The Moon Thief, Part 4

The Moon Thief, Part 4
A cunning shadow
Following your every move
It only grows
With the setting sun
---
Kyoto. The capital of the Japanese Empire, seat of its most powerful lords. Lord Hideyoshi had put a considerable amount of resources towards its development and fortification, resulting in a host of temples and streets within the city, and earthformed walls surrounding its borders.
It had been just over a decade since Hideyoshi's predecessor, the first Great Unifier, Oda Nobunaga, had been ambushed and forced to commit seppuku within this very city. Hideyoshi had personally defeated his betrayer, Akechi Mitsuhide, and took on Nobunaga's role as unifier and de facto leader of Japan. His desire now was to keep this city, the empire's jewel, free of the bloodshed that had ended with his former master's suicide.
Two individuals who were key to that desire stood on the roof of one temple. One, a woman in a black veil, her mouth covered by a mask. The other was a large man, with wild brown hair and a silver headband, sitting on the edge. Both wore the robes and haori of the Gotei.
A messenger arrived, bowing to the woman. "I see. Return to your post. That is all."
"Yes, my lady." The messenger leapt away.
"So, the slacker lost and got his weapon broken. Wish I could say I was surprised." the man said.
"So these fugitives have the ability to break a Gotei's Zanpakutō. The situation is more dire than we predicted." the woman responded.
"Fine with me. Maybe now I can swing my sword at something worthwhile. Village uprisings do nothing for me. I can feel my blade getting duller by the minute."
"Is there anything else that goes through that head of yours?"
He prepared to say something.
"Besides sake."
He opted to stay quiet.
"Stay focused on our mission. The fugitives are heading in this direction. We have to ensure that we are prepared."
"Ah, what's the worry? The two of us should carve them up without any fuss. But I guess that means you should get yourself up and ready. Otherwise I could take them out myself."
The man hopped down to the ground. The woman shook her head. "You can be such a child. But if you and I take this seriously...those foolish brigands will be dead before ever setting foot in Kyoto."
---
The traveling trio's cart stopped in a spot just off the road, beneath the shelter of the trees. Moon, wounded from the last fight, was in the cart, with Umeko taking his spot on horseback.
"Do you need help getting down, Sensei?" she asked after dismounting.
"Don't worry about it. I can survive just fine here." Moon replied. "I'd worry more about the old man and his broken leg."
"It isn't broken. Nothing some makeshift medical attention couldn't fix." Mudan stepped off his horse, taking care not to put pressure on his wounded ankle. "I hope you didn't mind traveling a little further today."
"Not at all. I saw the remnants of that battle, same as you. Nothing to be found but bits of charred armor and that awful stench. I wouldn't be able to stomach being near it." Umeko replied.
"What a charmed state of affairs 'The Great Unifier' finds himself in. Trying to absorb my homeland when his own is busy tearing itself up from within. Can't even find time for proper funerals, so they pile up the dead and set them all alight at once. Whatever gods look over this place must be weeping." Moon spoke.
"Fighting amongst themselves, and for what?" Umeko shook her head. "On any other occasion, these men could be seated alongside one another, engaged in merriment and good tidings. This is why I could never serve under the current leadership. Brothers massacring each other should never be the norm..."
Mudan could see in her eyes that there was more to that last statement, but decided against pressing her on it. "We should start setting up our camp for the night. I'll get the--"
"Stand still, Sensei. I'll handle the camp."
"I can still help out, you know."
"Rest. Both of you. I won't have you aggravating your injuries. That is non-negotiable."
Mudan raised an eyebrow. He looked back at Moon, who shrugged. "Amazing what a magic lance can do for someone's confidence." the latter said.
With the two men resting, Umeko set up the camp, then fed the horses.
Mudan tested his ankle, wincing. "And you were going to do this whole thing by yourself." Moon said.
"It's only proper etiquette. You're the one I would expect to be complaining about pain." Mudan replied.
"Nothing's been done to me where I haven't taken worse before. Just have to deal with it. Wouldn't hurt to have some kind of break from all this fighting, though."
"Our next stop should provide exactly that." Umeko appeared with their dinner.
"I'm starting to get sick of sharkfin soup."
"It's either that, or foraging in the dark woods. Pick your poison." Mudan said.
"I'm good, thanks."
Umeko giggled.
"Tell yourself a joke in your head?"
"Watching you two is always so amusing. You bicker just like an old married couple." she replied.
"No we absolutely do not." both men responded.
