No Brother Left Behind
Settler: Stranger, have you seen my brother?
Atsu: What happened?
Settler: My brother, Tadakichi, is missing. He went into the forest to gather wood but hasn’t come back.
Atsu: Have you looked for him?
Settler: I don’t want to go alone. They say fox spirits haunt these woods. I think something’s happened. I’ll pay you to help me find him.
Atsu: Show me where he went.
Settler: This way. It’s not the first time people have gone missing around here.
Atsu: You shouldn’t travel alone.
Settler: We just needed some firewood. Tadakichi said it would only be a few minutes. Nine Tails!
Atsu: It’s an ambush! Watch yourself!
Settler: A few bruises. I’ll be fine. If these Nine Tails got my brother…
Atsu: Try not to think about it.
Settler: Tadakichi and I moved here for a quiet life. We’re farmers. We don’t want to fight.
Atsu: If you want to survive, you’re going to have to.
Settler: A body… Please, don’t let it be Tadakichi…
Atsu: Is this your brother?
Settler: No. He could still be alive. It was a trap! They’re in the trees!
Atsu: Are you hurt?
Settler: I’ll make it. But my brother…
Atsu: Quickly. We need to find him.
Tadakichi: Please, make it stop!
Settler: That’s Tadakichi! They’re hurting him.
Atsu: Careful, we don’t know what’s happening.
Settler: There he is.
Settler: We should get rid of all the Nine Tails before we free him.
Tadakichi: (Cough)
Settler: Tadakichi!
Atsu: We’re getting you out of here.
Tadakichi: (Groaning in pain)
Settler: What did they do to you?
Tadakichi: Fire… in my stomach… It hurts.
Atsu: He’s been poisoned. Get him inside.
Settler: No… Please… Don’t die… Tadakichi, say something! This can’t be.
Atsu: I’m… sorry.
Settler: How did this happen?
Atsu: The Kitsune was testing poison on the people of Teshio Ridge. Even dead, the Nine Tails carry on his work.
Settler: This charm was Tadakichi’s. May it serve you better than him.
Soya Port
Ginji: Want some company? We keep meeting in strange places.
Atsu: Why come this far north?
Ginji: I don’t have the luxury to refuse work. As numb as my fingers might be from the cold. Show me that armour. My hammer is itching for a challenge. Do not trust anything you see out here. Take the weaponsmith, Hachiro. A bit of a short fuse. Owns the forge out by Soya Port. Always yelling out against these ‘fox spirits’. He has not been seen for a week. Another victim of the Nine Tails.
Atsu: The Nine Tails have taken over the port. Ginji said the weaponsmith Hachiro has a forge here… Hope he’s still alive.
Nine Tail: Work faster.
Hachiro: No.
Nine Tail: What did you say?
Hachiro: Everyone in the village is either dead or they’ve fled. You’ve nothing to threaten me with.
Nine Tail: You don’t need toes or ears or the skin on your thighs to work. So shut your mouth or I’ll start cutting.
Hachiro: (Spits) Good riddance.
Atsu: That must be Hachiro.
Hachiro: Not to sound ungrateful, but who are you?
Atsu: The person who killed all those Nine Tails. Why were they here?
Hachiro: Soya Port has nothing but fish and my forge. (Scoffs) And the Nine Tails didn’t come here for the damn fish.
Atsu: They wanted you to make them weapons.
Hachiro: Kusarigama. When I refused, they began killing my neighbours. I used to think them nosey. Went all the way to the Red Crane Inn for some peace and quiet. Now, I would do anything to hear their chatter.
Atsu: Sometimes we don’t know what we have until we lose it.
Hachiro: Thank you for avenging them. Please, take this as a token of gratitude. And if you’re near the Red Crane Inn, don’t be shy.
The Worth of a Blade
Settler: Weary traveller, I can read your future. Your sword, your sword will tell! If you can spare some mon and unsheathe your sword, I can read what your future holds.
Atsu: I’ve never met a kenso practiser before.
