’t use spells!” shouted Takuya. “You lied Shimura!” “I didn’t know he had tricks like that up his sleeve! He was a horrible student in spells!” replied Shimura. “We’re not here to discuss my grades in spells!” shouted Saiyou.
As they dashed through the ghostly fire, the flames barely singed their coats. It was actually dry and felt like nothing at all. The specters had long departed and the mist from the forest quietly crept away. “I think we’re safe for now,” said Saiyou. “We should stop here for the day.” At a very spacious spot shielded by large trees, Shimura tossed out a small packet the size of pocket tissues. It expanded into a large tent. “How did you do that?” said Takuya extremely surprised. “A little something I invented,” said Shimura. “Whoa! There’s fridge in here!” shouted Takuya as he peered into the tent and started rummaging every corner. “And a rice cooker!” “Oh? So this was the little house on the prairie that you kept talking about? Not too shabby,” said Saiyou.
After a little while, the table was set and dinner was served. “I can’t believe it. You’re 23 and you don’t know how cook rice properly,” remarked Shimura. “I like fighting more than cooking,” said Saiyou. “What’s our plan now in the demon world,” interrupted Takuya. “Basically whatever’s in our way, we’ll shoot it down. Our mission is to eliminate Digger. His existence is stirring up a lot of trouble in the human world,” said Saiyou. “My only guess that Digger is in the center of the fabled demon city,” said Shimura. “A city? In a demon world?” said Takuya. “It’s most likely a lot different than the cities back home, but the oni will be able to talk if we ask questions,” said Shimura. “A few of them won’t just grunt and kill us at first sight,” laughed Saiyou. “We might have to conduct a trade between them,” said Shimura with a hint of sternness. “A trade? What are we going to use?” asked Takuya. “The pills for information,” said Saiyou.
“Are you kidding! This is no joke, those pills are dangerous!” exploded Takuya. A few flecks of rice from his mouth landed onto Saiyou’s face. “Jeez, calm down. I really was joking,” said Saiyou wiping off some rice. “We’re going to ask them to help us.” “Even though Saiyou and I work for an organization that exterminates oni, we also wish to ally with oni. Although most depictions of oni are ogres with horns and harbingers of calamity and disease, there are some clarifications to be made,” explained Shimura.
‘Oni is a blanket term encompassing all demons. Many people use ‘oni’ in place of demon and the term has been confused. In esoteric Buddhism, the demons that guard the Twelve Devas were called raksha or rasetsu. The rasetsu that pledge to serve the Devas guard cities and forests of the human world. Rasetsu were also known to consume the flesh of sinners. The oni we meet may be the descendants of rasetsu, but who knows. No one has contacted them since hundreds of years ago. It’s a gamble to try and make peace with them.” “If we had some help from their side, it would benefit us in the future,” said Saiyou.
The next morning, the trio set off for the demon city. They reached a towering wall of sand colored bricks. It was immensely high and the intimidating fortress had one large gate. The three walked towards the gate and it seemed larger than before. Two large oni with clubs stood guard and looked down at the ant-sized humans. Immediately they blocked the entrance. “Who are you and state your business?” bellowed the oni to the left. “We are looking for Digger,” answered Saiyou. “Do you know that guy?” The oni to the right took a closer look at the three foreigners. “These are humans seeking an audience with Lord Digger!” said the oni to the left. “Humans!” laughed the other oni. “You have great nerve to enter the city.” “Lord Digger has no orders regarding humans. I suppose we shall deal with them,” said the oni to the right. “Wait!” called out Shimura. “We’re only visiting! We have business with your Lord Digger!” “Lord Digger isn’t fond of visitors,” said the oni to the left. “I’m in a good mood today, begone.” “Hold on a moment,” sniffed the oni to the right. “This one’s a half breed. And these two ... smell peculiar.” “Saiyou, Shimura did they see through us?” whispered Takuya.
“These puny humans are suspicious, I say we kill them,” the oni to the left smirked. “I agree. Lord Digger expects no visitors, never mind a few humans,” said the oni to the right. “Get ready to face your death.” “Whoa, whoa why so barbaric,” taunted Saiyou. “We’re only here to kill your overlord.” Immediately Saiyou and Shimura drew out their large blades and disappeared. The two oni were taken by surprise and readied their clubs. Saiyou and Shimura attacked left and right leaving a long gash on the oni’s bodies. The wounds let out blood that landed like rainfall on the ground. “Protect the city!” cried out the oni to the right.
