Much of import, yet little enough time. And so few certainties. Not enough time has passed to think clearly, perhaps, but maybe putting things to paper will help. It could not hurt, and it seems better that there is some record, as I do not know if the others collect their thoughts as well.
Aren-san was our main voice during the interrogation of the Bright One. I was, admittedly, not enthusiastic about our chances of learning anything useful. Both Moira-san and Alanna-san gave their advice on what to ask, but I could think of little. Both of them have been in such situations before, it seems, and the closest I've come is reading a mystery novel. It occurs that it may have been wiser to ensure I had proper training in such things, but I understand that both Mother and her siblings had little time to spare. I hold no ill will.
As Aren-san began to speak, Moira-san did what she could. Proper repairs could not be done, but heavy blankets were secured to the door frames as myself and Alanna-san stood watch. I did not expect an attack, but I believe she did. I think some of Aren-san's gifts were used. My eyes were on the outside, but my ears told me as much. The creature talked. Sort of. Alanna-san's sharp tongue did not help matters. I still don't believe that despite her history, any of them understand that the 'bad cop' goes first, and allows the 'good cop' to put a stop to things, to present a more sympathetic light. Most of the speaking, intitially, was actually just arguing over whether or not the Bright One would be put down, or leave unhurt.
I had prepared to call what I could of the just against the wretch, but it proved unnecessary. It would have been also an act of anger, despite the creatures crimes. Passion has it's place - justice where the end result can be a blade to the neck should not be it. But my meditation exercises held, and the need to strike even with my own words and accusations passed. After Aren-san was satisfied with her information for the moment, we conferred. Alanna-san wished to simply beat the rest of the answers out of her. For my part, as I didn't expect even what we had, suggested simply putting the heads of the beasts in pikes at their crater as a warning to any who came looking. Moira-san, however, simply acted. One of her gifts, I suspect. She tricked the Bright One into believing we were agents of the Great Enemy.
It worked like a charm. As they say in movies, the Bright One 'spilled the beans'. Such as it is. While she did not have much operational information, she did tell us where the Great Enemy's base in the region was. We also had a name of the one who seemed to be in charge. Hideki. Had it been possible without breaking whatever spell Moira-san used, I would have asked more about this one. It was not to be.
As we prepared to 'return to base', Alanna-san pulled me aside. She wished to know how I would feel about simply executing the Bright One the moment her usefulness was at an end. I admit, and told her as such, that it would be the wisest course. Would I enjoy such a thing? The answer is still the same. I would not.
We were attacked on our way to the base. The Bright One was the only one to fall.
They were the servants of Mikaboshi. The dread shinobi. It took a moment to recognize them from the scroll Mother gave me. The strange thing is...I believe the Bright One was their only target. None of us were touched. This is...unsettling. We could not pursue, or call to battle then. The sun was falling, and it would have been slaughter to fight such creatures in the night. We proceeded on foot. It was not difficult to find our way, even as the sun vanished behind the mountains.
The lair of the Great Enemy lay ahead. I think that moment was the first time I truly missed my quiet life, dealing with foolish tourists both home and foreign born at the shrine and the book store.
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