Ah, Koumyou. It's nights like these I think of you and only you. Oh, but you know me too well-- that's a lie. The Jade-Faced Princess left ragged red lines on my back, on either side of my spine like the rows in a rice field, and every time I move my shirt pulls against the wounds. I think of what we did, just a few hours ago-- good things, bad things, wicked dirty things. Would you be shocked?
Somehow I think you'd only pretend to be, for my sake. You always were kind.
Your protege, what a fine boy-- Only he's not so much a boy anymore, is he, Koumyou? Look what's happened since you've been gone. The beauty has become a beast. Tut, tut. Will he kill me, in the end? Would it make you sad if he did? It's all for the best, you know. There are just some things in life that need killing, like fleas and rats and heretic sanzos. There are just some things you shouldn't let run around free.
If you were here you'd make that face. Come now, don't give me those eyes! You'll ruin the taste of the sake for me. I can capture the moon in my cup, but no matter how many times I drink it down it escapes, like a clever rabbit. When I lift my face to the night sky it blesses me, and that's just like you to do, Koumyou. Here, I'll bow my head. I'm kidding, I'm kidding-- I'm only reaching for more sake. Ah, the back really stings. She's double-jointed, did you know? And the things she can do with her tongue... They make up for the things she can do with her claws. Mostly.
Do you want to hear a joke? I remember your face, every line, every strand of hair, even on the nights when I can't remember my own. It's true, it's true-- I wear too many faces to remember them all. But you remember them all, don't you? That's-- Oh, dear, have I forgotten the punchline again? I really ought to work on my delivery.
This night really calls for another drink. The moon is so bright, reflected in my cup, and no matter how many times I swallow it, it never gets any dimmer. What a cruel joke, Koumyou. The only reason our bet's still on is because you still seem to be winning.
Don't think you've won. You haven't won yet. If only you had. If only you could. If only you will.
What are you waiting for, Koumyou? Come swallow me whole.