On the rim of the Earth
Nestled within the cradle of the earth's rim, where the mighty tides of the sea and the steadfast earth collide in a dance of unyielding power, lies a land unlike any other. Here, beneath the soft glow of the rising sun, the sky is painted in a myriad of hues that whisper of secrets and mysteries yet to be uncovered. A place of rare, untamed beauty, where man and nature exist in perfect harmony, this is Japan - a land steeped in ethereal charm and enchanted allure.
As the winds of modernity sweep gently over her ancient lands, the whispers of the breeze still carry the echoes of a bygone era, where the legends of old weave their way into the very fabric of life. For those intrepid souls who dare to venture forth, the enigma of the unknown beckons, promising to unveil the secrets of the East and leave them forever changed.
In a town on the west coast of this beautiful and wonderous archipelago of Japan, Niigata was located. A city of many layers, each one more fascinating than the last. At its heart lay the bustling port district, where ships from around the world arrived with their precious cargo. Here, merchants and traders bustled about with frenzied energy, haggling and bargaining over the latest goods and treasures. The air was thick with the scent of spices, teas, and exotic fruits, and the streets were alive with the sounds of foreign languages and the clattering of carts and wagons.
As one moved away from the port, the city took on a more tranquil pace. The streets were lined with shops and cafes, where locals gathered to chat and socialize over tea and sweets. The buildings were adorned with intricate woodwork and colorful tiles, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage.
In the market district, vendors sold fresh produce, rice, and fish, while craftsmen plied their trades, crafting delicate pottery and intricate textiles. The smells of roasting coffee and baking bread filled the air, and street performers entertained passers-by with their music and acrobatics.
Outside the city center, the countryside surrounding this town was a patchwork of verdant rice paddies and emerald-green fields. Here, farmers toiled under the blazing sun, their sweat-drenched faces a testament to their tireless labor. In the evenings, they gathered in small taverns and izakayas to drink and socialize, sharing stories and laughter late into the night.
Despite the many challenges they faced, the people of Niigata lived their lives with quiet dignity and resilience. Families worked together to build their businesses and support one another, and the city's neighborhoods were tight-knit and supportive. In the evenings, locals gathered in temples and shrines to pray and meditate, and festivals and celebrations were a regular occurrence. Kimono-clad women strolled through the streets, their parasols held aloft against the sun, while men in traditional dress played the shamisen and other instruments.
However, a ship of unrivaled beauty and grace slowly made its way to the port of Niigata. This ship was a palace that carried its passengers across the sparkling seas with a regal elegance that was the envy of all who beheld it.
As the ship sailed closer and closer to the harbor at Niigata, its gleaming white hull and towering masts seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, as well as it's the marvelous flag of the rising sun, a vision of nautical splendor that took the breath away. The passengers could feel the spirit of Japan all around them, from the delicate porcelain figurines that adorned the cabins to the haunting melodies of the Shakuhachi flute that filled the air. The ship's crew was attentive and courteous, always on hand to ensure that every need was met and every desire fulfilled. Her, this wonderous ship's name was none other than Kasuga Maru.
The passengers on deck felt a sense of anticipation and excitement building within them. For many, this was their first time visiting Japan, and the thought of exploring this exotic land filled them with wonder. Amidst the sea of curious and awe-filled faces, a couple stood out from the crowd. Huddled together under a black umbrella, they seemed lost in their private world, their thoughts and emotions shrouded in mystery. As they walked along the deck, heads turned and whispers followed in their wake, for there was something undeniably intriguing about this enigmatic duo.
Despite the clear blue skies overhead, the couple clung to their umbrella as if to shield themselves from... perhaps some unseen force. As the ship sailed over 3 days, this couple remained a source of fascination and speculation for their fellow passengers. Some speculated that they were newlyweds, setting out on a romantic honeymoon adventure. Others wondered if the woman was running away from a failed marriage and had found solace in the company of this mysterious man. The rest thought that the stabilizing Soviet Union was the answer to this question.
