City of Darkness

By Shawn Carman

Edited by Fred Wan

Ryoko Owari Toshi, three months ago

The merchant glanced around the darkened street before he stepped into the alcove and opened the lock. The cover of night had fallen hours before, and this was perhaps the worst portion of the worst neighborhood in what some called the worst city in the Empire. It was an uncharitable description, but it was not necessarily inaccurate. Haru himself owned numerous properties in the area, but rarely chose to visit them in the dead of night. It simply was not safe, even for a man of his reputation and resources. Many within the city were desperate, and desperation did not know reason. He would not have come at such a time at all, but the terms of the arrangement the others had offered required a nighttime meeting.

“Are you Haru?”

The voice was a complete surprise, and Haru jumped at it. Even before he turned around, he swore inwardly. Acting in a skittish fashion would make him appear weak, and that could harm negotiations. In this case there was little need for such things, because the potential client had offered more money than Haru would have dared demand for such a property. Still, it was the principle of the thing. “I am,” he said, turning.

A woman wearing concealing robes stood in the street, flanked by a pair of unremarkable men in drab clothing. Their weapons marked them as samurai. Ronin guards, Haru wondered? It did not matter. “I understand you have the location we require ready?”

“As requested,” Haru said with a short bow. He glanced up and down the street to make sure no one was in the area, but it seemed that the street remained deserted. There was only a cart a short distance away, outside the glow of the lanterns. The client’s, he was sure. Another figure was present there, but something about the lighting made it look larger than it should have. That, or the man was a brute, half again as tall as his colleagues with the woman. “Do you wish to view the interior?”

“The interior is unimportant,” the woman said. “The only specifications that matter are the ones that I supplied you with previously. There is ample cellar space?”

“Two levels, each the full size of the ground floor,” Haru said. “It is actually the most remarkable aspect of the property. Most properties in this area are not stable enough for such things, but this one was made with”

“I am not interested in your masquerade as a legitimate merchant of property,” the woman answered. “I sought you out because you deal with men of the most disreputable sort. I am not interested in the attentions of outsiders.”

“Do not be concerned,” Haru said with a smile. “I have connections.”

“You have an arrangement with a corrupt yoriki of the local magistrates,” the woman replied. “Hardly a rare discovery in such a city. What interests me is any link between you and this location.”

“There is none,” Haru said. “The arrangement I have with law enforcement merely means that they pay this neighborhood very little attention. I own only a portion of the properties, but no one knows which ones. There is no record.”

“I see,” the woman said. “So I could kill you and no one would ever know that I was here, in other words.”

Haru felt himself pale. “That is true,” he said calmly. Showing fear, he felt, would only make things worse. “Of course, doing so would mean you had no one keeping an eye on the local magistrates and their activities.”

She chuckled. “I could take care of that easily.”

“Perhaps,” he said with a shrug. It was all he could do to keep from panicking. “But I know the yoriki in this area. I have contacts. Do your people?”

There was a pause, and then she laughed again. It seemed more genuine this time. “Very well then,” she said. “I had not anticipated actually having to pay you, but perhaps you will prove your worth.”

He bowed slightly. “As you wish, my lady.”

“Call me,” she paused for a moment, “Yuko,” she finished. Her eyes flashed brightly in the night. “Yes, that will suffice for now, I think.”

* * * * *

Two months ago

The sentry at the western gate looked exhausted, and most likely for good reason. It was doubtful that, in the long and sordid history of Ryoko Owari, there had ever been a need for this level of scrutiny for those who wished to enter. The man rubbed his eyes and squinted at the travel papers in his hand. “This is your name?” He peered at the stranger curiously. “That’s a strange one.”

The traveler bowed his head respectfully. “Yes, sama.”

The sentry frowned slightly, as if expecting a different response, then shrugged and continued. He glanced over the other two behind the traveler. “They are with you?”

“Yes, sama.”

“None of you are sick?”

“No, sama.”

The man nodded. “What is your business in the City of Lies?”

“We seek employment, sama.”

The sentry smirked ever so slightly. “Wave men,” he muttered. He looked at the second of the two others accompanying the traveler. “Why is this man wearing such robes?” he asked.

“He fancies himself something of a sohei,” the woman behind the traveler said. She chuckled slightly as she said it and then flashed a bright smile at the man.

The sentry drew back slightly, as if he found the woman’s smile disturbing. “Remove your head wrappings,” he ordered the man.

The third traveler looked at the first, and he nodded. The man removed his head wrappings, revealing his completely expressionless, unremarkable features. Again, despite the apparent normalcy of it all, the sentry frowned slightly, perhaps sensing something ever so slightly amiss. He shook his head as if to clear it, then rubbed his eyes once more and yawned. “Very well,” he said, his voice thick with fatigue. “You may enter the city.”

