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The enormous castle was half covered in a dense pristine white fog, where only the lower portion of the battlements and the surrounding walls were visible. It was quite a splendid scene to behold when take on it's own. But for one weary traveller who approached the main gate he had neither the time nor the inclination to give the view a moment's thought. Yasuhira lifted his hat to look up at the imposing structure, but again it wasn't to appreciate its grandeur, it was to ensure that the guards within knew who he was and act accordingly. Sure enough the doors opened and Yasuhira walked inside. Within the inner most walls there was a hive of activity; Oni, clad in armoured, rushed about the area like ants. There were countless infantry formations and long imposing lines of Cavalry. Yasuhira however paid them as much attention as he did the castle itself. The Oni for their part respectfully gave him the road, but glared at him as if he was imbued with all the evil and depravity on earth and that his illnesses would infect them somehow if they got too close.
He walked through the maze of inner walls and gates with ease, as if he had designed the works himself, until finally reaching the main keep. Again he waited patiently at the main door. When it opened a woman stepped forward resplendently dressed in a bright red kimono and with her hair down to her heels. Her head was bowed, so Yasuhira could not see her full face.
"Lord Yasuhira, my mistress awaits your presence."
The sound of her voice however was unmistakable and it made Yasuhira start; he lost the ability to speak himself and took a moment to compose himself.
"Lift your head." He demanded.
The girl did not move, but she did begin to tremble, as if a cold wind had come over her. He put a hand under her chin and with little difficulty, Yasu raised the girl's face so he could see it fully. What he saw made his heard break.
"Riku."
It was the maid. But it wasn't. She retained the features of the dancer, but her skin was gaunt and pale. And then there were her eyes. They had been in Yasu's memory very bright and full intelligence and life. Now they were all red and there wasn't a hint of humanity remaining. The man covered his own eyes and let out a desperate sigh. It seemed that the only thing he had ever known was suffering, for himself and for those around him. Life had become an unceasing river of desolation and the waters dragged him on and on and forever out of reach of the safety of the shore. He looked beyond the girl and into the darkness of the Keep beyond. More suffering lay within those shadows. But he had little choice. So he stepped around the former dancer and setting all proper decorum aside he rushed inside. Riku turned and followed a pace behind, and without any sign of emotion whatsoever.
He came to a halt before two impressive looking sliding doors. They had elaborate mosaics drawn on them, pastoral scenes and wonderful creatures that moved about the surface as if they were alive. As Yasuhira approached the doors the creatures quickly scattered to the farthest corners and hid their faces from the tormented god. Yasu divested himself of his straw coat and hat and let both fall to the floor, where they were quickly gathered up by the creature once known as Riku. She set them both aside and then opened the door. Before she could announce him, Yasuhira stepped inside and strode to the centre of the room beyond. There he stood. Mats were laid out on the floor, but he remained on his feet. He looked to the raised area that was directly in front him. Upon it was a large plush cushion and sitting upon that was an enormous Crane, who turned her head to the door.