"And you even think the same things! How charming!"
Both men looked away from each other, grumbling.
"Putting aside your growing bond..." Umeko teased, eliciting a sharpened gaze from Moon, "Our next stop is going to be Saijō. They have a vibrant culture of tending to rice paddies, and with rice comes sake."
"Phenomenal. I've had this immeasurable urge to drink ever since I got here." Moon responded.
"Just take care not to overdo it. Overdoing it with alcohol makes fools out of titans." Mudan cautioned.
"But it's gooood..."
"Most unsavory things in life are, Sensei." Umeko said.
"Oh come on, that's something I'd expect him to say..." Moon groaned. "Ah, right. Should've probably asked first, but are any of the Gotei running around there?"
"To my knowledge, none are stationed there specifically. As long as none of them have an obsession with sake, we should be okay to pass through unnoticed."
"We should still tread carefully. If word of who we are has already reached the Gotei's ears, it is only a matter of time until the commonfolk hear of us, too." Mudan advised.
"And then they can chase us around with sticks and ropes. I honestly don't know what way to go would be worse." Moon grumbled.
"It honestly sounds like you're expecting to be discovered. Whatever happened to being a 'Great Phantom Thief'?"
"Never said anything about *me* being discovered."
"So now you assume that we will be careless and give away our identities. You really don't trust anyone, do you?"
"That is correct."
The men continued to banter, as Umeko proceeded with her meal, trying her best not to giggle.
---
Saijō village, on the eastern end of Hiroshima province. Surrounded by well-maintained rice fields, it was renowned for its sake. These fields, however, came at a cost, as many a western lord vied for possession of them.
"Excuse me, I'd like to purchase these grains, if you don't mind..." Umeko asked a shopkeeper at the town market.
She made her purchase, and bowed. "Thank you so much."
"Is your companion there wanting something?" the elderly man tending the shop asked.
Behind Umeko was Moon, once again wearing their pilfered Imperial armor. "Oh, don't mind him. He's more of the strong, silent type. My parents thought I should marry someone more grounded and serious. 'Oh, Umi-chan, always with your head in the clouds! You need someone to bring you down to reality!'" Umeko shrugged. "Parents. What can you do?"
"(This is sounding a little too real for my liking.)" Moon thought.
"Well, that works both ways, you know. Every serious fellow needs someone to lift their spirits. Especially in these dire times we're in." the shopkeep said.
"Too true! I know underneath that helmet, he's got a big smile on his face!" Umeko grabbed Moon's arm.
"(Not in your wildest dreams.)" Moon thought.
The pair departed the market, Moon carrying the rice bag. "You're rather enjoying this little scenario you've invented for us, aren't you?" he asked.
"Oh, don't be so grumpy. It's just a bit of fun. That part about my parents wanting me to marry someone serious wasn't a lie, though. They've thought my dreams of being a warrior ridiculous from the beginning. All they want is for me to settle down and be a doting housewife, far away from any battle." Umeko sighed. "I understand their perspective, I really do. And it's not like I'm opposed to the idea of having a family of my own. But there's so much I want to accomplish before that happens! Like now for instance, I've seen more of the world on this journey than I have in my entire life!"
"Uh-huh, sure, real happy for you..." Moon struggled with the bag.
"Once I show Mother and Father the fruits of my training with you and Mudan-Sensei, surely they'll change their minds! Then they won't have to worry about me so much. Don't you agree, Sensei?"
She turned to see him panting. "Did you have to get such a large bag?!"
"Sorry, ahehe...I guess I got carried away."
"Seems to be a running theme with you...now I could *really* use some sake..."
"Errands first, pleasure later. You shouldn't be shirking your responsibilities."
"Difficult when most of my life up to now has been shirking responsibility. Ugh, how much longer until we get back to the old warhorse?"
"Shouldn't be too much longer, we just--bah!" Umeko tripped over.
"See what happens when your head's in the clouds? Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm alright. Sorry." He helped her up. "Oh, no. The strap on my sandal broke. Well that's no good. Wonder if there's a shop or repairman around here..."
"Did you only bring the one pair?"
"These are the same ones I left home with. This was going to happen eventually, I suppose. You can head back to the cart, Sensei, I can find help on my own."
"Tch...well I can't have you walking around by yourself."
"I'll be fine, really."
"You don't have your weapon on you. I know you've gotten better at fighting, but when a town's known for producing drinks, there's bound to be unsavory types walking around looking for trouble. A girl like you by herself would be an easy target for some drunkard up to no good."
