The sun had just begun to rise, casting an orange hue over the horizon. A heavy silence loomed over the small encampment of the Yamada survivors. They had taken refuge in a nearby abandoned temple—an ancient ruin barely holding together, much like their hopes.
Kashi stood at the edge of the temple courtyard, katana strapped to his back, arms folded as he stared out into the distance. Behind him, the group quietly went about their routines. Shiori stepped up beside him, her small form almost unnoticeable, her tattered kimono fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.
"We leave today," Kashi said, eyes fixed ahead. "We'll head east to Ashikawa. Lord Daigo may still honor the pact between our clans. If anyone can lend aid to retake Yamada, it's him."
Shiori nodded. "You're sure we can trust him?"
"No," Kashi replied, glancing at her. "But we don't have many choices."
By midday, they set off, leaving the ragged remains of their comrades behind, all sharing one hope: that Kashi would return with help.
The road to Ashikawa was long and twisted, winding through old forests and narrow paths that clung to the edges of steep cliffs. Birds chirped above them, and the scent of pine clung to the air. Yet something felt off. There was a tension in the air, like the forest itself was holding its breath.
Kashi kept his hand near his blade, sensing something was following them. Shiori, too, walked in silence, her eyes alert. As they neared a small ravine, Kashi paused. "Wait here," he said.
He stepped ahead, testing the soil, and that's when the ambush struck. A volley of kunai clattered around him.
"Bandits!" Kashi yelled. From the brush, seven men emerged, each clad in dark rags and rusted armor. Shiori took a step back, her hands trembling.
One of the bandits whistled. "Look what we have here. A ronin and a brat. You two'll fetch a fine price."
Kashi stepped forward. "You'll get nothing but a quick death."
They lunged at once. Kashi moved like lightning, ducking under the first man's swing and slicing upward through his stomach. Another rushed him from behind. Kashi twisted, deflecting a strike and sending his elbow crashing into the attacker's jaw.
Shiori tried to run, but two of the bandits cornered her, grabbing at her arms.
"No, let go!" she screamed.
Kashi turned just in time to see her eyes change—glowing red and filled with fury. Her mouth opened in a wordless scream, and black flames erupted from her body. The two men recoiled, screaming as the dark fire consumed them. Her fingernails elongated, her frame subtly shifting as her Oni mark pulsed on her neck.
Kashi sliced down another bandit and froze as Shiori tackled one of the remaining men, ripping into his chest with monstrous strength. Her face was twisted, not with fear—but rage.
"Shiori!" Kashi shouted. She turned toward him, bloodied and trembling. Then her eyes dimmed, the flames vanished, and her body collapsed.
Kashi rushed to her side, kneeling beside her trembling form. "It's alright. You're safe now."
She didn't reply.
They took shelter that night in a hunter's shack nestled in the woods. Shiori sat by the fire, arms wrapped around her knees, silent.
Kashi cleaned his blade and glanced at her. "What happened back there… I've seen that rage before."
"I lost control," she said quietly. "I felt it clawing at me. I didn't want to die. I didn't want you to die. And then… it took over."
"It wasn't your fault."
"Yes, it was."
Kashi paused, setting his katana aside. "Do you know why Oni powers are feared?"
She looked up at him. "Because they corrupt."
"No," Kashi said. "Because they amplify. Pain, anger, fear—every emotion becomes a blade. I know because I've lived it. I've lost people because of it."
Shiori turned away. "Then I won't feel anything. I'll bury it all. That way it won't happen again."
"Don't," Kashi said firmly. "That path leads to loneliness. You'll grow strong, yes—but hollow. You'll become like the Oni we fight."
She didn't answer. By the third day, they arrived at the borders of Ashikawa Province. The gates of the mountain fortress loomed in the distance, guarded by tall stone walls and samurai patrols.
Kashi approached the outer checkpoint, Shiori trailing behind. A young guard stepped forward, spear leveled.
"State your name and business."
"Kashi of House Yamada," he said. "I seek an audience with Lord Daigo."
The guard frowned, lowering the spear slightly. "Yamada… I heard your clan was destroyed."
"Not yet," Kashi replied. "Not while I still draw breath."
The guard studied him for a moment and nodded. "Wait here."
They were ushered into the hall by the afternoon, where Lord Daigo sat upon his throne—a stern, broad-shouldered man with silver streaks in his hair and eyes that had seen many winters.
"Kashi," he said. "Last I saw you, you were but a boy with a wooden blade."
"Those days are long gone," Kashi said, bowing. "I come seeking your aid. The Oni and their mongrels have overrun Yamada. We've gathered survivors, but we can't take it back alone."
Daigo stroked his beard. "My scouts brought tales of chaos and black fire. Your clan fought valiantly. But aiding you… would risk war with the creatures who walk the old lands. Are you worth that risk?"
Kashi stepped forward. "I don't ask for an army. Just support. Food, shelter, steel. We will do the rest. Give us the tools to take back our home." Daigo leaned back, studying the two of them. His eyes fell on Shiori.
"That girl… she bears the Oni mark, doesn't she?"
Kashi didn't flinch. "She does. But she fights against it." Daigo nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll give you what you ask. But if that girl turns—if she becomes a threat—you must be the one to stop her."
Kashi bowed low. "I swear it." That night, as they rested in the guest quarters, Kashi approached Shiori again. She stared out the window, the moonlight casting shadows across her face.
"Shiori," Kashi said softly. "You don't have to carry this alone." She shook her head. "You don't get it. you're not cursed. Mine is chewing through my soul."
" Kashi Sighs, he proceeds to show her the Oni marking that was left on him as well. "The life of a warrior is one of constant battle, every day I fight it. I remember names. Faces. That's how I stay me. If you stop feeling, you'll forget what makes you human." She finally looked at him, her eyes filled with pain.
"Then remind me," she whispered.
Kashi smiled faintly. "Every day." Outside, the wind howled. Far to the west, the Oni territory festered, spreading like rot across the land. But within the walls of Ashikawa, hope—fragile, but alive—began to take root.