The cut down oni stood up and bashed their clubs around. Missing their targets, the clubs eroded the soil and destroyed rocks into pebbles. “You filthy humans trying to destroy us oni. To think we had once allied against stronger forces,” spat the oni to the left. “We already have enough problems within.” “Please! We really mean no harm! We intend to make peace with the demon race! Your overlord has killed many of our race!” Takuya shouted in desperation. “We do not seek to destroy, but to mend!” Saiyou and Shimura stopped attacking and returned to Takuya’s side. Takuya had remained in the same spot in front of the entire time. “There’s no guarantee what you will do within the city walls,” said the oni to the right. “I’m sure you two aren’t such bad guys. You’re just protecting your own kind just like we are. We want to stop the slaughter going on in the human world,” said Takuya.
“This one’s a child. He’s barely a man,” the oni to the left pointed. “I-I’m of legal age!” defended Takuya. “So they send out a half breed, a man, and a child as humanity’s representatives. These humans are desperate,” laughed the oni. “Child, what is your name?” asked the oni to the right now sitting down. He put down his club. “Takuya,” answered Takuya. “I am an oni slayer and I only kill those that commit evil.” “We just tried to cut down your comrades. Do you not regard that as evil?” “You have placed down your weapon. You have no intention to kill us off meaninglessly.” “You have a soft spot for children don’t you,” taunted the oni to the left. “I just think children are honest and true!” argued the oni to the right. “So what’s the scoop?” asked Saiyou.
“There’s something stirring inside the demon city as well as the rest of the demon world. When Digger took control of the Capital, things had changed. He started strengthening the oni. The strongest would be recruited to serve Digger. Weaker oni would be killed or left to work. In the older peaceful days, the city was full of amusement for all sorts of demons. Today, we are guarding a fortress for a tyrant,” replied the oni. “Were there any of those that rebelled?” asked Shimura. “There were many rebellions, but they all ended the same. In bloodshed. Many opposed Digger, but many have also supported Digger. He has grown an army of his own and many of us sided to save ourselves,” responded the oni. “It is strange that Digger had become so strong. He was an outsider that took the Capital by force. By taking the Capital, he now has control of the Eastern lands.” “Tell us, are there other powerful oni out there controlling territories?” asked Shimura.
“There are more distinct territories in the west. You’ll have to travel much further from here. There are a few powerful demons known amongst us. There is Natsu the Fire Saint who wields the flame katana. Wind Claw Makito currently holds the most territory in the west. There’s also Kokusui the Ice Prince. Here in the east, Thunder Hand Ryu is working under Digger. You’ll meet him along the way so you best all watch out.” “So are you letting us in?” said Saiyou impatiently. “If all three of you are going to die as soon as you step in, I won’t let you into the Capital,” stated the oni. “We’re actually kinda tough,” Saiyou smirked. “We’re here to right the wrongs. If the demon world needs our help, we won’t stand and do nothing.” “Let’s see if these three can change the course of events,” said the oni. The two oni stood up and pushed the large gates open. “Thanks guys,” said Saiyou.
The large gates shut with a low rumble and the three were finally in the city. Gray billowing smoke came from the smokestacks leaving the sky a murky pattern. The city was stifling hot. Each stall Takuya and company went past were blacksmiths slaving away at their work. The demon eyes squinted at the outsiders as pass their store front. Only the clanging from the metal working and the sizzling sounds from pouring water over the white hot tools became the main conversation of the city’s inhabitants. Takuya took a glimpse into the stores from afar. Weaponry hung on walls and from the ceiling. Helmets were tossed in a large pile and armor were stacked in a corner. Takuya and company reached a square building with holes as windows. The sand and grit crunched under his boots as Saiyou was the first to step in interrupting the oni inside. Some bits of bone acted as game pieces over a piece of torn parchment. A bony looking oni walked up to Saiyou.
“What is your business here?” he asked in a dry voice. “We’re looking for Digger,” said Saiyou. The skinny oni looked to his companions. His companions exchanged glances amongst themselves. “Lord Digger isn’t fond of visitors,” the skinny oni said. “We’ve already been told that. Frankly speaking, we’re here to take his head,” said Saiyou. “Then I’m sure you know what you are facing,” said the oni. “I’m surprised that no one has come to take our heads,” said Saiyou jokingly. “You think you’re a smart one don’t chya?,” remarked the oni. “It wouldn’t matter to our lord if we took your lives now.” “Does it matter how he’s treating all of you now?” Takuya blurted out. The oni was a little bothered by the question. “You have no right to meddle into our affairs, but I won’t stop you from going to Digger,” said the oni. “You are all preparing for a war aren’t you?” said Takuya. “We have no choice. We have to fight under Digger’s orders,” said the oni. “Against your own kind? And against us humans? This is total war,” defended Takuya.