“Thank you, sama,” the traveler said, collecting his papers and crossing through the gate. This two companions followed close behind. After a few moments, when the gate was well behind them, he glanced over his shoulder. “I will caution you again to be careful with your mirth, Setsuko.”

The girl smiled again. “Forgive me, commander, but I cannot help it. Hotei has blessed me, truly.”

“Perhaps,” he said, “but it makes you memorable, and we do not wish to be remembered.”

Setsuko raised an eyebrow. “As you wish, commander, but what of your friend here?” She gestured at the third member of their party. “He is hardly forgettable.”

He looked back at the two of them. “Some trade-offs are necessary,” he said after a moment. “That is my concern, not yours. You know your duty. I expect you will perform it without further flourishes.”

“Of course,” she answered at once.

* * * * *

One month ago

Otomo Taneji sighed lightly the servants opened the doors and allowed in the clamor of the city streets. “My first full day within the city,” he said, “and already I tire of it.”

“My apologies for your discomfort, my lord,” his yojimbo said. “Do you wish me to have your appointments for the day cancelled?”

Taneji smiled. “Thank you, Goharu, but no. My appointments are largely trivial, but our purpose within the city is of vital importance, and I will not shirk my duty.” He gazed out at the constant sea of motion in the streets. “My master had a strange affectation for this city, but I must confess that I never truly understood it.”

Goharu looked out into the streets with distaste. “It seems so common.”

“Do not judge too harshly,” Taneji chided. “There is much to be commended here. It is simply difficult to endure in person. No, I would not wish for the city to cease to be. It serves too vital a purpose for the Empire.”

Goharu nodded, but frowned. “What benefit is your presence, then, my lord? I would see you in a less threatening environment, were it possible. Or at least with a greater protection detail.”

“I know well your feelings regarding my dismissal of Hiruma Todori,” Taneji answered. “A man of his talents is wasted guarding me, however. His duty is at the front, with his clan. I will not hold him from such a thing. His thoughts would not be with us even if he was present, would you not agree?”

“As you say, my lord,” Goharu agreed. “Still, a detachment of Seppun”

“Would be counter to my purposes,” Taneji finished. “I traveled here protected only by you, a most competent guardian, by the way, in order to reinforce to all who met us along the way that things are safe within the Empire. What message would it have sent had I been traveling with an entire detachment?”

“It would imply that the Imperial families were fearful,” Goharu admitted. “That would be unacceptable.”

“Too right. And what does my presence here, in absence of all significant business requiring my attention, indicate?”

Goharu smiled slightly. “That travel is safe and that there is no reason to be fearful of the events taking place beyond the Scorpion provinces.”

“Again, correct.” Taneji said. “Thus, our presence and availability within the city are essential services provided to the Divine Empress herself, and it is our great honor to perform them. Despite how much you or I may disdain the city itself.” He looked down for a moment. “Ah, curses. I left something in my chambers. Remain here, Goharu, I will return in a moment and we will depart.”

“My lord,” Goharu said with a bow. As his charge disappeared back into the Imperial estate, the yojimbo scanned the city beyond the gate with a warrior’s eyes. “Someone watches,” he muttered under his breath. He checked his weapons carefully and made certain that all was precisely in place. He suspected he would need them before his time within the City of Lies was at an end.

* * * * *

Daigotsu Gahseng sat in the temple, his eyes closed. Mentally, he recited the prayers that were his mantra. First and foremost, he paid homage to Fu Leng, the Fallen Kami, for his many blessings, not least of which was the clarity he had granted Gahseng early in life. It was this blessing that had set him upon the path, that had shown him his true potential, and for that he would remain a devout disciple of his teachings. There were others, however, and Gahseng’s reverence for them in no way diminished his devotion to Fu Leng. He prayed to Bishamon for strength, to Fukurokujin for wisdom, and even to Ebisu for success in his endeavors. Above all else, Gahseng trusted in his own abilities, but only a fool ignored the reality of the Fortunes’ influence, and he felt himself worthy to bear their blessings.

There was a stirring behind him. This temple was rarely visited; that was the reason that Gahseng had selected it for his daily prayers. The sound was whisper-quiet, and he heard the faint, hushed tones of Daigotsu Setsuko’s prayers. Then, her voice. “Gahseng-sama. We believe we have them.”

Gahseng completed his final prayer and rose quickly. “Where?”

“The Leatherworker’s Quarter,” the young duelist answered. “There is a group of men who have been discreetly leaving the area and observing the movements of an Imperial dignitary in the city. They have been very careful, and the pattern of their movements is inscrutable, but Asagi tracked them.”

