The small lights of the okiandons lit the room dimly as the darkness of night was set upon the Kurogane palace. Within the center of the room, a seemingly young clean-shaven and long-haired man kneeled dressed in a fine kimono, the okiandons barely showing the man's look of shame. There was no sound, no words spoken, save for the slightly erratic breathing of the man.

Standing in front of the man and holding one katana in hand, and another still upon his hip sheathed, stood the man's own son, Kurogane Kōro who then asked him, "Why did you return here willingly, even after what you have done to yourself?"

Hirohito shakily reached for something underneath his kimono as he tried to muster the words to say "I couldn't stand it anymore."

Kōro looked at his father confused, "Stand what?"

The old, yet physically young-looking Hirohito pulled out a scroll with a stamp of a kunoichi clan on it, "The guilt... Just wanted to apologize for everything. I know that you must kill me, as is my punishment for my dishonor. And I know I am terrible with words now, but please, promise me." Hirohito stretched his hand that held the scroll out towards Kōro, "Promise me you will read this after you do what must be done."

Kōro didn't reach out at first, unsure if this was some sort of trap; some sort of kunoichi assassination plot. But eventually Kōro reluctantly reached out and took the scroll before placing it on a small table beside him, "I promise."

Surprisingly nothing happened, which Kōro did not expect. This entire moment was not what Kōro was expecting at all when he heard the news that his father had returned as incubus. He knew that demonic energy could change a man, but still. The cold and cruel father he once knew who slept with countless harlots and would rather send the Kurogane clan into ruin then face punishment, was now a regretful young man who was willing to die as punishment for his actions.

Hirohito gave a painful smile, as if trying to tell Kōro it was alright as he said, "Then, I am ready."

"Kurogane Hirohito," Kōro held his katana tightly, "I Kurogane Kōro, in the name of the Voice, "Kōro walked directly beside his father, "Do sentence you to death, for the betrayal of your people, of your men of your family, of your sound," Kōro raised his Grandfather's katana, "And for sleeping with a mamono and potentially handing out the Kurogane clan secret techniques to those who are not befitting of them," Hirohito lowered his head, tears beginning to drip from his face, "And worse of all, for breaking your oath as the leader of the Kurogane clan and leaving the mountain, therefore bringing dishonor to us all with all these things. May the Voice have mercy upon your soul," and with a single swing, Kōro beheaded Hirohito in one clean swing.

And so it was done, Kōro had revenge for what happened to his father. He had revenge on the man who exiled him, who forced him to take such painful forms of training, who ruined the lives of so many people. And yet, he didn't feel anything. Not rage, not sadness, not happiness. Nothing.

Cleaning the katana of his ancestors, Kōro quickly sheathed it; still staring at the laying corpse of his father. Remembering the scroll his father gave to him, Kōro turned and grabbed the scroll before opening it.

"Kōro, forgive me, but this was the only way I knew how to speak to you. Ever since my hatred burned out, I have been terrible with words, so I hope this will suffice. You must wonder why I sent you this in person, fully knowing that by Kurogane law you had to kill me. And the reason is because I knew I had to face my just punishment.

I regret everything I ever did to you, to our family, to our people, and I honestly mean that. If I could go back to when you were first born with all that I know and feel now, I would, I would change and fix everything. But what has been done is over, and nothing can change that.

I was so hateful back then. I suppose I was angry at everything, even my own flesh, and blood. I hated my siblings for dying, I hated myself for being a weak leader even if I pretended I wasn't, I hated your grandfather for stepping down as his position as leader, I hated how my dream of being a painter was taken away from me, and at the time I believed that my seed would produce only weak offspring and leave behind nothing but a stain on the Kurogane clan's history.

It was only after Aiana came and took me, that I realized how much of a fool I was, and how terrible of a father, a warrior, a husband, a leader, and of a man I was. When I knew this, I felt nothing but guilt in my soul every waking day for all those years I have stayed at the Kunoichi village. That is why I came and gave you this.

