Disclaimer: I do not own Jackie Chan Adventures.

Queen of Shadows

A Jackie Chan Adventures Fanfiction

Written by Eduard Kassel

Created by Nocturne no Kitsune

Betaed by Zim'smostloyalservant

Adopted to Finish what a Friend Began

Summary: War! As Jade endures cruel imprisonment beneath Tobe open war has broken out between the humans of Nihon and the Shadowkhan empire.

Shaken but resolute in the face of Ancient secret's of the Yojimbos General Ikazuki has launched a campaign of total destruction that has decimated Awajji. Even as Humanity fights bravely, even figures like General Murakami laying down their lives to make their losses costly, the Shadowkhan advance.

And in the midst of the Turmoil, Hishu youngest of the Circle of General, uncovers his power the power of his tribe. The power to devour their enemies shadows and to make that strength their own.

Now the war has taken to the waves, as the respective admirals bring their fleets to battle and mystics on both sides invoke the Heavens to turn the tide in their favor...

Confrontations

Kuro hissed as the tossing of the waves made the cannons miss their mark, one after another. Some blows of the iron balls were connecting, but even his finest cannoneers were reduced to luck as the ships struggled on this tumultuous sea.

"Sanshobo," he asked his fellow General, both of them standing undeterred as a wave washed over them to the mantid's waist, "if Nonki is killed, will that stop this?"

"Yes. This storm is born of that fragment of a god's hate he has invoked. If the fragment slips back to its proper place, the storm will vanish like a dream upon waking."

The next wave washed a hacking human sailor up against the helm. His coughing and spitting was cut short as an axe blow from Kuro severed his head.

"Barring the clear long-term effects of its presence," the high priest amended. The seafaring general considered the answer for a moment before speaking,

"Take us to him."

"The battle?"

"My captains know their seacraft. In this chaos, better we abandon overall strategy and let each ship mind its own path to destroying the enemy. Besides, even with a kami at their back, those are still Humans; they fear the sea as my tribe never will," Kuro said. By way of point, he gestured to a Shirogeta ship whose hull, illuminated by lightning, had armed Ikas clinging and climbing.

"A quest then, to silence," Sanshobo affirmed before he began to chant anew.

X X X

The storm made formations impossible. The Shadowkhan fleet's skill, hard won by lifetimes upon the sea, amidst wood and cloth was rendered near useless as the wild tossing of waves turned the contest into sheer survival as chance brought ships to strike or smack against one another.

Yet still, if there was an edge to be had, even as cannon shots went wild and veteran captains of the shadow fleet found themselves harassed by mere lucky pirates, it was simply species — once lost to the waves, the humans flailed and died nearly without exception. A lucky or blessed few might wash onto a friendly deck from another, but for most if was either sinking to the lightless depths or being smashed into the hulls about them. For the Shadowkhn of the sea, though, the ocean was not death but life. The currents could confuse and pull them off course, but they did not drown. While some were smashed against the hulls, more found a grip, and climbed. Seamlessly moving to support allies if they reached a Shadowkhan ship. And if the ship was human, the killing began with similar efficiency.

The pirate fleet was selling its life dearer than expected with this mystic storm, but the self-styled Pirate King could only conclude that it would still end with the Armada carrying all before it. Even if they had to throw their ships onto the shore of Tobe straight from the angry surf, they would not be stopped.

And between the tangle of fleets and the storm, the humans could not escape.

Even his own ship.

"Rokutaro, did you plan to sacrifice me from the start?" Kyouaku demanded, as the battle he had dreamed of turned into a defeat before his eyes.

"Deals in the dark are often not kept in good faith. Though I expect the same applies to you," Nonki said, wandering up to him, fingers still flying across his biwa.

"Bard, I was told the storm would not just create chaos, it was to favor us with the storm god's wrath against the Shadowkhan."

"Mhmmm," Nonki hummed, tilting his head toward the towering image of the sun held like a mirror in the hands of a giant silhouette of a woman, "We receive the storm god's wrath on our behalf. But it seems we have earned the benevolent sun goddess' glare."

"A godess favors demons?" the pirate demanded.

"If a holy mark can protect a pirate, why should a deity not extend their hand to protect a species carrying out a holy war against something as vicious and greedy as humans? People are always so shocked when they realize the world or the gods may like someone else just as much or more than them. Really, considering how people are, it's rather obvious to me. But anyway, it's taking all my effort to keep the summoning from collapsing. I can't offer you any more."

"Then back away to your playing!"

"As you wish. By the way, it feels like something is about to happen."

Kyouaku rolled his eye at the musician's comment. They were in the middle of a pitched battle, 'of course' something was going to happen at any moment. There was no need for pointless dramatic statements…

And that was when a Shadowkhan ship emerged from the storm-induced darkness, bursting through a cresting wave to ram directly into the side of his ship.