"I know, but I can see you struggling with that bag. I don't want you to strain yourself further for my sake. I'll be fine on my own."
"(I'll be fine going on my own, BinBin. I'll only be a minute, don't worry!)"
"(Quit running off like that, Jun, seriously!)"
"Tch..." Moon grumbled.
"Sensei?"
"Okay, how about this. If you can stomach walking around a little longer with just the one shoe, I can drop this off and then go with you. That sound like a deal?"
"Are you really that worried about me?"
"I've just got...experience when it comes to girls running off by themselves and having to bail them out of trouble. It'd save a lot of headache is all."
Umeko giggled. "Very well, o valiant thief. I humbly accept your request."
"Oh, quit making it sound weird..."
The two made it to camp, where Mudan was maintaining their weapons. "You look rather worse for wear, Sir Rogue."
"Zip your yap and take this before my back snaps in two." Moon dropped the bag of grain.
"We're going out again, Mudan-Sensei. One of my sandals broke. Hopefully I can find a replacement." Umeko said.
"Suppose that means a little while longer in your favorite armor." Mudan joked.
"I will vomit in this and force you to wear it." Moon grumbled.
"Let's go, Sen--ah!" Umeko fell over again.
"What now?"
"Ah..." She looked to see that her other sandal had broken. "Hehe...I did say they were well-worn."
"This is what you're doing to me now, is it?" Moon groaned. 
He soon wound up carrying Umeko in his arms. "Mention this to anyone, and I will leave you here."
"Ahahaha...sorry..." she nervously said.
"How very chivalrous, my good thief." Mudan teased.
"I will BURY you." Moon retorted.
Leaving the amused combat instructor behind, Moon began carrying the clearly flustered Umeko around the town.
"My, what a dutiful young man." an older woman commented.
"Must be newlyweds." her friend concurred.
"Oh, dear...everybody's looking at us..." a blushing Umeko said.
"I couldn't imagine why." Moon griped.
He spotted a man selling shoes. "Can I help...you." the shopkeep uttered.
"Excuse me, kind sir, but my daughter is in desperate need of new shoes. Her old ones broke, I'm afraid." Moon said in a deeper voice than usual.
"('Daughter'?!)" Umeko thought. "(And what's with that voice? Is that his attempt at sounding older? You really are being absurd here, Sensei!)"
"So it's footwear you're looking for, young miss?" the shopkeep asked.
"Ah...yes, it's as my...father says. Do you have them in black?" Umeko asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do have one pair left. Let me go fetch them."
"Thank you, my good man." Moon replied.
They soon started walking back, with Moon still carrying Umeko. 
"My, what a loving pair. If only my girls were so understanding." the shopkeep mused.
"I have my shoes now, you can stop carrying me, Sensei." Umeko requested.
"I'm actually starting to like the praise." Moon replied in his deeper voice.
"This is the last time I take you shopping."
---
Later on in the night, Moon, still in his armored disguise, took to the town once more.
"How hard is it to find a good time in a town renowned for sake? I was promised a night of pleasure, damn it..."
As he grumbled to himself, a feeling of unease came over him. 
"(There's that cold chill again. That same feeling I got from the naginata. Is one of those Gotei here after all? Only one way to tell. Now where are you, little spy...)"
Looking around, his eyes were drawn to a dark alleyway, unlit by torchlight. 
"(Only one place they could hide. Right...there!)"
He threw his dagger to the ground in front of the alley.
"....."
"...goodness. That is quite the sense you have. Is it a learned skill, or does it come from years of not trusting the world around you?"
"(What's that accent? He doesn't sound Nipponese. A colonizer from the west, maybe?)"
Heavy footsteps drew closer. Soon, a figure emerged from the shadows. This man was completely draped in a ragged blue robe, his face and limbs covered in their entirety. From his stature, he appeared to be hunched over. "Enjoying a pleasant night out alone, are we?"
"Who wants to know?"
"Someone who knows that you would rather be in anything save for that armor. It must fill you with such dread, having to disguise yourself as the enemy destroying your homeland. Sickening, to be sure. Is that so, Lee Moon-bin?"
"How do you know who I am? Are you with the Gotei? Some Imperial lackey sent to put me down?"
"Perish the thought! I am merely an interested third party."
"Interested in *what*?"
"We should have this conversation away from prying eyes. People in these parts can be a little too suspicious of their neighbors."