Of course Aiana tried to convince me to stay in order to protect me, but I was able to make her reluctantly change her mind.

As I write this, I feel the need to inform you something. Kōro, you have siblings. Aiana and I had two daughters, twins. One of them especially reminds me of you, but I doubt you will ever meet. You also have another sibling, a human sibling. Back when I was still human, I forced myself upon a woman from the Hacchiman clan that serves us. From what Aiana has told me, that woman had a child even though she never married. His name is Hacchiman Tokuri, he is a soldier within your army at the moment.

By the way, do not worry about our technique. I have given it to Aiana and made her promise me to only give it to our two daughters, and only if they prove to be worthy of it and have need of it.

I have said goodbyes, to you, to Aiana, to your mother in prayer, to that woman I forced myself upon, and Tokuri, though I do not think he realized I was his father.

I am sorry for what I have done, and I hope you will one day forgive me. Whatever it is that you do now, I trust you will make the right choice. I am proud of you Kōro, goodbye. - Your father Hirohito."

Kōro slowly closed the scroll, mediating on what he read as he stood there. Suddenly rushing in, a soldier knelt down as he reported, "Sir, our scouts have found the Kunoichi village this individual came from. What are your orders?"

The Kurogane leader looked at the soldier, his face blank. Should he? The mamono were their enemies, their energy was corruptive, even if it had the power to do good. If the mamono were allowed to exist without any danger, they'd bring extinction upon all life. But he had siblings there, even if they were mamono. And his father... Kōro would not allow any more blood to be upon his father's cold hands. "Leave it be, give the word that none are to go near that village."

The soldier raised their head, seemingly shocked at the words. But the soldier knew not to question Kōro, "Y-yes sir!"

Shortly after the soldier left, two priests who were waiting in the corner asked him in unison, "What of the body sir?"

"Burn the body, but give the ashes to me. I will make sure he is able to at least sleep amongst the rest of our family."

...

...

...

Kōro stood silently in the room that Hirohito was slain in; holding and reading through his father's final message to him once again before putting it back down on the same small table. It had been about ten years since that day, which made Kōro feel old at the thought, even if he was only in his mid-thirties.

But what was good about his age at this point? His fate was now set in stone and it was rapidly approaching, for the Spirit of Shi was spotted in his lands. And even if the Spirit heard his prayer, it would still come to him all the same, waiting to claim his soul. Everything he had done was futile, for now he had understood the prophecy of his people.

When the world was to approach its inevitable end, the spirit of Shi would come to the mountain and bring the Voice back. And that made Kōro realize why the leaders of the Kurogane clan existed. The oath of each leader of the Kurogane clan was simple. ' You must defend the mountain, and never leave. And no matter who it may be, whether the false gods, the divine, mortal, monster, or spirit, you must defend this mountain against them; do not let them enter the mountain unless they are a priest who has been sanctified by you.' This meant only one thing, that the Spirit of Shi would come to the mountain to enter it, and he Kōro would die defending the mountain against it, as is his oath. As was his code of honor.

Kōro looked up from his father's scroll at the sound of footsteps; seeing the shadow of man in front of the closed door in front of him, "Your brother, Hacchiman Tokuri, has arrived sir."

"Let him know I will be with him shortly," Responded Kōro as he closed the scroll. The servant quickly left to do what he was commanded to do. So fort Torii had fallen then, that was what Kōro thought to himself. After all, last he heard his brother was heavily defending that place, though he was certain he sent reinforcements to aid them. Oh well, at Tokuri was alive. Getting up, Kōro went outside to meet his brother.

Exiting the palace, Kōro was greeted with the sight of a worn-out Tokuri dressed in battered and bloodstained armor. Upon seeing Kōro, Tokuri quickly fell to his knees in respect before saying, "Fort Torii has fallen."

Kōro walked to the edge of the mountain, looking down to its base to see countless injured soldiers being treated, "We have lost communication with the other villages and forts belonging to us. Most likely they have all fallen as well."

"Most likely the work of the O-inari clan. It was most likely because of them your reinforcements didn't arrive."