The Pirate King was nearly knocked off his feet by the impact, while next to him, Nonki barely stumbled. Kyouaku didn't have time to be annoyed by that, however, as the next thing he knew, Ika Khan were swarming over from one ship to the other. To his crew's credit, they immediately overcame their surprise and engaged the boarders, the deck soon being consumed by combat.

Kyouaku drew his own sword, and opened his mouth to bark orders at Nonki, only to be preempted as a dark shape shot through the air from the enemy ship. It crashed onto the deck, revealing itself to be a Mantis Khan, wearing a basket mask. Hissing, it swiped its clawed arms at Nonki, driving the musician back and chasing after him. And before Kyouaku could intervene to aid his ally, another figure appeared before him, whom he immediately recognized.

"Admiral Kuro-Ri-Chi," he couldn't help but greet the Ika General.

"Pirate King," Kuro replied icily.

The great shadowkhan of the waves bared his fangs in a smile that would terrify even seasoned veterans. The Pirate King was not such a man; even his opponent drawing not two but four weapons to wield with tentacles to spare warranted nothing more than a slight deepening of his scowl.

"Very good. This could not properly be settled any other way. Who rules these seas," Kyouaku declared as he took his stance and stepped slowly to the side for the best spot.

"This settles nothing. Pirate King? Pirates are nothing more than bandits who strike at weakness where they find it, fleeing before strength. Either your title is hollow, or you are a poor pirate to go against that principle."

"I have bested yours before."

"Indeed. You won't be the last, and you certainly aren't the first. Just another unremarkable upstart, one of many."

The Pirate King struck out in the space of a lightning flash. Kuro grinned, one of his axes easily striking to parry. Only for the pirate's sword to cleave through the axe.

"Gahhh!" Kuro cried. Sweeping his remaining three blades drove the pirate back, and his free tentacles pressed against his hakama where it parted to a gash on his side, the blood stain spreading even as rain soaked him.

"Well, it's not that sword. Is there something about you, after all?" Kuro pondered, drawing another axe.

Kyouaku said nothing, only gesturing with his sword as foam washed over his feet, 'Come'.

"Indeed. No questions, just an ending," shadows rising from his form, Kuro began to swing axes, the sheets of rain scattering as he cleaved the curtain of falling water as the ship tilted to and fro beneath them.

X X X

"Well, we meet again. It was better weather last time," Nonki remarked, adjusting his hat. He stood next to a section of deck that collapsed downward, cut to pieces, strumming on his biwa.

"You are behind this," Sanshobo said, working his beads with one blade appendage while the other was held at ready. Water surged over the deck, parting in perfect circles around the two.

"An agent, certainly, but grand designs are simply not my style. I'm simply a helpful passenger riding along, as my host and I happen to be going in a similar direction. I have nothing against your kind at all, truthfully. If you are wicked, it's no more than humanity."

"So you fight just for yourself. Deplorable." A final bead clanked, and light erupted from Sanshobo's extended claw. Nonki leapt out of the way, up into the air, only to find a basket mask practically head-butting him.

With a sound of rended wood, Nonki landed back on the deck, skidding back. Sanshobo tossed a piece of the instrument over the side.

Nonki frowned down at the broken biwa as the rain pelted him, and sidestepped around Sanshobo's cleaving strike.

"You know, I usually don't go through these so fast."

"You can't maintain your summoning without it, invoker," Sanshobo said, pressing his attack precisely and clipping off the edges of Nonki's hat.

"True, but this was all about bleeding your side. Hmmm, looks like our dear Pirate King really is committed here. Time for his role to end. And I guess my part in this act is done *fweet*"

To Sanshobo's shock, the musician whistled out a piercing note and leapt backwards, off the ship. Rushing to the railing, Sanshobo braced himself on the deck as another wave washed over. And saw Nonki waving lazily as he reclined on a giant feather that was being carried swiftly away on the wind.

X X X

Kuro-Ri-Chi, General of the Ika Tribe and Grand Admiral of the Armada, was trying hard to not see red.

He had landed numerous blows on the pirate, but none had hit home, leaving him fit and standing despite the blood. Two of his axes were poisoned; what precautions had this human taken to not so much as be weary with that flowing in his veins?

Above all, his tentacles let him strike as no human-shaped warrior could, and let him anchor his balance better than a mere two legs ever could in this storm-tossed sea. Yet his foe still stood?! Only one sword and only two legs to stand on, and still he was holding the General of the Ika at bay! The plethora of slashes across his form could never pain Kuro as much as this affront to his pride.