Moon turned away. "Peddle your weirdness somewhere else. Not interested."
"That's a shame. Suppose I'll just have to give my associate the go-ahead to execute your traveling companions."
Moon turned back around. "You what?"
"At this very moment, a man who has been hunting and tracking for longer than you have lived is aiming his weapon towards the slumbering Kubo Umeko. I would rather there not be any senseless tragedy tonight, but given how you've expressed your annoyance with the girl and her propensity to break her shoes..."
Moon drew his knife out of the ground and pointed it towards the strange man. "Who are you?"
The man gestured towards the alley. "This way. Time is a non-renewable currency."
Hesitantly, Moon walked into the shadows.
"The door to your left, my good thief."
Moon entered what looked to be an unassuming room, bereft of any furniture or cooking supplies. 
"I have been observing you for quite some time now. I felt that now was the proper time to have this conversation. Now that you've incited the attention of the Gotei. No doubt you have noticed the unique construction of their weapons?"
"I have. Tsutsugo said they're based around the soul of the user. I wasn't really buying it until..." Moon stopped himself. "What's this about?"
"The weapons the Gotei use, the Zanpakutō...they are my creations."
"You...? So you're the 'blacksmith' he mentioned. How'd you make those things, anyhow?"
"Archaic methods you could not even begin to comprehend, I'm afraid. Humanity is centuries away from that level of understanding."
"What are you babbling about?"
"Ah, pay me no mind. What matters now is the request I brought you here for." The man put his hands together, which were covered by armored gloves. "I need you to destroy the Zanpakutō for me."
"Eh? Destroy the...didn't you say that you made them?"
"Yes. And I see now what a mistake that was, bestowing such power unto these despicable warlords. You see, I was cast out from my home, some time ago. The ones who did so wield a great amount of power, power which I myself no longer possess. I'd thought that if I could amass an army of powerful warriors, I could regain all that which was taken from me. However...I seem to have miscalculated. Humanity is in no position to unite against a single entity, so devoted to their conquests and tedious wars that they are. The time is not right for them to learn of our power. So I must correct this mistake."
"You're talking like you aren't human yourself. Just what are you?"
"Shhh." The man put a finger over his face. "That, my intrepid fellow, would raise far more questions than it would answer."
"Alright then. So here's the more important question: why should I help you?"
"Our goals align, first and foremost. You wish to escape somewhere far away from battle and war, and the Gotei stand in your way. Whether or not you kill them makes no difference to me. I only need their weapons destroyed."
"And how do I do that? If Umeko hadn't woken up her naginata, we probably would've died against Tsutsugo. We can't rely on her for every single fight."
"Precisely why I came prepared. You do not seem like the type to rely on overtly flashy weapons. So I tailored it more to your style of fighting." The man brought out an obsidian black wakizashi.
"That short sword...is what I'm going to destroy those magic weapons with."
"It may not be so short once its power has been awoken. But that can only be by one whose soul it connects with. Not even I know what its true form would be in your hands."
Moon looked at the short sword. "Why even ask me? What do I gain from this, other than the Gotei leaving me alone? It won't stop the next bunch of warlords from trying. You have a solution for that?"
"I can offer you something beyond your wildest imagination."
"Okay, now I'm taking my leave. Offer me the exit so I can go back to getting drunk. I've had my fill of all this maddening magic talk--"
"I can offer you Kit Jun-yun."
Moon paused. "...what did you say?"
"The beloved you were forced to leave behind--the one you killed your sworn brother over--still lives. She is in hiding, away from where the battles are most intense. But it may not be that way for long. Agree to assist me, and I'll see to it that you two are given sanctuary far away from this hideous conflict. Just you, and her...and the child she now carries."
"...! What did you just--?!" Moon shook his head. "You're lying...you're lying! Why should I believe any of this nonsense? How could you possibly--"
The man held out his hand, and from out of it came a light. This light coalesced to form a series of images. They showed a young, dark-haired woman in black robes, sitting in an unknown location. She held her stomach, which showed the telltale signs of pregnancy.
"Jun..."
"(I wish you could have met your father...but he had to go somewhere far away. All this awful war, and suffering...it's not what I wanted to bring you into. All I want is happiness for you. Oh, BinBin, wherever you are...I hope you can find some peace...)"
Moon fell to his knees. A tear fell from his face. This couldn't be a trick. That nickname was something only the two of them knew. He held out his hand, but the images vanished.