“Can you three really take down that monster?” spat the oni. “You see the city for yourselves. Who is going to stand up to Digger? You tell me.” “Have faith in us,” assured Takuya. “Saiyou and Shimura are stronger than they look. I may be weaker than they are, but I have my strengths.” “There is something that makes Digger stronger than you think he is. You underestimate him, foolish human!” said the oni. “Why do you think we are all so afraid?” “Judging by your words, he has some sort of leverage over the city. A special power perhaps?” said Shimura. “Do you think this old watch guard here has answers for the likes of you?” said the oni in contempt. “You know more than us. Your seasoned eyes can tell us about these foreign territories,” praised Shimura. “If we succeed in our mission, it will turn the events in your favor. Since you still haven’t taken our lives, then you still hold a bit of hope for intruders like us.”
The oni was taken aback by these words. “Hope?” he said condescendingly and then sadly added a sigh. “Where is hope when there are no true kings in these lands? The demon clans have dispersed and the Royal Family has been chased out.” “Royal Family?” asked Saiyou. “About two hundred years ago, the Royal Family was removed from the Capital due to civil strife. Every new leader installed defeats the previous leader and the cycle continues. Some clan members withdrew from the city and some remained. Those that remained were eventually slaughtered by the ruling factions. Digger, as you now call him, was known as Tsuchigumo. When his clan stormed the palace, he took up the residence by storm. The former lord with an army twice the size of Tsuchigumo’s was defeated. Once he claimed the throne, Tsuchigumo began his massacre. His frightening power grew even as the remaining clans laid siege. How can such a small group of rogues eventually establish such a stronghold, I do not know. I could not help, but prostrate in fear. Seeing a weak old demon like me, how much danger could I pose?
The palace is in a sorry state, perhaps even worse than before now that Digger is here. All of its former glory gone. The statues smashed and heraldry discarded. The days are dark and they only continue to be darker. The heir is lost,” recited the oni. “The bloodline has ended.” “You know so much of the palace,” said Shimura. “It is an old relic of the past,” the oni merely added. “Could it be ... that you were formerly a member of the palace,” suggested Shimura. “Blasphemy! I am no royalty! Royalty is dead!” shouted the oni bitterly. The oni looked sadly into the polluted sky. “They flayed the corpses and hung them on display. The Crown Prince was beheaded and they sewed a pig’s head onto his corpse for everyone to see. On that day, Digger announced that any who defied him would end in the same state. I don’t know if I should consider myself blessed to still be alive.” “You knew the Royal Family, didn’t you?” said Shimura. “You have a clear image of the former palace and you know the history of the struggle so vividly.” “It matters not. I am now a watch guard for Lord Digger. Come, I’ll bring you to the palace.”
The oni led the company through the city to the center of the Capital. A large stone castle stood in their presence. An intimidating and unwelcoming aura emitted from the castle grounds. Two oni guards in armor stood by the entrance. “This is as far as I can take you,” said the oni. “I can only hope you can survive through the coming ordeal.” “You have done enough. Thank you,” said Shimura. “Do not underestimate the strength he has. There is something hidden inside the palace. Something most sinister,” warned the oni and walked away. Takuya watched as the oni disappeared into the shadows. The company stepped forward to the guards. “We’re here to see Digger. I suggest you let us through before we strike,” said Saiyou.
One guard spoke to the other and disappeared behind the gate. He came back several minutes later. “Our lord grants permission to see his guests,” said the guard. Both guards then pushed open the gate. A dark hallway awaited them. As the company stepped forward without hesitation, one of the guards turned to face them. “This is no ordinary passageway. Keep your weapons ready,” warned the guard. Saiyou chuckled. “Won’t you get beheaded for telling me this?” “If my death can aid your mission for the good of my brethren, then it was worth it,” smiled back the guard. “Don’t be greeting the Reaper too soon. You haven’t seen the best of this party yet.”
The company journeyed down the hallway dimly lit with torches. It was a long passageway and it seemed to go upward. The stone blocks were barely visible to make out. “Ambush!” shouted Shimura. Takuya froze in his spot. He heard a whoosh from beyond, but it seemed to come from all directions as the sound bounced off the walls. Saiyou pushed Takuya to the floor and laid down along side him. A fleet of arrows had flown from the hallway waiting to hit one of their heads. The company quickly crawled away from the trap and ran ahead in the dark passage. Another set of steps from beyond slowly approached the trio. A figure bearing a torch came closer.
“Welcome to the Capital City. I will lead you to our lord,” said the oni. Up ahead was an iron contraption serving as an elevator. The metal gates shut with a clang and the old gears creaked and groaned as the elevator rose. The elevator reached the top floor and the gates slid open. They were greeted by more oni and led to another set of doors. The doors were pushed open by the oni and the trio entered the mysterious room.