It was inconceivable, it was a disgrace! Always he had maintained that if he could only get this upstart human to face him openly, he would fall in short order, trickery and petty cunning be sunk to Ryujin. But now, even if he was not losing, a stalemate was beyond shameful. The red came across his sight and he lunged, toothy maw thrown into the fight at last alongside rain-cleaving blades.

The red snapped away as quickly as it had come, the realization of his mistake hitting him like a cold bucket of water to a drunkard's face. With that same twilight-accursed footwork, the pirate slipped through his front guard, pulling something pale from inside his captain's coat.

There was no time to think. Fortunately, reflex did not require that, as instinct flared at danger.

Kuro would later appreciate the look of stupefied surprise on the pirate's face when his tongue shot out of his mouth and struck the pirate in the chest, rocking him back on his heels. Stance opened, even the Pirate King could not evade every blow, his free hand — holding what looked at a glance to be a white mask — being cleaved off at the wrist.

The hand and mask plopped to the deck and were grabbed by the surf as the frowning pirate retreated and Kuro pressed his attack with glee.

"Now it…" Kuro began, before a creaking sound above drew his attention. Human and Shadowkhan alike stopped on the deck, looking up at the massive wave cresting down on them, and what seemed a reasonably intact ship plunging down with it.

Then there was just blackness.

X X X

The ship moved slightly under Ikazuki, despite its anchorage close to the coast. This was no proper port, merely the least poor anchorage for their purposes. The Admiral's cabin was well-decorated and practical; it appealed to the samurai's sensibilities, including the row of skulls of defeated enemy captains. Quite a few of them were not human, even.

The medical attendants stood back at the ready as Ikazuki turned his attention to Kuro himself, laid out in the sprawling cot. Nothing important had been outright severed, well, barring a few missing fangs. He had seen earlier they were broken; apparently ripping them out entirely was the valid treatment. Still, despite so many bound wounds, the Admiral's eyes were hale and clear.

He was it to serve and first that meant informing him of the situation.

"The battle fleet has taken significant damage, but the losses to the troop transportation has proven trivial, and all Generals are present and accounted for. You have succeeded, well done."

"The pirate still lives," Kuro stated.

"You are certain?"

"The sea took him. But that one is not just a typical human. We must not assume him dead until he dies by our might and his corpse is ground into paste for crows or cut into charms for the priests."

"I see. Well, his fleet has been scattered and broken regardless. Your officers assure me that even if they have all the luck Nonki can gather, they will not be able to interfere in the coming battle. For that battle, you will remain here, in command of the ships and rearguard."

"What? Rescuing the Queen-" Kuro began. Ikazuki cut him off with a gesture before responding.

"Will matter little if we must abandon most of our forces here anyway, leaving her vulnerable to whatever human, that seeks to seize her next. We must assme Shendu is spying on this conflict as well, f we show weakness even in victory the Demon Sorcerer may come for us. Rest and prepare, General, I leave the path to home in your tendrils."

"…Hai, Yojimbo," Kuro said, making the gesture of respect several times over with his tendrils. Ikazuki turned to go but Kuro got his attention once more.

"There is one more matter. The Pirate King made himself open, trying to apply some white trinket to me. It may have been a mask."

"A mask? Did you retrieve it?"

"Alas no. I cannot be certain of its purpose, but my intuition advises it is deeply important."

That it could have to do with entire tribes being sealed did not need to be said.

X X X

The storm had cleared the sky still to this day, save for one cloud. A white banner unfurled over Tobe, but the Shadowkhan would be able to see it too. The white banner of Hachiman, a great battle, a great victory, but for whom, Rokutaro pondered.

He sat on a secluded balcony. The view was poor, obstructed by too many structures and lacking serenity as the sounds of the cast preparing for battle reached him readily. He was attired in his lordly finest, only his swords at his belt as a sign of war. He was no longer capable as a samurai; pretending otherwise would be farcical. He wore silk rather than armor, to inspire those who followed him with his confidence. Tobe was his armor, and his men sword, lance and arrow.

Or so he said. The weight of Hiruzen's mask seemed ever more present where it was hidden under his hakama.

'Curse you Himitsu, dying while you still could have been of service regarding these masks.'

Yasashi Ken would prove dangerous if he could not control her with the power; that would likely require more sacrifices to the Weaver. And should he need to use this mask himself…

He would prevail, he assured himself. His will, grip upon the threads of fate, and vision of destiny remained absolute. The woman was weak, sadly as weak as Murakami had proven to be. His grip on the tea cup tightened despite his will to calm.

He had shown mercy to the samurai. When it had become clear his loyal vassal was too weak to bear the burden of necessity, the practical choice would have been to give him to the Weaver as the relic had demanded; the bond between them would have created something truly powerful to wield against uncertainty.

