The Twelve Kingdoms: Shadow of the Moon

whiskers and then nodded.
    "Well, then. Let's get ourselves some refreshment. Explaining everything to the constables will be quite the bother, otherwise."
    With this, he turned and strode off. Rakushun and Youko looked at each other. Spontaneously, they both agreed and ran after him.

    The man pushed his way through the gathering crowds and set off down the street. It didn't look like he had a particular destination in mind, glancing here and there as he walked along the busy thoroughfare. Finally, he decided on an inn. It was a big, gorgeous place. Tagging behind, Youko and Rakushun followed after him inside without a second glance.
    Youko glanced back at Rakushun. "What do we do now?"
    "What do you mean, what do we do? We've come this far--"
    "That's not what I mean. There's a few things I want to talk over with this guy. Maybe you should go back to the inn, just to play it safe."
    "I'm not worried. Let's go."
    Rakushun clambered up the stone steps and opened the door. Youko hurried to catch up. Inside the inn, the man and a waiter were waiting at the foot of the stairs. When he saw Youko, he smiled and climbed the stairs.
    The waiter showed the man to a room on the third floor. It was a two-room suite with a balcony facing the courtyard. The room was big, the interior decor exquisite. Even the furniture was sumptuous. Youko couldn't hide her trepidation. This inn was a higher class establishment than she had ever set foot in before.
    The man ordered food and drink and sat down in a sofa-like armchair. He had the air of a person used to these surroundings. In the light of the countless candles, the fine cut of the man's clothing was obvious as well.
    "Um . . . . "
    The man smiled at Youko, who was standing stock still in the doorway. "Why don't you sit down?"
    "Pardon me."
    Youko and Rakushun exchanged looks. They both sat down. But she found it hard to settle down. The man only smiled to himself at their apparent discomfort and said nothing else. Not knowing how to respond, Youko glanced around the room. The waiter returned with the victuals.
    "Does the gentleman require anything else?"
    The man waved his hand and the waiter left, closing the door behind him. "Would you like a taste?"
    Youko shook her head, as did Rakushun.
    "Um . . . . " Youko didn't have the foggiest idea of how to begin the conversation. Sensing this, the man spoke first. "That certainly is a splendid sword you have there." His attention focused on Youko's right hand, he reached out his hand.
    She hesitated for any number of reasons, but handed over the sword. He lightly gripped the hilt and drew the sword from the sheath. It came free without difficulty. Ignoring Youko's exclamation of surprise, he examined the scabbard and blade.
    "The scabbard is dead."
    "The scabbard is dead?"
    "Have you seen strange visions in it?"
    Youko raised her eyebrows. "Have I seen what?"
    The man smiled at her skittish reaction. He sheathed the blade and reverently handed the sword back to her. Youko wrapped her hand around the hilt.
    "So, what is it?" she asked, meaning her question to be taken literally. "I mean, what kind of thing is it?"
    The man nonchalantly picked up a pitcher and poured himself a glass of something. The action betrayed not the slightest bit of defensiveness or agitation.
    "That is the Suiguu-tou , the Water Monkey sword. The blade was smelted from water, the scabbard formed from a monkey. Hence, the Water Monkey sword. The champion who wields it possesses far more than a sword. When you see the glowing light and hear the sound of falling water, the sword shows you visions. If done properly, it will show you the past and the future, and what is far away from you. If you are inattentive to it, it will chatter on incessantly. The scabbard is there to bind its spirit."
    Looking at Youko, he drained the glass. "The scabbard can change and turn into a monkey. The monkey can see into the hearts of people, and if care is not taken, it will confuse and bewilder the mind of its owner. Hence it is said that the sword seals the scabbard. It is the Imperial Regalia of the Kingdom of Kei."
    Without thinking, Youko jumped to her feet.
    "However, this scabbard is dead. Without the seal of the scabbard, the visions would certainly run wild."
    "Who are you?"
    "You sent a letter via the local ward office. So, tell me, what's this about?"
    "You've got to be kidding. You're the Taiho of En?"
    The man scowled. "The Taiho is unavailable at the moment. But I'll