"I will ensure that Hua Mudan is also given sanctuary, and that Kubo Umeko is allowed to return home without fear of retribution. Love and happiness can be yours where you thought it lost forever. All you need do..." The man held out the sword. "...is take it."
Moon looked at it. Whether or not he could trust this stranger was the furthest thing from his mind. All he could think about was the girl he loved, alone and in danger. With initial hesitation, he took the sword. 
"Smart choice. Once it is done, I will contact you again. I will even ensure that your beloved remains safe in the meantime. You have my word, and my gratitude."
"Save it for when it's done. If I get even the slightest sense that you're going to go back on your word, or a single hair on her head is lost...I will kill you."
"You needn't fret about that. Why put myself on your bad side? Regardless, you should get yourself some rest. Or maybe even a drink. You have quite the journey ahead."
Without another word, Moon left.
"A good night now, Lee Moon-bin."
More footsteps. Soon, another figure, a man in a black cloak much like the mysterious man's, with glowing yellow eyes visible through the darkness, emerged from the shadows. "...can you really trust that man, Pittacus?"
"It's really of no consequence whether he can be trusted. All that matters is that the Gotei are dealt with. However it happens makes little difference."
"Then allow me and the other chosen to deal with it. We could--"
"You and I both know that our power is nowhere close to returning, Argos. Until such a time comes, we must rely on the humans to see our will be done. They only need the most minor of excuses to begin a conflict, as you can see. Let them crush one another. Our opportunity for vengeance will come another day. No matter how many centuries it takes."
"I struggle to imagine what good can come from giving a human Metaverse strength, even if it is to combat others with that strength. But if it is your will, then I will comply."
"Very good. Send word to Haimon. Tell him he is to return from his scouting position. As for myself, it is time I pay Lord Hideyoshi a visit. I will have to formulate an excuse for how a Zanpakutō could have been broken."
"I despise having to kowtow to these conquest obsessed mongers, but if it is for our ultimate benefit..."
"It is the long game we must play, Argos. We will outlast them and most of their bloodlines. And as we have seen from our good Phantom Thief, men who know only the sword have their uses. Once the weapons are all extinguished, we can return to the shadows and wait for the day our power returns. Miyatsuko, Wolfe, Kerberos...they will all know extinction at our hands. Until then..."
"We wait. And watch. For as long as time allows. I will retrieve Haimon. I bid you luck with His Lordship." Argos disappeared into the darkness.
"Ahhh, humans and your wartime affairs. You will have all you desire, Lee Moon-bin. So long as you don't fail me..."
---
"Well, now. Quite a rare sight for you to be the first one awake." Mudan commented the following morning. "Too much merriment last night?"
"More like not enough. Not an ounce of fun to be had last night. I was so irritated that I couldn't sleep." Moon replied.
"Lack of sleep isn't conducive to a life of travel, Sir Rogue. The last thing we need is you collapsing off of your horse."
"I've gone much longer without sleep."
"That doesn't make it a healthy choice."
Mudan glanced at Moon's side, where the sheathed sword was visible. "And where exactly did that come from?"
"What, this? Some old drunkard threw his bottle at me, so after tossing him into the lake, I took his sword as collateral."
"A random passerby carrying a sword of the style in these parts? Quite unusual."
"These are unusual times, friend. I won't argue if it means I don't have to overwork my dagger. On that note, we should probably head out soon. Don't want to stick around for too long and risk getting noticed. The sooner we get to Kyoto, the better."
Moon walked away to tend to the horses. "What's gotten into him? Up and awake, suddenly wanting to move with haste? Hmm..." Mudan pondered.
"Good morning, Sensei. I just went by the market for some extra supplies. In all the drama involving my sandals, I forgot to finish shopping for food." Umeko arrived with a basket. "Is everything alright? You look troubled."
"Ah, no. Pay me no mind. Put the supplies in the cart. We'll be taking our leave soon."
"Yes, sir. And I'll be extra careful not to break my shoes this time."
The trio gathered their things, and took off.
"So, what's the next stop on our quest?" Mudan asked.
"The next major village will be Okayama, in Bizen. It's a highly successful farmland, so we should have no trouble getting high quality food and grain once we arrive." Umeko explained.
"I feel a 'however' coming." Moon said.
"The farmlands and town are home to a black castle, known as the Castle of the Black Bird, that is under the guardianship of the Ukita Clan. As far as I know, the clan's current leader is--"
"Let me guess, away on the front lines in Korea?"