He tapped idly at the metal beneath his hakama, over his heart. Yes, regarding his late General, the only thing he should feel is embarrassment he had not made better use of that death.

This was all to save his people, his nation, humanity even. With such lofty goals, every act in its name would be justified, however dark or treacherous.

Now, to address the men who would be sent forth to die for his noble cause.

X X X

They practically crackled with might, the assembled defenders. From each faction and force, there were representatives. Scraggly ronin, prim and proper samurai from afar, Shirogeta forces, demon hunters in their varied attire and weapons, monks and exorcists of various orders, and some whose bizarre appearances defied ready labeling. But as one, they all looked up as their host appeared on a balcony lined with Shirogeta samurai.

Looking the assemblage over, the Lord of Tobe nodded to himself and held a small golden charm to his throat.

"SONS OF NIHON," his voice boomed, enhanced by the magic, "THE HOUR OF DESTINY IS UPON US! THE SHADOWKHAN HAVE INVADED HONSHU ITSELF. THE CRISIS THE RULERS OF THIS NATION HAVE DENIED AND IGNORED HAS COME TO PASS.

"BUT BY OUR CUNNING AMD BRAVERY, WE HAVE FORCED THE MENACE TO THIS ONE SPOT, THIS FINAL BATTLE. HERE WE CAN STAND FAST AS THEY ARE FORCED TO ADVANCE TO OUR DESIGN. HERE WE CAN WIN.

"YOU HAVE HEARD THAT WE HAVE TORN ARMIES IN TOTAL FROM THE ENEMY RANKS. IT IS TRUE. AND HERE WE WILL SEE THE WHOLE OF THEIR VILE RACE SEALED. DEFEATING NOT ONLY AN INVASION BUT UNMAKING THEIR TYRANNY, AVENGING ALL THE SUFFERING OF OUR PEOPLE.

"BUT DO NOT DOUBT THE ENEMY'S STRENGTH, AND THEIR HATRED FOR US. IF WE FAIL, THE ENEMY WILL SURELY FIND A WAY TO RECLAIM WHAT THEY HAVE LOST AND THE YOKE THEY WILL BRING TO BEAR AGAINST US WILL MAKE THEIR PAST TYRANNY SEEM A KINDNESS.

"MANY OF YOU SHALL PERISH, BUT UNLIKE THE COUNTLESS PETTY CONFLICTS ACROSS THIS LAND AND OTHERS, YOU WILL LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR A CAUSE WORTHY OF THE PRICE PAID. LIBERATION FOR OUR HOMELAND, THE DEFIANCE OF AN ENEMY ANATHEMA TO ALL WE HOLD DEAR, AND THE HOPE OF A FUTURE WHERE HUMANITY SHALL STAND ALONE AND FREE AS MASTER OF THIS WORLD AND ALL WITHIN IT!

"AT THIS CROSSROADS, ONLY TWO OUTCOMES EXIST. EITHER THE ROAD THAT WILL SEE NIHON GROUND INTO DUST AND LAMENTED IN THE CHRONICLES OF HISTORY, OR NIHON SHALL RIIIISE!"

"NIHON SHALL RISE! NIHON RISES! NIHON RISES! NIHON RISES!"

Rokutaro let Lordly dignity crack in favor of a smile as the cheer washed over him. These men were not of the clan, and swore him no grand vows. Yet now they would die for his cause. He could almost see it now, him taking his place as Shogun not only in the Shadows, but in all corners of this land. And in time, all lands.

One day, all of humanity would hail him like this, not in anticipation of glory but in gratitude for the lord of all under the heavens he had become.

'Do your worst, Shadowkhan. All the sacrifice, all the waiting, I am ready.'

X X X

"Ikazuki-sama," Hishu said, bowing to the Yojimbo in the command tent.

The encampment was not much, as such things went. The enemy had withdrawn and there would be no siege, so fortification had centered on the landing, such as it was.

But the command tents were well warded against any spying, and so even if they ended up standing less than a day and night, it was worthwhile to raise them. The soldiers of the Shadowkhan, and even officers, made do only with what comfort they could carry on their persons this night before the battle without complaint.

Ikazuki frowned slightly from his field seat besides the map table. Hishu's forces had never been numerous, and had lost nearly a quarter of their number at Awaji's final stand. With the general meeting done, he could not imagine any matter the junior General could raise now.

"What do you seek, young General?" Ikazuki asked. Polite in words, but his tone making it clear he wished this matter to be approached directly.

"I believe I have an alternative plan for myself in this campaign."

"One you could not raise before the assembled Circle?" Ikazuki asked. He did not bother to point out that presenting a counter plan to his senior in age and experience when he was so inexperienced he would not be in the field if the situation was not so urgent straddled rudeness and absurdity. The Devourer General, as he had been newly dubbed, had any arrogance beaten from him by guilt over his disgrace. For Hishu to do this, he must truly believe he had reason. That warranted hearing him out at least, before any denunciation.