“Of course he did.” Gahseng said. He had known Asagi long ago, when he was different. The thing that traveled with them now was nothing like the man he had known. Oftentimes he wondered if there was anything of the old Asagi left save for his name. But of course that mattered very little now. “Have you been able to discover the Imperial’s name?”

“Otomo Taneji,” Setsuko answered. “He appears to be rather important.”

“That is the name of the Otomo daimyo,” Gahseng said. “A man important enough to have any number of enemies.”

“Oh.” Setsuko seemed disappointed. “So there is no guarantee that our prey is here, then? It could be anyone.”

“It could,” he agreed. “However, the one we seek would have ample reason to pursue such a target as well. We dare not take the chance and miss an opportunity.”

Setsuko clucked her tongue thoughtfully. “Any overt action risks exposure.”

Gahseng glanced back at the altar. “Then we must have faith.”

Gahseng sat unmoving atop an empty building, the long shadow from an adjoining building hiding him from the moon’s light. He sensed Setsuko nearby, although the girl never moved or made any appreciable noise. Asagi he merely assumed that Goju Asagi was somewhere in the vicinity. Not even Gahseng’s senses could find him when he wished to remain hidden.

The street below them was one that ran through neighborhoods of acceptable quality. Even at this time of night there were normally people moving about, but tonight the street was empty. Two streets over, Gahseng could hear the quiet conversation of others, movement of men and women still on errands of business and pleasure. On this street, however, there was nothing, and there should have been. “This is it,” he said, his voice barely louder than an exhalation. “The Imperial?”

“Returns home along this route every night,” Setsuko answered. “He has not returned to his estate yet, so he remains within the city.”

“Habit is a dangerous indulgence.” He could not locate the ambush that he knew was in place somewhere below them. That indicated that the men involved were of exceptional skill. This did not surprise him. To avoid detection by the Scorpion in their own city required a small group of highly skilled warriors. Much like he and his cohorts.

“There,” she whispered. The Otomo daimyo walked down the street, his yojimbo at his side. The Otomo appeared deep in thought, and would occasionally say something to the samurai at his side, who would respond briefly. The yojimbo never stopped searching around them for any threat. Gahseng respected that, even though he doubted it would help. When the two men were in the middle of the section of the street that had been forcibly deserted, the assailants made their move. There were six of them that Gahseng could see, and probably at least two more remaining in hiding.

The guardsman immediately pushed the Otomo into an alcove so that he could control access and prevent assault from the rear. Gahseng nodded. It was what he would have done. “What do we do?” Setsuko whispered.

The Spider officer considered the question. “We intervene.”

“Are you certain?”

“If we do not, he dies,” Gahseng answered. “If he dies, the Scorpion will shut this city down completely. We will discover nothing, and we may be discovered ourselves.”

“A failed attempt on his life will likely have the same result,” Setsuko replied.

Gahseng drew his weapons silently. “Almost certainly. But patronage will protect us. We move.”

The two Spider moved like shadows across the roof and dropped to the street below silently, feats that no normal human could have hoped to repeat without injury. Their arrival went unnoticed because by that point the fighting had already begun. One of the assailants was on the ground, wounded or dead, and three more faced the Seppun at once, standing shoulder to shoulder to maximize their attack against the yojimbo. He had but moments to live, if he was not already mortally wounded.

Setsuko darted forward and cut one of the two remaining assailants from hip to shoulder before he even finished turning to face her. Her speed was spectacular and her form perfection, but she lacked the true discipline of a warrior. Gahseng had no such failing. He bisected the last of the men who were not already engaged, then moved against the three attackers’ rear flank. One of them he killed instantly, and another was dispatched by the wounded Seppun the instant his attention wavered. The third was more seasoned, and attempted a dual sided defense against the two opponents while looking for a way to disengage. Gahseng could have crushed his defense instantly, but doing so might risk secondary damage to the Imperials. Fortunately, the man reckoned without Setsuko, and she quickly pierced his heart with a rapid forward strike.

The Seppun held his blade up, clearly not trusting the newcomers. His left arm was held tight against his stomach, where red stained his clothing to an alarming extent. Blood trickled from his lips as well. The man was wounded, and badly, but was still dangerous. Gahseng retreated a few steps and sheathed his blade. “We mean you no harm,” he said, holding his hands up, palm outward. “You are injured. Can we assist you?”

“Move,” the man started, then coughed. “Move along.”

Gahseng felt comfortable playing the interaction out, certain that the remaining two had been dispatched by Asagi. As if summoned by the thought, the third member of his party appeared from the shadows in his peripheral vision, maintaining his appearance as a simple ronin who favored monastic trappings. “If you wish,” he said, stepping backward. “We only sought to help. I apologize if we overstepped.”