Settler: Divination by way of the sword. A blade can say much, but only few can see. What do you say?
Atsu: You just need to see the sword.
Settler: One look is all I need. A beautiful blade. Let me see… There is anger. Blood and despair. The wolf blade calls for it, but… it also hungers for… peace. Be wary, for a man will seek to take your blade from you… where fire burns under ashen trees, north of where the Sentinel Forest stands watch. I wish you luck, child of the wolf blade.
Ronin: That’s quite a sword you carry! Care to use it for a job?
Atsu: What kind of job are we talking about?
Ronin: I have a lead on a bounty. Big thief, big money. But I can’t take him on alone. They call him Thousand Blades Toramasa and say he kills ronin for their swords. Help me watch him and I can cut you in on the reward. Interested?
Atsu: I was warned of men under ashen trees trying to take people’s swords.
Ronin: What? Who said that? I mean. They must have meant the Thousand Blades.
Atsu: Or you could be lying.
Ronin: Me? I’m just a bounty hunter —
Atsu: Hey!
Ronin: You made a bad choice, stranger. We’ll be taking your sword now. Kill her!
Ronin: Stop! Enough!
Atsu: Tell me. What were you planning on doing with my sword, Thousand Blades Toramasa?
Toramasa: Sell it, what else? It’s just a sword.
Atsu: ‘Just a sword’. I guess that seer knew what she was talking about.
Encounters of the Wild
Atsu: Strange place to build something… Don’t look down. Let’s see what you’re hiding. This is where the Nine Tails exchange messages. The Nine Tails abandoned one of their hideouts on the eastern coast. Why would they do that?
Atsu: There’s Nine Tails symbols on the walls. What is this place? Nine Tails… All dead. Their wounds weren’t made by weapons. These look like… Claw marks. Did they put you in a cage, little one? Let’s get you out of here. Whatever that is, it sounds angry. We’ll need to be careful. Pelts, traps. A lot of hunting tools around here. A bear… Well, we know what killed the Nine Tails. But why?
Atsu: Is this your home, little fox? You must like all the flowers around here. Oh, hello there. Where are you off to? That’s why you killed the Nine Tails. To protect your cubs.
Settler: The question is, should they be worried about you?
Atsu: You don’t look like a Nine Tails.
Settler: I was taken by the shinobi, to teach their initiates how to hunt and survive in the wilds. This used to be a shrine to the Inari. I think that is why foxes and other animals end up here.
Atsu: And then came the bear.
Settler: They took her cub as part of some test. I told them it was a bad idea.
Atsu: So what now?
Settler: They say the gods reward those who care for the foxes of Yōtei. I think I’ll stay. Take care of any foxes and other animals that decide to call this place their home.
Settler: If you find any foxes out there, make sure to keep them safe. Maybe they’ll find their way here and be at peace.
Atsu: I’ll do my best. Good luck taking care of this place.
Settler: Come back anytime.
Atsu: Oh. Hello. Do you know the way out of here? There’s a path up above. Thank you for showing me this.
Atsu: Nine Tails. What is this place?
Atsu: That unlocked something. This is where the Nine Tails exchange messages. They were spying on an old man by the Red Crane Inn. Sounds like Shokichi’s grandfather. At least they are safe now.
Atsu: Here we are. They’re keeping an eye on a trading post north of the Sakuru Woods.
The Enemy Within
Atsu: Rough place to be building anything.
Settler: It will be worth it — for the community.
Atsu: All of you are merchants?
Settler: This will soon be a thriving trading post — you’ll see.
Atsu: Is this going to be a merchant stall?
Settler: It will be — once I figure out what to sell.
Goemon: Are you perchance looking for some work? Welcome to Goemon’s humble shop? Here to bring the luxuries of the mainland to this… enchanting new trading post in the far reaches of Ezo.
Atsu: Where’s your merchandise?
Goemon: I was supposed to receive my first shipment three days ago through the northwestern passage.
Atsu: But it hasn’t arrived yet and you need someone to find them.
