Zhyun province, at a tavern near the Shadow Temple…
"…and that's pretty much the gist of it. That's what I know about the Shadow Technique."
Both Shen and Yone looked disappointedly at Kayn.
"Kayn…" Shen began. "We weren't looking for a history lesson on the technique. If that's all we needed, then we wouldn't be looking for Zed in the first place."
Kayn stuffed a dumpling into this mouth. "Hm… damn, that sucks. Well, that's all I could really give you."
Yone focused on his sushi while Shen glared daggers at Kayn. He was less than pleased. The guilt did make it to Kayn, which forced him to swallow his food faster than he would've liked.
"Alright fine. I can at least grant you an audience with our patron on the council. They're much better with the whole philosophy of the shadows than I am. You must really want this demon dead if you're going to this length to kill him."
Shen gave an agreeable "hm."
"Well, come on then. They'll be in the temple."
Kayn took Shen and Yone to the temple with him. The guards eyed the three, but no one was brave enough to speak against Kayn. He led to the two one of the more elaborate-looking temple buildings. Just like every other temple, it possessed a shadowy aesthetic to it, giving off a menacing or intimidating aura.
A lady dressed in silver and teal revealed herself from the dimly lit hallways. Her voice was raspy and filled with anguish. "Shieda Kayn, you have returned! As the box foretold…"
Shen squinted with suspicion. Shen believed that the box had been destroyed. Could it be possible that there have been multiple? He looked towards Yone, and by the way the samurai postured himself, he came to the same disturbing conclusion Shen had.
"Always with the ramblings, Keeper. However, I have need of you. Master Zed's 'friends' need help with a matter best suited for someone of your mind. Or lack of it." Kayn chuckled at the insult.
"Yes… I can help them. They hunt a creature made of shadow… a creature of the box…"
Yone finally decided to speak up, "You know of the azakana we seek?"
"Nocturne… a creature of nightmares. Pain and suffering are what the shadow preys upon… the Shadow Order have been aggressively recruiting since Zed had defected…"
"Zed defected?" Shen asked abruptly.
"Shen, we are after the demon. You can worry about Zed later." Yone reminded him.
Shen just grumbled. He knew that was the goal, but it irked him that Yone reprimanded him.
"To draw the shadow out, you must embrace the shadows…"
"Out of the question." Shen, once again, added abruptly.
This time, Yone gave but a small nod.
"I know it seems out of character, but I have an idea," Kayn spoke up. "Me and Zed aren't exactly buddy-buddy with the Shadow Order anymore, so why don't we go ahead and stalk them out? Catch them while they're indoctrinating new students."
"That… is not a bad idea, Shieda Kayn." Yone sounded impressed.
"Don't call me that."
The three took their leave from the temple, leaving the Keeper behind.
"Any idea where we might find these new students, Kayn?" Shen began.
"That sounds like a you problem, Master Shen. I already provided more than enough help as is. Just know that Zed will be hearing about all of this."
"I figured as much. Regardless, thank you for your help."
Kayn simply nodded and left Yone and Shen to themselves. The two looked at each other, wondering where their next course of action might lead them.
"Perhaps it would be wise to check with the Navori Brotherhood. They work rather closely with the Shadow Order." Yone suggested. "Considering they are also enemies of the Vastaya, it is safe to assume that they will also get a lot of attention from spirits alike."
"That is not a bad decision. I remember running into them a few times when Akali was younger. They had angered a tree spirit that almost killed some of the apprentices at the time."
Shen went silent, as if contemplating something. Hearing the fact that Zed had defected from the Order gave rise to concern… and hope. Perhaps this was the chance that Shen was looking for. A chance to be reunited with his brother and to make amends for all that has happened in the past. It would not be easy but—
"Shen." Yone interrupted. "You're getting distracted again."
"And you cannot help but point that out every time. Need I remind you that you came to me for help, and despite the insults and jabs, I have yet to turn you down or fail you."
Yone took a breath. "I know what it is like to be betrayed by your brother. I know what it is like to see them stray away from the path laid out for them. The difference between you and I was that I was weaker than Yasuo. I know that you will be able to convince your brother in the future. I urge you to put your stress at ease and focus on this demon."
Shen placed his hand on Yone's shoulder. "We are wiser than our brothers, Yone. We will see this task done."