"I wish to infiltrate Tobe to rescue the Queen."

"…You are serious?" Ikazkui demanded, considering revising his opinion of his junior.

"I feel her, Yojimbo. She is in agony, calling out without words."

"…Perhaps. All Generals have felt this since our arrival, what of it?"

"She is beneath the castle in a cave and cage. Guarded by something, ancient and cruel."

"You know this?"

"I do not know how. You do not?"

"You were born from the Queen's pure desire, your connection to her may well be different from ours. Have you consulted Sanshobo?"

"If he knew, he would have spoken already of such a possibility, surely. And he cannot give me permission to do what I must."

"Must? You seem to forget yourself. In all ways, I am your superior. In the absence of the Queen, my authority to command you is second to no one. And do you truly think you can infiltrate a fortress Hiruzen was unable to extract himself from, with the Queen no less?

"As we speak, Sansoho is fashioning war masks for the Generals to wear as safeguards should Kuro be right and masks being applied to faces is the key to the menace decimating our ranks. Sanshobo already wears a potent mask, and Ozeki has reasonably argued that we lack the time and means here to fashion a mask that can withstand him using his full power. I accept their argument and send them forth without reservation. You, on the other hand, with your size shifting, would be problematic to craft such a mask for effectively. And you are inexperienced besides.

"You will remain in the rear, to be summoned in extreme straits only. And ideally by remaining so free, allow your tribe to grow and devour wantonly, decimating the enemy town and throwing their plans and lines of movement into utter disarray. Play your role, do as you are commanded, that is my order," the acting Yojimbo declared, calmly but imperiously.

"Hai," Hishiu said, bowing low before being given permission to withdraw. Under the night sky, he sighed. He had hoped to receive Ikazuki-sama's blessing. But he could not hold back regardless.

Mother awaited, and he was certain to his innermost depths she suffered.

No delay, he thought, slipping out of sight even of Shadowkhan sentries and darting across the fields.

Hours Later:

Hishu knew he should be focused, on edge, ready to act. But instead he felt numb, calm even. Hazy.

The rhythm filled him. He hadn't felt it until he reached the castle, a steady yet urgent beat. It grew, it soared, until he wondered how others could not hear it coming from him.

But of course they couldn't, he realized, creeping down into a more curved stone work.

No, barely worked — this was older than the castle. This was a place not of humanity, he decided, but a place they had usurped. But then, usurpation was humanity's skill, was it not? They seized all they pleased, be it land, creatures, or their own kind and called it righteous when they did so.

No anger to that thought? No, there wasn't. Just the rhythm. It seemed to not just pull him along, but pace him, place him even. As if his mission was a dance he had practiced to the point he needed only the music and he could weave through the enemy's wards and traps in his sleep. It had carried him this far had it not? Through the town with its restless army and fearful masses. And through the castle where measured preparation weaved with dread. And now it had taken him to this hidden place.

Mother's blessing, he decided. Yes, that made sense, this was her heartbeat he heard. Had he not been borne of her? Surely that was the first divine sound he had heard? Now, the life-giver called to her son, her essence reaching out to bring her aid.

And now he had come to a guarded door. An armored giant, an old man, and a woman with something terrible in their pocket. And most of all, the scent of his mother. The title "Queen" tried to find a place in his thoughts, but the beat shredded the characters in his head. Law bowed to instinct written in blood.

And he knew these three had hurt his mother, the woman in particular, he sensed. This sin must be avenged.

No fury; fury was waste, it was risk. The rhythm demanded justice, not self-gratifying vengeance. Caution, patience, victory.

Then, when all was safe and secure… death.

X X X

Rokutaro stroked his beard, frowning at the woman. She was growing more erratic. But he could not be sure if it was the mask or the war pressing forward to an imminent conclusion.

Still, an impressive woman was only a woman; he was confident that when the time came, he would be perfectly able to resist any corruption. And if not, he would use the Weaver's abilities to mitigate it.

All he needed of her was her to remain reliable for one more battle, then she could be eliminated, having fulfilled her own declared purpose. Though… glancing to Gurando, who looked the part of a stoic samurai for once, he decided he would not let the Siegemaster have his way with the woman or her corpse. Like his own General, sacrificing Yasashi Ken was a necessity, but she deserved what respect he could give in disposing of her in gratitude for her services.

"But if we use a mask on her, that might end the war now. This army will live and…"

"The Weaver says that the Queen's chi is too strong. The power that flowed through the Generals is but mere creeks connected to her great river. And it seems that chi now pools within her with them sealed away. Even if the seal did take, and the mask did not simply fail or explode, the outcome is unknown."