"That seems to be the status quo these days. So dedicated is Lord Hideyoshi to his war effort that the feudal lords are made to resume their status as generals. Lord Ukita has presumably left a loyal retainer in his place, yes?" Mudan asked.
"Yes, that's right. A Gotei." Umeko replied.
That got Moon's attention. "A Gotei, hm?"
"From what I overheard when I passed through, she has just recently been appointed. I presume after Ōhirume's prior owner passed."
"A relative newcomer to the role may have inexperience, but she likely still possesses considerable skill. And a Zanpakutō. We should proceed with caution." Mudan advised.
"Back to my Imperial disguise, I guess." Moon griped. "(A newly appointed Gotei, eh? That could make things easier. Potentially.)" He looked to his side. "(How do I explain it to them? Just happening across a Zanpakutō. Umeko coming across a slain Gotei was a matter of circumstance. There's no clear excuse for finding this sword. And that man...I don't trust him for a minute. But...)"
The image of Jun, alone and carrying his child, was stuck in the front of his mind.
His pensive aura did not go unnoticed by Mudan. "....."
---
"Mudan-Sensei, do you know where Moon-Sensei went?" Umeko asked after the group had set up camp for the night.
"He said he wanted to train alone, so he went into the woods." Mudan replied.
"I was about to start up our meal. Do you know which way he went? It's going to be dark soon, and I wouldn't want him getting lost."
"Ever the attentive soul, Ms. Umeko."
"I-It's nothing like that, I just--"
"I only tease. He went that way. And one other thing..."
"Yes?"
"Try to see what the man is up to. He has been rather evasive since we left Saijō. Well, moreso than usual. You have noticed it too, I imagine."
"....."
"You needn't be embarrassed that you're worried about him. It must come from having grown up alongside three brothers. It's natural for you to be concerned."
"You can see right through me, Sensei. He keeps far too much bottled inside. I suppose it's only natural for a thief to keep secrets, but...it makes it so much easier to worry."
"Go and check on him, then. Maybe he'll be more open when I'm not there to lecture him. Take your weapon, just in case. We don't know who or what could be roaming these woods."
"Right you are. I'll be back shortly."
Umeko grabbed her naginata and headed into the woods. After a few minutes of wandering through the leaves, she heard what sounded like someone complaining in the distance.
"...come on..."
She approached with caution.
A few meters away, Moon was griping with the sword in his hands. "Come on...what are you called? How am I supposed to use you if I don't even know what name to call you by? Look at me, getting mad at a sword...don't you know what I have to do, stupid?"
He overheard a rustling sound. "...!" He quickly sheathed the sword, instead taking out his dagger. "Somebody feeling brave?"
Umeko stepped out. "It's only me, Sensei."
"And what exactly are you out here for?"
"I was wondering where you'd vanished off to. Is there someone else here with you? It sounded like you were arguing."
"No, only me. I was out here getting a handle on this new sword. It's not as easy to wield as my dagger and I was getting frustrated."
"I see. Maybe it would be easier if you had someone to train with. I'm still getting a grasp on how to use Ōhirume properly, so maybe a quick session would help us both."
"Normally I'd agree, but this thing is proving difficult enough that I'm afraid I might hurt you by mistake. Plus, you've seen the force that weapon of yours has. Regular weapons might not be the best training partners for it."
"Hmm, I suppose that's true. It would take the point out of training if I were to destroy your weapon by accident. I'll leave you to it, but please be back soon. Darkness is coming, and I wouldn't want you in these woods by yourself."
"I'll only be a short while longer. You can get dinner ready, I'll be there."
"Okay. Be careful, Sensei."
Umeko left Moon to train by himself.
"...it's just as you said. He was lying." she said.
"(He is as hardened a thief as they come. It is stunning, the ease with which the man can hide the truth.)" Ōhirume spoke back. "(That is no ordinary short sword he wields. That is unmistakably a Zanpakutō.)"
"Why would he hide it? And how did he get it? Surely not from a drunken passerby like he claims."
"(How he obtained it is unknown to me. But one thing is clear...the spirit within the sword is angry at him. The man has done something the spirit cannot agree with, but all of his angered pleas are falling upon deaf ears. Your Sensei cannot hear his voice.)"
"You mentioned something like that...how you were speaking to me and I couldn't hear it until we were in sync."
"(The weapon and the one wielding it must be of one purpose and mind. Only then can the wielder draw out its true power. But so long as the two remain in discord, then the man will never hear the spirit's voice. Or his name.)"