"What is the plan then brother? You always have a plan," Kōro didn't respond, making Tokuri realize something was off with his brother. Tokuri rose and walked next to his brother, "What is the matter?"

Kōro looked to his brother, a faint smile on his face, "Nothing," Kōro motioned to the palace, "come let us discuss this inside."

Tokuri could tell his brother was hiding something, no doubt in an attempt to keep face and keep his spirits up. Perhaps later he could discuss whatever was going on with Kōro, "Just the two of us?"

"Well, perhaps Masume will join us. Besides, we'll need all the advice we can get. She is my better half."

"And the only other one you've trained," Responded Tokuri dryly as servants opened the palace doors.

Kōro chuckled, patting his brother on the back as the servants closed the door behind them, "Still upset she beat you that one time?"

(-)

The winds were unrelenting, the air was growing thinner, and the snow was unceasing as the forces of the Kogazen and Mozo clan slowly ascended upward through the steep hills, slowly heading toward where they believed to be the direction of the world's peak. Many of the marching forces had died along the way, whether it was from the cold, from their wounds from the attack on Fort Torii, or from one of the many traps left behind by the retreating Kurogane clan forces of Tokuri.

Therefore, with every step the invading armies took, they lost a soldier. But they were unrelenting, just like the stormy snow that rained down upon them. Their will to end the war was strong, like the mountain they headed towards. And so, even with there being no sight of the Suijin clan and the Ō-Inari clan having departed to claim any remaining stragglers, the two armies pressed forward.

Riding on his weary steed, Mozō Shitora reached the top of the hill as the light of the sun rose to greet his face; the snowy winds slowly beginning to die down and reveal in the far distance, a mountain that stretched above the clouds. Shitora smiled a devilish grin and spoke as Masato rode next to him, "At long last, a red sun shall finally dawn upon the Kurogane clan."

(-)

A smile was dressed on Lady Ō-Inari Akkeko's face as she entered the converted village; greeted by the choir of moans and laughter of both mamono and man as demonic energy filled the atmosphere. Her mamono children did well this time, not even a scratch on a single building or much loss of life. Sadly she did lose a few mamono from those Kurogane soldiers, but they were being 'punished' now.

Thankfully, no more death would happen soon, this being the last bit of Kurogane territory outside of their capital.

Nothing really got under Akkeko's skin, save for unnecessary death when it came to conquest. It just made no sense to her, after all why end conflict by wasting such perfectly good lives when you could end it in such a beautiful way? No one, or at least very few, died and everyone was happy in blissful pleasure. Her way was the best way of doing things, and no one could change her mind on that.

This is why it pained Akkeko so much to hear that Hacchiman Tokuri survived, instead of being put in love by her kunoichis. But perhaps she could fix that little slip up.

The Kurogane clan's defeat, for the first time in history with all its lands conquered, was certain. She just had to be fast enough to save as many people as possible. Akkeko snapped her finger and two kunoichis appeared and kneeled beside her, "Send word to all of my kunoichis to hunt down Kurogane Kōro and his family, and that I will be joining them when we march upon the mountain."

(-)

'SYSTEMS: POWERING UP' were the words that appeared on the machine's vision as it felt itself turn back on. Shortly after the machine's systems booted up, the robot regained vision but couldn't see anything. Trying to see where it was, the machine activated its night vision but was only given an error that stated it lacked the parts to do it.

The machine would have been confused, but it quickly recalled the data before it was forced to shut down. It seemed it was defeated by its previous target, Hacchiman Tokuri who somehow, through means which it did not know, was able to get past its defenses; forcing it to retreat back to base after it received a surprisingly large amount of damage to its body.

However, the machine did not understand how its systems were still working. After such a blow and overheating itself to return to base, it shouldn't function.

Suddenly a bright light beamed down on the machine, giving it the sight to find itself plugged to the wall with countless wires, and its own body being nothing but scrap and what remained of its head.