The man who stood under the black umbrella towered over the other passengers, his frame broad and imposing. His features, though not immediately recognizable, hinted at a Chinese ancestry, with high cheekbones and sharp, angular features that spoke of a proud heritage. His eyes were dark and piercing, surveying his surroundings with an intensity that made those around him uneasy.
The greatcoat he wore was made of heavy woolen fabric, its dark color blending seamlessly with the umbrella above. The coat was tailored to fit his massive form, emphasizing his broad shoulders and tapered waist. The buttons, made of polished brass, gleamed in the light, and the cuffs were lined with soft velvet that hinted at a refinement beneath the rugged exterior.
A black fedora hat sat atop his head, adding an air of mystery to his already enigmatic persona. The hat was tilted slightly to one side as if he had just stepped out of a scene from a classic film noir. Its brim shaded his eyes from the bright sun above, giving him an air of aloofness and detachment from the world around him.
The woman next to her was slender and graceful, with a regal bearing that spoke of nobility and refinement. Her features bore a striking resemblance to the people of Russia, with high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and full lips that curved into a delicate smile.
She was dressed in lighter wear that brought to mind the sumptuous garments of Russian aristocrats from the 19th century. Her dress was made from fine silk, with delicate lace detailing around the neckline and cuffs. The skirt was full and flowing, swishing around her ankles as she walked with a light, almost ethereal step.
Her long hair was the color of spun gold, pulled back in a loose bun that allowed a few soft tendrils to frame her face. She wore no jewelry save for a single strand of pearls around her neck, and her makeup was minimal, accentuating the natural beauty of her features.
As she walked, the man held her umbrella aloft, the black fabric providing a stark contrast to the vivid colors of the ship's surroundings. Despite the glances of those around her, she moved with quiet confidence and poise, as though she belonged to another time and place entirely. The man imposing figure and strong features were a sharp contrast to her delicate frame and ethereal beauty, yet they moved together as though they were two halves of a whole.
While he exuded a sense of mystery and intrigue, with a gravitas that commanded attention, she emanated an aura of warmth and kindness that drew people to her. Their features seemed to be opposite yet complemented each other, like the yin and yang of ancient Chinese philosophy.
The authorities stood watch on the pier, their uniforms a stark contrast against the salty sea air. They were vigilant, their eyes darting from one point to another, scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. The port town had seen its fair share of illicit activities, and they knew better than to let their guard down.
As they waited, they sipped on cups of tea and smoked cigarettes, the occasional murmur breaking the silence. They were a stoic bunch, but there was an underlying tension in the air. They knew that their duty was to protect the town and its people, and they took that responsibility seriously.
The Japanese transport ship finally arrived at the port city after a long and tumultuous journey across the seas. The captain, Takashi Tetsuya, stood at the helm with a stoic expression as the authorities watched him from the pier. He had been making this trip for years, and he knew that the inspection process was never an easy one. The captain could feel the tension in the air. He knew that the officials were watching his every move, and he made sure that his crew was on their best behavior. They had nothing to hide, or at least he hoped so.
However, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something might go wrong. Despite having gone through all the necessary background checks for all the passengers before setting sail, he knew that misunderstandings and unforeseen events could still occur. He hoped that everything would go smoothly, but the unease lingered at the back of his mind.
Inspector Yoshio stood at the front of the pier, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the ship. He had known Captain Takashi for years, and they had developed a mutual respect. However, as the ship had been flagged for inspection, Yoshio had to treat the captain and his crew as any other.
After some minutes, Yoshio and Takashi met on the pier. "Welcome back, Tetsuya-san," Yoshio said, bowing respectfully. "I hope your trip was uneventful."
"It was as smooth as silk, Inspector," Takashi replied, returning the bow. "We have nothing to hide as always."
" I do not doubt your integrity, Tetsuya-san. However, we must follow protocol and request the necessary documentation for the ship."
"Certainly, Yoshio-san," Captain Takashi replied, acknowledging the inspector's request. He handed over the papers, which Yoshio scrutinized, checking each detail against the required standards.
After a thorough review, Yoshio returned the documents to Takashi, his expression remaining serious. "Thank you, Captain. Everything seems to be in order, but we must maintain our due diligence. Our duty is to ensure the safety and security of all those who travel through our waters as well as our people."