Umeko stopped. "I should go back to him."
"(Do not agitate this further. This is between him and the sword. Inserting ourselves into it could make the discord even greater than it is now.)"
"I can't...I just can't stand the idea of him suffering in silence. I want to be helpful, but when everybody keeps their pain a secret until it's too late..."
"(Umeko-chan...)" The spirit acknowledged Umeko beginning to tear up. "(This is not an unfamiliar pain for you. You wish to be someone others confide in for comfort. That is an admirable thing. If it is your wish, I will not stop you. But if the situation becomes dangerous, then do not hesitate to run.)"
"Thank you. Sensei..."
Moon was back to griping with the short sword. "Work, damn you...are you just going to keep up the silent treatment?"
"Sensei."
Moon hid the sword behind him as he turned to see Umeko back again. "What are you doing here? I said I didn't--"
"Don't try to hide it. That sword...it's a Zanpakutō. I know that it is."
"...! How did...tch. Fine." Moon brought the sword into view.
"Where did you get that sword?"
"I told you. Some drunken fool had it and I took it off of him."
"Stop lying! Why would anyone have such a weapon unless they were a high-ranking official? What would such a person be doing out here?"
"Maybe he plucked it off a corpse, like a certain someone."
"Please, Sensei, at least show some guilt for being so deceitful. There was no drunkard, was there? Someone gave you that sword for some unknown purpose, and now you hide it because, even after all this travel, you still don't trust us."
"I don't trust anyone."
"Because your friend betrayed you?"
That made his hand twitch. "Because it's who I am."
Umeko approached him. "No matter what exits your mouth, the truth is in your eyes."
He put up his guard, but she merely put her hand on his chest. "It's here, isn't it? The center of your pain. Your heart is beset by torment."
Moon turned away. "Keep your hands off. I'm fine."
"No, you aren't. What is it you're keeping buried?"
"What are you, my spiritual guide? You just need to know what's bothering me that badly, why? Because you want to *help*? I can think of at least ten reasons why that isn't going to happen."
"I'm not going to let you suffer alone."
"Pffft, haaaaaa." Moon scoffed. "And what do you know about 'suffering', missy? Have you always had a warm bed to sleep in? Guaranteed a nice meal every single day? Clothes on your back? My home is IN FLAMES. Everyone I know, either dead or about to be, because *your* glorious empire saw fit to walk across the water and set everything alight. And what am I to learn, but that the one person I have left who even remembers I exist is alone, in danger, and oh, on the verge of birthing my heir into a world slowly crumbling to pieces?"
"Sensei, I...I didn't know--"
"You want to know my pain, do you? Then know what it is I have to do." He held out the sword. "I'm going to force this cursed thing to give up its name, and then I'm going to tear each and every one of those self-righteous Gotei to shreds, until the dastard that gave me this weapon gives her back to me!"
He pointed the sword at her. "So what's it going to be? Are you going to help me force this thing to tell me its name? Or am I going to have to tear through these Imperial dogs with only a dagger?"
"I...I can't do that, Sensei. There has to be another way that doesn't include more violence. And even if I did agree, Ōhirume would never."
"So you're taking orders from a weapon that thinks itself alive, huh? Fine, then. I was going to have to turn it to splinters eventually, anyway."
A sharp object came flying down, hitting the short sword and sending it out of Moon's hands. It landed and was impaled into the ground. 
Mudan jumped down from the trees. "Given in to madness, is that right, Sir Rogue?"
"Mudan-Sensei!" Umeko responded.
"You think I've gone mad, old man? It couldn't be farther from the truth. My mind's never been more clear. I finally know what I have to do, and you two can either be of help, or obstacles I need to push aside. Your choice." Moon threatened.
"You really believe that whoever gave you that weapon intends to return your beloved to you? Or that it will just stop at pacifying the Gotei? Now that they know what to do to get you to follow them, they will continue to hold her and your child over you. Always promising, never delivering. You know what a horrid mistake you've made. THAT is why your sword refuses to reveal its secrets to you." Mudan chastised.
"So you won't help me destroy them?"
"Just calm down, Sensei. Please, this doesn't have to end in a fight!" Umeko pleaded.
Moon glanced at the sword in the ground.
"Don't do it." Mudan warned.
In an instant, Moon bolted for the sword. Mudan lunged at him, tackling him and holding him to the ground. Umeko grabbed the wakizashi, and ran off with it.