"It was unknown for Tsume, too. Or is it that you were willing to risk trust on a distant battlefield but not your own castle?"

"That is true, and that is a reasonable course on my part. And additionally, the Weaver was fairly certain it would work. The odds in what you propose are much longer."

The woman scowled, and Rokutaro glanced to Gurando, hearing the big man shift on his feet. The lord's eyes narrowed. The giant of a man was leaning back against the wall, eyes closed, breathing steady. He had fallen asleep at a time like this?!

"At least let me leave one of my Gani here to kill her if the worst happens. To let them regain their Queen would jeopardize everything we have accomplished."

Rokutaro huffed, turning and tapping the stone door so it rolled aside to the Weaver's chamber.

"If the enemy breaches the second line, I will personally withdraw the command center down here. If it comes to such an event, I will spill her lifeblood personally."

He recognized the sound of a body hitting the floor behind him.

Turning, he hardly noticed the Demon Queller laid out on the floor. No, his attention was on the… thing scowling at him from knee height.

Rokutaro reached for his sword, only to remember it was not there, as a sign of confidence in his army and fortress.

The strange Shadowkhan leapt toward him and bit down, on the ground. Sheer puzzlement kept him from crying out before he was swaying on his feet, and then he fell to the ground, senseless.

X X X

Hishu took a moment to consider these three. He had held off his feeding until now to preserve the stealth of his smaller size.

Killing them was an appealing idea. But he had learned that the power of a shadow ended with the death of its true owner. To kill them would cost him this power, and he might need it to rescue his mother yet.

Yes, sparing them was highly regrettable, but the greater good had to be pursued.

Hishu descended further into the cavern, skin tingling at the ancient feel of the place's magic further engulfing him, even as the rhythm grew ever stronger within his core. He focused on the latter, pushing away the uncomfortable feeling of the former, and carried on into the depths. Before long, he reached the end of the path and emerged into a much larger cavern… and his eyes widened, the rhythm hitting a crescendo, as his gaze landed on the cage in the distance. And more importantly, on the small blue figure curled up within it.

"Mother!" he called out, darting forward as concern overrode caution. She thankfully stirred at his voice and turned to face him as he approached, weary eyes staring at him in incomprehension. And then they shot wide in panic.

"Look out!" she shouted, bringing him up short and snapping him back into full awareness of his surroundings. As such, he just barely sensed the form approaching from above in time, and leapt out of the way as it slammed into the ground where he had just been standing.

Scrambling to his feet, the Devourer General turned to face his attacker, eyes narrowing at the crystalline caricature of a spider that stood before him.

He could feel the fear rolling off his mother at the sight of it, but also anger. And the smell… yes, mother's blood was on it. Faint but unmistakable.

"Well, what delectable has Rokutaro so carelessly let wander into my domain…?" It was talking. Hishu didn't care.

This thing had tormented his mother. It had shed her blood and tormented her in this wretched state. Words meant nothing.

VENGEANCE

It lunged at him, legs stabbing down at him, and mandibles poised to pierce.

VENGEANCE

He moved left toward his mother's cage, letting that leg descend, right into his jaws. His teeth clamped down on the crystal, cracking the limb and sinking in. Twisting and leaping, he tore the foreleg off to break on the floor and head-butted its fangs. The menacing mandibles exploded into glittering powder as it recoiled, just barely escaping his own needle like legs tearing into its glowing face.

With a wordless scream like shattering glass, it leapt back into the darkness, a trail of falling gleaming crystal showing its retreat across the ceiling.

VENGEANCE.

NO. RESCUE.

He turned away from the enemy he needed to kill. He would avenge every insult done to his mother, but first she must be delivered to his brothers and safety. That came before even justice.

"Hishu, you came?" she asked, staring wide-eyed through the bars. He had never seen her bare; the indignity was appalling. With a yank, he tore away his own hakama, which had grown with him. Thankfully, it did not shrink. Reaching through the bars, he tossed it over her as best he could.

The bars crackled with power, runes lighting up across them, bolts of power blackening streaks across his arms. He hissed, pulling them back, and kicked at the cage.

"Only death would stop me. I have made you wait. I cannot ask forgiveness for that."

He looked the cage over. No sign of a weak point.

"They use some kind of stone key to open it. I don't know where it is," she told him, before coughing and trembling even as she wrapped herself up in the cloth.

"No time to look," Hishu said.

Stabbing his feet into the base of the cage, he bit into its roof and started to pull, as magic energy arced through him.

"What the heck?!" the Queen cried out as he failed to suppress a pained scream as he threw his might against stones and wards.