"Of course, Inspector," Takashi said, bowing respectfully. "Our crew appreciates your efforts to maintain safety on the seas."
Yoshio nodded in response, his attention turning back to the ship. "Very well, the inspection team will board the ship now to carry out their duties. Please cooperate with them, and we will endeavor to make this process as efficient as possible."
"Of course, I understand," Takashi said, nodding.
With the inspection process underway, Takashi Tetsuya watched as the authorities boarded his ship and began to scrutinize every corner of it. He knew that this was a necessary procedure, but it still made him uneasy. The thought of something being found that shouldn't be there was always at the back of his mind.
As he watched the inspectors move about his ship, Takashi couldn't help but think about the changing times. The Taisho period was a time of great transformation for Japan, and he knew that the country was moving towards a more modern era. But as much as things were changing, he also knew that some things would always remain the same, such as the need for safety and security.
Inspector Yoshio and his team continue their inspection, moving from one area of the ship to another. They looked under every seat, checked every compartment, and scrutinized every piece of luggage. As they went about their work, they occasionally asked the crew and passengers questions, requesting their identification and passports.
When they reached the mysterious couple, the inspectors felt an inexplicable sense of unease. The man's imposing figure and the woman's regal bearing were enough to give anyone pause, but there was something else that set them apart. It was as though they didn't quite belong on this ship, in this time, or perhaps even in this world.
As the Inspector approached the mysterious couple, he felt a shiver run down his spine. There was something about the deeply unsettling man. His features were sharp and angular, his eyes piercing and cold. The inspector couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was an air of danger around him that made him feel uneasy.
"Excuse me, sir, madam," Yoshio said, addressing them in Russian, not even bothering to ask in his native language as none other seemed to answer him like that. "May I see your passports, please?"
The Chinese man slowly moved his gaze to the man in uniform. Yoshio felt as if time stopped as he made eye contact with this mysterious individual. The man's presence loomed over him, his towering frame casting a dark shadow over the pier. His skin glistened with an otherworldly sheen that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. His pupils were pools of blackness, deep and endless, and when he fixed his gaze on Yoshio, the inspector felt a chill run down his spine.
The air around him seemed to grow thick and heavy, like a suffocating blanket. The sound of the sea faded away, replaced by a deafening silence that made Yoshio's heart race. His palms grew slick with sweat, and he felt a tremor run through his body.
The man's lips curved into a small smile, making Yoshio's blood run colder.
"Of course, Inspector," he said surprisingly in Japanese, his voice low and measured. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his passport, handing it over with an almost languid grace.
Yoshio took the passport and scrutinized it, his eyes flicking between the man's face and the identification page. Everything seemed to be in order, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. When he looked up at the man again, he found himself locked in a gaze that seemed to go on forever once more. It was even more intense than the last time.
His gaze bore into him, and Yoshio felt as though he were being ripped apart from the inside out, even seeing hallucinations showing the same. It was as if this very man could see every dark thought, every secret fear, every shameful desire that he had ever harbored. The inspector's knees grew weak, and he stumbled backward, barely able to keep himself from falling. He couldn't stop quivering as he was catching his breath. He could feel his soul crushed already over the stress and the weight of this man's presence
Suddenly, the man blinked, breaking the trance and all this otherworldly aura. "Is everything in order, Inspector?" he asked, his voice still calm and measured.
Yoshio quickly regained his composure and handed the passport back. "Y-Y-Yes, e-e-everything seems to be in order," he said, his voice a little shaky. "Thank you for your cooperation."
The man nodded politely and took his passport back. His demeanor seemed to shift, and the oppressive aura that had surrounded him dissipated like mist in the wind. Yoshio breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like he had just narrowly escaped a brush with death.
The woman beside the man seemed to notice the inspector's unease and offered him a small smile. "I'm sorry if my husband's appearance frightened you," she said in perfect Japanese. "He can be quite intimidating at first glance, but he means no harm."
Yoshio nodded, grateful for her reassurance. "It's quite alright," he said, forcing a smile. "I'm just doing my job, you understand."