Goemon: I can pay good money for your trouble.
Atsu: Northwest passage you said?
Goemon: There will be a small group with some horses and cargo.
Atsu: Do you know where Goemon went?
Settler: I think you’re in the wrong place, stranger.
Atsu: Where’s Goemon?
Settler: Can’t say I know that name…
Atsu: I’m looking for Goemon.
Settler: Who?
Atsu: You’re not merchants, are you?
Settler: (Sigh) Kill her.
Goemon: Over here! The other merchants — they’re Nine Tails!
Atsu: I know. I killed them. Why’d they keep you around?
Goemon: I heard them talk about replacing me. Going back to the mainland under my name and reputation.
Atsu: Setting up spies.
Goemon: I knew coming here was a bad idea but business wasn’t doing too well and I — Here. Payment. For saving my life. I won’t waste it by staying here.
A Fox in Monk’s Clothing
Monk: Stranger! A word! Is your sword for hire?
Atsu: Depends on the job.
Monk: I’m searching for an imposter. He wears the clothes of a monk, but serves the Nine Tails.
Atsu: What do you need from me?
Monk: Protection, if it comes to that. Violence isn’t my way.
Atsu: I want my pay in coin, not blessings.
Monk: Of course. The imposter lives in a cottage by the river. Follow me.
Atsu: Teshio Ridge is a hard place to live — especially for a pacifist.
Monk: I tread carefully.
Atsu: But violence is everywhere.
Monk: Monks remain in solitude. We’re detached from the troubles of the world.
Atsu: Until those troubles find you.
Monk: Nine Tails!
Monk: You are…highly skilled.
Atsu: I’ve had to be. It’s a good thing you hired me. You really do need protection.
Monk: The Nine Tails must know I’ve been asking questions about the imposter.
Atsu: What is he up to?
Monk: People speak of a monk befriending travellers. But he’s no friend. This is his home.
Atsu: Probably long gone if he knows you’re on his trail.
Monk: Then how do we find him?
Atsu: Look around. People leave traces.
Atsu: Red leaves.
Monk: And rice baskets.
Atsu: Rice doesn’t grow in Ezo. They’re importing it. What for? Wicks for stone lanterns. And these look like descriptions of travellers.
Monk: Red leaves point to the Crimson Forest.
Atsu: Let’s check for tracks — see if we can’t narrow it down. Fresh hoofprints. He must have left this morning. He dismounted here. These leaves look like they came from a spruce tree.
Monk: I know where he went. I’ll take us there. The Crimson Forest is full of red maples, but there’s a spot where it meets with spruce trees.
Atsu: With stone lanterns nearby?
Monk: Yes. The road leads straight to it.
Atsu: That road’s a trap. Cut through the hills. If the Nine Tails chase us, keep riding.
Monk: As you say. I’d be dead if you weren’t with me.
Atsu: You really won’t fight back? Even when attacked?
Monk: I have no weapons. And I wouldn’t know how to use them.
Atsu: Maybe it’s time to learn.
Monk: I could never take a life.
Nine Tail: There they are! Stop them!
Monk: They’re behind us!
Atsu: Just keep riding!
Monk: We’re getting close. There are spruce trees deep within the forest, near a traveller’s road.
Atsu: Take us to higher ground. I want a closer look.
Monk: I know just the spot. Follow me.
Monk: This overlook will give you a clear view of the forest.
Atsu: Keep your head down. I’ll take a look. There’s your imposter. He’s using rice to lure in hungry travellers.
Monk: How could he?
Atsu: Nine Tails in the grass. Space is well-covered. Perfect for an ambush. I’m going to spring this trap.
Monk: Be careful of travellers.
Settler: Please — the Nine Tails gave me no choice. Either cooperate or die. I fed the travellers rice. Earned their trust.
Monk: And then?
Settler: I… don’t know. They took the travellers away. I never saw them again.
Atsu: Are you even a monk?
Settler: I was once. Now… I don’t know what I am. I won’t ask you to spare my life.