It seemed an eternity, and he feared it was holding true. Then the stone started to crack, his teeth sinking deeper even as his tongue went numb and smoke rose between his teeth. And with a grounding popping noise, the roof of the cage began to rise.

He could swear he heard even a triumphant cord of music reaching a crescendo as the prison started to break under his assault.

"Music?" his mother mused within, "Music! Watch out!"

"Close one," a human said, appearing in the blink of an eye atop the cage, right in front of Hishu.

The Devourer's eyes widened, and before he could release his grip the human whipped something white from his tunic and smacked it down onto the exposed part of the General's face.

"Agh!" Hishu gasped, as a bizarre sensation paralyzed him. With horror he recalled Kuro's warning, and realized he had fallen into the enemy's trap.

"Honestly, am I the only one who works here anymore? That's rather sad, don't you think?" the human sighed.

With a roar, Hishu willed back against whatever magic was coursing through him, and pushed upward with all his might.

The human leapt clear as the roof of the cage popped clear, and Hishu fell onto his back, writhing. Only to see the roof not clear the arc, and fall back into place on the bars however crooked, and his mother staring out at him helpless while the human stood up.

As the seal took him, he could only miserably realize that he had failed.

X X X

Nonki examined the new mask with mild interest. Cocking his head, he gave a satisfied nod, hearing what seemed like everyone subdued by this Shadowkhan revive.

"That was a close one. Honestly, it's starting to feel like I'm the thing holding Lord Rokutaro's campaign together, these days. If I was after something materialistic, I should probably ask for an increase," Nonki mused.

"Youuu…"

Nonki stopped, surprised as much at the slight chill down his spine as at the barely understandable rasping croak.

Turning, he saw the Queen of the Shadowkhan had woken up from her fit. Face veined with purple, black lines marring her eyes and vomit still dripping from her mouth she glowered at him, even as her brow crackled against the cage's bars.

"Well, and here I was wondering if you had died from that shock," Nonki said with his usual casual smile. It had certainly not been a pretty sight, or sound for that matter.

She growled at him, but pushed back from the bar to stop hurting herself.

"He called you mother, like it meant something. You seem far too young, but the rules for your kind seem very odd," Nonki remarked amiably.

"I'll kill you," she rasped. The threat was one directed at him so often by so many that he chuckled out of reflex. But only reflex, he realized, feeling strangely relieved as her eyes fluttered closed and she flopped to the floor of her cage.

'It doesn't matter,' he assured himself. Adjusting his hat, he put on his best smile as others rushed in to make sure the Queen hadn't escaped.

"You're welcome," he said, waving the mask of the unknown General. Oh wait, she had called him Hishu, hadn't she? Well, he was hardly impressive compared to the others, Nonki assured himself over his easy victory over the General that had almost ended this battle before it began.

X X X

Ikazuki looked over the assembled forces from atop his mount. The dragon horse flicked its head, disciplined but eager for the fight to come.

The enemy had concentrated everything beyond the fortress town's walls. Too many troops were within. A siege could drive them to desperation quick enough. But no, the longer this was drawn out, the greater risk to the Queen, and that they would either receive aid from outside or better hone the magics they had used to such devastating effect already.

Looking to the round mirror in his hand, he watched through its twin that one of Jirobo's scouts held on high, letting him view the battlefield as the bird does. Or bat, as the case may be.

"The sun has fully risen," Kamisori declared.

"The formations have been laid according to plan," Ozeki stated.

"No movement from the enemy worth mentioning," Jirobo added.

"We only await your words," Sanshobo said.

And Hishu… was not coming back. Ikazuki looked to the spot in the ranks they had accidentally left vacant. They had felt the same sensation as with Tsume and Hiruzen. The absence of the meager handful of Hishu's forces confirmed it.

Ikazuki had already cursed the young fool for going against orders. This new ability could have been quite useful. But, he understood.

No, he could not claim that. What was it to be the first, to be one born from a Queen's desire?

They would not praise Hishu, but nor would they condemn him for loyalty.

And now what to say, he wondered as a gourd of amplification was handed to him by Ozeki. His past speeches on such occasions before battle had been full of the glory of the Empire, the glory of the Queen, and the malicious greed of humanity that could justify any measure against them.

But this was no other battlefield. Being here was a consequence of the failure to protect that which was most precious. And of the truths he had learned in the Valley, those had left hum uncertain of so much that had been certain.

So he spoke with little thought, drawing instead on the burning passion roused looking upon the enemy stronghold.

"Shadowkhan! Before us lies the enemy. Before us lies our sacred Queen of Shadows. We stand upon the crossroads of destiny! To either reclaim the beating heart of our race or face enslavement or destruction at the hands of humanity that was long prophecized! Forward to the plan! Victory or death! FOR THE QUEEN!"