The woman nodded sympathetically, as she handed over her passport, Yoshio noticed that her hand was shaking slightly. He took the document and studied it, his brow furrowing in confusion. The woman's name was unfamiliar to him. Despite this, everything on the passport seemed to be in order.
"Thank you," Yoshio said, handing the passports back. "You're free to go. Enjoy your stay in Japan!"
The couple bowed their heads politely and made their way past the inspector, disappearing into the crowd. Yoshio watched them go, still feeling a little uneasy. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he had missed, something that didn't add up. But as he looked around, he saw that there were dozens of people still waiting to disembark, and he knew he had a job to do.
He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind, and turned back to the ship.
x-x-x
As they descended from the ship and onto the lively streets of Niigata, the couple strode forward with effortless grace, almost as if they were moving in perfect synchronization. The sun beat down relentlessly on the bustling city, casting long shadows across the pavement. Yet, the dark aura that emanated from the couple seemed to shield them from the scorching heat.
"Why were you shaking, Eudokia?" inquired the man with a hint of amusement dancing in his tone. "Perhaps the old thrill-seeking side of you is beginning to emerge, or was your hunger almost overwhelmed you?"
Eudokia raised an eyebrow at her companion's question, her expression betraying a sense of cynicism.
"I could ask the same of you, Jiacheng," she replied. "Why did you release your killing intent towards such a weak and insignificant pest? Is it because you find it amusing how their helplessness captures weaklings like them? Pathetic." The man known as Jiacheng merely chuckled at her words, his sharp features twisting into a sinister grin.
"You know me too well, my dear, even if you're a bit harsh sometimes," he said, his voice dripping with dark amusement.
Eudokia shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm afraid I do," she said. "And stop calling me your 'dear' it disgusts me!" She said it, full of hatred. "I only took upon this role because our master told us."
Jiacheng raised an eyebrow in surprise at Eudokia's words. "Oh? And here I thought you were enjoying yourself," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "But let's not forget that we're here on a mission from our master. And don't tell me you're not excited to see what this era has in store for us."
Eudokia scoffed. "Excited? Hardly. I'm merely curious about what our master wants from this place," she said, her gaze wandering over the unfamiliar streets of Niigata. "But I must say, the humans here look quite different from what I imagined. I thought they would be more... primitive."
Jiacheng's grin widened, his eyes glinting with a sadistic desire. "Yes, our master's description of this place was quite outdated. But don't let appearances fool you, my dear Eudokia. The humans of this era may seem different, but their inner darkness remains the same."
Eudokia tilted her head, regarding Jiacheng with a mix of disgust and curiosity. "And what do you find so fascinating about that 'darkness'?" she asked, her voice laced with contempt.
Jiacheng's smile turned wicked, his eyes flashing with twisted glee. "Their darkness is their potential for destruction, my dear," he said, his voice taking on a more sinister tone. "The humans may be weak and insignificant compared to us, but their potential for destruction is unparalleled. When they have nothing left to lose, they are capable of the most unspeakable acts of violence and cruelty."
Jiacheng's grin stretched across his face, and his eyes sparked with a twisted delight. He spoke with a fervor that bordered on religious devotion, and his words dripped with reverence. "Their inner strength," he said, his voice hushed with awe, "is what makes them truly fascinating. It's as if they carry a fire within them, a spark that ignites when pushed to their limits. Humans are capable of great feats of strength and resilience, adapting and evolving to survive in any environment. They are like a virus, spreading and adapting, never giving up."
Jiacheng's piercing gaze swept over the bustling landscape, taking in the sights and sounds of the human world. Children ran through the streets with innocent wonder in their eyes, while middle-aged men and women labored on in their endless routines. It was fascinating to him how these seemingly fragile humans possessed a fierce resilience, able to match even the mightiest of their kind.
"Look at them," he marveled, his voice tinged with awe. "They may not have our strength or our abilities, but they possess remarkable adaptability. Take those bušaras in the Devil's Crusaders, for instance. They may be mere mortals, but they have honed their skills to become our deadliest enemies in all of Europe and Asia. When we first set our feet in Europe 450 years before, only two months had passed until they had the power to stand toe to toe against us."