Then from the darkness, the machine's designated creator stepped into the light with what it believed to be an annoyed expression, "That was disappointing," Sighed its creator, "Oh well, you were a beta-model after all," lights began to light up behind its creator, revealing a newer model of the machine behind them, "Let's see if we can fix those little problems of yours."

(-)

Petre groaned as he awoke to pain in his back and shoulders; a reminder not only of his rationing of the divine wine, but a reminder of how old he truly was. It was rare that he hoped for Hephaestus to visit him, but right now with how little of the wine he had left, he was really hoping he'd run into her soon. Till then, he'd have to guard this wine with his life, because without it he might as well be dead.

Getting up from the small makeshift bed he crashed in for the night, Petre cautiously leaned on the wall as he made way to the exit; making sure not to accidently graze himself against any of the old and rusty hand made hunting tools and traps.

Who knew what kinds of diseases he could get from those things. Then Petre remembered he couldn't get sick at all anymore, though that might be a possibility with how little wine he had been drinking. Probably best just to stay cautious, that poison he got hit with yesterday was able to effect him after all.

Limping outside, Petre saw Gael was sitting in front of the bonfire; his back facing Petre. Honestly, Petre gave up trying to figure out if Gael ever did fall asleep. Yes, he did go into those empty blank stares for who knows how long, but Petre got the feeling the man wasn't actually sleeping. If he even was a man.

"So, do you ever sleep?" Yawned Petre.

Gael turned his head towards Petre, his face still covered by his strangely shaped hood; only a single eye and a long beard being able to be seen through it. "I don't think I can. Even if I wanted to."

What? That didn't make sense, even the gods slept every once in a while; he of all people should know, "What about those moments you just, uh, zone out at night? looks like sleeping to me."

"I'm recalling old memories, that is all," Gael stopped as Petre went over and opened one of the crates beside Gael, opening the bottle of wine before taking only a few drops in and leaving what little remained in the bottle, "How much longer will that last you?"

"Probably," Petre squinted at the bottle. Could last him a little while as of now with how much remained, "two more days at this rate, give or take."

"Any way we can procure more of these divine wines for you?" Asked Gael.

That was nice of Gael, considering that most people he met didn't even bother making sure he was alright. Though that sort of question was a thing Petre didn't like. He knew how, it was just that he needed... Hephaestus for that, "There is a way but... its nothing you need to worry about."

Petre thought Gael was going to ask him if he was sure, but Gael didn't. Instead the giant heaved himself up from where he sat, grabbed the heap of iron that might have once been a sword, and grabbed both of the crates once Petre put the wine bottle up. "Then let us be off. Will you be fine walking on your own?"

"Well, I'd probably slow you down right now-!"

Petre was immediately interrupted as he was seemingly thrown onto Gael's pack as the giant began walking faster than Petre had ever seen the giant move in his memory, "Then let us be off. The sooner we get to the mountain, the sooner we'll get another bottle of that wine for you."

And so the two continued heading towards the world's peak, unaware of what they were going to get themselves into as they ran towards the rising sun. Petre in the back of his mind was worrying if his wine would last long enough, and Gael was still trying to figure out who that lady was from yesterday.

(-)

Hel watched Zipangu from within her realm. It was going to happen, the one thing she had been trying to stop since the day she became a goddess. The destruction of Zipangu. Hel had thought that, after all the progress she had made making them all generally peaceful and united, this wouldn't happen.

But no, the dreaded fate of Zipangu was to happen with not one single soul that holds the balance of this fate listening to her. None would survive, save for one.

Why did this have to happen? Why was there so much death in this past century after years of work that her and the other gods have done? Even if she and the other gods came down to stop it, she could see in the future that it wouldn't stop anything save for making things worse. So how was she, a goddess of fate and death, so powerless in stopping this?

Whatever the reason, it all started when the Red Hood first appeared. Speaking of them, she couldn't find its soul or its body after the battle against the chaos gods, so did that mean they were still alive? Or was she yet again a goddess too weak to do what needed to be done?

No matter what though, this terrible fate was about to commence, and she couldn't help but to weep. For there was nothing she could truly do to stop this.