"Let...go of me...!" Moon demanded.
"Not until you've come to your senses..." Mudan struggled to hold him.
Moon kicked his chest, knocking him over. Both men got to their feet, Moon drawing his knife, Mudan picking up his wodao.
"Cease this madness, Lee Moon-bin. Lashing out at us will get you nowhere. We are not your enemy."
"Then why do you hold that sword so close?"
"Put down your dagger and I will have no reason to wield it."
"Tell her to bring back the sword, then."
"That I cannot do."
"Then we're wasting time talking. Every second wasted is another second where Jun is in danger. Her and..." Moon clutched his fist. "Give me back the sword. I'll destroy the Gotei myself if I have to. I'll lay waste to a thousand armies if it means protecting her."
"Slay your enemies, spill their blood onto the soil. What will that do to your soul? What sort of man will be returning to the woman he desires? One who has tossed away his humanity and given his loyalty to scheming demons? I know you are more astute than this. Emotion is blinding your judgement. You would make enemies with an entire empire, just for the tantalizing chance of a reunion?"
"YES! Don't you get it by now, you lecturing old fool?! I have nothing left in this world! NOTHING! My home is gone, my family long dead, and the man I trusted most, slain by my own hand! I can return to nothing except for ashes and bones! The one good thing I have is alone, with this damnable empire breathing down her neck! And you expect me to act *calm* and *reasonable* when dealing with that?!"
Moon approached Mudan threateningly, as the latter tightened his grip on his weapon. "So here's what's going to happen, 'friend'. You are going to give me back that sword, and help me crush the Gotei like the bugs that they are. You and the girl can go live out your days in peace, and I can make some kind of life with the woman I love."
"And if I refuse?"
"Who said you would have a choice?"
Moon lunged at Mudan, swiping at him, eventually clashing blades. The older man acrobatically leapt over, then dodged several more swipes. He then grabbed Moon by the arm.
"There is no purpose behind your attacks other than pure rage. Not at all like you." Mudan observed.
"Don't talk as if you know me! And don't think you can criticize me for my anger when you wouldn't be here if not for your own!" Moon retorted.
"That is PRECISELY why I am doing this. Even if your life has been a long sequence of mistakes, it doesn't mean you should freely make such an obvious one. Stop for one minute and think about this."
"In that one minute, any number of awful things could happen to Jun, and I won't--"
Moon tried to grab Mudan with his free arm, but the older man grabbed it, disarmed him, kneed him in the stomach, then kicked him to the ground. He tried getting back up, but was met with a glowing lance pointed at him.
"No more of this. Please. Just no more of this. It's heartbreaking to see you this way." Umeko fought back tears.
"...give me the sword." Moon pleaded, not with anger or impatience, but almost conceding that he knew what the answer would be.
"No."
"Please. You're condemning an innocent woman and her unborn child to death if you don't."
"This can't be your only path to saving them! Removing the power from the Gotei will only serve to destroy the stability of their homes, and what happens then? More war, more bloodshed, more parents who will have to see their children die before them. I can't watch you be the architect of that kind of misery, Sensei. Not when you yourself have lived through it. A heart as clouded and tormented as yours will never come to an understanding with this sword."
"Then what am I supposed to do?! Go off into the frozen north and live out my days, knowing that I left my only remaining connection to this world to die?! You can't survive in this world without making others miserable, it's the simple, cold truth! My choice is between her, and the arrogant conquerors, and I for damn sure won't allow it to be her that suffers!"
He lunged at the two. "NOW GIVE ME THE SWORD!"
Reflexively, Umeko swiped at him with the blunt end of the naginata, knocking him against a tree, whereupon he fell down limp. 
She put a hand over her mouth. "No...please, don't tell me that I..."
Mudan, cautiously, approached Moon. He checked for vital signs. "He still lives. We need to restrain him, before we repeat this ordeal. Help me to..."
Umeko tried to clear her face of tears.
"I understand. That was not easy to listen to. He's putting himself in an unwinnable situation, and if we don't devise another option, he could take us down with him. Help me bring him back to camp, and we can think of a way to help him."
"You must think of me as so pitiful, being driven to cry at a time like this..."
"A warrior is not barred from shedding tears. But they must be for when the battle is over. We must act quickly to mend this, and spare as many good people from further anguish as we can."
"Yes, Sensei..."
The pair hoisted up the unconscious thief, and moved him back to camp.
The sun would soon be setting. But against that blade of obsidian, darkness was already reflecting.