Eudokia did not seem to follow Jiacheng's speech as she turned away her cheeks from the man with a frown.
"You seem to underestimate them, Eudokia. Our master's words still hold. The future belongs to those who can adapt to change, and these humans have proven time and again that they are capable of doing just that. They may have their flaws and weaknesses, but they possess a spirit and tenacity that we cannot ignore."
Eudokia snorted, clearly unconvinced. "You're deluding yourself, Jiacheng. These mortals are nothing compared to us; I only need my pinky finger to deal with these humans around. They're just mere dust under our feet. I will make sure they crumble before our might."
Jiacheng's eyes narrowed, his voice growing more forceful yet teasing. "Do not be so quick to dismiss them, Eudokia. They may surprise you yet."
Eudokia's face remained cool and collected, but an unsettling glint flashed in her eyes, hinting at the immense power lurking within her. "I suppose we'll have to see for ourselves," she said with a calm yet menacing tone. "After all, destruction is what we excel at."
Jiacheng's grin stretched even wider, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. As Eudokia finished speaking, the world around them seemed to tremble slightly, as if bowing down to their demonic might. Suddenly, in a blazing inferno of crimson and black in their eyes, the symbols of their true identities burned fiercely in them - "5th Lunar Eclipse" - (Yuèshí Dìwǔ) in the ancient, esoteric script of Chinese, and "3rd Full-Moon" - (третья полнолуния: Tretiya polnoluniya) in the archaic tongue of Russian.
At that moment, the air around them seemed to thicken with malevolence, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to the will of these unstoppable forces of destruction. These two were no mere humans - they were Demons, born and bred for the sole purpose of bringing about chaos and annihilation in the name of their rebellious master.
"We shall make our way to Tokyo next," Jiacheng declared, his voice dripping with dark intent. "If our Master's memories serve us well, we may swiftly deliver our message and complete our task here."
Eudokia's eyes narrowed at Jiacheng's words, a glint of impatience flashing in her cold gaze. "And what if our Master's memories have become outdated?" she spat out, her tone laced with bitterness. "What if we have been sent on a fool's errand, only to find out that we have wasted our time and resources on a pointless endeavor?"
Eudokia's eyes narrowed at Jiacheng's words, a glint of impatience flashing in her cold gaze. "And what if our Master's memories have become outdated?" she spat out, her tone laced with bitterness. "What if we have been sent on a fool's errand, only to find out that we have wasted our time and resources on a pointless endeavor?"
Jiacheng only chuckled hearing this as his eyes shot forward with killing intent.
"Then, many have to suffer..."
And as they stepped forward, the ground beneath their feet groaned with a mixture of fear and reverence, as if acknowledging the unstoppable power that they possessed. The world trembled at their presence, and none could stand against it.
As Jiacheng bravely strode forward, a sudden, unexpected disturbance threatened to ruin the dramatic atmosphere. It was the sound of a stomach growling, a noise most unbecoming of a Demon of his stature. His eyes immediately turned back to his human form. Eudokia turned to him, and following his example she turned back her eyes as well. Her expression was a mixture of annoyance and amusement that specific moment only added to this embarrassing situation.
"Oh, Jiacheng," she sighed. "Must you always be so earthbound in your desires? Your hunger for human blood is truly a tragic romance, isn't it?"
Jiacheng's grin faltered momentarily as he realized the absurdity of his situation. He sheepishly rubbed his stomach, trying to ignore the jabs from Eudokia's mocking tone.
"I suppose it is," he admitted, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness. "But what can I say? A Demon's gotta eat."
As if in response to Jiacheng's words, the scent of delicious food wafted toward them. They turned their heads to see a row of Japanese food stands, each one offering a tantalizing array of dishes that made their mouths water. Eudokia's expression softened slightly at the sight of the steaming hot meals, her previous disdain for humans momentarily forgotten.
"Perhaps a little sustenance wouldn't hurt until the evening," she conceded, glancing at her stomach Jiacheng answered to this with a smirk.
"Postponing it is, then!" Jiacheng exclaimed, his voice now cheerful as they ventured into the world of culinary Japan.