The army assembled or in the air echoed him, even stoic samurai gnashing teeth under their helms and reserved sumo pounding fists upon their breastplates.

Tossing the gourd to an aide, Ikazuki turned to the Generals.

"Let us begin. Ozeki. Open that gate," Ikazuki demanded.

Kamisori chuckled as the ranks behind them parted. Ozeki nodded and the General began to jog toward the back lines. Watching him go Ikazuki, Kirobo, and Kamisori put on the dark blue war masks fashioned for their protection. Each presenting a skull like visage rendered in the warded wood and painted dar blue.

"No more tricks or traps. Now they face the unstoppable force of the falling mountain," Kamisori cackled in delight.

"To your post," Jirobo snapped, smacking the Reza General over the head with his foot as he flapped into the air.

X X X

"What is that?" A samurai archer asked as they stood at ready with longbows in a rank over the gate.

"Arrows!" the officer bellowed, and they drew from their quivers as one.

X X X

Ozeki reached the rearmost ranks and turned to face the distant walls, to face the gate. The sumos awaiting him removed his hakama and poured grey powder over his exposed arms and torso evenly. The attendants set the thick helm on his head, carefully adjusting its straps.

"I invoke the stone of the heavens and the hands that held it. Descending by design and righteous fury to calm the trembling land that a world could endure."

Now he held out his arms as gauntlets that entrapped his fingers were strapped on and a breastplate two sumos struggled to carry was attached to him. He continued to speak as his feet sank into the ground.

"Let the earth be subjugated to the heavens, the chaos that was give way to the world of order and retreat to the boundary of law. Destruction that tames the destroyer. The war to bring peace. The still set in motion to return harmony in the midst of discord. Let the mountain fall so the valley may bloom in profusion."

The air around Ozeki distorted as the invocation ended, his form sinking past his knees into the soil at the edge of the rice fields. The attendants retreated, heads bowed. And Ozeki took a step, as if the ground was not there. Another and another.

Speed grew with each step, and the shoved soil began to be thrown into the air. Without prompt, the Shadowkhan in witness took up the rising rhythm of the step, even the bats in the air clicking their jaws as the steady rhythm gave way to a swift, certain tempo.

And the humans watched as the earth was carved as if by an unseen blade, leaving the enemy lines toward them in a geyser of thrown rock and a shriek of tearing earth.

"Loose!" the order came, and arrows and spells fell like rain towards the lone challenger, even as the ground around him burst upward with hidden spells and alchemy.

Seated in his courtroom, surrounded by mirrors, Lord Rokutaro had a moment to pale, as it all did nothing to slow Ozeki down.

A sumo's war cry joined the cacophony as he slowed only enough to set his shoulder and draw back a palm to strike a gate blazing with magic against him.

With a thunderclap the proud gate flew from its hinges in pieces, tearing through footmen and spearmen waiting beyond, the survivors swept aside from the wind and shrapnel as Ozeki tore down the street.

X X X

"Impossible!" Rokutaro whispered, watching the giant sumo charge on as his armor melted from his body, barely slowing as every trap he ran into was torn away by sheer force, magic or earthly. At this rate…

"Goro! Use the sphere now!" he called into a mirror, showing a monk outside the castle gate.

"But my lord, it can only be used-"

"Do it! The castle must not be breached this soon!"

As the order was followed, he threw aside the gate mirror, gone dark with its twin shattering. There were other views, and they showed the new road cleared through their outer defenses, and the Shadowkhan army pouring down it toward the ruined gate.

"The wall is lost, fall back into the town, all forces. Perform the second plan and destroy them one cut at a time. Stand firm only for the castle."

The Battle of Tobe had begun, and already sweat ran down his brow, watching as mirrors showed a massive masked samurai atop a dragon horse lead his cavalry into actually leaping the rubble and start to reduce the stunned forward guard into a bloody pieces.

Author's Note:

Well here we are again. Hope this year is treating you well so far. With a fairly quick update for once not much to say.

Ozeki's charge has been in my head for years. I would not say he's definitely the best warrior of the Shadowkhan, but he's truly peerless in simple power among them. I really liked the idea of the strongest on a side not being the leader or the 'dragon'; but a follower who is quite simply the strongest and isn't resenting of that fact not putting him on top.

Hopefully I built him up well enough that him taking the gauntlet here doesn't come across as cheap or something.

The naval battle was a pain to write, no two ways about it. The Pirate King, like Rosuto, comes from Nocturne to start with and they've been hard to keep a handle on. Though so did Nonki, Yasashi, and Gurando and they have been cooperative.

Anyway give a big thanks to Zim'smostloyalservant who did a lot to help me through the rough patches on this chapter.

Long days and pleasant nights to you all. Stay safe out there.