“No,” the Otomo said, his tone clearly indicating he was accustomed to being obeyed. “My yojimbo is wounded. Can you assist me in getting him back to our estate?”

“I am fine, my lord,” the yojimbo said unconvincingly.

“Of course,” Gahseng said. He gestured and Asagi stepped forward to assist the wounded Seppun. “Are you well, my lord?”

“I will be, once Goharu’s wounds can be seen to. Who are you?”

Gahseng glanced to the others, as if uncertainly. “I am Gahseng, my lord. This is Setsuko and Asagi. We are wave men.” He gestured to the dead men around them. “Who are these men, my lord?”

Taneji frowned, his gaze boring into Gahseng’s features. The Spider felt that, if the Imperial were not distracted by his guard’s wounds, that the man’s full attention might be sufficient to pierce the veil of deception. “I had hoped perhaps you might know.”

“I do not, my lord. Forgive my ignorance.”

Taneji waved the comment away and helped Goharu steady himself. “This complicates matters significantly. I had hoped to avoid panic or disquiet while in the city.”

Gahseng glanced around and thought for a moment. “Asagi can assist you, my lord. If you wish, Setsuko and I can ensure these bodies are disposed of. There is no need for disquiet if you wish to avoid it.”

The Imperial looked at him curiously, then nodded. “I would be in your debt.”

“It is my honor to serve the Imperial families, my lord.” Gahseng bowed deeply.

“Perhaps,” Taneji replied. “Seek me out at my estate tomorrow. We will discuss further service, if you wish it.”

Gahseng bowed sharply. “Thank you, my lord.”

A short time later, Gahseng and Setsuko clung to the shadows in the worst part of the City of Lies. Setsuko’s knowledge of the men’s point of origin had proven valuable, and while the ever silent Asagi assisted the Imperials and gathered information on their estate’s defenses, the two of them watched from a careful distance. The street on which the residence in question was located was even more silent than the one where the ambush had taken place. There was an atmosphere of unease that was palpable, and Gahseng was not surprised that the area seemed devoid of all activity. That was, after all, what their prey required.

“How can we be certain it is her?” Setsuko asked quietly.

“It is,” Gahseng answered. “I know she is here somewhere.”

Setsuko frowned but did not answer. Instead, she peered through the darkness at a cart that was approaching down the street, led by a single, sickly looking horse and accompanied by a single guard. It made its way slowly down the lane, stopping finally in front of the house where they watched. After several cautious moments, an enormous figure emerged from the estate and spoke quietly with the attendant.

“Fortunes, what a monster,” Setsuko said. “What is it? An ogre?”

“There is a theory among the Chuda about the manipulation of the dead slain by the plague,” Gahseng replied. “There are numerous theories, actually. The one in which the Dark Lord places the most stock, however, is that there is an individual manipulating the movements and activities of the plague zombies. Someone with unique abilities.”

The enormous figure moved to the back of the cart and lifted the tarp to inspect what was within. As it did so, a gigantic hand reached up to remove the hood obscuring its features, revealing a hideous, inhuman appearance.

“The Ghul Lord,” Setsuko spat. “Filthy traitor!”

“And now we know,” Gahseng said. “The Ebon Daughter is here, or she operates in this region. It is time to alert Lord Daigotsu.”

“Yes,” Setsuko said. “Let us summon down a legion of Spider Heavy Elite upon this wretched hovel!”

“Doubtful,” Gahseng said. “The situation is too volatile for that. The Scorpion too numerous.”

“Scorpion,” Setsuko scoffed. “They are nothing.”

“Do not be a fool!” Gahseng cursed at her. “Our survival here has been a combination of good fortune and our own skill, but make no mistake. We are in the Scorpion’s den. If they discovered us, they would come for us, and while we would make them pay dearly for it, in the end we would simply disappear. No one would ever know what fate befell us.” He shook his head. “No, the Scorpion’s wrath should never be aroused lightly. I will leave the decision to the Dark Lord. Whatever his will, I will enact it, but for now we remain hidden and avoid anything that will risk detection.” He glanced at her. “Is that clear?”

“Yes, commander,” she said.

Gahseng nodded. “Our task now is but to watch our prey, and to watch for any predators that might seek to claim our quarry prematurely.” He grimaced at the thought. The Kuni, the Asako, even the Scorpion themselves were scouring the Empire in search of the Ebon Daughter. The Spider had found her first, but it was only a matter of time. The Empress’ bloodhounds could not be called off the scent, and they would not stop until they found her. Gahseng only hoped that his lord’s orders would arrive before the Great Clans descended upon the city and robbed him of his prey.

Throughout the dead of night, Gahseng watched.