Monk: But I will. Killing him will only soak this land in more blood.
Atsu: You can make amends by feeding travellers — but not for the Nine Tails.
Settler: Thank you. I will not forget your mercy.
Monk: Nor I. Here’s your coin, stranger. The world is better for your actions today.
Sorrow in Snow
Settler: Excuse me. Are you for hire? My grandson has gone missing. I’ll pay anything to have him found.
Atsu: When did you last see him?
Settler: A few days ago. Shokichi went hunting in the Hakodake mountains. It’s been… challenging to put food on the table lately. I told him I don’t need to eat that much, old as I am.
Atsu: Probably got caught in a storm. I’ll find him.
Settler: Thank you, kind traveller.
Atsu: A camp site. Might be Shokichi’s. I’ll start the fire. See if he comes back.
Shokichi: Who — who are you? I have nothing worth stealing.
Atsu: Shokichi? I’m not here to rob you. Your grandfather sent me.
Shokichi: Oh…
Atsu: Were you expecting someone else?
Shokichi: N-no. Of course not.
Atsu: Your grandfather said you were hunting, but I don’t see any meat or pelts. What are you doing out here, Shokichi?
Shokichi: I tried to build us a home, but I can barely keep Grandfather standing. And then they came.
Atsu: They?
Shokichi: The Nine Tails. People say they are spirits. But what they offer is real. Food, money, anything I need to keep my grandfather safe.
Atsu: But at what cost?
Nine Tail: That doesn’t concern you. Come, Shokichi.
Atsu: Is this really what you want?
Shokichi: No. I cannot leave my grandfather.
Nine Tail: Then I’m afraid you die.
Atsu: Run! He doesn’t stand a chance against them.
Shokichi: You saved my life. Thank you.
Atsu: Make good use of it. Don’t leave your grandfather behind.
Shokichi: Desperation clouds the mind. I won’t make that mistake again. I’ll take care of him — even if we must leave Teshio Ridge. Please. Have this. As a thank you.
Atsu: Good luck.
That Which We Know
Settler A: Sellsword. Are you looking for work?
Atsu: What’s the job?
Settler A: I need to know if someone is trouble waiting to happen. All you have to do is keep an eye on the man. Tell us if he is up to anything suspicious. What do you say?
Atsu: Who am I tailing?
Settler A: Hyobee. He came out of nowhere with coin to spare, saying he wants to travel with my caravan.
Settler B: So what if he has money? You’re being paranoid. Strange things happen here all the time.
Settler A: People aren’t always who they say they are.
Atsu: Where is your caravan headed?
Settler B: The mainland. We tend to pick up passengers. It iss good business.
Settler A: Look, Hyobee said he’d be drinking himself stupid at the Red Crane Inn. Just see if he’s telling the truth.
Atsu: It’s busy. I’ll have a drink — see if I can overhear anything about this Hyobee.
Settler: If you see blue lights in the woods, run the other way.
Hyobee: I got lucky at zeni haiku. Won enough for a spot on that caravan. The one-eyed guy gives me the creeps, but I’ll do anything to get out of this frozen blackwater. (Hiccup) Need to relieve myself, excuse me.
Atsu: Found our man. I’ll follow at a safe distance. Time to go. Shit —
Nine Tail: I see nothing ghostly in you.
Atsu: The one-eyed man from the caravan. Why kill Hyobee?
Nine Tail: He was too loud. Made people suspicious.
Atsu: You are using that caravan for something, aren’t you?
Nine Tail: You won’t get anything from me.
Settler: Well? Is Hyobee who he says he is?
Atsu: Hyobee’s dead. Killed by your one-eyed friend. You said you bring passengers in and out of this ridge. Maybe he was going to —
Settler: Don’t even say it. Dammit! He was the one that suggested we started picking up passengers to begin with. No! Don’t care! Don’t want to know! We are leaving, now!
Atsu: (Clears her throat)
Settler: Right. Your payment. Here. I suggest you use it to leave this place.